College Press Publishing

1 & 2 Kings tell of David's death, the golden age of Solomon's reign, how the nation divided into two kingdoms, and their eventual captivity by heathen powers. Solomon, David's son, began his rule with great wealth, glory, and power, but it ended in disgrace.

Is Kings, therefore, a history without hope?

The spiritual condition of Israel was of paramount importance to the writer amidst political changes. The author of Kings holds up the history of Israel and Judah before the capitives to teach them that the only way to freedom is to repent of idolatry, return to God, keep the covenant, and trust in the divine promises. He seeks to awaken in them a conviction of the truth of this teaching and to strengthen them in this conviction.

The will and purpose of God will indeed prevail. He still spoke through his prophets even when some did not want to listen. In these books, kings are pronounced good or bad as they adhered to or departed from the covenant. God showed his power through the forces of nature, and he incited foreign hostile armies to accomplish his purpose. God is always in control, and Christians know that, in due time, grace comes in David's greatest son, Jesus!

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About the Author...

Dr. Jesse Long Jr. is professor of Old Testament, Syro-Palestinian Archaeology, and Homiletics at Lubbock Christian University. He received his B.A. from David Lipscomb College, his M.A. (Bible) from Alabama Christian School of Religion, his M.Ed. from Georgia State University, his M.Phil. from Drew University, his M.A. (Syro-Palestinian Archaeology), and his Ph.D. (Old Testament) form Drew University. He has had numerous articles published in books and periodicals.

About the Editors...

Terry Briley, Ph.D., is professor of Bible at Lipscomb University, Nashville, Tennessee, since 1986 and serves as Dean of the College of Bible and Ministry. Terry Briley received the B.A. from David Lipscomb College (now Lipscomb University), then a M.Phil. and Ph.D. from Hebrew Union College, Cincinnati, Ohio. In addition to teaching at Lipscomb University, he is the Senior Minister at Natchez Trace Church of Christ and leads an annual summer mission trip to Brazil.

Paul J. Kissling, Ph.D., is professor of Old Testament and Biblical Languages and Area Chair in Bible/Theology at Great Lakes Christian College, Lansing, Michigan. He is an elder at Meridian Christian Church in Okemos. Paul Kissling received the Bachelor's degree form Great Lakes Christian College, the M.Div., from Lincoln Christian Seminary, the Th. M., form Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and the Ph.D. from the University of Sheffield (England). Paul has taught and preached in over 15 countries and serves as Old Testament specialist on the Board of the Stone-Campbell Journal.