Topical Encyclopedia The biblical narrative concerning the nation of Israel is replete with prophecies that outline not only the spiritual and moral trajectory of the people but also the political and social circumstances that would characterize their existence. These prophecies, delivered by various prophets, provide a comprehensive view of Israel's destiny, including the reigns of its kings and the conditions of the nation under their leadership.Prophetic Context The prophecies concerning Israel often address the nation's faithfulness to God, the consequences of disobedience, and the promise of restoration. These themes are interwoven with specific predictions about the reigns of Israel's kings, the geopolitical landscape, and the social conditions that would prevail. Political and Social Conditions 1. Division of the Kingdom: The prophecy of the division of the united monarchy under Solomon into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah is a significant event. This division was foretold by the prophet Ahijah, who declared to Jeroboam, "Behold, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon and will give you ten tribes" (1 Kings 11:31). This division led to distinct political and social circumstances in each kingdom. 2. Assyrian and Babylonian Threats: The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and others warned of the impending threats from Assyria and Babylon due to Israel's unfaithfulness. Isaiah prophesied, "The Lord will bring upon you and upon your people and upon your father’s house days that have not come since the day that Ephraim departed from Judah—the king of Assyria" (Isaiah 7:17). These prophecies highlighted the geopolitical turmoil and the eventual exile of the people. 3. Social Injustice and Moral Decline: The prophets Amos and Micah, among others, spoke against the social injustices and moral decline in Israel. Amos declared, "For I know your transgressions are many and your sins are numerous. You oppress the righteous, taking bribes and depriving the poor of justice at the gates" (Amos 5:12). These prophecies addressed the societal conditions that would lead to divine judgment. 4. Restoration and Hope: Despite the dire warnings, the prophets also spoke of a future restoration. Jeremiah prophesied, "For I will restore the fortunes of the land as they were before, says the Lord" (Jeremiah 33:11). This promise of restoration included the return from exile and the re-establishment of a faithful remnant. Messianic Expectations The prophecies concerning Israel also include the expectation of a future Messianic reign. Isaiah foretold, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders" (Isaiah 9:6). This prophecy points to a future king from the line of David who would establish a reign characterized by justice and righteousness. Conclusion The prophecies concerning Israel's reigns and circumstances provide a multifaceted view of the nation's history and future. They encompass themes of judgment, social justice, political upheaval, and ultimate restoration, all under the sovereign hand of God. These prophecies continue to be a source of study and reflection for understanding the divine purposes for Israel and the unfolding of biblical history. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 14:21-31And Rehoboam the son of Solomon reigned in Judah. Rehoboam was forty and one years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which the LORD did choose out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there. And his mother's name was Naamah an Ammonitess. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 10:1 2 Chronicles 11:1 2 Chronicles 12:1 Library Commencement of the Legends Concerning Jesus --His Own Idea of his ... The Twelve Minor Prophets. The Greater Prophets. The Unity of Revelation. 1 "Known unto God are all his Works from ... The Prophet Hosea. Concerning the Passion of Christ, and Its Old Testament ... Paul and Silas in Thessalonica and Berea. The Last King of Judah The Evening of the Third Day in Passion-Week - on the Mount of ... The Book of the Law Resources Are Israel and the church the same thing? Does God still have a plan for Israel? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is spiritual Israel? | GotQuestions.org Did God divorce Israel? | GotQuestions.org Israel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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