With Solomon gone and the Kingdom divided, the central section of the Kings narrative follows the rise and fall of the dual monarchy: Israel, the far larger nation of the north and the smaller, but ultimately more significant, Judah, in the South.

The remainder of 1 Kings details the stories of Elijah the Prophet and the controversial King of Israel, Ahab. The latter, bent on ‘evil’, according to the text, does show signs of devotion to Yahweh, but for whatever reasons (almost certainly among them, a very dodgy wife and a distinct lack of guts) cannot seem to turn himself away from the cult of the Ba’al and its diverting ways.

The first 16 chapters of 2 Kings follow this story into their successors. For Elijah, there is Elisha, his devoted disciple. And for Ahab, a whole line of kings, even the best of whom fail to dazzle.

The entire episode is one of spectacular mediocrity. The monarchy is weak in its leadership, recoursing to the wacky travelling seers, Elijah and Elisha. Prophet is in perpetual tension with King as Priesthood is up for grabs, jostled between the house of Levi and the barmy prophets of Ba’al.

From a historical point of view this reasonably large section of narrative forms an important slice of the story. In what is to come, the strongest of judgements is metered out on both recalcitrant nations. What we have here is the anecdotal basis of the case for the prosecution. As a piece of Scripture, almost certainly penned after the Exile, if not before the return, 1 & 2 Kings delineates the mistaken goals and focus of Israel over this 350 year period (the section we have covered so far lasting approx 200 years) with the intent in mind to prevent its recurrence. It is supposed to shock readers, to provoke the question ‘why will they not follow their God?!’

But as I read these stories, through 21st century Western eyes, I find the whole debacle laughable, when it is not enough to make me cry! What nation exults a man who calls down curses on a band of youths so that a bear mauls them all? (2Kgs 2:23-24) What kind of people would sacrifice their children to a metal bull? (2Kgs 3:27) Why would you uphold a pagan rite where people cut themselves till they bleed everywhere? (1Kgs 18:28) For all our failings, our demythologised, post-Christian world will not, on the whole, entertain such atrocities.

We do, however, still face power-struggles (though they are usually less bloodthirsty), dance with greed, and fail to remember our Creator, except when we want something sorted out (too many relevant references from 1&2 Kings to list).

There will always be conflict between those who want to do what is right and those who have the power. With power comes responsibility and many a leader has shirked theirs; many have prioritised expedient success. Many who seek to do right, when endowed with power fail to deliver. This is the folly of power, demonstrated daily around the world.

Israel’s kings are no different; indeed, it appears, neither are their prophets. Judgement flows all too freely (take Elisha and Gehazi for example, 2Kgs 5:26-27) and restraint is sometimes lacking (2Kgs 8:7-15).

The problem with Israel’s fickle spirit was one of inconsistency in its relationship with her Suzerain. The Covenant with Moses (and all Israel) by the great Yahweh offered total devotion to the fledgling Vassal in return for the same allegiance. For Israel to follow other gods in whatever form was deemed so serious not just because of the negative impact these gods and their ways would have on the Israelite people (though that was definitely a big part of it – some of them being so indisputably evil), but because it was a violation of the trust between Israel and her God. What credibility was there in the relationship if one party would turn away when things got a little bit tough and questions began starting to form?

As readers of this ill-fated saga, we should let Kings face us with a mirror. Granted, some of our lunacies are less pronounced and our political responses more refined. Our hearts, however, may be as easily turned to whatever quick-fix success we can find, regardless of its longer-term impact. We don’t worship the gods of wood and bronze, but we might still ignore our God if a clearer shot at certainty emerges.

Part of being in relationship with God is sticking with him, even when things aren’t going our way. If we give up and follow some other path to ‘success’ what is left? Only a self-centred existence. That is no existence worth saving.

Questions for reflection:

1. To what do you look when life gets difficult?

2. Do any of these things compete with your devotion to God? If not, how do they compliment it?