Prophets and Kings

by Ellen Gould White

Beginning with King Solomon, this book recounts the stories of great men and women of the Bible who lived from his reign to the first advent of Jesus Christ. Here you will read of Elijah, Daniel, Isaiah, and Jeremiah, among others--and you will find the lessons God would have us all learn from their lives.

Genres: Religion, Christian, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Christianity, History, Faith

448 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1917

About the author

In brief, Ellen Gould Harmon White was a woman of remarkable spiritual gifts who lived most of her life during the nineteenth century (1827-1915), yet through her writings she is still making a revolutionary impact on millions of people around the world. During her lifetime she wrote more than 5,000 periodical articles and 40 books; but today, including compilations from her 50,000 pages of manuscript, more than 100 titles are available in English. She is the most translated woman writer in the entire history of literature, and the most translated American author of either gender. Her writings cover a broad range of subjects, including religion, education, social relationships, evangelism, prophecy, publishing, nutrition, and management. Her life-changing masterpiece on successful Christian living, Steps to Christ, has been published in more than 140 languages. Seventh-day Adventists believe that Mrs. White was more than a gifted writer; they believe she was appointed by God as a special messenger to draw the world's attention to the Holy Scriptures and help prepare people for Christ's second advent. From the time she was 17 years old until she died 70 years later, God gave her approximately 2,000 visions and dreams. The visions varied in length from less than a minute to nearly four hours. The knowledge and counsel received through these revelations she wrote out to be shared with others. Thus her special writings are accepted by Seventh-day Adventists as inspired, and their exceptional quality is recognized even by casual readers. As stated in Seventh-day Adventists Believe ... , “The writings of Ellen White are not a substitute for Scripture. They cannot be placed on the same level. The Holy Scriptures stand alone, the unique standard by which her and all other writings must be judged and to which they must be subject” (Seventh-day Adventists Believe ... , Ministerial Association, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Washington D.C., 1988, p. 227). Yet, as Ellen White herself noted, “The fact that God has revealed His will to men through His Word, has not rendered needless the continued presence and guiding of the Holy Spirit. On the contrary, the Spirit was promised by our Saviour to open the Word to His servants, to illuminate and apply its teachings” (The Great Controversy, p. vii). The following is a more detailed account of the life and work of this remarkable woman who, meeting all the tests of a true prophet as set forth in the Holy Scriptures, helped found the Seventh-day Adventist church.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

How did Israel go from building Solomon’s magnificent temple as the center of true worship to humiliating exile to celebrated restoration to eventual not being prepared for the coming of Christ? In Prophets and Kings, Ellen G. White’s commentary highlights the impact of individuals who instead of staying true to God’s law went their own way resulting in terrible consequences not only for themselves but those they governed even as God rose up honest men to confront and induce them to return to him. This 750 page book on sacred history shows the state of ‘the House of Israel’ came to be as it was at the time of Christ’s time on Earth.

The highpoint of the nation of Israel was at the beginning of Solomon’s reign with the building of the Temple, in her writing White highlights how the nation was fulfilling the covenant only for its own King to turn from God to disastrous results. Through the latter part of Solomon’s reign, the beginnings of his son Rehoboam’s reign in Judah and Jeroboam’s reign in Israel the seeds of Israel’s captivity were sown with turning away from God to idolatry. Throughout the time of the divided kingdom, White illustrated God’s continual effort to turn His people back towards him through the intercession of prophets like Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, and Jeremiah only to see a remnant remain true. As White relates, after the restoration Israel had turned away from idolatry only to added legality and tradition onto God’s law making it burdensome to those wanting to follow Him and setting the stage for culture when Christ came.

Prophets and Kings is the second in the five-book Conflict of Ages series, but it was the last written publication by Ellen White in her life. Not only did White illuminate sacred history from Solomon’s time to the restoration after the Babylonian Captivity, she also used her pen to give comfort to believers today as Christian await the Second Coming of Christ even though the world seems to grow darker just like it appeared to God’s remnant as Israel was taken into captivity. Yet after finishing this book, sacred history is still awaiting Christ’s first coming, The Desire of Ages.

[Dan Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read this book I resolve not to let so much time pass before reading it again. It's full of great advice, full of encouragement to build a better relationship with Jesus. It draws on the stories of the Old Testament for object lessons, and stories always make a lesson more engaging. Read it with humility, and you will be blessed.

[Sydney Machokoto · Rating 4 out of 5]

a sequel to Patriachs and Prophets; you would not be able to tell the two books were published over 3 decades apart. This book adds more to just the descriptions of Israelite History from Somolon to Jesus Christ. It adds a connection of the kings and the prophets that warned them. The author describes the events so vividly it makes you understand their significance to both Jewish economy and to modern day events. But there is more - this book presents a sound argument on the importance of obedience to God's precepts.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who's heard the argument that the God portrayed in the Old Testament is judgmental, vindictive, or harsh, and therefore contradicts the loving character of Jesus in the New Testament, this book reveals the consistently patient, loving God who throughout the existence of the historic nation of Israel was working to restore the face-to-face communication He once had with humanity.

[Brandon Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book which shows the love of God throughout history. This books has been a tremendous blessing and has given me a clearer and more Biblical view of God. These pages are saturated with Scripture so expect Words that are sharper than a 2 edged sword piercing the heart. This book has helped me with sanctification in my life. Praise the Lord and read this book.

[Jay Brand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired, spiritual commentary on the Bible, focusing on the last half of the Old Testament period, beginning with the transition from David's reign to Solomon's as King of Israel, and ending before the birth of Christ, the Messiah.

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prophets and Kings is the second book in the Conflict of the Ages series. It begins with the reign of King Solomon to the restoration of Jerusalem. Some of Prophets and Kings discussed in this volume are Jehoshaphat, Elijah, Elisha, Hezekiah, Daniel, Jeremiah, Zechariah and Malachi. The history of the Babylon Captivity and the Medo-Persia Empire are covered. Within the pages we read in the Old Testament history of good versus evil, of God versus Satan. Here is seen God's chosen people "torn between an allegiance to God and serving the gods of the nations about them." God is portrayed as not a judgemental and vindictive God, but as a loving and patient, merciful God. We end with "the Coming of the Deliverer" and the "Visions of Future Glory."

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continues here beautiful analysis of the old testament. I liked this one a bit better than Patriarchs and prophets not just because it added Kings. It gave me a much more meaningful understanding of the later prophets of the old testament.
Good book!

[Jason Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This, like all of Mrs. White's books, is a great commentary on the Bible.

[Barnavy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gained amazing insight into the history of Isreal from the time of Solomon up until the coming of the Messiah. But it was how the author tied in the deeply spiritual lessons that Kings, prophets, and the people of Isreal had to learn with what I must learn and do in my own personal life. All of these are eternal lessons that as individuals we must learn before Christ's second coming. I praise God for this book. I praise God for the lessons I learned. I have no doubt I will re-read this book many times if I am given the time on this earth. My reverence and love for Christ have grown dramatically after having read this book 😊🙏🏽

[Yeshua]

Though I enjoy the series, I do not believe in "Replacement Theology".

1) Christ participated in a divinely orchestrated plan, to share our human nature. (John 3:5, Col. 2:9, Phil. 2:7-8, Rom. 8:3)

2) Jesus is the appointed advocate for the Gentile population. (Hebrews 8 : 3-10 : 16 )

3) Rejection predicted so the Gentiles/Jews, may be gathered (Isaiah 6:9-10,59:20-21; Matt. 13:14,John 11:53,12:37-41, Acts 28:25-27, Rom . 11:25-27).

4) Kingdom Withheld (Hebrews 2:8, Acts 3:21)

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A commentary journey through the books of various prophets (and kings, like Solomon) in the Old Testament. Constantly trying to keep this information in my head as I read through the New Testament, so it is good to have it reinforced. Lots of glimpses of Jesus, who I will get to read more about in the next three books in this series-- yay!

[Eva Seyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit, this one was really a lot harder for me to get into than the others I've read in the Conflict of the Ages series. I enjoyed it but didn't get that overwhelming amazement and emotional connection I've had with the others.

[Bonnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

So, I'm making my way through Ellen White's Conflict series, and this felt much more repetitive and didactic than the first one. All I can remember from this book is the missing stuff (Deborah as judge of Israel, notably) and the way the Esther story was super-sanitized. Not a favorite.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another must have, God is Good

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, I found some very useful information

[Carlos Patiño · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insights from Solomon till some time before Jesus' birth, again an Adventist must read!

[Clayton Brannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good narrative history. Recommended reading for all those who would like a very readable history.

[Robert A. L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great continuation to a walk through the Bible. It is very helpful if you read the Bible references first prior to each chapter. A truly God-inspired author.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this we go to the dark ages of the Bible, the more nebulous history in my mind. It seemed EG had a somewhat different tone here too. Did I understand correctly from another review that she wrote this decades after PP? It would make sense to me.

We have more justice and more mercy and many more questions. It’s all pretty confusing sometimes. But also somewhat enlightening and hopeful. I don’t understand heaven though, which is how she concludes. Eternity is far too long. Maybe if I better saw or remembered the richness of community and simple work I wouldn’t be so daunted. But still—forever? Shivers.

[Alan Calvillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tal como la mayoría de las obras pertenecientes a la serie «el conflicto de los siglos», esta obra intenta desarrollar aún más los hechos del suceso bíblico; en este caso, particularmente el período desde el reinado de Salomón hasta el regreso del exilio en Babilonia.

En este lienzo histórico, encontramos algunas ideas valiosas que no se encuentran plenamente desarrollados en la narrativa original; sin embargo, también encontramos algunos huecos lógicos aparentes que, creo, valen la pena ser abordados y discutidos en comunidad.

[Joan Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prophets and Kings, Vol. 3, Conflict of the Ages Series

This book by Ellen G. White was especially hard for me to read. I believe this was true because it so closely reflects my wavering walk with God. Therefore, it held up a true reflection of my character that was difficult to see. I highly recommend this book and series to anyone who longs to be closer to our Lord Jesus Christ! Don't despair or become discouraged.

[Nathalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took me a while to finish this book as I was distracted with others (plus it's huge!), but it was eye opening!! It picks up where Patriarchs and Prophets left off, starting with Solomon, and finishes with Isaiah speaking about the future. It makes it a great companion for those reading the Old Testament. My favorites: Elijah, Jehoshaphat, Elisha, and Daniel. Officially done with the Conflict of the Ages series.

[Desiree Angeles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! One of my favorite. Second only to Ellen G. White's "The meaning of Education" which I adore so much on my childhood days. You may find many interesting stories on every pages. I have just started liking it since I acquired my own copy. Courtesy of my cousin who'd gave her's to me when they've moved to Texas. Try it. You'll gonna love it.

[Dan Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great devotional that always brings me closer to God. It also helps explain a lot of OT stories that are sometimes difficult to understand.

This read I enjoyed the reviews of Ezra and Nehemiah, which may not have the incredible stories of Exodus or 1 Samuel, but are nonetheless dramatic in their own way. They are probably more relatable to today.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal book. Her writing gives such reverence and glory to God in her telling of the history, and in parts, the future of God's people. Her love for God shines from the pages and her encouragement for faith in God really pierced my heart (in a good way.) I can't say enough good things about her writing. Highly recommend this book and the whole series.

[Simdumise Poswa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful book on the history of the Old Testament from the time of King Solomon to Malachi. It pulls the curtains and shows the issues relating to the conflict between good and evil as seen through this history.

[Veselin Benev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Тази книга е галерия на великите библейски личности.
Разглежда се времето на построяването на Божият храм, разделянето на царството, греховете на Израил и падането под вавилонски плен.
Завършва със завръщането на евреите и изграждането на Йерусалим.

[Leslie Bond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love to read Ellen G White
She give a clear understanding of the Bible.

[Canny Tay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great study on Old Testament history.