Steve A. Wiggins, “First, Kings” (4.1.26), steveawiggins.com. Accessed 4.7.26.
Biblical tales are often more earthy than they might be supposed. Viewed through the lens of faith, we’re willing to excuse behavior that wasn’t even condoned in that day: David’s adultery, (ahem) or literal political assassination (ahem). Alas, poor Uriah. The problem arises when these earthy texts are taken for something magical. People still believe in magic. Widely so. This belief drives much of politics in two related nations far apart but bound together by a book. Reading 1 Kings is a useful spiritual, and practical exercise. We can learn much about how people behave. The Good Book isn’t shy about the motivations either. Sex, power, and fame drove leaders of antiquity even as they continue to do so today. The Bible tells me so.
The Amateur Exegete 