Israel Taken Captive

Discussion questions:

1. Who was the final king of Israel, the Northern Kingdom?
(Hoshea, son of Elah; 2 Kings 17:1)

2. Why did Hoshea turn to Egypt for help?
(Hoshea did not want to pay money to Assyria, 2 Kings 17:4)

3. Why did God allow Assyria to defeat and capture Israel?
(The people would not listen to the prophets or obey God, 2 Kings 17:13-18)

4. How is God’s discipline a sign of His love?
Guide kids to understand that sin hurts us and everyone around us. If God did not discipline His people for their sin, it would show that He does not want what was best for them. God’s discipline helps teach His people to obey Him, which is for their own good.

5. What is the difference between consequences of sin and punishment for sin?
Guide kids to see that sin still carries a price. When we make sinful choices, it still hurts us and those around us. Those are the consequences of sin. But the punishment of sin—death and separation from God forever—was laid on Jesus. When we believe in Jesus, His sacrifice covers our sin and makes us new.

6. How do we know that believers in Jesus will never be punished for sin?
Help kids see that Jesus’ sacrifice was the ultimate and final sacrifice. It was sufficient for all our sin. He rose from the dead, proving that sin no longer has power. When we believe in Jesus, we are declared righteous and united to God forever.

Downloadable Activity Pages:
Journal page
Activity page 1
Activity page 2
Coloring Sheet