2 Kings: The Power and the Fury

Focus on the Bible Commentaries

by Dale Ralph Davis

2 Kings provides a fast–paced narrative of insight into the history of Israel under its monarchy. This book is a continuation of the narrative begun in 1 Samuel, and continued through 2 Samuel and 1 Kings. Ralph finishes it off with a captivating and rewarding journey through 2 Kings. Written between 561 BC and 538 BC, 2nd Kings gives us a warning about the consequences of sin, especially the catastrophic repercussions of Israel’s love affair with idolatry. Through prophets such as Elisha and Elijah we see God’s compassion for his people and the opportunity for repentance. An opportunity spoilt by Judah, climaxing with the subjugation of the kingdom by the Babylonians. Illuminating, accessible and laced with his unique sense of humour, Davis’ practical devotional expository applies events to the contemporary reader providing parallels to alert us in the 21st century.

Genres: Theology, Biblical Studies, Christian, Old Testament, Christianity, Nonfiction

368 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2005

About the author

Dale Ralph Davis is Minister in Residence, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina. Prior to that he was pastor of Woodland Presbyterian Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi and Professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi.

Reviews

[David Zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Old Testament commentaries of Dale Ralph Davis have proven themselves invaluable time after time. The reason they hold such worth is Davis' conviction that the Old Testament is (citing Alec Motyer), "a declaration from God about God." He abhors turning the Old Testament narrative histories into pragmatic self help books. He zeroes in on the attributes of God, and on Bible doctrine.

Not only does Davis have a high regard for theology, he also has a high view of Scripture. He regards it as a reliable historical record. He argues for its inspiration and usually aligns himself with its preservation. His page count is shorter, not because his treatment of the text is lighter, but because he doesn't wrangle over the theories and questions of textual criticism. He doesn't leave you wondering if we have the truth, but gives you the confidence that it IS truth, timeless truth, as necessary to thought and life today as it was (in the case of 2 Kings) 2500+ years ago.

As I look back over 10 months of preaching through 2 Kings, I went into the pulpit with the history of one of God's prophets, or one of the kings of Israel or Judah, to preach messages that brought us to truths like this:

It matters not how persistently or forcibly God’s Word is challenged, God’s Word will stand!

When a godly influence is removed from our lives, the God whose testimony he bore remains. The man will be gone, but God will still be with us.

There is a God in Heaven who holds the power of life and death in His hands, and you can trust Him with both of them.

God weeps for those who reject His offers of grace.

Obedience isn't about getting results; it's about believing that God is right.

This volume on 2 Kings is part of the Focus on the Bible commentary series. Davis will keep your focus on the Bible, and on the God who gave it.

[Kofi Opoku · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dale Ralph Davis is excellent again. His commentary is lively, relevant, and shows a lot of theological integrity. He doesn’t get sidetracked by dwelling too much on the tangential issues that arise from reading the book, but he’s not negligent of them either. I thought some of his examples were a bit contrived, but other than that, this was a really helpful book. I would give it 4.7 stars if Goodreads allowed that sort of thing.

[Gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Several years ago I read The Hobbit to my daughter for family reading time. As we reached the final page she started to cry and told me she just didn't want it to end. That's exactly how I feel as I reached the last page of Davis's commentary on 2nd Kings this morning. Over the past 2 years I've devoured his series on the Old Testament books of "history" -- Joshua, Judges, 1st & 2nd Samuel, and 1st & 2nd Kings -- about 1700 pages of wit & wisdom on this fascinating but often forgotten part of God's word. Along the way I've laughed, I've cried, I've been pierced with conviction, and I've always been drawn closer to God through Davis's reverent yet always practical teaching. This series is the best of the best in devotional reading, and I can't recommend it highly enough.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Davis' series of commentaries bear repeated readings. I thought I'd read this one at least twice before, but can't see a record of the other reading my files. Anyway, it certainly bore another reading, and, if I should live so long, yet another reading at some future point.
It's more detailed and longer than some of his other commentaries, but there's no page that's not worth the inclusion.
And the chapter in which he discusses prayer - chapter 25 - is worth the book's price on its own.

Read again for what appears to be the fourth time...2024

[Dylan Brady · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Elvis Voice*

A little less Civil War chat, a little more Jesus please.

[Kiara McClelland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took a while to get through but a great exposition, balancing biblical text with encouragement for today.

[Abigail Hartman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Davis' exposition is often moving and compelling, and I benefited from both his volumes on 1 and 2 Kings. I appreciate how he does engage with the critical scholarly debates without becoming bogged down in them. However, his tone began to grate on me and I got tired of the historical and personal anecdotes being used as illustrations and analogies: some of them worked fine, but others felt like a big stretch, and overall I just thought there was too much World War II and American Civil War material! His humor tends to be caustic, which, while fine in moderation, eventually became abrasive. Theologically I had only a few points of disagreement, so my rating has more to do with the dressing than the content.

[K.M. Weiland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finish up Davis's fabulous Old Testament commentary series with reluctance, since it easily ranks as one of the best and most consistent treatises on these books of the Bible. Entertaining, thought-provoking, and soul-stirring, this book, like its predecessors, was worth not just reading but re-reading.

[Phil Whittall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never really studied 2 Kings before and Dale Ralph Davis is an entertaining guide. He clearly knows all the academic arguments and the critical theories but often sticks those things in the footnotes 'to keep it interesting'. But he handles the difficult sections honestly and intelligently. There's a verve and punch to his writing that keeps you on your toes and he brings this book to life.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

When it's good, the content -- I'm referring to the exposition -- is really good. Clear writing style and logical approach to unpacking content. (He's pompous at times, but better that than bland.) His knowledge of Hebrew is on display, and I found it helpful.

I could do without the Civil War anecdotes and other departures from the text. I found those distracting. Put them in a sidebar.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply outstanding. The final chapter, on the closing verses of 2 Kings is the cherry on top of the icing of the cake, and very timely to read this morning December 1st. As i read these words, my overarching thought is on little Bethlehem Ephratha. For "the hopes and fears of all the years, are met in thee tonight." Wonderful wonderful !!

[J.G. Cully · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Dale Ralph Davies delivers a thoughtful, historical, intelligent, detail and spiritual journey through the 'Games of Thrones' era of 2nd Kings. His stories and teachings are spot on and a joy to read. A must have for any Christian seeking to learn more.

[James Cary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another rock solid, engaging and helpful commentary from DRD, who has a rare gift of cutting through large swathes of text which some textual analysis, an insight and an illustration from another world or time to make the point.

[Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Davis at his finest.

[Joelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again, I really enjoyed this commentary. It was a good companion to often dense portions of scripture. My only caveat is that at times it felt a bit long, but I did so enjoy his perspective!

[Mike Massey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good commentary to add to the bookshelf of anyone studying through, preaching through or reading through 2 Kings.

[Joan Haughton · Rating 5 out of 5]

WORDS FROM THE BOOK OF SECOND KINGS:

Then Elijah folded his cloak together and struck the water with it. The river divided, and the two of them went across on dry ground!

When Elisha arrived, the child was indeed dead, lying there on the prophet’s bed. He went in alone and shut the door behind him and prayed to the Lord. Then he lay down on the child’s body, placing his mouth on the child’s mouth, his eyes on the child’s eyes, and his hands on the child’s hands. And as he stretched out on him, the child’s body began to grow warm again! Elisha got up, walked back and forth across the room once, and then stretched himself out again on the child. This time the boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes! Then Elisha summoned Gehazi. “Call the child’s mother!” he said. And when she came in, Elisha said, “Here, take your son!” She fell at his feet and bowed before him, overwhelmed with gratitude. Then she took her son in her arms and carried him downstairs.

Then Elisha died and was buried. Groups of Moabite raiders used to invade the land each spring. Once when some Israelites were burying a man, they spied a band of these raiders. So they hastily threw the corpse into the tomb of Elisha and fled. But as soon as the body touched Elisha’s bones, the dead man revived and jumped to his feet!

BLESS THE NAME OF JESUS!

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved how Dale Ralph Davis opened up the stories about Elijah and Elisha in particular. I've never quite known what to do with those two in my overall picture of the Bible's narrative, and this book was the exact boost up I needed.

However, Davis's personality and extracurricular interests (i.e., American history, especially Civil War history) are out in force. Even if these factors didn't quite overtake the biblical text at hand, they distracted me mightily from it.

[Cameron Barham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Davis is a faithful and careful commentator with an excellent grasp of biblical theology. This a very readable commentary that is an excellent devotional resource on 2 Kings.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent commentary from Dale Ralph Davis. No one is better at making OT narrative come alive, explaining the historical context and demonstrating how we can apply the text to our lives.

[Josh Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

See my review on the author's commentary on 1 Kings. These are great resources.

[Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Davis does an excellent job of clearly walking through each text of II Kings. Highly recommended.