First and Second Kings form the conclusion of the section named Former Prophets (Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings) in the Hebrew Bible. They relate the history of the Israelites from the death of King David to the destruction of Jerusalem (960-586 B.C.).
The Books of Kings provide information on the reigns of the Israelite and Judean kings for more than 350 years.
The importance of the content of 1 and 2 Kings is clear.
These books describe the division of the united monarchy of Israel after the death of Solomon. That disruption never was healed fully. The significant long-term result of this division is demonstrated 1,000 years later in the conversation of Jesus with a Samaritan woman (John 4).
They recount the interrelated events of the northern kingdom (Israel) and the southern kingdom (Judah). This means they provide the historical background for the ministries of many of the prophets, including Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, Jeremiah and others.
They relate the account of the most significant spiritual revival during the entire Old Testament period. This occurred in the time of King Josiah (2 Kings 22-23).
Finally, these books narrate the most devastating event to the people of God recorded in the Old Testament—the capture and destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by the Babylonian army.
Two suggested resources
I want to suggest two resources that have proven invaluable in my own studies of the historical context of these books.
The classic A History of Israel, Third Edition by John Bright enjoys a broad consensus as being the best resource of its kind.
The Holman Bible Atlas, Second Edition by Thomas V. Brisco is the best comprehensive source for the overview of the historical contexts of both the Old Testament and the New Testament.
Brisco, a Baptist scholar, was a long-time professor at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary before his service as dean of the Logsdon School of Theology, where he was the chief academic officer at Hardin-Simmons University at his retirement.
Brisco utilizes text, illustrations, graphs, maps and tables to convey effectively information very beneficial to both the scholar and the lay student of Scripture.
A preaching/teaching example
In my ministry at South Main Baptist Church of Pasadena for 40 years, I naturally utilized these two books as texts for preaching and teaching.
Charles Dickens began his novel A Tale of Two Cities: “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.” I did a series of Bible studies from the Books of Kings titled “The Best of Kings and the Worst of Kings.” I discussed bad kings, such as Jeroboam I, Manasseh, Jehu, as well as good kings, such as Hezekiah and Josiah.
A large section of these books is devoted to the story of two great prophets of old Israel, Elijah and Elisha (1 Kings 17 to 2 Kings 8). I used the prophetic material in these books as wonderful patterns for ministry in our contemporary life.
Elijah represents speaking truth to power. Elisha embodies visionary leadership combined with compassionate ministry. Obadiah is faithful to God even while working in the administration of wicked King Ahab. Huldah provides sound counsel and spiritual wisdom to King Josiah.
Commentaries
Most Old Testament interpreters would prefer to write a commentary on Exodus or Isaiah rather than on 1 and 2 Kings. Having said that, some excellent interpreters have produced a Kings commentary. I mention three of them I have used extensively and recommend heartily.
New American Commentary: 1 & 2 Kings by Paul House
Paul House, taught at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Beeson Divinity School at Samford University.
House has something for everyone. For the student/scholar, his 85-page introduction to 1 and 2 Kings is comprehensive in its discussion of all relevant literary, structural and canonical (the specific place in the overall flow of Scripture) issues. For the proclaimer/teacher, he provides a brief but good and understandable explanation of each text/paragraph in these books.
Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary: 1 and 2 Kings by Walter Brueggemann
Walter Brueggemann was a prominent Old Testament interpreter who taught at the Eden Theological Seminary (1961-1986) and the Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Ga. (1986-2003). He authored more than 100 books, including an introduction to the Old Testament and a massive Old Testament theology.
Brueggemann’s commentaries are insightful because, in addition to his excellent language and grammatical work, he emphasizes the “big picture” significance of the subject matter.
In his Kings commentary, he points out the three major focal points as Jerusalem—specifically the temple; Torah as the measuring standard of determining “good and evil” of the various kings; and the indispensable role of the prophets.
The commentaries in the Smyth & Helwys series employ two divisions in their treatment of each biblical passage: Commentary and Connections. Brueggemann uses that format effectively on 1 Kings 19 when he asserts God ministered to a despondent Elijah and brought him “from despondency to fresh energy and militancy.” He then emphasizes God provides resources for all who stand courageously for him.
New Interpreter’s Bible, Vol. 2: “1 & 2 Kings” by Choon-Leong Seow
Choon-Leong Seow, a native of Singapore, received a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, where he taught more than 30 years, and a Ph.D. from Harvard University. He is currently a professor of Hebrew Bible at Vanderbilt University in Nashville.
One of Seow’s chief contributions to biblical studies has been in the area of the “history of consequences.” This focus certainly is applicable to the material in the Books of Kings.
I especially appreciate Seow’s treatment of the reign of Solomon (1 Kings 1-11). He balances the affirmation of Solomon, who asked God for wisdom and built a temple, with the recognition of mistakes he made and his unfaithfulness to God.
Ron Lyles is pastor emeritus of South Main Baptist Church in Pasadena, Texas, where he was the senior pastor for 40 years. He has been an adjunct professor at Hardin-Simmons University’s Logsdon School of Theology and Houston Christian University and is an adjunct professor at Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary and Stark College and Seminary. He also was a writer for BaptistWay Press, now GC2 Press. The views expressed in this resource article are those of the author.
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