NAME

"Like the books of Samuel, the books of Kings were originally one. In the LXX (the Septuagint) they are called the third and fourth book of Kingdoms." Edward J. Young

AUTHOR

"Jewish tradition attributes the book to the prophet Jeremiah clearly the author used historical sources in compiling the book (1 Kings 11:41 - 14:19, 29 ) and the last chapter of 2 Kings must have been written by someone living in Babylon rather than Egypt, where Jeremiah died." Ryrie

PROPHETS

"Many references are found to the prophets and to the men of God whose chief business was to guard the sovereign rule of God over Israel from the encroachments of kings, priests or people. Indeed, it is in large measure as guardians of the theocracy that we must regard the prophets. We meet them in the books of Kings rebuking all and sundry. Even kings came under condemnations. Often they were in kings' courts watching the interest of the God of Israel." J.A. Thompson- The Biblical Expositor, 1 and 2 Kings

PURPOSE

"It seems clear that the author was trying to convey a message, not merely to write history. The message is Deuteronomic, as a reading of Deuteronomy 7 or 9 or 11 (particularly 11:26-28) or many other portions will clearly indicate. The purpose in a word, is to be shown that Israel - the total nation - as the people of Yahweh is expected to keep the law of Yahweh, and that there is blessing in so doing, punishment for failure to keep His law ... the author has chosen to proclaim his message principally by telling the story of the Kings. It is noteworthy that each king's reign is judged, not on political grounds but on religious grounds alone: He 'did what was evil in the sight of Yahweh', or 'he did what was right in the eyes of Yahweh.'" The New Bible Commentary Revised

GOD'S HISTORY

God's history of the decline of the divided Hebrew kingdoms - Israel in the north - and Judah in the south. An unbroken line of evil kings brought exile from the promised land. Though blessed with godly kings such as Joash, Hezekiah, Josiah who was the last of Judah's kings to follow the Lord, Judah's persistent turning from God also culminated in their sharing the judgment of the northern kingdom.

MAIN TRUTH

Those who refuse and rebel against the Word of the Lord will know the discipline of God. Those who obey the Lord will, through relationship with Him, enjoy the rich blessing of that relationship.

RECURRING PHRASES

"The word of the LORD," or equivalent, "According to the word of the LORD." (2 Kings 1:17, 10:10, 17:23, 24:2 ).