Page 75 - Advanced OT Survey Student Textbook

The Book of 2 Samuel

1-2 Kings
1-2 Kings narrate the history of the Israel in the United Kingdom (David and Solomon)
and divided Kingdom (Israel and Judah).

Theme(s) include: Failed Obedience, Future Hope and Foremost Supremacy
(Solomon, Jeroboam, and Prophets/Ahab).

The main message of these books can summarized this way: From united to divided,
the books of Kings highlight Israel’s failed obedience, repeatedly violating God’s covenant by worshiping
other gods resulting in exile, the future hope found only in repentance, and YHWH’s jealousy for
foremost supremacy, showing His superiority both to Baal and Israel’s kings. The two books can be
divided as follows: Solomon’s Character (1-11), Jeroboam’s Consequence (12-16), Prophets’ Challenge (1
Kings 17-2 Kings 8).

1 Kings 1-3 focuses on the rise of Solomon as King over Israel. When David is debilitated and Adonijah
seeks throne, Solomon is elected king, exhorted to keep God’s covenant: obey blessing and kill hostiles-
just? After David’s death, Solomon is established 4x, eliminating internal foes and establishing an
external treaty. Like his father, Solomon’s rise reveals cracks in his armor, signal of trouble power and
politics, no explicit sign God’s ordination characterization, 2 Sam 7, 2 Chr. 1

1 Kings 3-10 focuses on Solomon’s wisdom, wealth, wonder. This section is bracketed by divine dreams,
promised provisions (3-4, 9-10), centering on temple’s construction and dedication (5-8). As Solomon
sacrifices at Gibeon, God offers to grant a request. When Solomon asks for hearing heart, God promises
wisdom, wealth and wonder! Examples are immediately offered: wisdom (babies, districts, knowledge)
wealth (land, tribute, horses), wonder (surpassed, fame, nations) To fulfill YHWH’s promise to David,

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