Kings of Judah
How did Hezekiah celebrate Passover and what was its significance?
He reinstituted the Passover for all Israel and Judah, inviting even those who lived far away, showing unity and dedication to God
What role did the prophets play before Judah’s fall?
The prophets warned Judah to repent from sin and idolatry, but the people and leaders mocked and rejected their messages. “But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets” (2 Chronicles 36:16, ESV).
What complaint did Habakkuk make to God regarding Judah’s situation?
Habakkuk asked why God allowed injustice to prevail and why the wicked seemed to prosper. “O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and You will not hear? Or cry to You ‘Violence!’ and You will not save?” (Habakkuk 1:2)
What specific act of pride led to Uzziah being struck with leprosy?
He entered the temple to burn incense on the altar, a duty reserved for priests, ignoring God’s command.
How did the kings’ obedience or disobedience influence Judah’s fate? How is leadership important?
Faithful kings like Hezekiah and Josiah delayed disaster through reforms, while unfaithful kings accelerated Judah’s downfall. “He trusted in the Lord God of Israel; so that after him there was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor who were before him” (2 Chronicles 32:22, ESV).
How did Habakkuk describe the way the righteous should respond to God’s plans?
The righteous must live by faith, trusting God even when His methods are mysterious. “Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith.” (Habakkuk 2:4)
How did God use foreign nations, like Babylon, in His plan for Judah?
God allowed Babylon to conquer Judah as a tool of judgment for their sins. “Because of the sins of Manasseh… the Lord brought upon them the king of Babylon” (2 Chronicles 36:17, ESV).
Why do you think Judah’s leaders, even after Josiah’s reforms, quickly returned to evil? What did they lack— they did not truly ******?
The people’s hearts hadn’t truly changed—reform was outward, not inward. Once Josiah was gone, they slipped back into rebellion.
They lacked REPENTance.
What does Zephaniah prophesy about the nations surrounding Judah?
He predicts that God will judge surrounding nations for their wickedness and pride, and they will face punishment. “I will utterly consume all the nations on the face of the earth… then you will know that I am the Lord” (Zephaniah 3:8, ESV).
What miraculous event saved Jerusalem from the Assyrian army during Hezekiah’s reign?
God sent an angel who struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night, forcing Sennacherib to retreat.
Which empire conquered Judah and carried its people into exile and slavery?
Babylon conquered Judah and took the people into exile. “He carried to Babylon all the articles from the temple of God… and the people of Judah were carried away into exile” (2 Chronicles 36:18–20, ESV).
What does the “Day of the Lord” represent in Zephaniah, and how does it affect Judah and the surrounding nations?
The “Day of the Lord” represents a time when God executes judgment on sin and idolatry, punishing the wicked, but also bringing restoration and blessing to the faithful. “The Lord will utterly sweep away everything from the face of the earth… I will cut off man and beast… I will purify the lips of the peoples, that all may call on the name of the Lord and serve him shoulder to shoulder” (Zephaniah 1:2–3; 3:9, ESV).
How did Josiah respond upon hearing the words of the Book of the Law?
He tore his clothes in grief, realized how far Judah had strayed from God, and sought to purify the nation.
Which king did God say would not see the destruction of Judah during his lifetime, and why was he spared from witnessing it?
King Josiah would not see the destruction of Judah because, although he faithfully reformed the nation and sought God’s law, the people’s hearts remained hardened, and God pronounced that judgment would come after his death. “Because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before God when you heard what He spoke against this place and against its inhabitants, and you humbled yourself before Me, I will gather you to your grave in peace, and your eyes shall not see all the evil I will bring upon this place” (2 Chronicles 34:27, ESV).
How does Zephaniah describe God’s attitude toward His people in the future restoration? * Think of our Memory verse (Zephaniah 3:17)
God rejoices over His people, provides salvation, quiets them with His love, and exults over them with singing. “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing” (Zephaniah 3:17, ESV).