Elijah: A Historical Backdrop

Summary

The video script chronicles the reign of King Solomon, highlighting his prosperity and the subsequent division of the kingdom after his death. It delves into the chaotic rule of Israel's northern kings, particularly Ahab and his notorious wife Jezebel, who promoted idolatry and persecuted prophets. The narrative ties into an ancient curse from Joshua’s conquest of Jericho, with Ahab’s actions leading to disastrous consequences. The prophet Elijah challenges Ahab and Jezebel, declaring a drought in response to their blasphemy, marking the beginning of a critical turning point in Israel's history.

Takeaways

• 😀 Solomon's reign (837 BCE - 797 BCE) marked the high point of Israel's prosperity, peace, and spiritual awareness.
• 😀 After Solomon's death, Israel split into two kingdoms: Israel in the north and Judah in the south.
• 😀 The Davidic dynasty continued in Judah, but Israel's northern kingdom faced chaos and tyrannical rulers.
• 😀 King Ahab, who reigned in the mid-800s BCE, was notorious for his evil and despotic rule.
• 😀 Ahab's wife, Queen Jezebel, was a Phoenician idolater who built pagan temples and executed nearly all the prophets of God.
• 😀 Jezebel attempted to convert the Israelites into Baal worshippers but was opposed by the prophet Elijah.
• 😀 Elijah's famous showdown with Ahab and Jezebel was set against the backdrop of an ancient curse related to the city of Jericho.
• 😀 In 1273 BCE, Joshua issued a curse that anyone who rebuilt Jericho would lose their firstborn and youngest children in the process.
• 😀 Despite the curse, Hiel, a friend of Ahab, rebuilt Jericho, resulting in the tragic death of his two sons.
• 😀 Elijah confronted Ahab's disbelief and proclaimed a severe drought as God's judgment upon Israel's idolatry.

Q & A

What marked the peak of Jewish history during King Solomon's reign?

King Solomon's reign is considered the high point of Jewish history due to the period of peace, wealth, and spiritual awareness that the nation experienced.

How did the kingdom of Israel change after Solomon's death?

After Solomon's death in 797 BCE, the kingdom split into two parts: Israel in the north and Judah in the south, with the Davidic dynasty continuing to rule Judah.

What characterized the kings of the northern kingdom of Israel?

The kings of Israel were often tyrannical, encouraged idolatry, and failed to lead their people according to God's will, resulting in moral and spiritual decay.

Who was Ahab, and what was his impact on the northern kingdom of Israel?

Ahab was the seventh king of Israel, known for his evil and despotic rule. His reign was marked by the promotion of idolatry, particularly through his wife, Queen Jezebel.

What role did Queen Jezebel play in the kingdom of Israel?

Queen Jezebel, a Phoenician princess, was infamous for her promotion of idol worship, including the building of temples to Baal, and for executing many of God's prophets.

How did Elijah challenge Ahab and Jezebel?

The prophet Elijah confronted Ahab and Jezebel for their idolatry and blasphemy, notably declaring a drought as divine punishment for their actions.

What was the significance of the curse Joshua placed on the city of Jericho?

In 1273 BCE, Joshua cursed anyone who would rebuild Jericho, declaring that the person would lose their firstborn son at the foundation and their youngest son at the gates.

What happened when Hiel the Bethelite tried to rebuild Jericho?

Hiel the Bethelite, a friend of Ahab, attempted to rebuild Jericho, and as a result, he tragically lost his children, fulfilling Joshua's ancient curse.

What was Ahab's reaction to the death of Hiel's children?

Ahab visited Hiel to comfort him, mocking Elijah's warning about Joshua's curse, claiming that Moses was greater than Joshua and that his curse had not been fulfilled.

How did Elijah respond to Ahab's blasphemy?

Elijah responded by declaring a drought over the northern kingdom, symbolizing God's judgment on the nation's idolatry and turning away from Him.