Helter-Skelter & Enduring Kingdoms
1/26/26 Bible Thought (1 Kings 16)
In the midst of the wildest, most out-of-control times, there is always a God who is behind the scenes, fully in control.
A Look at the Kings
In the time of the divided monarchy in Israel, it was surely a rollercoaster ride. Specifically in the north (Israel), it was a mess.
Jeroboam, the first king, was succeeded by his son for a period of two years. Then his son was murdered, and all of his descendants were blotted out (1 Kings 15:28-29). The killer, Baasha, reigned in his stead (1 Kings 15:33).
Then, we find that Baasha was evil in heart (1 Kings 15:34). He was rebuked by the prophet Jehu, and he was likewise promised that his house would be made like Jeroboam’s with no survivors (1 Kings 16:3-4).
Similar to Jeroboam’s son, Baasha’s son, Elah, only reigned two years before he was struck down while drunk by one of his military leaders (1 Kings 16:8-9). Once again, as the prophet foretold, none of the house of Baasha was left alive (1 Kings 16:12).
Then the chariot-commander who killed the king reigned for just a week before Israel made another commander, Omri, king (1 Kings 16:16). He likewise did evil in God’s sight, and his son, following him, was the most notorious evil king in Israel’s history—Ahab.
A Stark Contrast
In the midst of a lot of historical data, we should take note of the stark contrast between Israel and Judah. Not only were all the kings in the north wicked, but their reigns were comparatively short.
The righteous—although still imperfect—king, Asa, that we read about on Friday, was king of Judah the entire time that this was going on in Israel. Asa became king in the twentieth year of Jeroboam! Remember, he was the very first king of Israel in the divided kingdom ( Kings 15:9).
As such, while Asa was king in Judah, the north went through Jeroboam, Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Omri, and Ahab! Even more, these guys came from a total of four different households.
So, what’s the difference?
Remember, God made a covenant with David, Asa’s great-great-grandfather:
“And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever” (2 Sam. 7:16).
While covenantal blessing was tied to covenantal obedience, God’s promise endured steadfast. David had one king on the throne of his heart. He served only one God. Though still a wretched sinner, he never broke the first commandment.
Contrast this with Jeroboam and Baasha, kings of Israel, who were both likewise exalted by the hand of Yahweh. Yet in their exaltation, they turned from him. As a result, in judgment, their entire posterity was blotted out from under the sun while a son of David reigned upon Judah’s throne.
Bringing it Home
God is a promise-making and promise-keeping God, and His kingdom agenda would stand firm. He made an irrevocable promise to David that endured despite the imperfections of David’s descendants. Likewise, Yahweh was faithful to bring judgment against the northern kings who worshipped idols.
At present, the true Son of David is reigning upon the throne. The long-awaited righteous King of God’s people.
As we see the increasingly turbulent times throughout the divided monarchy, God’s promise held fast like an anchor in the storm. Likewise, as we live in increasingly turbulent times in the present, we can rest assured that God’s Kingdom Agenda is irrevocable.
Christ will build His church.
The gates of hell will not prosper.
One day, the kingdoms of this earth will become the kingdoms of our God and of His Christ.
We can take heart with these truths today, for our God is a God who always keeps His promise. He is a God who never fails.
Challenge for Today: Do I hold to the anchor of God’s promise in the midst of the storm?
I think sometimes people look at anchors as a weight, but they truly are the carrier of stability.