The Reception of the Books of Kings in Medieval Christianity

Abstract This chapter offers an overview of the medieval interpretation history of the books of Kings in light of the history of medieval exegesis and hermeneutics. The books were appreciated as historical records of the kingdom of Israel and Judah, first united under Solomon and later divided as two monarchies. They did not elicit much commentary in the Christian Middle Ages, with the exception of the passages that describe the temple of Solomon. Although they seemed to lack in theological or spiritual content, as historical records, the books held considerable interest for medieval chroniclers. The stories about the prophets Elijah and Elisha and the kings Solomon, Josiah, and Hezekiah inspired medieval monks and kings, respectively. Solomon was seen as a model wise king and Josiah as a reformer, and Elijah and Elisha were regarded as forerunners for the medieval monastic orders. All of them were interpreted as types of Christ.