Elisha: God’s Prophet Lesson 7 "Tale of Three Kings: Judah’s Fall and Jehu’s Rise "

King Ahab has died, and his son Amaziah reigned for one year. Another of Ahab's sons, Jehoram, is now on the throne. His mother, Jezebel, is still next to his side in the palace in Samaria. Meanwhile, Jezebel and Ahab's daughter, the sister of King Jehoram of Israel has been given as wife to the King of Judah in the south, to seal a political alliance. HIS name is ALSO King Jehoram! This is where it gets confusing! King Jehoram in Judah, is therefore the son in law of Jezebel. Remember King Jehoshaphat, the king that loved Yahweh, and went worshipping into battle? The King of Judah, is HIS SON! What in the world was he thinking, marrying off his son, and the heir to the throne of Judah to Ahab and Jezebel's daughter? So, this lesson focuses on King Jehoram of JUDAH (married to Athaliah) and their son, Ahaziah. It also focuses on the upcoming new King of Israel, Jehu! God has arranged the demise of the house of Ahab at last!

It seems that people who choose to do the right thing for the Lord–follow His word, walk in His ways, and are passionate about fulfilling His purposes and plans, are the ones who are constantly under attack by the enemy of our souls. If the enemy seems to be pushed back on one battlefront, he shifts gears and attacks from another direction. Watch out! This is what happened to King Jehoshaphat in Judah. By marrying his son to Athaliah, the enemy walked right into Judah.

The Kings of Judah during this time in history were dealing with a powerful, unexpected attack from the inside of the palace. It came in quietly,  seemingly innocently, and was cloaked in beauty. No one noticed its arrival, but the impact of the event would bring the demise of Judah. Athaliah. Daughter of Ahaz and Jezebel.  King Jehoram of Judah’s wife. Mother of  King Ahaziah. Athaliah was Satan’s back door instrument for the introduction of Baal in Judah.  At the same time, Jehu was God’s back door instrument for the destruction of Baal in Israel. A Tale of Three Kings…

For Lesson Plans for this lesson, CLICK HERE!

(16:45)

Scriptures:  (2 Kings 8: 16, 9: 1-13)

Discussion Questions: 

1. Share something new you learned in this lesson. 

2. Why did Elisha tell Joel to anoint Jehu and run?

3.  Do you think Jehu was surprised that he was anointed King? What do you think Jehu will do next? 

4. Athaliah and Jezebel both wanted to influence the male leaders of their countries– but Ataliah wants even more. She wants to BE the leader.  How are Athaliah and Jezebel the same? How are they different?

5.  A poor marriage can bring down an entire country! What advice would you give your children about choosing a mate?

6. Have you ever had a godly friend whose children went astray? Why do you think that happened? 

7. No one in Judah thought to guard the back door, especially Jehoshaphat! How is Satan infiltrating our families today? 

8. How can you guard the back door for your children and grandchildren?

Note, evidence of King Jehu in archeology.