NIV Application Commentary: 1 & 2 Kings (NIVAC)

by August Konkel

Publisher:

Zondervan

, 2006

Overview

Readers of 1 and 2 Kings commonly approach these books as a straightforward chronology of post-Davidic Israel: the inauguration of Solomon’s reign, the division of the kingdom following his death, and Israel’s and Judah’s ensuing kings, conflicts, captivities, and overarching spiritual decline.

In reality, however, the books of the Kings fall into the collection known as the Former Prophets, and their true story and underlying theme center on such striking personalities as Nathan, Elijah, Elisha, and other divinely appointed spokesmen. It is God’s interaction with his people by way of his prophets and their kings—his pleadings, his warnings, and the fulfillment of his words—that comes across again and again with forcefulness and clarity. God speaks; now will his people hear, believe, and respond?

The question is as relevant for us today as it was for the ancient Israelites. Bridging the centuries, August Konkel connects past context to contemporary circumstances, helping us grasp the meaning and significance of 1 and 2 Kings and take to heart their message for us today.

Key Features

• Preface by the author
• In-depth introductions
• Bibliographical references and indexes

Contents

Top Highlights

“In any case, the raising of the son is additional evidence that God alone has the power of life in addition to food.” (Page 297)

“Elisha’s sacrifice is a thank offering for his call, in which neighbors are naturally invited to join. The burning of the yoke of the oxen signifies a complete break with the past. From that time on Elisha becomes the protégé of Elijah.” (Page 304)

“The woman, though a Sidonian, answers in the name of the God of Elijah. Elijah tests her faith and self-renunciation by asking that she first provide a small loaf for him, then another for herself and her son. Yahweh will ensure that the flour in the jar and the oil in the jug will be sufficient until the rains again restore the fertility of the ground. The woman trusts the God of the prophet and does as he instructs. Her faith is rewarded, the prophetic word is confirmed, and the God of Israel is shown to be the giver of life.” (Page 297)

“Ahaziah is portrayed as someone relentlessly driven to his own destruction. The king intends to solicit the power of foreknowledge and healing from the god of Ekron, but when frustrated in his efforts by the messenger of Yahweh, he turns his focus on Elijah. In treating Elijah as his enemy he inadvertently keeps coming into direct conflict with Yahweh through his military messengers. Obsessively calling down Elijah the Tishbite is in reality to summon the Lord of Israel whom he is seeking to deny. Though the king refuses to acknowledge this reality, it is evident to the reader that he cannot escape the presence and judgment of Israel’s God.” (Page 370)

Product Details

• Title: 1 & 2 Kings
• Author: August Konkel
• Series: NIV Application Commentary
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Print Publication Date: 2006
• Logos Release Date: 2012
• Pages: 704
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Bible. O.T. 1 Kings › Commentaries; Bible. O.T. 2 Kings › Commentaries
• ISBNs: 9780310490463, 9780310211297, 0310490464, 0310211298
• Resource ID: LLS:NIVAC11KI
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-10-05T17:06:37Z

About August Konkel

August H. Konkel is the president of Providence College and Seminary in Otterburne, Manitoba. He obtained a PhD from Westminster Theological Seminary in 1987. He served as a translator for the book of Job in the New Living Translation, and completed a commentary on Job for the Cornerstone Biblical Commentary. He was a contributor to the New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology and Exegesis.