Have you noticed any emerging patterns or themes in the 1 and 2 Kings narratives that we have studied thus far? What do these themes tell us about the Deuteronomistic historians objectives?
It’s often said that history is written by the winners. Do you see this idea playing out in these accounts of battles, invasions, and royal lines of succession in Kings? How is God positioned within these victories?
Professor Baden suggests that 2 Kings 17 is the Deuteronomistic Historian’s “I told you so ” moment” (see 0:30). Do you find this interpretation compelling? What do we know about the author that would support this claim?
Applying the Text:
Why do you think Hezekiah and Josiah are held up in the Bible as the two greatest kings since David? What made their reigns so “great” (or not)?
Did anything surprise you about today’s readings and/or discussion? Did anything bother you about today’s readings and/or discussion?
What are the desirable traits of an Israelite King? Which of these traits are still desirable for leaders today?