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Kings: The Book of Proving
First and Second Kings demonstrate that no earthly ruler can truly save us. Through the rise and fall of Israel's monarchs, we see the proof that we need a different kind of king—one who is not of this world.
Understanding "The Kings"
First and Second Kings were originally one book called "The Kings." While Samuel was the Book of Contrast (comparing Saul and David), Kings is the Book of Proving—laying out evidence to answer a crucial question:
Can an earthly king be enough?
Throughout these books, we see that even the best kings fall short. Even the greatest prophet, Elijah, could not bring lasting revival. The lesson is clear: don't look for solutions in earthly power or religious leaders. We need someone from another place—another kind of king, another kind of prophet.
The Big Picture of Kings
1
United Kingdom
Solomon reigns over all Israel (1 Kings 1-11)
2
Divided Kingdom
Civil war splits Israel (north) from Judah (south) (1 Kings 12-2 Kings 17)
3
Fall of Israel
Northern kingdom falls to Assyria in 722 BC (2 Kings 17)
4
Fall of Judah
Southern kingdom falls to Babylon in 586 BC (2 Kings 25)
Kings is historical writing with a theological purpose, showing how God works through history. Unlike Chronicles (which focuses more on Judah), Kings follows both kingdoms but especially the northern kingdom of Israel. The book ends tragically with both kingdoms in exile, proving the failure of human kingship.
Historical Reality, Not Mythology
The events in Kings are supported by extensive archaeological evidence:
  • Remnants of Solomon's gates at Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer
  • Evidence of his vast stables and fortress cities
  • Records of Assyrian and Babylonian invasions carved in stone tablets
  • Hezekiah's tunnel—a 1,700-foot engineering marvel discovered in 1838
  • Remains of Jeroboam's altar at Dan
These archaeological findings confirm that Kings records real historical events, not mythology. When visiting Israel today, you can see the physical evidence of these biblical accounts.
The Situation: Good and Bad, But Mostly Bad
David & Solomon
Brief period of united kingdom under these two kings
Kingdom Splits
Rehoboam's pride causes civil war; Jeroboam sets up golden calves
Widespread Sin
Kings lead people into idolatry, child sacrifice, and religious prostitution
Exile
Both kingdoms eventually fall and are carried into exile
Even when God sent Elijah—perhaps the greatest Old Testament prophet—to confront evil King Ahab, the dramatic showdown at Mount Carmel (where fire from heaven consumed an entire altar) failed to produce lasting revival. Despite God's powerful intervention, Elijah soon found himself fleeing into the wilderness, depressed and believing he was the only faithful one left.
God's Gentle Whisper
"And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper."
When Elijah was at his lowest point, God revealed Himself not in displays of power, but in a gentle whisper. God assured the prophet that He had preserved 7,000 people who hadn't bowed to Baal. Even when things looked hopeless, God was still working out His plan.
Despite this moment of hope, the story ultimately ends with both kingdoms in exile "because the people of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God."
Three Gospel Images in Kings
Solomon's Intercession (1 Kings 8:46-50)
Solomon prays: "If they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin—yet if they turn their heart... and repent... forgive your people." This shows grace through repentance and faith in the designated place of sacrifice.
Naaman's Healing (2 Kings 5)
A Syrian commander is healed of leprosy by humbly washing in the Jordan River. This teaches that salvation cannot be purchased but requires humility and faith in God's designated means—just as we must trust in Christ alone.
Manasseh's Repentance (2 Kings 21, 2 Chronicles 33)
The most wicked king who practiced child sacrifice and filled Jerusalem with innocent blood eventually repented in captivity. God forgave him, showing that no sin is beyond God's grace when there is true repentance.
These stories reveal that there is no hole too deep, no past too sordid that can outreach the extravagance of God's forgiveness. It's not how you begin, but how you end—by casting your eyes on Christ.
The "Good" Kings: Still Not Enough
Solomon
Israel's most magnificent king with unparalleled wisdom, but his heart became divided. "Solomon loved the Lord" (1 Kings 3) became "Solomon loved many women and their gods" (1 Kings 11).
Asa
Second-longest reigning monarch, faithful to God while northern kings kept changing. Yet "even in his disease he did not seek the Lord, but sought help from physicians" (2 Chronicles 16).
Hezekiah
Faithful during Assyria's rise, but was led astray by pride in his own heart, showing off his treasures to Babylon.
Josiah
"There was no one like him" who "turned with all his heart and soul" (2 Kings 23), but he couldn't change the people's hearts and died an early death.
Even the best kings had fatal flaws. A divided heart, failure to trust God completely, pride, or inability to transform the people—each demonstrates that no human king could fully deliver God's people from sin and its consequences.
The Verdict: Jehoiachin's Story
The book of Kings ends with a telling scene in 2 Kings 25:27-30:
"In the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah... Evil-merodach king of Babylon... graciously freed Jehoiachin king of Judah from prison. And he spoke kindly to him and gave him a seat above the seats of the kings who were with him in Babylon."
The final king of Judah is a defeated king in a distant land, dining with the enemy. This tragic ending proves that no human king was capable of fully delivering the people from their enemies or their own sinful hearts.
Yet there's a glimmer of hope—Jehoiachin is of David's line. Though captive, the line of David endures. God's promise that someone would sit on David's throne forever was not forgotten.
The True King Is Coming
The Promise Preserved
Though the line of kings failed, God preserved David's lineage through Jehoiachin, keeping His covenant promise alive.
The Announcement
"The Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." (Luke 1:32-33)
The True King
Unlike Jehoiachin, Jesus is victorious over sin and the enemy. He is not distant but Emmanuel—God with us. He doesn't dine with the enemy but subjugates him.
"To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen."
First and Second Kings proves there is no earthly deliverer, but God keeps His promises. All who believe in Jesus Christ—the King who came—will be saved, whether you're a Manasseh, an Ahab, a Hezekiah, or a Josiah. We are all broken people in need of God's grace.