The Historical Books Of The Bible First Kings

"A masterpiece of contemporary Bible translation and commentary."—Los Angeles Times Book Review, Best Books of 1999 Acclaimed for its masterful new translation and insightful commentary, The David Story is a fresh, vivid rendition of one of the great works in Western literature. Robert Alter's brilliant translation gives us David, the beautiful, musical hero who slays Goliath and, through his struggles with Saul, advances to the kingship of Israel. But this David is also fully human: an ambitious, calculating man who navigates his life's course with a flawed moral vision. The consequences for him, his family, and his nation are tragic and bloody. Historical personage and full-blooded imagining, David is the creation of a literary artist comparable to the Shakespeare of the history plays.

Rich rewards await readers who dig deep into the historical books of the Old Testament. Incredible events, amazing love stories, larger-than-life personalities and deep theological implications and themes are just part of the t treasure that awaits readers of Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther. These books tell the story of the nation of Israel and the God who loves her, punishes her, and always brings this recalcitrant people back to Himself. It is really the story of all of us. David M. Howard Jr. provides an in-depth introduction to the Old Testament historical books, focusing first on the overarching themes of historical narrative in general. He then turns his attention to each book. From the conquest of Canaan to the fall of Jerusalem, from war to peace and back to war, from kings and queens to farmers and housewives--David Howard covers it all in this invaluable introduction to the Old Testament historical books.

This commentary on 1 and 2 Kings demonstrates the continuing intellectual and practical viability of theological interpretation of the Bible for today's church.

Well detailed and illustrated outline of the rulers encompassed by the Old Testament, from Abraham to Herod.

"An emerging field of study that explores the Hispanic minority in the United States, Latino Studies is enriched by an interdisciplinary perspective. Historians, sociologists, anthropologists, political scientists, demographers, linguists, as well as religion, ethnicity, and culture scholars, among others, bring a varied, multifaceted approach to the understanding of a people whose roots are all over the Americas and whose permanent home is north of the Rio Grande. Oxford Bibliographies in Latino Studies offers an authoritative, trustworthy, and up-to-date intellectual map to this ever-changing discipline."--Editorial page.

This book is volume 9 in a series of 24 volumes that will present, according to a standard outline and methodology, a form-critical analysis of every book or unit of the Old Testament. Long begins this volume with a discussion of the nature of historical literature and a survey of its important genres: list, report, story and history. He then focuses on 1 Kings as an example of historical literature, first analyzing the book as a whole and then unit by unit, discussing structure, genre, setting, and intention. The work is enhanced by extensive bibliographies and a glossary of genres and formulas which offers clear, thorough definitions with examples. - Back cover.

At the beginning of 1 Kings, Solomon's reign brought peace, prosperity, dynamic international trade, and a magnificent center of worship. By the end of 2 Kings, the people faced a complete reversal: they and their king were in exile, and Jerusalem and the temple lay in ruins. How can this story, told by the very people who suffered the defeat, be of value today? In this Bible Speaks Today volume, John Olley shows how the two books of Kings retell the past as preached history, addressing the exilic situation of the original readers. Within the account of paths leading to short-term success but ultimate failure, there are pointers of hope, of God's continuing purposes and promises, and of the people's response. In rich and often surprising ways, the narrative in Kings is part of the history that has shaped the faith of Christian believers. Everyday life, along with the turmoil of national and global events, is the arena in which God's people are called to worship, trust, and obey him. The books of 1 and 2 Kings continue to throw light on these issues for readers in every generation. Used by students and teachers around the world, The Bible Speaks Today commentaries are ideal for those studying or preaching the Bible and anyone who wants to delve deeper into the text.