Reading about the kings of Israel who were contemporaneous with Abijah and Asa of Judah presents a picture of confusion - murder - usurpation and sin abounding - and fulfilment of Judgment on the house of Jeroboam, as promised by God (1 Kings 15:29 ).

1 Kings 15:29 "And it was so, when he became king, that he killed all the house of Jeroboam. He did not leave to Jeroboam anyone that breathed, until he had destroyed him, according to the word of the Lord which He had spoken by His servant Ahijah the Shilonite,"

	NADAB (Israel) Did evil and was killed by Baasha (1 Kings 15:27-28 ) - the prophecy of 1 Kings 14:10-13 was fulfilled.
	BAASHA (Israel) Did evil and was at war all his days - God said his house would end as Jeroboam's did (1 Kings 16:1-7 ).
	ELAH (Israel) He is murdered and the word of the Lord spoken against Baasha by the prophet Jehu, is fulfilled (1 Kings 16:6-14 ).
	ZIMRI (Israel) King for seven days (1 Kings 16:15 ), was conspired against, committed suicide (1 Kings 16:15-20 ).
	OMRI (Israel) (1 Kings 16:21-28 ). "Omri was remembered for two things. He built Samaria, making it the capital and giving its name to the entire northern kingdom; and he became the most wicked king up to that time, though his son Ahab, outdid him (1 Kings 16:33 ). Samaria, located about 7 miles N.W of Shechem, became the centre of idolatrous worship (1 Kings 16:32, Hosea 8:5-6, Amos 3:12-15, 6:1-6, Micah 1:5-7 )" Ryrie
	AHAB (Israel) Was remembered for his wickedness, and that of his wife Jezebel who advanced Baal worship into Israel. Her name is given to those who would bring idol worship on the Church (Revelation 2:20 ).

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. What were the reasons for Baasha's judgment from God? (1 Kings 16:7 ).
2. Do you admire Jehu the prophet who faithfully delivered God's word?
3. What stands out for you in reading the summary of the wicked kings Elah, Zimri, Omri? (1 Kings 16:8-28 ).
4. Would you say that though evil and wickedness increased, God's word of judgment proved accurate?