Day 236: The Reign of King Ahaz and the Fall of Israel - Immerse Bible Reading

In this episode of 'Immerse: The Daily Bible Reading Experience,' we cover Day 236, focusing on the reign of King Ahaz of Judah and the downfall of Israel. We start with Ahaz, who ascends to the throne at the age of 20, following in the footsteps of the pagan kings of Israel rather than his ancestor David. His actions lead to collaborations and conflicts with surrounding nations, including Assyria. We also explore the reign of Hoshea, the last king of Israel, whose betrayal of Assyria leads to the siege and fall of Samaria. This episode outlines the consequences of turning away from God's commandments, culminating in the exile of the Israelites and the resettlement of foreign nations in Samaria, who continue to worship their own gods while superficially acknowledging the Lord. The episode closes by emphasizing the importance of adherence to God's decrees and the enduring impact of disobedience.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:04 Reign of King Ahaz
00:24 King Ahaz's Idolatry and Alliance with Assyria
01:55 Changes in Religious Practices
03:35 End of Ahaz's Reign and Succession
03:47 Reign of King Hoshea and Israel's Downfall
08:23 Exile of Israel and Resettlement
09:29 Continued Idolatry and Mixed Worship
11:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Buy Immerse: Kingdoms Now!

Volume 3 — Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Samuel–Kings

Kingdoms

Immerse: Kingdoms is the third of six volumes in Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience. Kingdoms presents a new and unique journey through the story of Israel from the time of its conquest of Canaan (Joshua) through its struggle to settle the land (Judges, Ruth) and the establishment of Israel’s kingdom, which ends in a forced exile (Samuel–Kings). The nation of Israel, commissioned to be God’s light to the nations, falls to division and then foreign conquest for rejecting God’s rule.

4 Questions to get your conversations started:
1. What stood out to you this week?
2. Was there anything confusing or troubling?
3. Did anything make you think differently about God?
4. How might this change the way we live?

QUICK START GUIDE
3 ways to get the most out of your experience

1. Use Immerse: Beginnings instead of your regular chapter and verse Bible. This special reader’s edition restores the Bible to its natural simplicity and beauty by removing chapter and verse numbers and other historical additions. Letters look like letters, songs look like songs, and the original literary structures are visible in each book.
2. Commit to making this a community experience. Immerse is designed for groups to encounter large portions of the Bible together
   for 8 weeks–more like a book club, less like a Bible study. By meeting every week in small groups and discussing what you read in open,
   honest conversations, you and your community can come together to be transformed through an authentic experience with the Scriptures.
3. Aim to understand the big story. Read through “The Stories and the Story” (p. 483) to see how the books of the Bible work together to tell God’s story of his creation’s restoration. As you read through Immerse: Beginnings, rather than ask, “How do I fit God into my busy life?” begin asking, “How can I join in God’s great plan by living out my part in his story?”