2 Kings: The Power and the Fury (Focus on the Bible Commentaries | FB)

by Dale Ralph Davis

Publisher:

Christian Focus

, 2005

Overview

For each section of the Bible, the Focus on the Bible Commentaries summarize the passage of Scripture, including the intentions of the authors, the historical and cultural environment, and the questions and issues raised by a particular passage. But most importantly, the Focus on the Bible Commentaries brings you into the heart of the Bible, by explaining Scripture in an accessible way that makes sense for daily Christian living.

2 Kings provides a fast-paced narrative of insight into the history of Israel under its monarchy. This book is a continuation of the narrative begun in 1 Samuel, and continued through 2 Samuel and 1 Kings. Ralph finishes it off with a captivating and rewarding journey through 2 Kings.

Written between 561 B.C. and 538 B.C., 2 Kings gives us a warning about the consequences of sin, especially the catastrophic repercussions of Israel's love affair with idolatry. Despite struggling with other problems, we see that the Jewish people learned from their experience. They never made a mistake of this enormity again.

Through prophets such as Elisha and Elijah, we see God's compassion for his people and the opportunity for repentance. An opportunity spoilt by Judah, climaxing with the subjugation of the kingdom by the Babylonians.

Illuminating, accessible, and laced with his unique sense of humor, Davis' practical devotional expository applies events to the contemporary reader providing parallels to alert us in the twenty-first century.

What’s more, with the Logos edition, Scripture passages are linked to your favorite English translation for quick reference, or to your Greek and Hebrew texts for original-language study! That gives you quick access to the message of the Bible as you study it! You can also read the 2 Kings: The Power and the Fury along with your Bible dictionaries, encyclopedias, and the wealth of other Bible study tools in your digital library. This commentary will serve as a vital aid for sermon preparation, for personal and group Bible study, and for anyone looking to apply the text of Scripture to practical Christian life.

Key Features

• Chapter-by-chapter commentary
• Accessible and readable exposition
• Eminently useful for preaching, teaching, and both personal and group Bible study

Contents

Top Highlights

“Verse 14 also demonstrates that God’s power is not limited to a certain instrument.” (Page 32)

“How often we already have our idea of how God ought to operate. When he doesn’t mesh with our expectations, we become ‘disappointed’ with God.” (Page 90)

“Why was Elisha so adamant (note his oath) about refusing Naaman’s gift (v. 16)? Doubtless because he wanted to impress on Naaman that Yahweh is a God of grace. One doesn’t bribe, manipulate, or cajole Yahweh like pagans do their gods. Yahweh doesn’t forever have his hand out looking for a pay-off. Yahweh is simply a ‘gifty’ God.” (Page 96)

“At any rate, Gehazi’s greed implied that Yahweh was a ‘taker’ like all the other deities that littered the Near East. So Gehazi’s offense is no trifle. This explains why Gehazi’s punishment (v. 27) is so severe, why God deals so harshly with him.” (Pages 97–98)

“What’s the point? That sometimes Yahweh gives such a gift not because he will fulfill some grand redemptive-historical function but simply because he wants to make a woman happy with a child. Sometimes it’s far simpler than we imagine.” (Page 63)

Praise for the Print Edition

Davis is a helpful guide, not least because he explains the issues with the needs of contemporary Christians in mind.

—Matthew Mason, The Churchman

Today there is a renewed emphasis on the preaching of Old Testament narrative in evangelical circles . . . The six volumes of Ralph Dale Davis of which 2 Kings: The Power and Fury is the culmination are excellent guides for contemporary expositor as he preaches from the “former prophets.” Davis has laid an excellent foundation; may many expositors build upon his work as they preach Old Testament narrative.

—Keith Essex, Assistant Professor of Bible Exposition, The Master’s Seminary

Product Details

• Title: 2 Kings: The Power and the Fury
• Authors: Dale Ralph Davis
• Publisher: Christian Focus
• Publication Date: 2005
• Pages: 352

About Dale Ralph Davis

Dale Ralph Davis is a minister in residence at First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina. Prior to that, he was a professor of Old Testament at the Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi, as well as pastor of Woodland Presbyterian Church in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He is the author of numerous commentaries, including those on Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings and 2 Kings.