The central points in the sermon can be:

1. An illustration of the Ten Tribe kingdom and the Two Tribe kingdom

King Asa (of the Two Tribe kingdom) sees eight kings in the Ten Tribe kingdom during his reign. Kingship in the Ten Tribe kingdom is characterized by violence, massacres, and fear of revenge. After all, this kingship is not based on God’s promises, not aimed at loyalty and service to the people, but at self-maintenance and political survival.

2. Religion

In this passage we see constantly a provoking of God. There is a perpetuation of the self-willed worship from the time of Jeroboam. The idolatry of Baal and Asherah also arises, with sexually-oriented fertility ceremonies. The king sets a bad example for his people by undermining trust in God (his grace, peace, love, care) and promoting the fertility religion. You must propitiate the deity through your own—sexual—power and your sacrifices, sometimes even your own children. It is all in your own hands. You are not in the good hands of that living, faithful, and loving God, but you are at the mercy of incalculable forces of nature that are after your life and that of your children.

3. Ahab and Jericho Points

Points 1 and 2 become clearly visible in the reign of Ahab and especially in the rebuilding of Jericho: where do you look for your safety and security, and what does that cost? The verses about Ahab can also be taken as an introduction to what comes next, that is, much more about Ahab and Jezebel.

4. War and violence

This violence included sexual violence, which only lead to losers and victims. Kings and other rulers should not seek their strength in aggression, violence, and territorial conquest, but in peace initiatives, building up their own people, and having good cooperation with other nations. Let us pray that we may live a quiet and peaceful life under our rulers, and let us pray for wisdom for those who have much power (Romans 13:3–4; 1 Timothy 2:1–3).