Message to Kings - A Biblical History of Man

At the height of Northern Israel's power, God tells the prophet Hoshea to marry a prostitute. Hoshea married Gomer, the prostitute, and went on to have at least three children. Within a short while, Gomer leaves Hoshea and returns to her prostitution and idol worship. The entire account of Hoshea parallels the sin of Gomer to Israel's unfaithfulness to God. The Book of Hosheawww.messagetokings.com

Around the year 753 BC, the city of Rome was founded and two of the greatest Messianic prophets were born. In this episode, we discuss the founding of Rome and the birth of the prophets Isaiah and Micah and their significance to the greatest story ever told. www.messagetokings.com

Last episode, we dropped Jonah off on a beach on the Eastern Mediterranean being spit out by a giant fish. Dehydrated, oxygen deprived, and humbled Jonah sets off to Ninevah to preach to the violent Assyrians. Instead of a violent mob out to kill Jonah, the geopolitically troubled, plague-ridden, earthquake shaken city was more than prepared for a message from God. The response is the greatest city revival in all of Biblical History. Jonah 3-4Matthew 12:41John 12:24John 1:16www.messagetokings.com

In the midst of the prosperity in the age of Jeroboam II, Jonah receives a word to preach to the gentile people in Ninevah. Instead of going to Ninevah, he goes in the opposite direction and runs from God. In this episode, we discuss Jonah's salvation in the Meditteranean and the sign of Jesus it represents and the Harrowing of Hell. Matthew 12:38-40Jonah 1-2www.messagetokings.com

During the prosperity and rise of Northern Israel, a great increase comes over the Kingdom of Judah as well under the rule of King Uzziah. Uzziah is a far better king than his father, but he suffers from the same fatal flaw - pride. King Uzziah organizes his nation and army and proves to an administrative and engineering genius, but in the end, he is only remembered for his pride and an awful disease. www.messagetokings.com

In the midst of Israel's prosperity in the age of King Jeroboam II, a prophet traveled from Judah to Bethel to confront the wickedness of his generation. The prophet's name was Amos and he stepped onto a speaking platform at the hedonistic idol center to the Golden Calf and rebuked the sin of the age. Beginning with Israel's enemies and concluding with Judah and Israel. Showing great fearlessness, Amos scolded the sin of the age concluding with an example of intercession and a message to hope. The Book of Amos www.messagetokings.com

Jeroboam II had a great head start. His father left him with a very stable government, free from internal and external enemies and a large army. Wondering his next move, the prophet Jonah speaks to the recovery of Solomon's northern territories. Acting with great boldness upon this word, King Jeroboam II expands the territory of Israel rapidly taking Damascus proper and even capturing parts of Turkey. The result of these campaigns was great prosperity and God's last chance at blessing for Israel. Speaking directly to the idol worship in Bethel, the prophet Amos goes to confront the wickedness of the age. 2 Kings 14:23-28www.messagetokings.com

In the first year of King Jeroboam IIs rule something unique happens in Greece. Independent of our Biblical History timeline, but influencing by it later, the Greek Olympics games were first held in 776BC. In this episode, we discuss the history of the Olympic games, the Godly character demonstrated at the games and the influence of the games on the life and ministry of the Apostle Paul and his letters which later constituted most of the New Testament. www.messagetokings.com

Upon the death of Joash, Amaziah becomes king in Jerusalem. He's an interesting character, really ambitious and a good organizer of men and his kingdom, but his lack of character and poor decision making turns away even the mercy of God and invites judgment and disaster for his kingship. 2 Kings 14:1-142 Chronicles 25www.messagetokings.com

Upon the death of Elisha, the entire nation of Israel celebrated him. In this episode, we discuss additional similarities between Elisha and Jesus and the remarkable resurrection scene at his tomb. 2 Kings 13:20-25www.messagetokings.com

Upon the death of Jehoahaz, Jehoash becomes king in Israel. One of his first actions was to visit Elisha, who was dying from an illness. In this episode, we cover the kingship of Jehoash and Elisha's final prophecy and death. 2 Kings 13:10-20www.messagetokings.com

Taking a break from our normal storyline, we discuss the inevitable threat on the horizon to Israel's existence - The Assyrian War Machine. In this episode, we discuss the Assyrian War Machine in a history talk episode. Co-Host: Joshua Taylorwww.messagetokings.com

In this episode, we cover the remainder of the reign of King Joash in Judah and the reign of King Jehoahaz in Northern Israel. King Joash turned against God, while King Jehoahaz only turned to God at the end of his reign leading to a most dramatic deliverance out of the hands of Hazeal of Aram by King Adad-Nirari III of Assyria. 2 Kings 13:1-82 Chronicles 24:17-24www.messagtokings.com

Steering off the Biblical road map, we cover Queen Dido and her escape from Tyre with billions in gold, the legend of the oxhide and the founding of Carthage and her death and legacy. www.messagetokings.com

In the thirtieth year of King Joash's reign, he commanded Jehoiada to collect the funds required to repair the temple from the years of neglect and corruption at the hands of Athaliah. Jehoiada, in his nearly final act of revival, he asks of the people to pay and volunteer a temple tax to help restore the temple. The people respond with integrity and wholehearted unity displaying great revival in their hearts and revealing a spiritual truth. 2 Kings 122 Chronicles 24:1-16www.messagetokings.com

After six years in hiding in a closet of the Temple of Jerusalem, Jehoida stages a well-orchestrated coup and restores the line of David. In this episode, we cover the unveiling of the rightful king, his restoration and the incredible symbolism at play. 2 Kings 112 Chronicles 23Psalm 139www.messagetokings.com

In this episode, we discuss the famous Black Obelisk of Shalmanesor III in the London Museum. Comparing the contents of the Black Obelisk to Biblical History and what we know about Shalmanesor III, we discuss the historic accuracy of the Black Obelisk and Shalmanesor III. Acts 17:11www.messagetokings.com

When Athaliah learns of the death of her son, the king of Judah, the death of her family line in Israel and the gruesome loss of her mother, she loses it. In a delirious panic, she commands the death of the line of David and she seizes the throne of Judah. But, God always knows the plight of his people, he keeps his promise and protects his gifts. 2 Kings 11:1-3www.messagetokings.com

In line with the change in the spirit, Jehu is anointing king of Israel. In one of the bloodiest accounts in the entire Bible, he kills the king of Israel, the king of Judah, the queen mother, all of the royal princes of Israel and sets a deadly trap for all of the priests of baal. Further, we cover the death of Jezebel and her lasting Biblical and historical legacy. 2 Kings 8:25 - 2 Kings 10www.messagetokings.com

Continuing our two-part Christmas word study on the the Peace of God and the Joy of the Lord, this week we cover the Joy of the Lord. In this episode, we cover the statement by the Angel of the Lord to the shepherds outside Bethlehem, "I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people" and the concept of the Joy of the Lord. Luke 2:8-20www.messagetokings.com

As we head into the Christmas Season, we are going to take a break from the normal and do a two part special looking at two things mentioned by the angels outside of Bethlehem. The Peace of God and the Joy of the Lord. In this episode, we cover the cry of the multitude of the heavenly host: "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"Luke 2:8-20www.messagetokings.com

In this episode, we witness Elisha enter a new phase of his calling. No longer just an miracle worker and advisor, he must also appoint the kings of the next generation and move into the calling of a quiet national prophet and intercessor. In a heartfelt account, we try to paint the picture of what Elisha experienced as he anoints Hazeal to become the next king of Aram. 2 Kings 8:7-141 Chronicles 12:321 Kings 19:13-18Luke 19:41-44www.messagetokings.com

After giving up raiding Israel, Ben Hadad conducts a full scale invasion of Israel. The invasion is so successful, he takes over the country with the exception of Samaria which stands alone until the people resort to even cannibalism to stay alive. Joram, the King of Israel, blames Elisha for their situation. In this episode, we cover the resolution of the siege, we speak to an Elisha prophecy, the death of an assassin and the redemption of a leper according to Jewish tradition. 2 Kings 6:21- 2 Kings 7:20www.messagetokings.com

The adventures of Elisha continue. We begin with the axhead floating and end with a military encounter. After Elisha walks into his governmental prophetic gifting as an advisor to the King of Israel, he becomes a target of foreign kings. When an Aramean army invades Israel just to capture him, the resulting clash is predictable and eye opening at the same time. In this episode, we see Elisha at the top of his game performing miracles and we have a classic confrontation of spiritual powers against physical armed might as seen from the heavenly perspective. 2 Kings 6:1-23John 21:25Romans: 12:18-21www.messagetokings.com

In the midst of the chaos of dynastic struggles in Jerusalem, Northern Israel's idol worship, threats of violent conflict and the looming Assyrian empire on the rise in the north, God still manifests his presence through his prophets. In this episode, Naaman, the commander of the nation of Aram's army, gets healed of his leprosy and encounters God. 2 Kings 5Psalms 23:4-5www.messagetokings.com

Even after the death of Ahab, dark seeds give birth to sinister acts in Jerusalem. Upon the death of Jehoshaphat, his son Jehoram becomes king and Ataliah, the daughter of Jezebel, becomes queen. In this episode, we discuss the actions of Jehoram, his brief murderous reign and the demonic strategies and workings of evil in Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 21Romans 8:28www.messagetokings.com

Modeling the ministry of Jesus to come, Elisha preaches and heals all who are hungry and thirst for righteousness. In this episode, we cover five of his miracles in quick succession and we see how Elisha models the ministry of Paul in the New Testament as well. 2 Kings 42 Corinthians 4:7Proverbs 11:251 Corinthians 9:19-23www.messagetokings.com

After King Jehoshaphat's stunning revival that overflowed into a battlefield victory, he gets persuaded by King Joram to join him in a punitive military campaign against Moab. Jehoshaphat has justification for this campaign, but joining forces with Northern Israel had always led to disaster for him and almost does in this episode. In this episode, we cover King Jehoshaphat's near disaster and his victory of the flesh. 2 Kings 3:9-27Romans 8:13www.messagetokings.com

Following the humiliating defeat of King Jehoshaphat in the Battle of Ramoth Gilead, the Moabites and two other nations joined forces to march on Northern Israel and Jerusalem. King Jehoshaphat, in his greatest moment as king, rallies his nation in fasting and prayer and calls upon God in the prescribed way and watches the deliverance of his nation. 2 Chronicles 20Joel 3:2www.messagetokings.com

In an unbelievable dramatic finish to a most remarkable life, Elijah defies even our understanding of death. With sealed instructions for the next generation prepared for Elisha, Elijah embarks on a journey that potentially exceeds even the drama of his previous moments of wonder and fire. In this episode, we cover Elijah going to heaven, his legacy and the potential continuation of his story. 2 Kings 2Malachi 4:5Luke 1:16Revelation 11www.messagetokings.com

After the disaster at Ramoth Gilead, Jehoshaphat fled for his life back to Jerusalem. In Jerusalem, he received a prophetic rebuke and responded in Godly repentance and led his country in a second revival. Meanwhile in Northern Israel, King Ahaziah (after only two years as king) falls through an upper room lattice and suffers a life threatening injury. Instead of pleading with God for his healing, he sought demonic powers and the life of Elijah. Elijah's response was fire from heaven. 2 chronicles 19:1-19John 9:52-552 Kings 1www.messagetokings.com

After three years of peaceful relations between Ahab and Ben-Hadad, conflict broke out between Northern Israel and Aram. The conflict came about because of a dispute over the city of Ramoth Gilead. Ahab requested the help of his brother-in-law Jehoshaphat to attack Ben-Hadad. In this episode, we cover the outbreak of another conflict between Northern Israel and Aram, Jehoshaphat's involvement and the arrival on the scene of Micaiah and another theologically puzzling prophecy. 1 Kings 22John 8:44www.messagetokings.com

At the height of his power, King Ahab leads a coalition of nations to confront the Assyrians who have started their invasion westward to the Mediterranean. As documented by the Assyrian Kurkh Stele in the British Museum, we cover this coalition battle and the extra biblical account of the Battle of Qarqar. Hebrews 11:61 Corinthians 2:9www.messagetokings.com

At the height of his power, Ahab remained unfaithful to God. Despite repeated rebukes by the prophets, his heart would not turn to God. In this episode, Ahab crosses the line with the incident regarding Naboth's Vineyard and we get a deeper glimpse into Ahab's marriage and we learn of the prophecy that ends the line of Omri. 1 Kings 21Proverbs 23:10Joel 3:2Psalm 139:21www.messagetokings.com

Despite his ungodliness, King Ahab still had a moment in the sun. On the verge of losing his kingdom, he obeys the word of the Lord through an unnamed prophet. Not once, but twice, his obedience resulting in great territorial expansion. Faithful in counsel, but angry in rebuke. In this episode, we discuss King Ahab at his highest point. 1 Kings 20Romans 8:35-39www.messagetokings.com

Once Elijah's mantle touches Elisha, he begins to prophecy. Soon after, there will be two power prophets walking the country-side of Northern Israel; the older teaching the younger the gift of prophecy. In this episode, we cover the Prophet Elisha and the christian concept of discipleship. 1 Kings 19:19-21Malachi 4:5Matthew 28:16-20Matthew 5:6www.messagetokings.com

After the showdown at Mt Carmel, Elijah goes to Jezreel and the Fear of God settles into the hearts of the people of Northern Israel. But, Jezebel would have none of it. Instead of succumbing to the power of God, she threatens Elijah with his life. In this episode, we cover what Elijah does when he receives death threats from Jezebel and his encounter with God. 1 Kings 19:1-18www.messagetokings.com

After Ahab and Jezebel's corruption of the political and religious systems of Northern Israel and the leading of the people away from God, God's response was a power prophet. Through the use of Elijah, God tore down dark principalities at Mount Carmel. In this episode, we discuss Elijah's crowning moments, the confrontation with the prophets of baal, the calling down of fire, the end to the three year drought and his Olympic run. 1 Kings 18www.messagetokings.com

Upon the death of Omri, King Ahab quickly earns the moniker as 'doing more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him.' Moreover, he marries Jezebel and allows her to apparently run the kingdom. She forces Israel to worship her gods and kills off the Lord's prophets. God's response was the rising up a prophet named Elijah. In this episode, we discuss the arrival onto the world's stage of the Prophet Elijah and the prophesied famine and an explosion of God's power.1 kings 16:29 - 1 Kings 17www.messagetokings.com

Upon the death of Asa, Jehoshaphat becomes King of Judah in Jerusalem. Jehoshaphat was a Man of God. He removed the idols and high places in Judah and worshipped God. Further, he sent judges and priests throughout the land to evangelize and teach his people the ways of God. In turn, God pours out his spirit on King Jehoshaphat and the entirety of the land of Judah. 2 Chronicles 17:1-19www.messagetokings.com

To consider the complexity of the history the 9th Century BC, we need to cover the leading characters of this generation. In this episode, we discuss the leading characters of this generation: Ben-Hadad, Shalmanesor III, King Ahab, Queen Jezebel, Jehoshaphat and the Prophet Elijah. 1 Corinthians 1:27Isaiah 54:13Romans 5:20www.messagetokings.com

In this podcast episode, we cover the four kings of Israel from King Baasha to Omri and we end this episode with the beginning of the reign of King Ahab and a preview of the next generation.1 Kings 16 www.messagetokings.com

In response to a listener question, we discuss the tragedy of Fort McMurray and the concept of God's judgment and our responsibility today. Special thanks to listener Dan from Northern Alberta on his great question and assistance with this episode. Ezekiel 22:30Luke 19:41-44www.messagetokings.com

Upon the death of Abijah, Asa becomes king of Judah. He begins his reign with spectacular fashion and sends a huge Egyptian army back to the Nile. He reigns in Jerusalem in peace and prosperity, but the end of his reign is filled with fear and bad decisions. 2 Chronicles 14-161 Kings 15:9-34www.messagetokings.com

As Pharaoh Shishak lords over his vast empire, including Isreal, judgment comes to the house of Jeroboam. His son dies from an illness and he receives a judgment word of prophecy. Soon after Rehoboam and apparently Shishak dies leaving power vacuums. Abijah, Rehoboam's son, becomes king of Judah and fields a huge army as Jeroboam invades Judah in what comes to be known as the Battle of Mount Zemaraim. 1 Kings 14 - 15:82 Chronicles 13www.messagetokings.com

After appearing to truly repent, Rehoboam led Judah in a brief moment of walking back to God. As Israel's restoration appeared to be within grasp by default alone, darkness took ahold of Rehoboam and he led Judah into horrible sin. Instead of leading Israel in revival, he led them away from God. The consequence was foreign invasion and disaster for Judah. In this episode, we discuss the rise of Egypt and the legacy of Rehoboam. Proverbs 14:342 Chronicles 11:18-12:161 Kings 14:21-31www.messagetokings.com

In this episode, we cover the crazy story of the prophet Jadon and his confrontation with Jeroboam at the grand opening of the Bethel idol worship center. At the time of the sacrifice, Jadon declares who the instrument of God's judgment will be and God gives a sign as the alter splits in two, Jeroboam's hand shrivels, Jeroboam receives a healing and just to add more we add an unnatural event and a false prophet to the mix. Strange and unusual, but full of incredible spiritual truths that prophecy the judgment of Israel for their idol worship and show God is above time and space. 1 Kings 132 Kings 23:15-18www.messagetokings.com

Welcome to the Time Period of the Two KingdomsKing Rehoboam, of Judah, welcomes all who come to worship God in Jerusalem and appears to have an encounter with God. This creates a political disaster for King Jeroboam, in the North, because he is losing his people, treasure and prestige. King Jeroboam makes a demonic political decision. He makes two golden calves and sets them up for worship in Dan and Bethel. His state sponsored idol worship solidified his kingdom, but invited spiritual judgment on his kingdom and house. 1 Kings 12:25-332 Chronicles 11:11-17www.messagetokings.com

Taking a break from our normal episodes, we've created a political parody looking at the division of the two kingdoms from the vantage of our modern American political perspective. Special Thanks to Brant Frost for his assistance on this episode. www.messagetokings.com

Upon Solomon's death, Rehoboam was given the kingship. The spoiled billionaire playboy was immediately confronted by the people asking for lighter treatment during Israel's economic crisis. Rehoboam's response set in motion the division of the two kingdoms. In this episode, we discuss the division of the two kingdoms, Rehoboam's failure and compare this time to the American Civil War. 1 Kings 12:1-24www.messagetokings.com