The Fall of Israel and Judah

Part 2

By: Mike Mazzalongo    
In this final lesson, Mike will summarize the lives and rule of the remaining kings of Judah before its defeat and captivity, as well as provide a description of Jewish life while in exile.

Sources

1. Biblical Texts

  • The Holy Bible:
    • Key translations used for reference: NIV (New International Version), ESV (English Standard Version), and KJV (King James Version).
    • Books specifically consulted: II Kings, I Chronicles, II Chronicles, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Psalms, and Daniel for cross-referencing themes.

2. Scholarly Commentaries

  • The New International Commentary on the Old Testament (NICOT) – "I & II Kings" by Iain W. Provan
    • Provides detailed exegesis on historical and theological themes.
  • The Expositor's Bible Commentary – Volume on 2 Kings
    • Analyzes the narrative structure and key events with theological reflections.
  • Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries – "I & II Kings" by Donald J. Wiseman
    • Offers a concise, historical approach to the text.
  • Word Biblical Commentary – Series on Kings by T. R. Hobbs
    • Focuses on the historical-critical context and linguistic analysis.

3. Archaeological and Historical Sources

  • Al-Yahudu Tablets:
    • A collection of cuneiform records documenting the lives of Jewish exiles in Babylon.
  • Babylonian Chronicles:
    • Provides accounts of Nebuchadnezzar's campaigns, including the sieges of Jerusalem.
  • The Lachish Letters:
    • A set of ostraca (inscribed pottery shards) from the late Iron Age that provide insight into Judah's final days before Babylonian conquest.
  • Excavations in Babylon and Judah:
    • Archaeological findings, including seals, pottery, and remnants of destroyed cities like Lachish and Jerusalem, offer tangible evidence of the events described in 2 Kings.

4. Secondary Historical Sources

  • The Ancient Near East: A History by William W. Hallo and William K. Simpson:
    • Discusses the broader historical context of Babylonian, Assyrian, and Near Eastern empires during the time of II Kings.
  • History of Israel by John Bright:
    • Integrates biblical narratives with historical and archaeological data.
  • The Bible and the Ancient Near East by Cyrus H. Gordon and Gary A. Rendsburg:
    • Examines the interplay between biblical texts and Near Eastern historical context.

5. Theological and Devotional Resources

  • "The Message of 2 Kings" (The Bible Speaks Today series) by J. G. McConville:
    • Highlights theological themes and lessons for contemporary readers.
  • "God's Kingdom Through God's Covenants" by Peter J. Gentry and Stephen J. Wellum:
    • Explores covenant theology, which underpins much of the narrative in Kings and Chronicles.

6. Online Resources

  • Biblical Archaeology Society:
    • Articles on Babylonian exile, the fall of Jerusalem, and archaeological evidence for II Kings events.
  • Jewish Virtual Library:
    • Detailed discussions on the exile and its cultural impact.
  • The Lexham Bible Dictionary (accessible through tools like Logos Bible Software):
    • Provides concise entries on key events, figures, and archaeological findings.
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