2 Kings 17:33

She was at the end of her rope. Feeling empty from her guilt and shame, she found herself incredibly lonely and in despair. How do we find hope when we’re living in despair? The answer is found in the story of “The Woman at the Well” in John chapter 4, in what we call a "Perspectives Study".

What began as a victorious return to the land in Joshua ends in destruction, defeat, and exile in 2 Kings. The idolatry and sinfulness of Israel and Judah lead to their expulsion from the land - a final ignominy in a long history of unfaithfulness. Yet even in exile, God was preserving his people and the line of David for a future coming King, whose reign would know no end.

Jesus often chose to teach through parables for a reason: these simple yet profound stories conveyed deep spiritual truths and timeless life lessons in a way that resonated deeply with His listeners. When we take the time to understand them within their historical and cultural context—hearing them as His original audience would have—we, too, can experience their transformative power.

In the beginning was the Word … but what came next? This plan is for anyone who wants a better understanding of the Bible. It provides a chronological reading program that endeavors to place all biblical passages in their date order. Part Seven of this twelve-part one-year reading plan is titled ‘Israel’s Exile, Judah’s Further Decline: 730 BC–615 BC’.