Week 28: 2 Kings

Prepare these questions for Sunday, October 6.  We will have two weeks worth of questions to discuss this week.

2Kings is the conclusion of the history of the monarchy of Israel (and Judah after the split). It is primarily a recounting of the reigns of kings, but there are a few noteworthy people and events that help us understand more about our relationship with God.

1. What happened to the prophet Elijah in Chapter 2? What do you think this story means?

2. Who was Elisha (different guy than Elijah) and what was his role?

3. Describe the story of Naaman. What can you learn from Naaman's actions?

4. What happened to Jerusalem in Chapter 25 and why was this significant?

5. These histories (1Samuel through 2Kings) show a group of people who repeatedly become obsessed with the politics and details of their lives (which were important things) and forget the role of God in those very same areas. In what ways do you allow important things to overshadow God's role in your own life?

Week 27: 1 Kings

Prepare these questions for Sunday, October 6.  We will not meet on September 29 because there is no Inside Out that week.

1Kings is the continuation of the narrative begun in 1 and 2 Samuel. The first half is about King Solomon (David's son with Bathsheba) and the second half if about several other kings after Solomon's death.

1. Transition from David to Solomon was not particularly smooth. What happened and how did Solomon become king? What challenges might that have made for Solomon?

2. Solomon was and is known for being a wise king. What verses or passages reveal his wisdom in these chapters?

3. What kind of king was Solomon, really? Faithful? Honest? Selfish? Arrogant? Wise? Foolish? What qualities do you see in chapters 3 through 11?

4. After Solomon's death there was a rebellion and Israel split into two parts-Israel in the North and Judah in the South. The rest of 1Kings details the leaders of these two kingdoms and the highlights of their reigns. What does the rebellion and subsequent turnover of rulers tell you about the attitudes and faithfulness of the Israelites during this time?