It is almost impossible to preach from large parts of the Old Testament without knowledge of the historical context and geographical setting. However, while this knowledge was once widespread in many churches, many hearers now know little or nothing of biblical history, and preachers find it hard to interest their hearers in such faraway times and places.
In the Days of the Kings is a valiant attempt to interest and inform Christians in one especially complicated era of Old Testament history, the days of the kings. Author Michael Wilcock is well qualified for the task. He has written a number of books in The Bible Speaks Today series, including volumes on Judges and Chronicles. He has also been a pastor for many years, including a stint as director of Pastoral Studies at Trinity College, Bristol. And that pastoral/academic combination is clearly reflected in the book. I sense that Wilcock has a pastoral passion for simplifying and summarizing his extensive knowledge, for the benefit of the wider church (something you don’t often find in academics!)
In 21 short chapters (average 8 pages each), Wilcock walks us through 450 years of Old Testament history. The pithy and memorable chapter headings would make for some great sermon titles: e.g., The Invisible king, The “How-not-to-be” King, As Different as Chalk and Cheese, The Bee Buzzes, The Bee Stings, etc.
In the Days of the Kings
Michael Wilcock
Colourful characters and strange stories are all contained in the Old Testament but how do they fit into history? Here you will discover 450 years of the Kings of Israel and Judah; the author places each king in his own time and place, pointing out ways a particular king either feared or did not fear the Lord, and what were the consequences. He also involves the contribution of various prophets sent by the Lord to speak to these kings. The final chapter explains how the kingdom of God still functions even although the reign of the kings is over. This is an interesting subject matter which has been uniquely covered. it includes a chart providing a helpful timeline of the kings.
One of the potential pitfalls of writing a history like this is that the pages often end up being almost unreadable due to the multiplication of dates and bible references. Numbers eventually overwhelm the letters—and the readers. Wilcock has “solved” this problem by very minimal reference to dates and by eliminating all bible references. In view of the purpose of this book, I understand his decision. He wants to give the big picture and to show how the flow of history all fits together. He is not writing a scholarly treatise, but rather a first stepping-stone to further study. Having said that, I do wish that the relevant biblical passages could have been noted at the end of each chapter.
The main thing to bear in mind as you consider whether you should buy this book is its deliberately limited purpose. Don’t buy it if you are looking for a scholarly treatment of Old Testament History. Don’t buy it to discover the meaning of the Old Testament. Don’t buy it for help in preaching Christ from the Old Testament.
Do buy it if you want a good introduction to 450 years of Old Testament History. Do buy it if you want to see the big picture, the sweep of history, and how the different kings fit into it. Do buy it if you want a complicated and confusing era simplified and clarified.
This would be a good book to give a young Christian who is beginning to venture into Samuel, Kings and Chronicles. But I’m sure many confused mature Christians would also find Wilcock to be a helpful guide. I found it quite refreshing to scan Old Testament history in the company of Wilcock’s popular prose. It brought these old narratives to life again.
But do remember that this book is just a little baby-step. Once you read it, do seek out other books about the kings for interpretation, practical application, and a Christ-centered focus.
