Most of you probably don't read the Old Testament much. I understand that. It can feel really boring, full of inconsequential detail - and just plain hard to read.
But it is God's word, good for doctrine and life - and it's here for you.
So let me share with you a paradigm you can use to read through Kings and Chronicles - and all the narratives about kings in Israel.
Read the end of Judges - God's people kept rejecting God because they had no king. Then Israel wanted a king that would essentially act like the pagan kings instead of merely being God's spokesman.
But then God gave them a king - David - who executed God's Law, and God ushered in an era of peace and prosperity and obedience. Awesome. And promised David that his line would be forever.
Oh, and Jesus fulfills that. By the way. (2 Sam 7; Romans 1:3, 4)
So when you're reading about these kings, who show varied levels of obedience and disobedience, compare them to Jesus.
Look at how they sin. Look at how you share in their sin. And look at how Jesus is a better King. How he obeyed God perfectly. How he commanded us perfectly (as recorded in Scripture). How he actually causes our obedience (through the Spirit). How he died for our sins. How he rose and reigns at God's right hand - and how he's coming again to rescue his people from the ills of this world - and to usher us into his presence.
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