The Northern Kingdom Was Destroyed (2 Kings 17)

Unit 14, Session 4

Dear families,

Hoshea was an evil king in the long line of the evil kings of Israel. In Hoshea’s ninth year as king, the king of Assyria captured Samaria, put Hoshea in prison, and moved all the Israelites to Assyria. The kingdom of Israel was officially destroyed.

Why was Israel destroyed? Although God had been patient, the Israelites witnessed their kingdom crumble because of their unrelenting sin. God had freed Israel from the oppressive hand of Pharaoh and brought them out of the land of Egypt. The Lord loved the people of Israel, performed many miracles, and commanded them to worship Him alone. The people of Israel were meant to be set apart as the Lord’s people, but they worshiped false gods and lived like the nations around them.

Through the prophets, God repeatedly warned the Israelites to repent and turn back to the one true God, but the people did not listen. The Lord warned the people, saying, “Turn from your evil ways and keep my commands and statutes according to the whole law I commanded your ancestors” (2 Kings 17:13). The Israelites, however, did not listen. Instead, they rejected God and His covenant and followed worthless idols.

As the people ignored God’s warnings, He became angry. God judged Israel’s sin and allowed Assyria to destroy the Northern Kingdom. He rejected them and cast them out of His presence. The king of Assyria moved the people of Israel out of their land and brought foreigners to live in Israel’s land and cities.

The kingdom of Israel was destroyed because of the Israelites’ sin. God’s gracious patience lasted for years, but the people failed to repent and seek the Lord wholeheartedly. Like Israel, we sin, and all sin deserves death. Those who fail to repent and trust in Christ will be separated from God forever. Yet, the unfailing love of the Lord has provided the way for people to be forgiven and live with God forever. Those who trust in Christ will escape God’s punishment of sin. They will not only find forgiveness but also receive the Holy Spirit who empowers them to live for God.

Pray for the children in your care to see their need for Jesus. Pray also that you would be able to clearly communicate the gift of the Savior, thanking God for sending Jesus to restore what we have broken through our sin and disobedience. Rejoice together in the fact that Jesus died and rose again so that we might be saved from certain destruction!

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers: When we do not listen to God, we can pray and ask God to forgive us. Jesus took our punishment so we can be with God forever.
• Younger Preschool: When the people in Israel did not listen to God, God let them be taken away. We sometimes do not listen to God too, but Jesus took our punishment so we can be with God forever.
• Older Preschool: When the people of Israel did not do what God said, God punished them. We disobey God too, but Jesus died to take our punishment for us. People who trust in Jesus will be with God forever.
• Kids: The kingdom of Israel was destroyed because of their sin. We all sin against God and deserve death, but God sent Jesus to die in our place. Because of Jesus, those who trust in Him will never be removed from God’s presence.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.

• Younger Preschool: Why do Christians continue to sin? Because we still have hearts that want to sin.
• Older Preschool: Why do Christians continue to sin? Christians continue to sin because we still have hearts that want to sin.
• Kids: Why do Christians continue to sin? Christians continue to sin because we still have a sin nature, but when Jesus returns, He will make us sinless like Him.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.

• Babies & Toddlers: Follow the LORD your God. Deuteronomy 13:4
• Younger Preschool: You must follow the LORD your God. Deuteronomy 13:4
• Older Preschool: You must follow the LORD your God. You must keep his commands and listen to him. Deuteronomy 13:4
• Kids: You must follow the LORD your God and fear him. You must keep his commands and listen to him; you must worship him and remain faithful to him. Deuteronomy 13:4

** Next week: Easter