1, 2 Kings (The New American Commentary | NAC)
Overview
Since a commentary is a fundamental tool for the expositor or teacher who seeks to interpret and apply Scripture in the church or classroom, the NAC focuses on communicating the theological structure and content of each biblical book. The writers seek to illuminate both the historical meaning and contemporary significance of Holy Scripture.
In its attempt to make a unique contribution to the Christian community, the NAC focuses on two concerns. First, the commentary emphasizes how each section of a book fits together so that the reader becomes aware of the theological unity of each book and of Scripture as a whole. The writers, however, remain aware of the Bible’s inherently rich variety. Second, the NAC is produced with the conviction that the Bible primarily belongs to the church. We believe that scholarship and the academy provide an indispensable foundation for biblical understanding and the service of Christ, but the editors and authors of this series have attempted to communicate the findings of their research in a manner that will build up the whole body of Christ. Thus, the commentary concentrates on theological exegesis, while providing practical, applicable exposition.
Top Highlights
“As storm god Baal was thought to be responsible for lightning as well as rain, so this should be an easy contest.” (Page 219)
“Baalism existed as a religion for several centuries in various ancient Near Eastern countries. Its prominence in Canaan and Phoenicia is especially important for understanding 1, 2 Kings, since it is from those cultures that the major influence on Israel and Judah came. M. Smith concludes that ‘the Phoenician baal of Ahab and Jezebel was a storm-god. The extrabiblical evidence indicates that the baal of Carmel and Baal Shamem were also storm gods.’1 Thus, Baal worshipers believed that their god made rain, which is a quite important detail in an agricultural community. Elijah apparently prays for a drought to prove that Yahweh, not Baal, is in charge of crop-enriching rains.” (Page 210)
“God’s people have what they need and what Baal cannot provide.” (Page 215)
“Sadly, like Jeroboam (cf. 1 Kgs 12:28) the man of God has listened to bad counsel rather than heeding a direct word of God. Jeroboam was certain, despite the Lord’s promise to the contrary, that he would lose his authority unless he formed a new cult. The man of God believed that an angelic message contradicted God’s earlier word. Both men make incorrect choices based on bad advice and personal uncertainty.” (Page 189)
“Elisha views Naaman’s presence as an opportunity to prove there is a real prophet in Israel, which is the same as saying there is a real God in Israel.” (Page 272)
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