Saul Weinreb - Let the Prophets Speak

King Ahaz leads the Kingdom of Judah down a very dangerous and idolatrous path.  Allying himself to Assyria and adopting its corrupt ways.

While the Kingdom of Judah maintains a more stable monarchy, the Kingdom of Israel descends into complete chaos.

We read of the reign of Jereboam II, and the wealth and security enjoyed by the people of israel.

Amatzyahu King of Judah instigates a war against the Kingdom of Israel and fails terribly.  He ends up a victim of another conspiracy and is assassinated.

On his deathbed, Elisha tries to teach Yehoash the lesson of resilience, but he is unsuccesful.  We also read of the Elisha's postmortem "miracle" and the victory of Yehoash over Aram.

We learn of Yehoachaz, a not very righteous king of Israel, but none the less God listen's when approached in a selfless way.

The same Yehoash who we praised for the Temple repairs was quick to empty the Temple treasury when faced with the threat of invasion by Hazael of Aram.

Yehoash sets up an accountable and honest system for fund raising for Temple repairs.

Athaliah is deposed, Yoash is seated upon the throne of the Davidic Kings, and ba'al is eradicated from Judah.

Athaliah, daughter of Ahab, takes advantage of the vacuum left by Yehu's murderous rampage and goes on a killing spree of her own, leading to her taking over the Kingdom of Judah.