The end of Chronicles ends with a decree from the King of Persia. He prompts all those interested to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. This last line leads many to believe that the book of Chronicles was written as a text to encourage those who were working on rebuilding Jerusalem. We have considered the wretched histories of Israel and Judah during the monarchal period. There was some good, a lot of bad and a great deal of ugly. One constant good was Yahweh, the one true God. His consistent love and care for his people, despite their rebellion remains a constant for us today. God is good… All the time!

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We have explored the good, bad and ugly of Israel’s monarchy. This week we will focus in on perhaps the most despicable of all of Judah’s kings. The details of Manasseh’s reign are shocking and his actions may have sealed the tragic fate of Judah. Yet, in the face of this ugly episode, God’s character really takes center stage. Manasseh’s evil might be outshined by his confession and repentance. In that space God forgave and restored. It wasn’t too late for Manasseh.

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One could argue that the collective history of Israel and Judah’s kings is completely evil. However, there were some kings that stand out for their righteous and God-fearing behavior and policies. Josiah and Hezekiah are standouts for their efforts in trying to lead in a way that harmonized with God’s way and will. We will take a brief look at these two kings.

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One of the most fascinating features of Israel’s history is the division between the 10 northern tribes (Israel) and the 2 southern tribes (Judah). This division essentially created two separate nations who shared a common heritage and origin but would often fight against one another as well as adhere to different religious sensibilities. The division would put both nations on a sordid history of chaos, convent breaking and eventual downfall. We will highlight the hazard of disunity in the plight of following God’s way.

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David’s dynasty was secured by the promise and word of the Lord. The throne would always be occupied by someone from the bloodline of David. Solomon, David’s son, would serve as David’s first successor. Solomon was wise, he was wealthy, and he was wild! Solomon’s extravagance could be seen in his elaborate plans to build a temple for God and a palace for himself. The contrast of what Solomon did for God and what he did for himself serves as a window into Solomon’s complicated biography.

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Israel’s Greatest King was David! He was a shepherd, a musician, a great warrior and a passionate worshipper of God. And, he also committed some of the most horrific acts toward others. David’s story is a complicated tale. His life seemed to embody fully the title of this sermon series. Hence, we will consider the Good, the Bad and the Ugly.

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Saul's selection started with promise. He was tall, dark and handsome. He had the stamp of approval from Samuel, perhaps one of the greatest judges and prophets of all time. But Saul was hardheaded, arrogant and paranoid. Obedience isn’t a word affixed only to dog training. It is a word that communicates the proper and life-giving reaction toward God’s way. Saul provides a cautionary tale regarding the downward spiral as a result of disobedience.

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The book of Samuel represents the story of transition. Israel will transition from being a collection of tribes to a centralized nation ruled by a monarch. The biggest mark of this transition might have been captured in a request made by the people: “Give us a king to govern us!” How will this request and the granting of this request impact the trajectory of Israel’s story? What do we invite into our lives when we reject God as king?

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