2 Kings 8:16-19 NIV. Written in the time of exile, the book of Kings is probably one of the most pitiful records of the Old Testament. As it conveyed the unfortunate story of the decline and fall of God's chosen people. First division of the nation, then idolatry, then exile and captivity into Babylon. Yet, between the pages and paragraphs of a very painful story, we see God's promises spring forth hope like a seed. Despite the sin of the kings and the nation as a whole, verse 19 says "Nevertheless, for the sake of his servant David, the Lord was not willing to destroy Judah". God had promised to David an everlasting kingdom (2 Samuel 7:11), and many years later we see God's faithfulness to His promise (1 Kings 11:13, 15:4; 2 Kings 19:34, 20:6). And when Israel as a nation in exile had no king to look to, they held on to God's promise to establish David's kingdom and send a king who would rule justly. Ultimately, God fulfilled that promi
