Kings: [ /ˈkiŋz/ ] noun --- the ruler or sovereign over a nation.
The author is anonymous for both texts. Some commentators have suggested Ezra, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah as possible authors. Because the entire work encompasses a time period of more than four hundred years, several source materials were used to compile the records, along with multiple authors. Certain clues such as literary styles, themes woven throughout the book, and the nature of material used point to a single compiler or final author rather than multiple compilers.
OVERVIEW:
Like the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, the Book of Kings originally was one book. In the Hebrew Bible the book of Kings continued the narrative started in Samuel. The Septuagint separated them into two parts. We derive our English title “Kings” from Jerome’s Vulgate, the Latin translation of the Bible.
First Kings opens describing the final days of King David (around 971 BC) and death (1 Kings 2:10). After this, his son, Solomon, ascended the throne and established himself as a strong and wise leader. In the early years of Solomon’s reign, the nation of Israel flourished. Its influence, economy, and military power enjoyed little opposition; its neighbors posed no strong military threat. Yet, in his later years, the nation began to slip into ruin. Solomon did well at first, praying for wisdom and building a temple to God that took seven years to construct. But then he spent thirteen years building a palace for himself. His accumulation of many wives led him to worship their idols and away from God. Shortly after Solomon’s death in 931 BC (1 Kings 11:43), the kingdom was divided into northern (Israel) and southern (Judah) territories. In this period, Israel was ruled by a series of kings, most of whom were evil and idolatrous. The nation fell further away from God, and even the preaching of Elijah could not bring them back. The most evil kings were Ahab and his queen, Jezebel, who brought the worship of Baal to the forefront in Israel. Elijah tried to turn the Israelites back to the worship of the LORD, challenging the idolatrous priests of Baal to a showdown with God on Mount Carmel. Of course, God won. This made Queen Jezebel angry. She ordered Elijah’s death, so he ran away and hid in the wilderness. Depressed and exhausted, he said, “Let me die.” But God sent food and encouragement to the prophet and whispered to him in a “quiet gentle sound” and in the process saved his life for further work.
First Kings follows the history of the divided kingdom through the year 853 BC. This is where 2 Kings starts up. The book depicts the downfall of the divided kingdom. The Northern Kingdom of Israel is eventually destroyed by the Assyrians, and about 136 years later the Southern Kingdom of Judah is destroyed by the Babylonians.
SO WHAT?
British statesman Winston Churchill wrote, “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” You may be familiar with some variation of this saying. As we read through 1 & 2 Kings, even the Bible as a whole, we can glean wisdom from history. In our faith, we can see throughout history what happens to those who turn away from God, His word, and His commands. We can see the beauty of faith and the tragedy of faithlessness.
We can learn from the history, the people, and the events recorded in these texts. While looking to earthly kings, Israel forgot the One True King. Though this is true, God saved a remnant from among the people and kept the royal line intact so that one day His people could return to their land to await the promised Redeemer. This Redeemer and the only Redeemer is the person of Jesus Christ. So, as you read the word, I pray you would see the faithful God at work, keep your eyes of faith on Him, and walk faithfully with Him empowered through Jesus by the Holy Spirit. Blessings of peace and joy will be yours, as the world cannot give nor take away.
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” (Psalm 20:7 NIV)
Today, take time to recall the blessings in your life, and then thank the Lord for them. Rely on Him, not your possessions or position, as your source of strength and significance.
Next month, we will look at the two texts of 1 and 2 Chronicles. These are accounts of the fulfillment of God’s promise to David when he is made king over all Israel and an opportunity to evaluate each generation from the past and discern why each was blessed for their obedience or punished for their wickedness. Until then, to my brothers and sisters in the faith – “Onward!” To those seeking the King: read the word, seek, and you will find Jesus. To all: those who come to Jesus will find rest for their souls (Matthew 11:28-30).
