The kings of Israel and Judah were very important in the history of the divided kingdom. But the people also influenced events. They followed their wicked rulers (2 Kings 3:3; 17:22; 21:9, 11, 16). They stopped obeying God (12:3; 14:4; 15:4, 35; 17:9–11; 18:4; 22:17). They took part in the religious practices started by Jeroboam I (10:28–31; 17:21–22). They worshiped at pagan shrines (holy places) (12:3; 14:4; 15:4, 35; 18:4).
During this time, the Scripture sometimes describes God's people positively. The people of Judah celebrated when they removed Queen Athaliah and Joash became king (2 Kings 11:12, 18–20). Sometimes, the people helped choose new kings or followed good leaders (14:21; 23:30; 11:17; 18:36; 23:1–3, 21–23).
God continued to warn his people through his prophets (2 Kings 17:13). Yet, the people of both kingdoms continued to rebel against God (17:14–19, 22). As a result, God judged them as he promised (17:22–23; 21:10–15; 22:17; 23:26–27; 24:20; 25:21). God acted according to the terms of his special agreement (called a covenant) with them (Leviticus 26:27–39).
Yet, he still loved his people and wanted to restore them (see Hosea 11:1–11). God always cared for his people. He saved them from Sennacherib (2 Kings 18:17–19:37). He promised that a small group would thrive again in the land (19:30–31). The good treatment King Jehoiachin received in Babylon probably renewed hope among the repentant people (25:27–30).
God promised to restore his people from exile. He would give them fellowship with him in the land again. He would rule over them through his chosen king, a descendant of David (Jeremiah 23:3–6; see also Isaiah 11; Romans 11:5–36).
Passages for Further Study
Leviticus 26:27–39; 2 Kings 17:7–23; 21:9–16; 23:26–27; 24:20–25:21; Psalm 62:12; Proverbs 11:31; Isaiah 3:10–11; Jeremiah 1:16; 17:10; 23:3–6; Ezekiel 7:1–9; 33:18–20; 34:17–24; 39:23–24; Hosea 11:1–11; Amos 3:2; Matthew 25:24–30; Luke 12:47–48; 13:6–9; John 5:45–47; Romans 11:5–36; Colossians 3:23–25; Hebrews 12:25; James 2:12–13; 1 Peter 1:17; Revelation 2:1–3:22