Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching First and Second Kings
Overview
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.
- Detailed introduction
- Bibliography
Top Highlights
“God’s power invades the world of the ordinary to effect strange reversals. The lowly are raised to places of honor (Luke 1:51–53). The unrighteous are justified (Luke 18:9–14). The lost are found (Luke 15:3–10). The dead are raised. These are as much incredible reversals as is iron that floats.” (Page 185)
“The puzzling and overly famous ‘still small voice’ is thus nothing more than a signal that the theophanic excitement is over and that Elijah can emerge so that God can try something else.” (Page 125)
“The unwary reader tends to assume that, in contrast to the first three theophanic manifestations, God is really meant to be present in the enigmatic small voice. This is a completely unwarranted assumption, however. Nothing at all is said about God’s presence in regard to this fourth event. The fact is that while God is associated with the first three events (though not ‘in’ them), nothing relates the fourth event to God one way or the other. The actual contrast is between the fireworks of God’s theophany and the quiet calm that followed, not between God’s presence and absence.” (Page 124)
“Naaman is given a classic narrative test: Go do something that appears silly. Naaman’s anger (vv. 11–12) creates a second complication. It looks as though he will fail the test. He first makes an egocentric objection in verse 11. The prophet should have come out to me (the pronoun is emphasized in Hebrew) and performed the sort of hocus-pocus I expect. Then he makes an ethnocentric objection in verse 12: Our rivers are better than their river any day. Naaman’s problem is shown to be more than physical. He still does not realize ‘there is a prophet in Israel.’” (Page 178)
The Interpretation series from Westminster John Knox Press is clearly established as a rich source for teaching and preaching. They have tapped the talents of a varied and esteemed group of contributors, resulting in what is clearly the essential comprehensive commentary series on the Bible.
—W. Eugene March, A.B. Rhodes Professor of Old Testament Emeritus at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
The Interpretation series is an invaluable resource for any leader or scholar interested in interpreting the biblical text to the broader church. Its works are essential for pastors, educators, and church libraries.
—Brian K. Blount, President and Professor of New Testament at Union Theological Seminary
- Title: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching First and Second Kings
- Author: Richard D. Nelson
- Publisher: John Knox Press
- Publication Date: 1987
- Pages: 273
