1st and 2nd Kings

 

Today my Bible study partner (Kris) and I began (actually continued) studying about the Kings of Israel (and Judah). Last week we left 2^nd Samuel with David still being David, a man who runs hot and cold towards God – just like we do at times. As we start 1^st Kings, we review some key insights from 1^st and 2^nd Samuel. And we take a look at the overarching theme of the two books of Kings.

A key reminder is that originally the books now titled 1^st and 2^nd Samuel, and 1^st and 2^nd Kings were one very large book. The divisions were made over time. Even as Christ came on the scene, these books were grouped together. Josephus (an early New Testament theologian) indicated that the Old Testament contained only 26 books versus today’s 39. This is not because there were books added over time, but because several books were originally grouped together (For instance, all minor prophets were in one book, Nehemiah and Lamentations were one book, Judges and Ruth were one book).

Also, we are reminded that the now 4 history books we are studying tell us about 3 different groups of people that ruled Israel: 1. Prophets, 2. Kings, and 3. High Priests. This is significant because these seemingly unimportant distinctions were all leading to one person. Jesus embodies all three roles. He’s the only one who does. He is prophet, king and high priest. That will be made totally clear during His rule on earth when He returns. Yet, it is also true now.

Looking forward to 1^st and 2^nd Kings, one commentator (from the NavPress Lifechange Study of Kings) summed up the focus of these two books, and much of Scripture actually. It said that 1^st and 2^nd Kings systematically dismantled Israel’s confidence in everything but the omnipotent mercy and patience of God. So, as we study these books we are going to look for incidences where this is shown. We made post-it notes to move from our notes from one chapter to the next with the following question on it to remind us to do so: “Where is God dismantling Israel’s confidence [in their beliefs, behaviors, and themselves] and showing His omnipotent mercy and patience?” I will be pointing out those things as I write my blog articles going forward. At least that’s the plan right now.

I hope you continue on this journey through the history of Israel with me. I’m looking forward to seeing how these books all tie together and why they were originally one book.