The Northern Kingdom was Destroyed
(2 Kings 17)
April 12, 2026
Sunday Recap
•
Sunday Recap •
Hey Fams!
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!
** Next week: Judah’s Good Kings (2 Kings 18-19; 2 Chronicles 14-24)
Family Discipleship Plan
•
Family Discipleship Plan •
-
Read 2 Kings 17 from the Bible.
-
We’ve all done something wrong or disobeyed because we thought it was the better option.
Time and time again, the Israelites chose to disobey God. And even though God loved them like a father, the Israelites forgot about God.
Sin separated them from God. But God created people to know and love Him, and God was working out a plan to bring His children back to Himself. God had been very patient with the Israelites. He had helped them in times of trouble and delayed their punishment because He is gracious and compassionate. But God knew His people would not love Him with all their hearts.
Finally, God had had enough. Evil King Hoshea ruled over Israel, and God allowed Israel’s enemies to send the people into exile. The king of Assyria attacked Israel and laid siege to Samaria. Assyria captured Samaria and forced the people to leave the city and walk hundreds of miles to Assyria. The Northern Kingdom of Israel was destroyed, and the people were scattered, just as God had said would happen.
Israel’s exile was God’s judgment on their sin, but God was not finished working among His people. God was still working out His plan to keep His covenant promises. When the Israelites disobeyed God again and again, God punished them by removing them from their land. We disobey God, but Jesus took the punishment for our sin upon Himself. Jesus brings us into God’s presence and keeps us there.
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.
Pray: God, we know that You always keep Your promises. Help us to trust in You even when we don’t see how You’re working. Thank You for sending Jesus to die on the cross and to save all who believe in Him. Amen.
-
Preschool:
"You must follow the Lord your God.”
Deuteronomy 13:4
1st-5th:
”You must worship him. You must honor him. Keep his commands. Obey him. Serve him. Remain true to him.”
Deuteronomy 13:4 (NIRV) -
Mornings
Pray for the leaders of your city, state, and country. Ask God to give them knowledge to do their work and wisdom to obey Him. How did the sins of Judah’s kings affect the people? Why is it important for us to pray for our leaders?Evenings
Thank God for His promises and His faithfulness to always keep those promises. Make a list of the promises you can remember from the Bible. Make note of the promises God has already fulfilled. How do these fulfilled promises help us to trust in His ability to keep all His promises? -
For Fun
Play “Simon Says” as a family. However, when “Simon” says to do something, everyone should do the opposite. Make the motions easy for smaller kids but work to harder actions as the game progresses. Talk about how the Israelites faced consequences when they didn’t listen to God. End the discussion by reminding kids that Jesus took our punishment and provided us a way to be brought back to God’s presence!To Serve
Have family members take turns serving the rest of the family during dinner time. The chosen servant should prepare the table, serve the food, take drink orders, refill cups when needed, and clean up for the family after the meal. Discuss the sacrifices the chosen family member had to make to serve the family. Take time to talk about the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus to serve us and save us from sin.