Spirit of Prophecy
An introduction to the writings of Ellen G. White — the lesser light pointing to the greater light, the Word of God.
Prophets and Kings
Conflict of the Ages Series (Book 2 of 5)
Overview
Prophets and Kings is the second volume of the Conflict of the Ages series, continuing the Old Testament story where Patriarchs and Prophets left off. Its full original title was The Story of Prophets and Kings. It opens with the glorious reign of Solomon and the building of the temple, then traces the long, turbulent history of a chosen people who vacillated between allegiance to God and to the gods of the nations around them -- through division, apostasy, exile, and finally restoration. Its pages are filled with unforgettable characters: wise Solomon, fearless Elijah, faithful Elisha, beloved Daniel, courageous Jeremiah, and many more, each revealing lessons of faith and evidences of God's patient, providential love.
Purpose & Background
Ellen White wrote this book to show how the great controversy between God and Satan played out in the history of Israel and Judah -- and to reveal, through the lives of prophets and kings, both the tragic consequences of turning from God and the hope of restoration for all who return to Him. She wanted readers to detect in the affairs of nations the unseen influences of righteousness and evil, the hand of God and the work of the great adversary. Above all, she pointed forward to the coming Messiah, in whom all the hopes of Israel would be fulfilled.
Best For
Readers who have finished Patriarchs and Prophets and want to continue the Old Testament story, and anyone wanting to understand the messages of the prophets and the history of Israel's kings through the lens of the great controversy. A rich companion for studying the historical and prophetic books of the Old Testament.
Publisher
Pacific Press Publishing Association
Prophets and Kings was the last major book to come from Ellen White's pen. She died in July 1915 before it was fully completed, and the final two chapters were assembled from her existing notes and manuscripts by her assistants. It was first published posthumously in 1916-1917 by Pacific Press. Though second in the story's chronological order, it was the final volume of the Conflict of the Ages series to be written.
Contents
Prophets and Kings contains 60 chapters covering Old Testament history from the reign of Solomon to the time of Malachi and the return from exile. Because of its length, the chapters below are grouped by the era of sacred history they cover. The complete chapter-by-chapter text is available free at the read link.
- Solomon and the Temple -- Solomon's wisdom, the building of the temple, and his later apostasy
- The Divided Kingdom -- the split of Israel and Judah and the reigns that followed
- Elijah and Elisha -- the great prophets who confronted Baal worship and called Israel back to God
- The Later Prophets of Israel and Judah -- Isaiah, Hezekiah, and the warnings to a wayward nation
- Jeremiah and the Fall of Jerusalem -- the final warnings, the siege, and the Babylonian captivity
- The Captivity -- Daniel and his companions faithful in a foreign land
- The Restoration -- the return from exile, the rebuilding under Ezra and Nehemiah, and the hope of the Messiah