Kings and Prophets¶

What we will read¶

The four-part Book of the Kingdoms¶

Our reading will centre on the continuous narrative contained in the books of 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings and 2 Kings. It probably originated as one single work, fitting onto four scrolls, and it tells of the rise and fall of two kingdoms, Israel and Judah.

These four books contain some of the most sophisticated and dramatic stories to be found in the ancient world, and illustrate the underlying themes of the Bible very well.

In this epic story of the kingdoms, we will encounter some of the most vivid stories and significant characters of the Bible – David slaying Goliath with a sling-stone, the magnificence of Solomon’s palace and his great new Temple, the downfall of Queen Jezebel, and the great prophet Elijah winning a fire contest against the prophets of Baal before flying into the sky in a fiery chariot.

Many of the other books in the OT actually take place within the time period of the kingdoms, or have close links associating them with it. Here are the other books we will read as well, fitting them into the framework provided by the books of Samuel and Kings.

Selections from the Psalms¶

About a dozen of the psalms come with an explanatory note linking them to specific events in the life of King David. In this read-through, these psalms will be read shortly after the relevant passage in the book.

Most of the rest of the psalms do not have such an explicit link, but are relevant to the story at hand, or echo similar themes. We will read a few psalms at a time all the way through our reading of other OT books. In this way we can spread them out and better appreciate them, instead of trying to read a hymn-book straight through.

Selected prophets¶

The book of 2 Kings describes the reigns of the various kings in order. If we look at the prophetic books we will see that many begin with an introductory note locating the message of that book during one or more of these reigns. For example, the book of Zephaniah states that the prophet was active during the reign of Josiah son of Amon, who comes to power in 2 Kings 21. Accordingly we will read the book of Zephaniah at this point.

Not all of the prophetic books do have such an explicit reference, but most can sensibly be read to accompany some passage in the Kings narrative. In this way we will read the minor prophets from Hosea to Zephaniah, and also the major prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah.

Reading plan¶

We will tackle each book in a number of small sections. You will likely have to familiarise yourself with some new concepts and a bit of new vocabulary. So be prepared to take it slow, especially at the beginning.

The overall length of what we'll be reading should not be too daunting. The combined length of the books of Samuel and Kings, together making a single narrative which we will follow all the way through, is only the length of an average novel (about 80,000 words in English translation). The added prophets and other books extend this somewhat, but it is still manageable.

Spoilers¶

At no stage will I be shielding you from spoilers. The Bible is not a suspense thriller.

No matter where you begin your reading, I think it helps to know something about the whole plot. I will mention things that are going to happen, especially to point out ways in which the story often pre-figures these events. In other words, what happens at one time can look forward to events which will take place at a later time. This is an important part of the way the Bible is written, and so I will be pointing out some of these 'echoes'.

Since we're starting part-way through, I will also have occasion to refer back to previous books that we haven't reached yet, in order to explain some of the themes which come up.

Summary of Samuel / Kings¶

The major biblical theme¶

Recall the statement of the main biblical theme, concerning downfall through disobedience followed by restoration. The motif of human disobedience leading to divine punishment, with the promise or hope of restoration for a few emerges again and again.

Plot summary¶

1 Samuel starts appropriately enough with the prophet Samuel, who is prevailed upon by the people to appoint them a king. Samuel, however, is not really the main character and he dies near the end of the first book. The main storyline in this book is the interplay between the first king, Saul, and his successor David.

Saul is Yahweh’s first choice for king, but turns out to be disobedient and is rejected, so that his sons do not inherit the kingdom. Subsequently, David succeeds him as king, and is regarded as a model of true kingship principally because of his steadfast obedience. This despite a number of serious sins he commits. Nevertheless he stays true to Yahweh.

The second book (2 Samuel) then covers the reign of David, and the tangles of intrigue and tragedy which befall his family, leading ultimately to civil war against his own son Absalom. By the beginning of 1 Kings, David is on his death-bed, where he bequeaths the kingdom to another son, Solomon. Under him the first great Temple of Yahweh is built in Jerusalem. After his death, however, the realm is divided and a succession of kings rule over the separate southern and northern kingdoms.

Again and again the people rebel against their god’s commands, principally by always being willing to worship other gods. Yahweh is a jealous god and desires obedience, although he has endowed his creatures with freedom, which easily turns into a tendency to wickedness. This underlying irony drives the whole story.

In the final book, 2 Kings, the northern kingdom (Israel) is defeated by the Assyrians and many of its people deported. Then the power of Assyria itself wanes, only to be replaced by other invaders. In the end the southern kingdom (Judah) is also conquered, this time by Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, who destroys the Judaean capital Jerusalem and initiates the period known as the Exile.

Over the course of 1 and 2 Kings we follow the careers of prophets such as Elijah and Isaiah, and notable kings including Ahab, Hezekiah and Josiah. In between these major characters there are many minor kings who come and go, and we will read the stirring words of the minor prophets also. It can be bewildering, but that is why this guide is here. It will all (mostly) make sense by the end. Let’s go!