Yet notwithstanding the perversity of those who leaned toward idolatrous practices, God in mercy would do everything in His power to save the divided kingdom from utter ruin. And as the years rolled on and His purpose concerning Israel seemed to be utterly thwarted by the devices of men inspired by satanic agencies, He still manifested His 97 beneficent designs through the captivity and restoration of the chosen nation.

Til trods for afgudsdyrkernes ondskab ville Gud i sin nåde gøre alt, hvad der stod i hans magt, for at redde det delte rige fra fuldstændig undergang. I årenes løb så det ud, som om hans vilje med Israel blev krydset af mennesker, der stod under sataniske kræfters kontrol, men selv da kom hans nådige hensigt til udtryk i det udvalgte folks fangenskab og frigivelse.