Men's Ministry
Please read II Kings 17:14-18
9. Verse 15 says that "they went after false idols and became false" (ESV). Other translations say that "They followed worthless idols and themselves became worthless" (NIV) or, "they followed vanity and became vain" (NASB 1995 and LSB). What does this mean?
10. Verse 16 refers to the Israelites as making metal images of two calves. Do you remember who did this? Why does this verse accuse the Israelites of doing it when we clearly know that a specific individual did it?
Please read II Kings 17:19-28
11. Verses 23 and 24 give us a summary of what happened to the Israelites, but it also mentions people of other nations. What's going on here? Do you know how this sets up some of the stories and parables in the New Testament?
12. We're told about lions that seemed to be taking over Israel (verses 25-26). Why did the lions come? Keep in mind that the Assyrians had just won a war with Israel. Did this have something to do with the lions coming? We're also told that God sent the lions. Why would He do such a thing?
12. We're told about lions that seemed to be taking over Israel (verses 25-26). Why did the lions come? Keep in mind that the Assyrians had just won a war with Israel. Did this have something to do with the lions coming? We're also told that God sent the lions. Why would He do such a thing?
Please II Kings 17:29-33
13. Assyria sent at least one priest back to Israel to teach the people how to worship God (verse 28). Did this work? Why or why not?
14. Did the people learn to worship God? If they did, what was their motivation? (Remember the lions?) What motivates you to worship God?
14. Did the people learn to worship God? If they did, what was their motivation? (Remember the lions?) What motivates you to worship God?
Please read II Kings 17:34-41
15. Does it seem that God is not as strict with these people who are mixed with the remaining Israelites? After all, He had the nation decimated by the Assyrians. Why didn't He do the same thing with these Samaritans who are worshiping Him simply because they didn't want to be eaten by lions? What can we learn about God from this situation?
16. Can you see a link between this story and the cross of Christ?
16. Can you see a link between this story and the cross of Christ?