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God allows His people to crown a human king and establish a monarchy. God choose Israel’s first three kings - Saul, David and Solomon - who were each anointed by a priest. These kings ruled over the 12 tribes of Israel, united as on nation for 120 years. After Solomon died in 931BC, his son Rehoboam becomes king and conflict started brewing. Jeroboam, one of Solomon’s labor managers, leads 10 tribes to rebel agains the king and start a second kingdom. Now there are two nations: Israel is the northern kingdom, consisting of 10 tribes; Judah is the southern Kingdom, consisting of 2 tribes. During this time of two kingdoms, God’s representatives of earth are kings, priest, and prophets. These human leaders are expected to obey God and his laws. By being obedient, they can represent God accurately and faithfully to the people. Most of the prophets are faithful bringing the news of hope and a promised savior to the people. However only some of the priests and kings follow the ways of the Lord. Each of the three people are just foreshadowing of the one who will not only fill all three roles but do it perfectly. Jesus will come and accomplish all that prophets, priest and kings have been called to do, but still His coming is a long way off.

When Israel and Judah were conquered by foreign empires, the people were exiled and scattered. Assyria wiped out Israel, and Babylon destroyed Judah. Years of war and invasions have left the “land flowing with milk and honey” ravaged, scorched and largely deserted. Jerusalem in now a pile of burned buildings and broken down walls. God’s holy temple has been stripped of its beauty, robed of it’s treasures, torn down and torched. Even though it might look hopeless God is still in control. We see events of God moving and doing miraculous things not only within the remnants of people but also those in exile in Babylon. He is now speaking through prophets and is given a promise of protection, perseverance and hope even while in captivity. That hope would come one day when through the line of David the throne will once again be restored. Not just for now but forever. Isaiah speaks to the promise that God will rescue Israel, while other prophets speak to a future hope. Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Micah, Zechariah and Malachi promise a future form the exiles. The people might not of known that it would be Jesus that would come and be the one where their hope rests. So they continue to wait for Him, the promised one…Jesus.