The “Book” of Kings and Exilic Identity with Nathan Lovell

Nathan Lovell, senior lecturer in Old Testament and Hebrew at George Whitefield College in Cape Town, South Africa is an Australian who has lived in South Africa with his wife for the past ten years. He joins David Capes on “The Stone Chapel Podcast” to talk about his book, The Book of Kings and Exilic Identity: 1 and 2 Kings as a Work of Political Historiography (T. & T. Clark).  Initially, our books 1 & 2 Kings were one book, and they share common themes and concerns. Written from exile this “book” looks back over 400 years of the history of Israel and Judah to ask a single question: what does it mean to be God’s people in exile? With no temple, no land, a broken covenant, and no king how ought they envision their lives as God’s people? In fact, many exiles questioned whether they were still God’s people, yet the book of Kings ends with a glimmer of hope.  The Davidic king is released from his confinement and sits at the table of the Babylonian king.  The Davidic line has not come to an end.  God has not failed his exiled people.

To hear the podcast (19 minutes) click here.

The Stone Chapel is a podcast of the friends and staff of the Lanier Theological Library in Houston, Texas.  It is hosted by Dr. David Capes, Senior Research Fellow at the library and former faculty member at Houston Baptist University and Wheaton College.  The purpose of the podcast is to bring to our audience great conversations from the world’s leading experts in theology, biblical studies, archaeology, Church history, the Dead Sea Scrolls, ethics, ministry, and a host of other topics close to the mission of the library.

The Lanier Theological Library is a magnet for scholars, church leaders and influencers.  For the last ten years, it has welcomed hundreds of academics and church leaders from across the globe for public lectures, study, panel discussions, consultations, and encouragement.

These podcasts as well as the Lanier library and the Stone Chapel are generously underwritten by Mark and Becky Lanier and the Lanier Theological Library Foundation.  If you have questions or comments, please be in touch: Email david.capes@lanierlibrary.org