1 & 2 KINGS GOD’S IMPERFECT SERVANTS
10 studies for individuals or groups
By Carolyn Nystrom
IVP. 64 pages. £4.99
ISBN 978 1 783 596 751
This book is one of IVP’s LifeBuilder Bible Study Series.
In the introductory chapter the author explains why it is worthwhile looking at ‘kings who ruled a nation of Hebrews 3,000 years ago’. Right from the start she makes us think about how what we are reading needs to impact our lives in our day. She gives helpful suggestions both for individual and group study. Leaders’ Notes are included at the back of the book, which I found useful as I used this book in my personal Quiet Time. For those who are new to leading a study, more detailed advice is given at the start of the Leaders’ Notes.
Types of questions
Each study begins with a suggestion for group discussion or personal reflection. The author summarises her approach: ‘This is an inductive Bible study, designed to help you discover for yourself what Scripture is saying. The study includes three types of questions. Observation questions ask about the basic facts: who, what, where and how. Interpretation questions delve into the meaning of the passage. Application questions help you discover the implications of the text for growing in Christ’ (p.7). Each study ends with prayer pointers, and suggested further responses to what you have learned.
I found the questions well-thought-through and helpful. Using this book as an individual has given me an appetite to get to know 1 & 2 Kings better – the study guide only looks at ten characters within these books. There is a lot of material to get through in each study, and I suspect that the recommended 45-60 minutes in a group setting would be hard to achieve.
