The fourth prophecy to be fulfilled was that of Israel’s unfaithfulness resulting in their breaking of their covenant with God. I noted where the prophecy was given by God, and where it was fulfilled. This launched the fifth of the nine time phases of Israel’s Old Testament historical record. My point in bringing all this out is simply this: Prophecy and fulfillment is the work of God, and not man. The Bible originates with God, it is not of men!
Israel’s unfaithfulness begins the Judges Stage, but it goes on for more than 700 years before God acts, and the fifth prophecy, concerning their expulsion from the Promised Land begins to takes place. What a demonstration of God’s patience, forbearance and grace! Their unfaithfulness also goes on through two more distinct times phases as well. The Judges stage lasts until the time of the beginning of Israel’s monarchy under Saul, beginning the United Kingdom Stage. We can see that the end of the Judges stage commences with I Samuel chapter 8, and the first five verses, where Israel asks Samuel, the last of Israel’s judges, to give them a king. That Israel, in their unfaithfulness, would have a king one day, had also been previously foretold by Moses in Deuteronomy 28:36.
The United Kingdom Stage begins when Saul is made king over Israel, beginning with his anointing and coronation in I Samuel chapter 10. What is instrumental in noting, is why Israel takes upon itself a king so as to become a monarchy in the very first place. According to I Samuel 8:6-8, it was because of… Israel’s unfaithfulness!
This United Kingdom Phase lasts through the reigns of Saul, David and Solomon, for little more than 120 years. Under Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, the kingdom is divided, when Jeroboam rebels and takes the 10 northern tribes of Israel with him to establish their own kingdom; apart from the line of David and their capital, Jerusalem. You can read of this beginning with I Kings 12:1-20 and II Chronicles chapter 10. It is incredibly important to note why this division of Israel took place. It was because of Solomon’s (are you ready for this?) unfaithfulness. This is plainly declared in I Kings 11:9-12.
With Israel’s prophesied unfaithfulness to the Lord came the Judges Stage, and due to further unfaithfulness on the part of Israel came the United Kingdom Stage, and due to yet more unfaithfulness by Israel, the Divided Kingdom Phase commenced! And see Who is behind the scenes, directing all of this action, so as to fulfill all of His prophecies… read I Kings 12:22 thru 24 and II Chronicles 11:1 thru 4. It is the Lord! It’s what the Book is all about!
ForeverKingdom,
Harold F Crowell
ForeverKingdom's Blog 