Overview The books of 1 & 2 Kings continue the historical narrative of Israel, documenting the monarchy from the reign of King Solomon to the fall of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile. These books reveal the spiritual and political decline of Israel and Judah, emphasising the consequences of obedience and disobedience to God’s covenant. They serve as both historical records and theological reflections on how the kings faithfulness—or lack thereof—determined the fate of the nation. Authorship and Date The author of 1 & 2 Kings is traditionally unknown, though Jewish tradition attributes the work to the prophet Jeremiah. The books were likely compiled during the Babylonian exile (c. 560–540 BC), drawing from royal annals, prophetic writings, and oral traditions. Key Themes

• God’s Sovereignty Over Nations – Kings rise and fall according to God’s will.
• The Role of the Prophets – Figures like Elijah and Elisha play key roles in calling kings and the nation back to God.
• Covenant Faithfulness and Judgment – Obedience leads to blessing; disobedience leads to disaster.
• The Division of the Kingdom – The split between Israel (Northern Kingdom) and Judah (Southern Kingdom) marks the beginning of national decline.
• The Hope of Restoration – Despite judgment, God’s promise to David remains, pointing to a future messianic king.

Key Figures

• Solomon – The wise king whose reign begins with glory but ends in idolatry.
• Elijah & Elisha – Prophets who perform miracles and challenge Israel’s unfaithfulness.
• Hezekiah & Josiah – Righteous kings who lead spiritual reforms.
• Nebuchadnezzar – The Babylonian king who destroys Jerusalem and takes Judah into exile.

Significance 1 & 2 Kings serve as a sobering reminder that spiritual compromise leads to destruction, but they also point forward to the ultimate hope in Jesus Christ, the true King from David’s line who will reign forever.