Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching First and Second Kings

Richard Nelson examines the books of Kings and treats the text as theological literature, emphasizing the literary impact of this important part of the Old Testament canon. Nelson recognizes Kings as a useful though uncritical source of historical information, its purpose to transform the beliefs of its first readers, to get them to re-evaluate their identity before God. Nelson’s impressive volume speaks to the concerns of the twentieth century church as addressed in this ancient Jewish historiographic work.