1 and 2 Kings-Introduction

I & II KINGS

Introduction by Dr. Battenfield

  1. Name
    1. Hebrew is םיכִלָמְ (all about the kings from Solomon to 586 BC). The LXX calls it the 3rd and 4th Kingdoms
  2. Theme
    1. Israel’s political and social welfare depended on its covenant keeping, sincere faith in the Lord. They were to be a pure and God honoring testimony to the heathen. Because the Israelites did not keep the covenant some liberals have claimed there was none.
  3. Purpose
    1. To document those events which were important from the standpoint of God and His plan of redemption. It is not just stories with a moral.
    2. Contrary to the liberals, the author had no intent of glorifying Israel’s heroes nor of nationalistic motives. The writer plainly omits those kind of achievements that would have claimed the attention of a secular historian.
      1. Examples:    Omri = six verses, yet historically he was very important.
      2. Jeroboam II = seven verses, yet the most wealthy (outside of Solomon), influential king.
    3. This is like attributing to Franklin Roosevelt a paragraph in a history book. Therefore, the history is selective paying attention to the Divine/Human relationship. This being the case we now know why Elijah/Elisha are in 1/3 of the book and Hezekiah has three chapters
  4. Source
    1. There are at least three:
      1. The Book of the Acts of Solomon, I Kings 11.41
      2. The Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah
      3. The Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel These probably came from official court records
  5. Date
    1. The earliest date that can be ascribe to it would be the last historical account of the book, the fall of Jerusalem (586, BC).
  6. Authorship
    1. Jewish tradition – the Talmud, Baba Bathra says it was Jeremiah. Dr. Battenfield says this is possible for all but the last chapter. This chapter speaks of Babylon and Jeremiah died in Egypt. Others say it is Mr. Anonymous.
  7. Liberal Critics
    1. There are two main strata:
      1. a pre-exilic source that knew nothing of the destruction of Jerusalem and regards the high places as legit.
      2. a deuteronomic school of 580 BC. Driver lists common phrases between Deuteronomy and Kings. Yet, both are historic works and should expect to have some of the same phrasing.
  8. Style
    1. Histories of Israel and Judah in parallel form, i.e., synchronistic.

Author: Pastor David

David R Williamson is the founder of Teach for God Ministries. He holds degrees from Grace Bible College, Grand Canyon University, Grace Theological Seminary, and Walden University. David has been actively involved in ministry since 1979. He has ministered in various ministries from Sunday School teacher, Youth Pastor, to English Pastor in Taiwanese churches, including teaching ten years at the Junior High school level. Currently, David is teaching at Hillcrest Christian School at the High School level. He is also pulpit supply and retreat speaker for churches and other religious organizations. He is happily married to Karen with three children: Joshua, Kazlyn, and Joseph