The Northern Kingdom of Israel, under the rule of Baasha, Elah, Zimri, and Omri, was marked by idolatry, wickedness, and political instability. These kings perpetuated the sinful practices initiated by Jeroboam I, and their reigns were characterized by disobedience to God's commands. In the Southern Kingdom of Judah, Abijah and Asa ruled after Rehoboam. Both kings made efforts to be faithful to the God of David.
Within these accounts, we see foreshadowing of Jesus.The reigns of the Northern kings serve as reminders of the consequences of disobedience and unfaithfulness to God's covenant. Jesus, as the perfect and sinless Son of God, fulfilled the righteous requirements of the law and offered salvation to all who believe in Him.
We begin our study of the book of Ruth by examining the love and loyalty of an ordinary woman from Moab. Scriptures referenced include...
The Parable of the Shrewd Manager (Luke 16:1-8) is a challenging but profound teaching that uses a morally questionable figure to impart critical spiritual...
In Highly Favored: Part 5, twelve-year-old Mary immerses herself in the Scriptures at the synagogue in Sepphoris, where the rabbis discuss the long-awaited Messiah....
