3 Reasons Not to Skip
the Kings and Prophets
How to Read Unfamiliar Books of the Bible
By Bennett Rolan – BSF Editorial Manager
A year ago, I could confidently say that I had read the books of Amos and Obadiah. But beyond being checked off my Bible reading plan, I honestly could not tell you the difference between the two. Maybe you can relate? If you have skimmed these passages, like me, you likely missed the nuances that make them so gripping. From action-packed accounts to inspiring poetry, these books are beautifully written.
When we slow down long enough to really read these books – as Bible Study Fellowship will do this year in People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided – we discover that the God of the Old Testament still speaks to His people today. Here are just three of the ways God spoke to me through His Word:
1. The God of the Kings and Prophets is the God of the Church today
We see that the God who upheld justice and mercy in Micah is also the One who offers pure justice and mercy today. The God who was faithful to the unfaithful in Hosea continues to faithfully pursue wayward people now. And the One who kept His promises to ancient kings will keep His promises to His people in modern day.
While we can’t directly apply God’s words and promises to Israel to the Church today, there are many lessons we can learn from this study. Through the Kings and Prophets, we learn to hold fast to God’s character, uncovering new facets of who He was, is, and will always be.
2. The Kings and Prophets highlight humanity’s need for a Savior
A group of ancient kings may not seem relatable on the surface, but when we slow down and study their lives, we uncover their pride, greed, fear, and faithlessness. In one verse they boldly followed the Lord, and in the next, they relied on their own strength. In one chapter they stood for righteousness, and in another they bowed to the culture around them. (Sound familiar?)
Through the kings and prophets, we learn that sin is not new to God, and He takes it seriously. The waywardness of the Israelites during the Divided Kingdom reveals humanity’s desperate need for a Savior. This time in God’s history also forces us to examine our own hearts. When we see our own sin clearly, we can do nothing but fall to our knees in gratitude before the One who saved us from it.
3. The Kings and Prophets offer unique insight into the New Testament
Jesus quoted the Old Testament often, like quoting from Hosea 6:6 when He forgave and healed the paralytic man in Matthew 9:13. If we skip reading Hosea in context, we miss the depth of sin that Jesus uncovered and the wrath it deserved. When we understand fully why Jesus desires mercy, not sacrifice, and calls not the righteous, but sinners, we are left with a tremendous sense of awe and gratitude.
When we study the entirety of God’s narrative, His Word takes on a deeper and more intimate meaning. New Testament passages come to life, gaining greater depth and resonance, when we study the Old Testament references they contain.
In 2 Chronicles 16:9a we read, “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.” As Christians, we long to have hearts that are “fully committed” to God, but how do we get there? A simple way to begin is by knowing Him through His story and His character. We may be tempted to skip or skim books like 1 and 2 Chronicles or Obadiah, but we would miss intimate insight into who God is. And when we understand our sin and the One who saved us from it, the Holy Spirit softens our hearts in worship toward the unchanging God of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Ready to read the kings and prophets? Join a BSF group today and explore our new study on these thrilling and important books.
Bennett Rolan
Editorial Manager
Bennett Rolan joined the BSF staff in 2017 after working for several secular media outlets and Christian ministries. She loves to combine her passion for God’s Word and her journalism background to share stories of God’s Work in and through BSF. As a wife to a busy college football coach and a mom to four young children, BSF studies keep her relationship with the Lord grounded and focused. She loves to learn from fellow believers as God faithfully grows her each day.
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Wonderful encouraging words. I shared with my BSF group. Thanks
Bennett, that was very confirming to me of why I’m doing this study!
Bennett can you send me the three pages with summary charts of the Kings and Prophets? I saw this online last Friday 11/18 but now that post appears to have changed. I am a Small Group Discussion leader for a BSF men’s group.
Hi Rob – is this what you are trying to find? If not, let me know!
https://bsfblog.org/students/kings-and-prophets-an-illustrated-guide/
This is an anointed writing.
I have been for eight years in BSF
and has been the greatest and wise decision. It keeps tuned in God’s word.
Yes by going through the kings we can appreciate and understand God’s character. We thank you!
I really .can relate to point the #2. This study surely highlights the need for a savior today. As I read and study – Kingdom divided it really mirrors what is going on our world today. So much division, so much sin that is in one’s face everyday due to our media and so much of just everything that is the opposite of our Father God. There are tremendous battles where thousands upon thousands lose their lives because of the whims/egos of evil kings and whole kingdoms are destroyed and it looks like on the the surface that God is just done with the folks back then. He allows their idol worhship and all kinds of things. But – there is the over present feeling/knowledge that still is around even with all the wars and murders. God is still God and His grace and mercy was given even in the midst of the mess. His character remains the same – first of all loving but also just. He continues to give so many of the kings the opportunity to clean up their act but most don’t. He even shows how two of the most evil kings – Ahab and Manassah – humble themselves at towards the end of their lives and God extends His Grace and Mercy towards them. Who does that! Only our Almighty God. So many of us wouldn’t even consider extending that kind of love – but God does the same for us – did the same for us with His son. Sometimes I wonder why we can’t see that? I thank God that the more I pray and study His Word I am reminded of my own sins, and that I would be lost if not for the blood of Jesus Christ that saves me. I can now see the times I should have extended grace to someone and now have been made more aware of when I should. Thank God for Jesus!
I’m so blessed that after years I just join to BSF to study the Bible. I’m so grateful for all the effort and professionalism of BSF to give us such simple but rich deepest profound knowledge of the Word in each lesson. I started to discover your amazing web.
I identify with Mrs. Roland with her deep wisdom and anointed to make the analogy of the books of Kings and Prophets as well, books that I felt lazy and not interested to read, but she makes it easy and fascinating, as well the comparison with the New Testament. God Bless all BSF Team.
I once heard it said, Bible Study gives one the knowledge of God. Obedience gives one the knowledge of who God is. (Adrian Rogers) Forty nine years ago I bought a Bible for $3.99 after I had already surrendered my life to Jesus. I read it everyday and even into the nights. While wiping the tears from my eyes, I cried and was sad because I felt I was kept from knowing this book as a child. One Wednesday afternoon reading from the Bible I read the Holy Spirit was my teacher. At that moment God showed me who He is. I heard many pastors preach over the many years that it doesn’t take our performances, are agonizing with emotions praying like I did in the beginning. God’s desire is for Heaven to come to us. Jesus said, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done.” I heard it said, God has given us the privilege to work with Him. God let’s us know who He is in our obedience in reading His word, believing God’s purpose is to bring Himself to us, through His Son and the Holy Spirit. Even Jesus Himself looked to the Father in obedience.
I like this very much. It would be nice if i could print a copy. :]
Was not planning to skip Kings and Prohets…! Great article! Thank you.
I am really looking forward to being challenged AND encouraged with this year’s study! I will be forever grateful for a dear friend who introduced me to BSF and the wonderful leaders that continue to amaze me and inspire me to pursue a deeper relationship with our Lord!!
Why? Why study the kings, they’re mostly bad? OT shows us our sins and the need for our Savior.
Answers to that questions have always help me to learn. You did a wonderful job encouraging us and creating enthusiasm for WHY we study these OT scriptures. You have given me some insights how to approach questions about this study to my class CM this year and others that we invite.
Thank you!
This will be a new adventure for me and I’m very excited to find out what the Lord wants to show me! Also looking forward to meeting more members of my Christian family!
Renee – so grateful to have you in BSF this year!
What a beautiful and meaningful introduction to this new exciting study! Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and love for God’s Word!
Thank you for your encouragement in the study of the Scripture. Reading this blog make my heart rejoice in the Lord Jesus Christ with great expectations for this year BSF on Kingdom Divided 2022-2023. Praise the Lord!
Thank you for the blessed insight into the reading of the unfamiliar books of the Bible. I am encouraged. God bless!
Thank you from a very reluctant student regretting she even purchased the study guide.
Honestly I took Israel and the Minor Prophets in the 80’s and it was the only study I hoped I would never encounter again. Confess I have felt guilty about trying to avoid attending ever since it was announced last spring. However your article reminded me of all the value and truths stored in the OT. Also working through the 6 lessons of the introductory study has helped to make me willing to give it a try.
Hi Marg,
Would you be willing to share with me where you found the 6 lessons of the introductory study for the Kings and Prophets. I was inspired when I read your blog and was hoping to read them.. I asked my Bsf leader and she didn’t know in what direction to point me. Happy to hear you’ve decided to give it another try.
gratefully,
amber
Hi Amber – I think Marg may be talking about this six-day devotional: https://bsfblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/KD_PrayerDevos1.pdf
Hope this helps!
I’m a 76 year old woman, never really liking to read much. Asked by a BSF friend to join a group, I couldn’t give a reason not to join. I can’t believe how much I’ve learned and enjoyed reading the WORD! This is my third year and I’m really looking forward to seeing what’s in store for me. Thank you
Thank you for sharing your insight! I am delighted that our group has grown from one very large one last year to three classes for this coming study! I pray that the Spirit brings clarity into our own hearts and minds of His perfect plan, love and grace. My first BSF attendance was in the late 1980s in an earlier version of this coming study.
I am so excited about this study. Back in the 1980s, this study was called Israel & the Minor Prophets & it has been my favorite of all the studies. I’ve been in BSF off & on since then, but I seemed to miss out every time it came into the rotation. It was so meaningful to me because I was raised in a church that was primarily focused on the NT & taught little from the OT except for the big things like creation, the flood, etc. It was the first time I read the prophets & studied them. And it brought so much fullness into my life in Christ. I’m getting back into BSF after many years & I’m looking forward to it quenching my thirst for knowledge.
We are so glad to have you back! And we even have a few new books to study in Kingdom Divided this year!
I have waited 18 years for this study on the minor Prophets!
I’m absolutely delighted, at last, to embark on this study and to complete part two of ‘People of the promise’ (2018-19).