Day 127 – Summary, Psalm127

The story begins as David, Israel’s greatest king, nears death (1 Kings 1). One of his sons, Adonijah, tries to steal the throne, but David anoints Solomon, who takes over and reigns with wisdom and wealth (1 Kings 3; 2 Chronicles 1). He builds the Temple (1 Kings 6; 2 Chronicles 3), and God fills it with glory (2 Chronicles 5).

But Solomon's heart turns. Political marriages lead him into idol worship (1 Kings 11). After his death, the kingdom splits.

His son Rehoboam (1 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 10) becomes king of Judah (South). The ten northern tribes’ rebel and follow 1 Jeroboam I, forming Israel (North) (1 Kings 12).

The Rise and Fall of Israel (Northern Kingdom)

When the united kingdom of Israel split after Solomon’s death, Jeroboam I became the first king of the north (1 Kings 12). God had given him a chance to lead with righteousness, but Jeroboam I feared losing the people's loyalty. So, instead of trusting God, he made two golden calves and told the people, “These are your gods.” From that moment on, Israel walked in a path of compromise and idolatry.

His son, Nadab, took the throne but didn’t last long—he was assassinated by  Baasha, who then wiped out the entire family of Jeroboam, just as the prophet Ahijah had foretold (1 Kings 15). Baasha, too, did evil and continued the cycle of sin.

Baasha’s son, Elah, reigned only briefly before being killed by one of his officials, Zimri, who seized the throne and reigned for just seven days (1 Kings 16). When Zimri saw his end was near, he locked himself in the palace and set it ablaze, dying in the flames.

The throne then passed to Omri, a military commander who established a dynasty and built the capital city of Samaria (1 Kings 16). Omri did more evil than all who came before him.

But his son, Ahab, outdid even him. Ahab married Jezebel, a Phoenician princess and devoted worshipper of Baal. Together, they led Israel deeper into idolatry and darkness (1 Kings 16–22). The prophet Elijah was sent to confront them, bringing drought, fire from heaven, and direct challenges to Baal’s priests.

Ahab’s son, Ahaziah, succeeded him but quickly fell—both physically and spiritually. After a severe fall, he sent messengers to consult Baal-zebub instead of seeking God. For this, Elijah declared his death (2 Kings 1).

Then came Jehoram, Ahab’s second son. He continued in evil until he was killed by Jehu, a fierce and zealous commander anointed by God to bring judgment on Ahab’s house (2 Kings 9–10). Jehu fulfilled that mission violently—but though he removed Baal worship, he kept the golden calves of Jeroboam.

Jehu's son, Jehoahaz, ruled during a time of oppression. Aram constantly attacked, and though Jehoahaz sought the Lord briefly, he never fully turned back (2 Kings 13).

Next was Jehoash, who recovered some territory from Aram and honored the dying prophet Elisha, who delivered a final prophecy of victory (2 Kings 13).

Under Jeroboam II, Israel reached its greatest size and strength since Solomon. Military victories returned, but spiritual decay remained (2 Kings 14).

Then came chaos.

Zechariah, Jeroboam II’s son, ruled only six months before he was murdered (2 Kings 15). Shallum assassinated him and reigned one month before being killed by Menahem, who secured his throne through brutality and bribes paid to Assyria (2 Kings 15).

His son, Pekahiah, was also assassinated—by 18 Pekah, who led Israel into an ill-fated rebellion against Assyria. That rebellion backfired. Assyria attacked and began deporting Israelites by the thousands (2 Kings 15).

Finally came Hoshea, the last king of Israel (2 Kings 17). He was weak and rebellious. He tried to form secret alliances with Egypt, but Assyria discovered the betrayal, imprisoned Hoshea, and laid siege to Samaria. In 722 BC, after over 200 years of decline, the Northern Kingdom of Israel fell. The ten tribes were exiled, scattered across foreign lands, and became known as the lost tribes of Israel.

The Story of Judah (Southern Kingdom)

When Solomon died, his son Rehoboam took the throne (1 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 10). But instead of listening to wise elders, he chose the arrogant advice of his young friends. His pride triggered a national split: ten tribes left to form Israel in the north, and only Judah and Benjamin remained loyal in the south.

Rehoboam’s reign was marked by conflict, and Judah fell into idolatry. His son, Abijah, ruled briefly—he held to God in battle, but overall followed the sinful patterns of his father (1 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 13).

Then came 3 Asa, a bright light in Judah’s darkening story (1 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 14–16). Asa tore down idols, trusted God in battle, and led a revival. But in his later years, he relied on political alliances instead of prayer and died stubbornly, refusing to seek God even in illness.

His son, Jehoshaphat, was faithful and strong (1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 17–20). He sent teachers across Judah to educate the people in God’s Law. But he made one huge mistake: allying with Israel’s wicked king Ahab by marrying off his son to Ahab’s daughter.

That son, Jehoram, became king and brought disaster (2 Kings 8; 2 Chronicles 21). He murdered his own brothers, married Athaliah, and led Judah into idol worship. God judged him with disease, and he died hated.

His son, Ahaziah, reigned just one year (2 Kings 9; 2 Chronicles 22). He aligned himself with Israel and died when Jehu (northern kingdom) purged Ahab’s descendants.

Then came Athaliah, his mother. She wasn’t even of David’s line, yet she seized the throne by murdering her own grandchildren (2 Kings 11; 2 Chronicles 22–23). But one baby, Joash, was hidden away in the Temple.

After seven years, the priest Jehoiada led a bold coup. Joash became king at age seven (2 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 24). While Jehoiada lived, Joash followed God and even restored the Temple. But after the priest’s death, Joash listened to corrupt leaders and turned to idols. He eventually was assassinated.

His son, Amaziah, started strong, defeated Edom and followed God (2 Kings 14; 2 Chronicles 25). But pride got the better of him. He foolishly provoked Israel, lost the battle, and was murdered in the end.

Then came Uzziah, who ruled well and brought prosperity (2 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 26). But in his pride, he entered the Temple, something only priests could do, and God struck him with leprosy.

His son, Jotham, reigned with humility and faith (2 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 27). He strengthened Judah and walked faithfully, though the people remained corrupt.

Next was Ahaz, one of Judah’s worst kings (2 Kings 16; 2 Chronicles 28). He shut the Temple, worshipped Baal, and sacrificed his own children. His reign nearly ruined Judah spiritually.

But then—hope. His son Hezekiah brought sweeping reforms (2 Kings 18–20; 2 Chronicles 29–32). He reopened the Temple, tore down pagan altars, and called the people back to God. When the Assyrians threatened Jerusalem, Hezekiah turned to God, and through the prophet Isaiah, God delivered them miraculously.

Tragically, Hezekiah’s son, Manasseh, reversed it all (2 Kings 21; 2 Chronicles 33). He was the most wicked king in Judah’s history, building altars to idols in the Temple itself. But in exile, Manasseh humbled himself and repented. God restored him. It’s a powerful picture of mercy, even for the worst sinner.

Amon, his son, did not follow his father’s repentance. He was evil and assassinated after just two years (2 Kings 21; 2 Chronicles 33).

Then came Josiah, one of the greatest kings Judah ever had (2 Kings 22–23; 2 Chronicles 34–35). At only eight years old, he began to seek God. When the Book of the Law was found in the Temple, Josiah tore his robes in grief and led a nationwide revival. Idols were destroyed, and Passover was celebrated with unmatched passion. Sadly, Josiah died young after ignoring a warning from God.

After him came four tragic kings. Jehoahaz reigned 3 months before Egypt took him captive (2 Kings 23) Jehoiakim, installed by Egypt; rebelled against Babylon (2 Kings 23–24). Jehoiachin reigned 3 months and was exiled to Babylon (2 Kings 24) Zedekiah was the last king of Judah (2 Kings 24–25; 2 Chronicles 36). He ignored Jeremiah’s warnings and rebelled against Babylon. He tragically saw his sons killed before being blinded and led into exile.

In 586 BC, Jerusalem fell. The Temple was destroyed. The people were carried off to Babylon. Judah, the kingdom that once carried God’s promise, fell into darkness.

But even then, the final verses of Chronicles offer hope: Cyrus, king of Persia, later declared the Jews could return and rebuild (2 Chronicles 36:22–23).

Psalm 127 reminds us that without God, our efforts are in vain. True peace does not come from anxious work, but from trusting Him. It also celebrates children as a gift from God, a legacy and blessing for the future.