Best Commentaries on 1 & 2 Kings

Challies says, “Davis’s work is ideal for layperson and scholar alike.” Mathison says, “These commentaries should be on the shelf of every Bible student and pastor.”

A five-star recommendation from Longman. He says, “In its perspective and readability, this is certainly the best available commentary on Kings. The writing is very accessible, and the emphasis is on literary and theological issues, though the notes also address particular exegetical issues.”

Wiseman was an ancient Near Eastern scholar who pioneered the publication of tablets like the Chronicles of the Chaldean Kings. He was a first-class historian but had a gift for taking his specialized knowledge and expressing it in an accessible manner for the non-specialist. Wiseman was deeply devoted to the Scriptures. His exegesis is solid, and he occasionally has brilliant biblical-theological insights.

Longman says, “Brueggemann is always asking questions that are relevant to church and society today.” This is an accessible and illustrated commentary for both lay persons and ministers.

Mathison says this is “one of the best intermediate-level commentaries on the books of 1 and 2 Kings. . . . House explores historical, literary, canonical, theological, and applicational concerns thoroughly and competently.” Longman adds, “House gives a good résumé of the secondary literature as well as his own ideas. In particular, he argues that a major theological theme of the book is the presentation and protection of monotheism.”

Designed to give a clear understanding of the text’s exegetical meaning, its significance in light of biblical theology, and its relevance for contemporary application. This commentary for example provides an explanation of the temple structure, the significance of its symbolism, and how this symbolism is used in the New Testament to describe the role and function of the church. Longman says, “Readable and insightful, Konkel has produced a commentary on Kings that appeals particularly to pastors who want to preach the text.”

A well-written, riveting commentary full of insights into the text, biblical-theological connections, and pointed pastoral glosses. As Longman says it’s “a fascinating reading of Kings from an ecclesial, christological (evangelical), and theological point of view.”

Beal is a highly regarded scholar who has written an articulate and practical commentary. She dives into introductory matters, contextual exegesis, and the varying methodological approaches to these books. A solid resource for both scholars and pastors.

These commentaries are strong because of Cogan’s and Tadmor’s familiarity with Syrian/Mesopotamian/Egyptian historical contexts. Both authors are familiar with the relevant (mostly Akkadian) texts. These two commentaries are exegetically superb and relatively conservative for the Anchor series.

ongman calls this “a well-written and insightful commentary. Its helpful methodological presupposition is that 2 Kings is the work of one author. Hobbs utilizes the literary approach to great benefit.”