Nations Under God: A Commentary on the Book of 1 Kings

By Gene Rice

The book of 1 Kings tells of God's covenant people wrestling with the myriad problems of political existence from the last days of David to the time of Jehoshaphat and Ahaziah during the divided monarchy. Recounting the past especially in light of the First and Second Commandments, 1 Kings shows how Israel's history is related to their morality, warns of the danger of a divided heart, calls for obedience to God's commandments, and summons the people to repentance and reform.

It is out of these concerns for ancient Israel, Rice contends, that 1 Kings speaks to the present: it prods us to identify the equivalent of Canaanite religion in our own society, to use Israel's experience in political issues as a mirror in which to evaluate our own efforts, and to look for God's presence in the arena of public life and service. Indeed, Rice argues, the basic affirmation of 1 Kings is that all nations, not just Israel, are "under God."

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802804926
• ISBN13: 9780802804921
• Release Date: November 1990
• Publisher: Eerdmans Publishing Company, William B.
• Length: 213 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.3" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

I Kings

Gene Rice has done students of the Bible a great service in publishing this commentary. The older Testament is neglected in many churches and pulpits. The Old Testament historical books are handled poorly by many because of their narrative form. Rice helps the reader to focus on the theology of I Kings; what are we being taught about God? This commentary will assist you in understanding what the original author was trying to communicate and not just leave you with "10 Principles for Leadership" or "5 Steps in Defeating Your enemies". If you are studying I Kings, get it!