2nd Kings

סֵפֶר מְלָכִים

Sēfer Məlāḵīm

The author of the biblical book of Kings remains shrouded in mystery, as historians have yet to uncover his true origins. However, some experts speculate that he had access to a variety of written records, including the acts of Solomon, the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel, and the Book of the Chronicles of the King of Judah, which were likely official annals of the time. Additionally, it’s believed that the author may have drawn inspiration from earlier compilations made by some of the prophets.

Despite the lack of concrete evidence, historians agree that the author must have lived beyond the fall of Judah in 586 B.C., considering he recorded the release of Jehoiachin in approximately 560 B.C. (2 K 25.27-30). Furthermore, given his apparent interest in the covenant, it’s speculated that he may have been a contemporary of Jeremiah and written in the first half of the sixth century B.C. This fascinating speculation provides numerous opportunities for further research into the enigmatic authorship of Kings.