1 and 2 Kings
Civil War! 1 and 2 Kings continue to carry us through the heart of the history books of the Old Testament (which span Joshua through to Esther). But in the books of Kings, rather than getting ‘more of the same’, what we actually get is one of the most significant turning points in the history of God’s kingdom. And here’s a spoiler warning: it is not a happy ending.
Over the previous hundreds of years, Israel had escaped from Egypt, travelled to the land promised to them and eventually invaded and occupied it. They suffered for over three hundred years under the iron fists of foreign rulers, and were regularly rescued and lead by the Judges. But then came the era of the kings. Under Saul, and then David, Israel flourished and become an ancient super-power: wealthy, strong, influential and, most importantly, a nation devoted to serving God.
The book of 1 Kings begins well. David has died, but not before appointing his son Solomon as his successor. Solomon rules the nation – mostly well – for the forty years between 970BC and 930BC. Under his kingship, Israel becomes one of the most wealthy, influential and well-regarded nations on earth – a super-power of the ancient world. But on his death, he leaves behind a nation that is divided and which, within twelve months, breaks into two opposing factions. (We are familiar with this in the modern world in, for example, the North and South divisions of the American Civil War, East and West Germany (before they reunified), North and South Korea, etc.)
The split fell like this: The northern faction was made up of ten tribes led by one of Solomon’s officials, Jeroboam. They established Samaria as their capital and they kept the name Israel.
The southern faction was made up of two tribes led by Solomon’s son, Rehoboam. They kept Jerusalem as their capital and they called themselves Judah.
Things do not go well from here, as the nations spiral into idolatry under the leadership of frequently evil and godless kings. So during this period, and throughout these books, we also read of the rise of some of the most well known and quoted figures in the Biblical narrative – the Prophets (Elijah, Elisha, Jonah, Isaiah, Daniel, etc) who speak on God’s behalf and attempt to call their people back to living under God’s rule.
1 Kings traces the history of the two nations from Solomon’s reign (970BC) to the reign of Ahaziah (King of Israel) in 852BC. (Israel would eventually be destroyed by Assyria in 722BC).
2 Kings continues the history through to the fall of Jerusalem – and the end of Judah – under the armies of Nebuchadnezzer in 586BC.
So we begin our journey into Kings with a united nation under God. But after centuries of godless leadership, idolatry and civil war, the great nation fractures and the people are invaded, beaten, captured and exiled. (Don’t say we didn’t warn you it wasn’t a happy ending!)
As was the case with the books of Samuel, the two books of the kings were originally one continual narrative, divided into two for convenience when the Old Testament was translated from Hebrew into Greek around 200BC.
Week 63
The great king David is in his twilight years, as is seen in the fact that he needs a young girl to keep him warm at night. And as he approaches the end of his reign, the political jockeying for the throne begins. His son Adonijah drums up some support amongst the officials and he makes sacrifices in preparation to take the throne. But Bathsheba and the prophet Nathan both approach the aging David about this, and David fulfils his promise to his wife, declaring his other son Solomon as his successor. News of this naturally enough ruins Adonijah’s celebration bash, as he now has acted against the throne. But Solomon spares his half-brother his life.
David makes a departure speech, imploring his son, the new king, to be strong and to follow God’s decrees, commands and laws. But he also has some unfinished business. He tells Solomon to execute his military commander Joab in revenge for his earlier killings of Abner and Amasa, and to similarly execute Shimei, who previously had insulted and cursed the royal throne. Seems like David harboured a grudge after all. Solomon realises that he needs to secure his throne. He executes Adonijah, who was plotting to marry David’s bed-warmer, as a way of getting back into the royal theatre, and he follows his father’s advice in having Joab and Shimei killed.
Things flourish under Solomon. He makes a shrewd marriage in the hand of the daughter of the Egyptian Pharaoh. His leadership is off to a good start when he asks God not for wealth for himself nor the death of his enemies, but for justice and discernment in being a fair and just leader. God rewards Solomon with wisdom, riches and honour beyond compare. It is these things for which Solomon is most well known. (We immediately see his wisdom at work in the retelling of Solomon’s ruling between two mothers fighting over a baby – a story that is held up and oft quoted as a prime example of true wisdom and clever judgement.)
Solomon’s expansive kingdom flourished and the people were happy, and Solomon had incredible wealth and wisdom. And then as we finish the week, we read of one of the most significant events in Israel’s history – the building of the Temple. Do not be tempted to rush over what can on the surface appear as dull architectural details. Instead, realise and understand the context of the awesome scale and majesty of this building, which Solomon built to house God’s presence on the earth in what would be the focal point of Israel’s spiritual and civic life.
To end the week, we dip into the wonderful proverbs – remember, many of which are attributed to the wise king Solomon. They are like chocolate cake – rich, but to really enjoy them you should have just a bite at a time. The proverbs this week speak of honesty, integrity and righteousness.
