LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
JOHN W. RAWLINGS SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
Interpretive Commentary: Final Assignment
Submitted to Robert Graf,
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of
OBST 515 – B08
Old Testament Orientation I
by
Jayanna Arnold
July 4, 2021
Author
1 and 2 Kings starts where 2 Samuel leaves off, detailing the historical account of the
monarchy in and surrounding Israel and Judah. No author or authors is explicitly mentioned
throughout the text; rather, the author remains nameless but fully aware of the activity in
Israel/Judah, as well as their opposers/captors and God’s response to it all. Max Anders affirms
the claim that the author of the accounts remains unidentified, in his book Holman Old
Testament Commentary: 1 and 2 Kings. With that claim, he also asserts that the author may be a
prophet. He states, “The author was a prophet...writing on the basis of revelation, not just
research...It is also obvious that (he) had been highly influenced by the book of Deuteronomy.
He evaluated much of what transpired in light of the blessings and curses of that book.” The
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author also highlights the actions of kings, in reference to the commands of God, so the author
looks to be a man who knows the ways of God and His history with His people.
Audience
The audience of 2 Kings 18-20 are Jews. The message of the text is intended to teach of
the history of the Kingdom of Israel after it was divided. It also serves as a warning to Jews of
the consequences of disobedience and disloyalty. Anders stated, “Because the books of 1 and 2
Kings were intended to warn the people against perpetuating or repeating the sins that had
brought the people to its bondage in Babylon, certain themes are woven through both books.”
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