Divided Kingdom

Because of Solomon's downfall, the kingdom of Israel is divided into two kingdoms: the Northern Kingdom is called Israel (10 tribes), and the Southern Kingdom is called Judah (2 tribes). Keeping His word to David, the Lord causes David's line to continue through the kings of Judah without interruption. The kings of Israel are made up of smaller dynasties with no connection to David's line.

None of the kings of Israel follow after God. Their destructive leadership causes the people to break covenant with God again and again. In 722 BC, the Assyrian Empire overtake the kingdom of Israel and lead the people away into captivity.

For the kings of Judah, four are good, four are somewhat good, and the rest are no good. While there are times of covenant renewal throughout Judah, eventually the judgement of God falls upon them as it did for Israel. Starting in 606 BC, the Babylonian Empire (which had overtaken Assyria) begins to attack Judah and take people captive. This happens again in 597 and again in 587, during which Jerusalem and the Temple are completely destroyed.

Like the Fall in Eden, it appears as if God's Kingdom has been defeated by all that is evil. God's people are exiled to a foreign land; God's place lies in ruin; God's blessing has been replaced with His judgement. But is this truly the end of God's Kingdom?