THE THREAD | A People Rise. A People Fall.
Lesson 10: The Destruction Of Israel And Judah

Dear Parents,
As we continue our study of the big-picture story of the Bible and the story of Israel seeking to establish itself as a nation. Throughout The Thread, we get to look at some topics that may be a little hard to discuss. The wrath of God is not a popular subject these days, but it is a Biblical truth. The Israelites’ disobedience to God’s laws and outright evil living caused God’s punishment to be poured out in the form of the destruction of both Israel and Judah. This week’s lesson was entitled “The Destruction of Israel and Judah,” and your student learned that God is truly slow to anger but will keep His promise to pour out His wrath on our sin and disobedience. 

Lesson Overview: This lesson marks a major event in our look at the big-picture story of the Bible. Israel prospered under the leadership of kings Saul, David, and Solomon. For over 100 years, the people were united. But then after the death of Solomon, things started falling apart. A divided kingdom, evil kings, and people disobedient to God all led to the destruction of both kingdoms. God’s wrath was slow to come, but the sin of His people could no longer be ignored. His punishment would continue to be poured out all the way to the Jews being ruled by the Romans. But a long-promised Savior would bring salvation from God’s wrath forever.

What We Want Your Teenager To Learn:  Understand that Israel and Judah were punished for their rebellion and grasp the fact that, through Jesus’ death on the Cross, we escape the punishment we rightfully deserve for our sin.

What We Want Your Teenager To Do With What They’ve Learned:  Articulate what the right response is when faced with the truth that Jesus has saved them from The penalty of sin.

Scripture Passages We Studied:  2 Kings 17:1-6; 2 Chronicles 36:11-21; Romans 5:6-11

Please Take A Few Minutes This Week To Read These Passages.

Next Steps. . .
During the next week, as you engage in conversations with your teenager, remember that one way that will help them to understand and apply what they have learned is to explain it to someone else. Use the following questions to guide your conversation:

  • What did you think about God’s punishment of Israel and Judah? Did they deserve it?
  • What do we have in common with the people of Israel and Judah? Do we deserve punishment?
  • What should our response to God’s salvation be? Does our family do a good job of expressing that type of response? How can we do better?

Thank you for all you do. As a parent, you are the primary spiritual influence in the life of your teenager, and they desperately need you. I’m praying for you! If you have any questions or if I can help with anything, please don’t hesitate to let me know.