Epoch 5

What happens when God’s people choose to follow the ways of the world instead of Him? Epoch 5 of Tracing His Story explores one of the most complex and compelling periods in biblical history—the era of Israel’s united and divided kingdoms. Journey through the narratives found in 1 Samuel through 2 Chronicles, enriched by the powerful voices of prophets such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hosea, and many others, who confronted kings and called the nation back to covenant faithfulness.

The time of judges ended with Israel’s desperate longing for stability and leadership like the surrounding nations. Rejecting God’s direct rule, the people demanded a human king. In doing so, they set the stage for both Israel’s greatest triumphs and its deepest tragedies.

The era began with Saul, a king who looked perfect by worldly standards—tall, impressive, and charismatic. Yet Saul’s heart faltered in obedience, ultimately leading to his downfall. God’s blessing shifted toward David, a shepherd whose courage and faithfulness proved greater than Saul’s stature. Through David, God promised a kingdom that would endure forever, a prophecy ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Yet even David, the man after God’s own heart, succumbed to sin. His profound repentance preserved his relationship with God, but the consequences of his choices shattered his family and fractured the kingdom’s future unity. David’s son Solomon inherited a kingdom of great prosperity and peace. Under Solomon, Israel reached unprecedented heights of wealth and influence, and the magnificent temple was built in Jerusalem. Yet Solomon’s reign, marked by incredible wisdom and devastating compromise, foreshadowed darker days. Influenced by foreign wives, Solomon’s heart drifted into idolatry, sowing seeds of division.

Upon Solomon’s death, Israel divided into two kingdoms—Israel to the north and Judah to the south. The northern kingdom quickly descended into idolatry, abandoning worship of the true God. The southern kingdom, Judah, wavered between faithfulness and apostasy, influenced by kings who either sought after God or turned away in rebellion. This era, captured vividly in the books of Kings and Chronicles, is one of profound spiritual struggle, illustrating the human heart’s tendency to stray from its Creator.

Throughout these turbulent times, God raised up prophets—voices of conviction, warning, and hope. Isaiah spoke majestically of a coming Messiah who would restore and redeem God’s people. Jeremiah passionately warned Judah of impending judgment, lamenting deeply over the nation’s stubbornness. Hosea powerfully depicted God’s unrelenting love despite Israel’s continual betrayal, while Amos confronted social injustice, and Micah emphasized what truly pleases God—justice, mercy, and humility.

Yet despite these powerful calls to return to God, both kingdoms ultimately faced devastating judgment. Assyria conquered the northern kingdom in 722 BC, scattering the tribes and ending its existence. Judah endured a bit longer, eventually falling to Babylon in 586 BC, resulting in exile and the destruction of the beloved temple in Jerusalem.

This epoch offers us profound lessons: human kings and kingdoms inevitably fail apart from divine guidance. Our hearts are prone to wander from God’s perfect plan. Yet through judgment, God’s heart for restoration and redemption shines brightest. These ancient stories are not mere history; they reveal a timeless truth: true security, peace, and hope are found only in obedience and relationship with God Himself.

Epoch 5 invites you to explore Israel’s united and divided kingdoms, discovering rich lessons for your own spiritual journey today. Witness how God continually calls His people back to Himself, demonstrating His relentless love and ultimate faithfulness—even amid human failure and national calamity. Watch now and trace God’s unchanging plan toward redemption, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.