How was the nation of Israel divided at the time of 2 Kings 17?
At the time of 2 Kings 17, Israel had been a divided nation for many years. The ten tribes were positioned to the north, and the two tribes were positioned to the south. This longstanding north-south division is the setting the chapter addresses.
Les teaches that when the program returns momentarily to 2 Kings chapter 17, the key point is that Israel has been a divided nation for many, many years. He explains that the ten tribes were to the north and the two tribes were to the south. The previous program ended at verse 23, and this division is the backdrop for that chapter.