Walking through the rise and fall of Israel’s kingdom and discovering how God’s mercy, justice, and promises endure through every generation.
🌿 Category Purpose & Rationale
Category 5 explores the dramatic story of Israel from the rise of the monarchy to the pain of exile and the hope of return.
These books show us what happens when a nation built on covenant:
- flourishes under godly leaders
- struggles under corrupt leadership
- experiences the consequences of rebellion
- receives God’s discipline
- is upheld by God’s faithful love
- is ultimately restored
This category helps us understand:
1️⃣ God’s heart for righteous leadership
The stories of Samuel, Saul, David, and Solomon reveal that leadership is not about power but about justice, humility, and obedience.
2️⃣ The dangers of idolatry and injustice
Kings and nations fall when the heart turns away from God’s Torah.
The prophets warn, call, confront, and plead with God’s people to return.
3️⃣ The discipline of God as a form of love
Exile is not abandonment —
it is God’s severe mercy, a call to repentance and restoration.
4️⃣ The hope of return and renewal
Books like Ezra and Nehemiah show that God keeps His promises, rebuilds ruined places, and restores broken people.
5️⃣ Messiah in the kingdom story
The monarchy points forward to the Son of David,
the exile points to Messiah bearing the curse,
and the return anticipates Messiah restoring all things.
Together, these books give us a sweeping vision of God’s sovereignty, justice, compassion, and redemptive plan for Israel — and the world.
📚 Studies in This Category
Below is the 6-week study table for Kings, Exile & Return.
These weeks take you through the major turning points in Israel’s kingdom history.
Category 5 Study Table
| Week | Lesson Name | Theme | Scriptures | Hebrew Focus Words |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 25 | 1 Samuel 1–7: The Birth of a Prophet | Calling, hearing God, renewal | 1 Samuel 1–7 | שְׁמוּאֵל — Shmuel — “Heard by God” |
| Week 26 | 1 Samuel 8–31: Rise & Fall of Saul | Leadership, obedience, warning | 1 Samuel 8–31 | מֶלֶךְ — Melekh — “King” |
| Week 27 | 2 Samuel 1–24: David’s Kingdom | Covenant, repentance, kingship | 2 Samuel 1–24 | דָּוִד — David — “Beloved” |
| Week 28 | 1 Kings 1–11: The Glory & Fall of Solomon | Wisdom, worship, division | 1 Kings 1–11 | חָכְמָה — Chokhmah — “Wisdom” |
| Week 29 | 1 Kings 12–2 Kings 25: Prophets, Kings & Exile | Idolatry, justice, exile | 1 Kings 12–2 Kings 25 | גָּלוּת — Galut — “Exile” |
| Week 30 | Ezra–Nehemiah: Return & Restoration | Renewal, rebuilding, hope | Ezra 1–10; Neh. 1–13 | תְּשׁוּבָה — Teshuvah — “Return/repentance” |
🔍 For Deeper Study — Inductive Guide
Observation — What do you see?
Look for repeated words, imagery of hope, promises of renewal, contrasts between present suffering and future glory.
Interpretation — What does it mean?
What does this reveal about God’s character?
How does this passage connect to earlier prophecies?
How does it point to Messiah?
Application — How should it shape you?
How does hope strengthen endurance?
Where do you need renewal or repentance?
How does the promise of Messiah’s Kingdom call you to live differently today?
Prayer & Listening —
“Lord, what are You teaching me about hope, redemption, and the world to come?”
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