41: The Story Behind the Story

In this episode of The BEMA Podcast, Marty Solomon and Brent Billings delve into the different perspectives presented in the books of Samuel/Kings and Chronicles regarding the history of the United Kingdom of Israel, specifically focusing on the reigns of David and Solomon. They explore how Samuel/Kings emphasizes immorality and idolatry as the reasons for the kingdom's downfall, while Chronicles, written with historical hindsight, points to empire-building and injustice as the underlying issues. The discussion highlights the contrasting portrayals of David and Solomon, with Chronicles omitting David's sin with Bathsheba and Solomon's idolatry to focus on the broader themes of empire and its consequences, ultimately suggesting that the pursuit of empire led to the moral failings of the leaders and the subsequent division of the kingdom.