New Gen Faith

30 sec Bible2

Kings: A Failed Experiment

Graphic Overview of the Bible

Genesis Exodus

Kings Prophets Jesus

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Kingdom

© Glen Edward Quiring 2014glen@quiring.cotwitter.com/glenequiringwww.linkedin.com/in/glenquiring

A failed experiment

The Story (Kings)

After the Hebrews are liberated (Exodus) and they reflect who they are (10 Commandments) and who Yahweh is (Genesis) they enter a new chapter of their lives.

They’ve been living as a confederation of tribes defending themselves and fighting for land when they beg Samuel to appoint them a King.

The King would provide leadership for the nation. Unfortunately, these kings has insufficient capacity. Thus, after King David, the nation produces Kings most of whom are not faithful to the covenant between God and the people.

During this period prophets rise up calling the Kings to accountability and a return to the covenant but they were largely unsuccessful. Both the North and South kingdoms of Israel are taken into captivity (Babylon and Assyria). Thus the period of exile exists for God’s people.

The Theology (God)

The period of the kings reveals to us that God cares a great deal about relationship. Kings that led the people away from their covenant with Yahweh weren’t doing them any great service. God desires fellowship (some might argue “obedience”). In this period of Israel’s narrative we see how passionate God is about remaining with God’s people. The divine get’s angry, frustrated, and experiences joy when the people are walking in relationship with him.

We may notice that the Divine works within human structures and history to maintain fellowship with creation.

The Theology (Man)

This period also paints an unfortunate picture of humanity. Many of the Kings demonstrated that they preferred a state of chaos to remaining in fellowship with the Divine. Even self aware kings were prone to chaos (i.e. King David). Self aggrandizement and the abuse of people show us again that there remains an element of chaos in the universe. And sometimes, we prefer this chaos to walking in fellowship with the God.

We also learn that community leadership is important. It takes courage and wisdom (among other things) to lead God’s people. Further, outcomes from chaotic leaders can have dire consequences.

© Glen Edward Quiring 2014glen@quiring.co

twitter.com/glenequiringwww.linkedin.com/in/glenquiring

230 - Second Bible, Manning, Russell Re, Ed. Ivy Press, 2013.

1We Make the Road by Walking, McLaren, Brian. Jericho Books, 2014.