Like Samuel before them, the biblical books of First and Second Kings record many exciting and well-known stories that involve many meorable characters throughout the colourful monarchial period of Israel's history. We've got David's death (1 Kings 2), Solomon's wisdom acquired and demonstrated (1 Kings 3), the building of the Solomonic temple (1 Kings 6), Elijah and the widow's son (1 Kings 17), Elijah and the prophet's of Baal (1 Kings 18), Elijah and Jezebel (1 Kings 19–22), Elijah taken to heaven (2 Kings 2), Elisha and the widow's oil (2 Kings 4), Elisha and the floating axe head (2 Kings 6), the reign of Hezekiah (2 Kings 17–20), the reign of Josiah (2 Kings 22–23), and the Babylonian exile (2 Kings 24–25). Good kings, bad kings, usurpers, prophetic battles, and divine discipline ... these books have got it all!

To help us navigate all the biblical real estate we have to cover this week we welcome to the podcast Dr. Paul Benware. Dr. Benware is a well-known and well-studied theologian and teacher who has written many books and articles and has taught through much of the canon all over the world. In fact, much of his helpful teaching can be found online for free including an in-depth exploration of the kings of Israel.