Articles
God’s Plan for Salvation: The Kingdom Part 1
It was long before Saul that Israel had a King. God had made His people “a kingdom of priests” (Ex. 19:6). In asking for an earthly ruler, Israel was rejecting God as their true King (1 Sam. 8:7). God set up rules for the day that Israel would ask for an earthly ruler (Deut. 17:14-20). God found only one King who was truly “a man after His own heart” (Acts 13:22). This lesson will look at the true Kingdom of God as foretold in the Old Testament.
There was once no king in Israel. Judges 17:6, 18:1, 19:1, 21:25
- God should have been their King (1 Sam. 12:12).
- This was one of the lowest points in Israelite history.
The people asked for a king. 1 Samuel 8:5
- This was displeasing to God (1 Sam. 8:6).
- He was supposed to be their King (1 Sam. 8:7)
Warned to remain obedient or they and the King would be judged. 1 Samuel 12:25
Saul, a king the people wanted. 1 Samuel 10:17-24
- He was rejected because of disobedience. (1 Sam. 15:22-23).
David, a king God wanted. 1 Samuel 16:6-7.
- God wanted a man after His own heart (1 Sam. 13:14).
- He was accepted because of his obedience (ex. 2 Sam. 5:25, 1 Kgs. 11:34).
- He was promised a descendant on His throne forever (2 Sam. 7:12-17).
The Kingdom split; David still had a descendant on the throne. 1 Kings 11:29-40
The people are taken captive; they wonder how God will fulfill His promise. Psalm 89
- Isaiah had prophesied of the perfect government of a descendant of David. (Isa. 9:6-7).
Zerubbabel has the promise continued to him. Haggai 2:20-23
- He was a descendant of David (1 Chron. 3:19).
- He was the leader of the Jews (Ezra 2:1-2).
Daniel prophesied of the greatest Kingdom . Daniel 2:44-45
- It would arise during the 4th world kingdom, starting with Babylon.
- It would put an end to all other kingdoms.
- It would endure forever.
