1 Kings Overview
Author:
Like the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings originally were one book, which formed a sequel to Samuel. The Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament Translation ) separated them into two parts. The title “Kings” is derived from the Vulgate, the Latin translation of the Bible.
No one knows the author of 1 and 2 Kings, though 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. Certain clues such as literary styles, themes woven throughout the book, and the nature of material used point to a single compiler or author rather than multiple compilers or authors.
Background:
The events covered in 1Kings spanned a period of about 120 years. The book records the turbulent experiences of God’s people, from the death of David to the reign of Jehoshaphat ( the fourth king in the southern kingdom of Judah) and the reign of Ahaziah (the ninth king in the northern kingdom of Israel)This was a difficult period in their history, a time of great change and upheaval. There was struggle from within and pressure from without.
The book of 1 Kings begins with a unified kingdom, glorious and God-centered. It ends with a divided kingdom, degraded and idolatrous.
Purpose:
1Kings was written “to record history but, more important, to teach the lessons of history.” As with other historical books in the Old Testament, the history recorded here was meant to preserve not just important events but spiritual truths learned through those events.
In the books of 1 and 2 Kings, each king is evaluated by his reaction toward his covenantal responsibility to the Law of the Lord That was the acid test of whether he did evil or that which was right in the eyes of the Lord. Readers will notice scathing rebukes of some kings—reports not typically recorded by purely historical writers. In addition to the kings, the prophets feature heavily in this book. They are God’s spokesmen, proclaiming His word to mostly hard-hearted rulers. It is through the prophets’ eyes which always connect the nation’s fortune with its kings’ faithfulness or lack of it, that we learn the history of Israel and Judah.
Personal Application
The message of 1 and 2 Kings is as relevant today as when it was written. God still controls human affairs. The nation, leader, or person who responds to and obeys the Lord will reap the benefits of a relationship with Him. Those who refuse and rebel will experience God’s discipline. We are vulnerable to the same forces that brought about Israel’s decay: greed, jealousy, selfishness, lust for power and superficiality in our devotion to God. As we read about these tragic events in Israel’s history, we must see ourselves in the mirror of their experiences and commit ourselves everyday to following God wholeheartedly. God is the author of redemption, and He graciously forgives us when we repent and return to him.
