In this episode, we welcome back Dr. John Oswalt to discuss his wonderful new commentaries 1 Kings and 2 Kings (EEC). What is 1-2 Kings, and what can we say about how it was compiled? Indeed, what is the difference between simply chronicling the history of the Kings, and the historical writing we see in these texts, prophetically interpreted? From the wisdom Solomon sought to the question of King Josiah’s “reforms”, Dr. Oswalt takes us on a tour of many highlights of this very important Biblical book. In the text that documents the building of the Temple, why is so much of the primary focus on the Word of the Lord, rather than ritual? Why was Baal, and Baal-worship such a threat to the loyalty of Israel to God? Are the miraculous events recorded between King Hezekiah and the Assyrian King Sennacherib taking place in real time and space? Highlighting the patience and faithfulness of the unique God, the only God – how do the majestic prayers of Solomon and Hezekiah give voice to the primary message of the text? Dr. Oswalt takes us through this and more, as we also discuss some of the contemporary relevance of this text for those both engaging the messy history of Christianity, as well as the problem of decay and apostasy in self-identified Christianity today. Indeed, one of the keys to rightly understanding the prophetic message of 1-2 Kings may just be found in the ending most have seen as simply bizarre.

Books: 1 Kings and 2 Kings (EEC)

Some other books by Dr. Oswalt:

- The Bible Among the Myths: Unique Revelation or Just Ancient Literature?

Listen to our previous interview: here

- The Book of Isaiah, Chapters 1-39; The Book of Isaiah, Chapters 40-66 (NICOT)

- The Holy One of Israel: Studies in the Book of Isaiah

Other resources:

Miracles by C.S. Lewis

The Courage to Be Protestant by David Wells

Audio clips from Scourby YouBible Channel:

• Book of 1 Kings
• Book of 2 Kings
• Book of Psalms