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From David to Zedekiah

2 Kings Bible Lesson 30 – From Saul to Zedekiah
Lessons We Learn
The people of Israel said to Samuel, “You are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. So appoint for us a king to lead us, like all the other nations.”
The Lord answered, “By asking for a king, they have rejected not you, but Me.”
The first king chosen against God's will was Saul.
Let’s briefly look at the spiritual journey of the kings who ruled the nation from Saul to Zedekiah.
Time Period:
From Saul to Zedekiah, it covers about 513 years.
1. Saul
He was Israel’s first king. He was tall and looked impressive to the people. He was anointed by God and began humbly, but later disobeyed God’s commands. Out of jealousy toward David, he fell and ended in failure. His life began well but ended in defeat.
2. David
He was called “a man after God’s own heart.”
He was brave, humble, and passionate about God's Word. He defeated Goliath and was a musician and worshiper.
But on the other side, he took Uriah’s wife and had Uriah killed.
Even so, he repented and received forgiveness. Though he faced punishment, he remained favored by God and finished his journey well.
3. Solomon
His spiritual journey began well but ended in decline.
He imposed heavy taxes and caused the kingdom to split.
His only great accomplishment was building the temple for God.
In the end, he worshiped false gods and died in ruin.
After him, the kingdom split into two:
Israel (Northern Kingdom) – 10 tribes
Judah (Southern Kingdom) – Judah and Benjamin tribes
This summary focuses on the kings who ruled Judah.
Kings of Judah
Rehoboam – Solomon’s son. His harsh rule and disrespect toward elders led to the kingdom splitting.
Abijah – Ruled only 3 years and was not fully devoted to God like David.
Asa – Ruled for 46 years. He did what was right but did not fully rely on God.
Jehoshaphat – Ruled about 25 years. One of the better kings. His mistake was marrying his son to the daughter of Ahab, leading people toward false worship.
Jehoram – Walked away from God's ways. His wife Athaliah killed his brothers and leaders to secure the throne.
Ahaziah – Ruled for one year, following his mother Athaliah’s evil ways.
Athaliah – The only queen who ruled Judah. Cruel and idolatrous. She killed her grandchildren to hold power.
Joash – Ruled 40 years. Started well under the guidance of the priest Jehoiada but later turned away from God.
Amaziah – Ruled 29 years. Began doing what was right but later accepted idolatry.
Azariah (Uzziah) – Gave a long period of good leadership but was punished with leprosy for overstepping God’s calling.
Jotham – Ruled for 16 years and did what was right. He rebuilt the temple’s upper gate.
Ahaz – Ruled for 16 years and did evil, including child sacrifice.
Hezekiah – A great king. He purified the temple and destroyed the bronze serpent that people worshiped.
Manasseh – Ruled for 50 years and did evil, but repented when taken captive.
Amon – Ruled for 2 years and continued doing evil.
Josiah – During his reign, the Book of the Law was found, and he led the people to repent. He died in battle supporting Egypt against Babylon.
Jehoahaz – Ruled only 3 months before being taken by the king of Egypt.
Jehoiakim – Ruled 11 years and did evil before God.
Jehoiachin – Ruled only 3 months before being taken captive to Babylon.
Zedekiah – The last king of Judah. He rejected God's Word, and Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed. He was blinded and taken to Babylon, where his sons were killed before his eyes.
Kings Who Did Evil in God’s Sight:
Rehoboam
Abijah
Jehoram
Ahaziah
Athaliah (queen)
Amon
Ahaz
Manasseh (repented later)
Jehoiakim
Jehoiachin
Zedekiah
Kings Who Did What Was Right in God’s Sight:


Asa
Jehoshaphat
Joash (started well, later turned away)
Amaziah
Uzziah
Jotham
Hezekiah
Josiah
Even those who pleased God did not follow Him perfectly, but He forgave their weaknesses and remained with them. Today, in the New Testament, we too can trust that God will fulfill His purpose for us despite our flaws.
In the spiritual battlefield, we cannot win without scars. Failures refine and strengthen us for spiritual growth.