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YOU ARE HERE: Study Programs >> Perek Yomi (A Chapter a Day) >> Questions to Guide You

Perek Yomi - Kings I

Questions by Rabbi David Hoffman

Chapter 1

How many years did King David reign?
Rashi offers us an interesting understanding of the reasons for the "cold" that David felt. He quotes a Rabbinic interpretation that David's "chill" was a result of his fear of death. "As David saw the angel of death standing in Jerusalem and his sword in his hand, his blood became cold from fear of him. He was therefore unable to become warm."
If David had 18 wives why did he need Avishag?
Compare the description of Avishag's beauty in 1:4 to the description of Sarah's beauty in Genesis 12:14.
What is the meaning and the relevance of the sentence, "And his father had not angered him all his days"? (verse 6)
What might have been a reason why Yoav sided with Adoniyahu rather than Solomon?
In verse 21, how does the Tanach refer to David's ultimate death? Is this Hebrew expression found in other places in the Bible?

Chapter 2

With what other verse in the Bible does David's charge in verse 4 resonate?
What did Yoav "do" to David to incur his wrath?
Where is the "City of David" now located?
What might have been the rationale for Solomon's severe reaction to Adoniyahu's request? King David never instructed Solomon to deal so harshly with his brother!
What sin did Shimi commit against King David?
Notice that Solomon never does his own killing. He always appoints an agent.

Chapter 3

The immediate questions that we are confronted with in this chapter are how and why did Solomon permit himself to marry the daughter of Pharaoh? Had he not read Deuteronomy 7:3?!
In what ways does the text say that Solomon was different from his father? What deeper personality characteristics do these differences illustrate?
Suggest some possible distinctions between wisdom and understanding. (verse 12)
What mitzvot in the Torah have the reward of "lengthening your days?"
Notice that the people do not perceive Solomon's wisdom as a function of his personal talents. His wisdom is simply an expression of the "Divine wisdom" that God caused to rest in Solomon.

Chapter 4

What was the role of the twelve officers that Solomon appointed over Israel?
How is the word "chevel" (verse 13) used in Joshua 19:9? Is its meaning there similar to the word's usage in our chapter?
What is the place "Beit She'an" famous for?
What is the connection of the last verse in this chapter to the beginning of the chapter (especially verse 7)? Notice the newly found security of the Kingdom of Israel!

Chapter 5

To what river does verse 1 refer?
Notice again in verse 9 the distinction between"chochma" and "tivunah." Recall the possible different meanings to these terms.
What is a "mashal"? (verse 12)
To appreciate why Solomon was the one to build the Temple read Deuteronomy chapter 12 verses 5 and 11. It was only during Solomon's time, as the first chapters of the book of Kings relate, that the conditions these verses describe were met.
Without getting lost in the details of the numbers listed at the end of the chapter, appreciate the enormity of the project Solomon undertook.

Chapter 6

Why did the author of Kings associate the exodus from Egypt with the building of the Temple?
To what Hebrew month does the "month of Ziv" (verse 1) refer? What does "ziv" mean?
Interestingly, all the measurements of the Temple were double those of the Tabernacle which Moses had built in the desert, except for the height which was three times that of the Tabernacle. This building was clearly not intended to be portable in any way.
The windows of the Temple were not designed to maximize sunlight coming into the Temple. Why was this design intentionally pursued? What message did it seek to communicate about the building's purpose?
Try to locate a Rabbinic understanding as to how the stones of the Temple were hewn without metal tools. (See Sotah 48b.)
In verse 12 God declares to Solomon that if he keeps God's ordinances and commandments "then will I establish My word with you." What does this mean? What is God offering Solomon?
For the Mishnah's rendering of what the Temple once looked like see Tractate Middot.
To what Hebrew month does the word "Bul" correspond?

Chapter 7

It took Solomon seven years to build God's home (the Temple), yet it took him thirteen years to finish his own home! How do you make sense of this?
In verse 15 the Hebrew word "yatsar" is used to mean "create." How does this word's meaning differ from that of "barah" which also means "to create"? (See Genesis chapter 1.)
Why were the two pillars named Yachin and Boaz? What do these words mean in Hebrew?
Why were lions and palm trees such a popular motif in the Temple? Why did pomegranates also appear frequently in the design of the Temple?
In the Mishkan and then in the Temple, how was the "lechem ha-panim" used? (verse 48)

Chapter 8

For what reasons did Solomon gather all the "elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes and the princes of the house of the children of Israel," before bringing the ark to the city of David?
Note that in Solomon's prayer/dedication of the Temple, he begins his words (verse 23) with praise of God before asking God for the needs of the people.
In verse 28 Solomon speaks of his "tefillah" or prayer. When is the first time this word is used in the Bible?
Interestingly, before there were synagogues and before "prayer" was a developed institution, Solomon says that the people of Israel will "pray towards this place." It is clear that some form of "prayer" worship did exist at this early time.
For the second half of this chapter recall the threats and consequences found in the second paragraph of the "shema."
In verse 55 Solomon will begin his blessing for the Jewish people. Notice the parallel to Moses' blessing to the people of his generation which he offered upon the completion of the Mishkan. (Exodus 39:43)
In verse 58 what is the difference between "chukotav" and "mishpatav"? What type of commandments do each of these categories represent?
Verse 64 says that Solomon offered a "minchah" offering. This was offered every day in the Temple and now our minchah service takes its place. What type of "sacrifice" was this?
In verse 65 the text says that they observed 14 days of feasting. Identify the nature of each of the groupings of "seven days" of which the verse speaks.

Chapter 9

This was the second prophetic vision experienced by King Solomon. The first was in Gibeon (3:5)
The meaning of "arei miscenot" (verse 19) is unclear. For possible parallels which will help determine the words' meaning see Exodus 1:11 and Deuteronomy 8:9.
What are the possible occasions on which Solomon used to offer up the sacrifices of which verse 25 speaks?
What is the connection of the last 3 verses of the chapter to everything else that had come before these verses? Is there a connection between these verses and the beginning of chapter 10?

Chapter 10

Why was the Queen of Sheba testing Solomon?
What is the importance of the incident of the Queen of Sheba in the context of the narrative of our story? How does the story fit in with the theme of the chapter?
The Rabbis gave many midrashic explanations to the significance of the six steps of Solomon'S throne. Some opinions hold that the steps signify the six days of creation, while others have suggested that the steps signify the six special precepts that the Torah imposes on kings. k (Check Deut. 17:16-17, 19) Suggest some possible meanings as well.

Chapter 11

Is there a thematic connection between the last chapter and the opening verses of our chapter?
Refer to Deuteronomy 7:3 for forbidden marriages.
How was it possible that after all that Solomon had done for God and after all the wealth with which God had blessed Solomon's kingdom, Solomon was unfaithful? What are your thoughts on Solomon's tragic fall?
Recall God's promise to Solomon in chapter 9 verses 6 and 7.
In verse 38 we have a phrase that is often heard at Jewish weddings. What does "ba'yit ne'eman" mean?
According to rabbinic understanding, name the books that Solomon authored.

Chapter 12

What does the expression mean: "My little finger is thicker than my father's loins," which appears in verse 10?
To which tribe did David belong? What was this tribe's symbol?
What was the nature of Jeroboam's concern which he expresses in verse 27?
To which holiday does the "festival in the eighth month on the fifteenth day of the month" refer?

Chapter 13

The city of Beit El was considered unfit by the Man of God. This is why he refused to take part in Jeroboam's feast. Consult Deuteronomy 13:13-19 for more information on the status of this city.
Do you believe that God's punishment for the Man of God was truly fair? Was he not tricked?
The lion miraculously did not consume the entire corpse. This is similar to the account in Daniel 6:23. Why might God not have allowed the lion to eat the corpse?
The Rabbis clearly were never great fans of Jeroboam. What verse in the 27th chapter of Proverbs do you believe best characterizes the Rabbis' assessment of Jeroboam?

Chapter 14

Recall the history of the city of Shiloh.
What is the literal translation of "mashtin b'kir" in verse 10?
The tribe of Judah clearly acted in ways that displeased God. Verse 24 says that "kadesh" was in the land. What is the literal meaning of this verse and what does Rashi say this verse means? Additionally, see chapter 15 verse 12.

Chapter 15

What were the "bamot" which Asa did not destroy? (verse 14)
Is there a central theme that has developed over the last two chapters? What are some of the possible themes and how do these themes fit into the larger narrative of our book?

Chapter 16

Theologically, how might you explain why the kings and the people continue to sin even after they are repeatedly punished for their actions? God continually warns the kings yet they do not listen!
It is difficult to follow these narratives. They do not read well, for they are so fractured. In some ways the discontinuity of these narratives artistically manifests the discontinuity of the kingdoms of the Jewish people.
What is the difference between a "baal" and an "asheirah"?

Chapter 17

Where did the character of Elijah come from? Do you find this part of the narrative a little disjointed from the larger story of our book? If not, how are the stories interrelated?
Why do you think the river dried up and Elijah had to go to the home of the widow? How does this course of events serve the story?
What might the widow have meant when she screamed at Elijah, "You have come to me to cause my sins to be remembered"? What is her fear?
Witchcraft is clearly forbidden by the Bible. Saul is punished for contracting the use of such powers. Is there a difference between witchcraft and what Elijah does with the child?
Is it not interesting that the woman ultimately believes that Elijah is a man of God only when he saves her son? His performance of the miracles for her family up until this moment did not impress the widow!

Chapter 18

Why did God want Elijah to go to Ahab?
After Elijah tells Ovadiah to go back to Ahab to relay the message that "Elijah is here," what was it that made Ovadiah fearful? Why did he believe Ahab might kill him?
From the information in this chapter, what do you believe is the nature of a prophet and what was his role in the ancient world?
Notice the almost comic, and at moments taunting, performance with which Elijah carries on against the prophets of Baal.
Why did Elijah have them pour water on the altar?
How does this incident and the characters of Ahab and Elijah fit into the larger narrative of the Book of Kings?

Chapter 19

Is it not strange that under Jezebel's threat Elijah flees!? Is this the same faithful prophet of God who had trusted in God and had slaughtered all the prophets of Baal!?
How does the mountain of Horeb figure in the Bible?
Is it not surprising that Elijah was unable to sway the people with the miracle he performed against the prophets of Baal? Even with these miracles and wonders, the people did not believe in the Lord of Hosts!
How does God console Elijah? When and how does Elijah experience God's consolation?

Chapter 20

At the beginning of our chapter, how might we characterize the type of relationship King Ahab has with the God of Israel?
When the prophet tells the King of Israel to "go strengthen yourself" (verse 22), what might be the intended meaning of this message?
Can you make any sense out of the prophet's request for his friend to "strike me now" (verse 35)? How does this story fit into the narrative of the chapter?
What is the shoresh (root) of "chermi" in verse 42 and how does this information help us better understand what this word truly means?

Chapter 21

What is the prohibition against "kila'yim" which is found in the Torah?
Consult Deuteronomy 20:19, 20 for the Torah's attitude to the destruction of certain types of trees?
Note the word in Hebrew which is a euphemism for the word "cursed" in verse 10.
Did Ahab deserve the intense scorn that Elijah expressed towards him?
What does the expression "Ma'aseh avot, siman l'vanim" mean? How is it relevant to our chapter?

Kings II

Chapter 1

The conjunction "and" connects the narrative of this chapter with the brief outline of Ahaziah's reign at the end of the first book of Kings. Suggest another possible thematic connection between First Kings and Second Kings.
What is the literal translation of "Baal zevuv"?
Why did Elijah react to the soldiers the king had sent in such drastic terms?
Posit a literary usage of the fact that the king sent three groups of soldiers only to bring Elijah to the king and have him tell him the same message that Elijah had already told the original messenger. How might this tale of the three officers and their punishment serve the theme of this book?
How do you make sense of the last verse of this chapter?

Chapter 2

What motivated Elijah to repeatedly request that Elisha "tarry here," while Elijah travelled?
Consult Deuteronomy 21 for the laws of inheritance of the first born as opposed to other sons. This will explain in some ways Elisha's request of Elijah. How do you make sense of Elijah's response to Elisha's request?
Notice the ritual which Elisha performs to mourn the loss of his teacher in verse 12.
What might the taunt that the children mocked Elisha with have meant? Compare this insult with the description of Elijah in chapter 1 verse 8.
What is the significance of the story of the children who taunt Elisha at the end of our chapter? Why is this story here?

Chapter 3

What were the sins of Jeroboam that Jehoram still cleaved unto? Consult I Kings chapter 12.
What is the meaning of the phrase "who poured water on the hands of Elijah"? (verse 11)
Why did Elisha say "go to the prophets of your fathers and the prophets of your mothers"? What is the nature of his objection to their request?
What is unusual about Elisha's instructions to the kings in verse 19? Consult Deuteronomy 20 verse 19.
After the king of Moab offered his own son as a last resort sacrifice, the text then says: "there came a great wrath upon Israel." What is the connection between the sacrifice and the "great wrath" which Israel then experienced and which caused them to depart and to return to their own land? (verse 27)

Chapter 4

The Shunamite woman responds to Elisha's servant and tells him that, "I dwell amongst my own people." What is the intended meaning of her words in verse 13?
Consult Genesis chapter 21 verse 2 for language similar to verse 17 in our chapter.
Notice in verse 23 that, given the husband's response to his wife, she had not told him about the fate of their son.
Why do you think that the woman lied to Gehazi and told him that her son is well?
How do you make sense of these magic narratives? How do you understand the religious messages of these miracle tales in the context of the prophetic literature you have already read?

Chapter 5

Most of the First Book of Kings is about the history of Jews as a people. It seems that the first chapters of the Second Book of Kings are less about the Jewish people and that they are more concerned with Elisha as an individual prophet. To what extent do you think this is an accurate assessment of what is occurring? Are these tales really about Elisha?
The text tells us that Naaman was respected by the Lord and that he was also a metzora. What does this word mean? Consult Leviticus chapter 14.
What were Gehazi's intentions when he asked for the gold from Naaman? Was he taking the gold for his personal benefit or, rather, to share with Elisha?
Why was Elisha so insistent that he receive no payment for his work? What was at stake in his decision?

Chapter 6

What are the different possibilities for understanding the disease of "blindness" with which the people were stricken?
What was the significance of the place of Samaria?
The King of Israel already knew that the woman was starving, so what was the import of his question, "What troubles you"? (verse 28)
What was the source of King Jehoram's anger against Elisha?
To greater appreciate what is meant by the words "this is a calamity from the Lord," read Deuteronomy 28:53.

Chapter 7

Consult Leviticus 13:46 for the place of the metzora in the Israelite settlement.
Identify the nature of the officer's sins which made him deserve the punishment of getting "trampled."
What do you imagine the role of the "gate" to be in ancient towns and cities? Why does this spot figure so prominently in ancient literature?

Chapter 8

It is crucial that the text mentions that the woman did according "to the word of the man of God." This fact was the core reason why she felt she was still entitled to the return of her land.
Notice that even non-Jews (Ben-Hadad) recognized Elisha's power as the man of God.
Notice the language that Elisha uses in his horrible prophecy of what the King of Aram will do to the Jewish people. In many ways this imagery is reminiscent of imagery found in the Megilat Eichah.
What was David's connection to Judah that made the Lord unwilling to destroy Judah?
What is the theme of this chapter and how does it relate to your understanding of the book as a whole?

Chapter 9

What does the expression "gird your loins" mean in the context of the prophetic literature that you have read until now?
What does the Hebrew word "ramah" mean? (as in Ramot Gilad)
Notice that the people refer to Elisha as a "madman." It is interesting that even the text acknowledges that many people who are contemporaries of the prophet see him as having lost his mind.
This is a very powerful and violent chapter. In a sentence, identify the theme of this chapter and then reflect on its religious message.

Chapter 10

Why did Jehu command them to leave the heads of the king's sons out until morning?
Who was the last King of Israel or Judah who was as zealous for the Lord in his actions as Jehu?
What sins was Jeroboam guilty of against the Lord?

Chapter 11

We have just finished the narrative of Jehu's usurping of the throne of Israel and the purge he performed against Baal. Now we return to our discussion of the Kingdom of Judah. Pay attention to the ways in which this is clearly a continuation of the themes that were begun in the previous chapters.
The people gave the king's son the crown and the testimony, as they anointed him king. Read Deuteronomy 17:19 to confirm exactly what this "testimony" was.
What was Atalyah's relationship to the King?
Notice the Hebrew for the word "palace" in verse 16. How do you think the English translation was derived?

Chapter 12

What were the "bamot" that are mentioned in verse 4?
What is the "money of the numbering" of which verse 5 speaks? Consult Exodus chapter 30 for the origin of this custom and consult Leviticus 27 for another possibility of the meaning of this term.
Notice that it is only after they had made major moves toward eliminating Baal worship in the Land that they then focused their energies at repairing the Lord's Temple.
Consider how Jehoash saved Jerusalem. He sent Hazael all the wealth of the Temple. What are your feelings about King Jehoash's actions? Might Jehoash's ultimate fate indicate God's reaction to his behavior?!

Chapter 13

What was the "Asheira" that stood in Samaria?
When the text refers to the fact that all that the kings of Israel did is detailed in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel, to which book or books does this refer?
Notice that even in death Elisha's powers can raise people from the dead.
Additionally, notice the fact that the author of this book ties in the Covenant that God had made with our ancestors as the most compelling reason for God to save the remnant of the Jewish people.

Chapter 14

What is the distinction that the text is makingwhen it says: "He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord... however not like his father David, but rather like all that Joash his father did"?
Consult Deuteronomy 24:16 for the inter-textual source which is quoted in verse 6.
How was it possible that king of Israel should attack Jerusalem, breach the wall, and then pillage the Temple?!
Where is the sea of the Aravah (verse 25) located in the landscape of the Land of Israel?

Chapter 15

According to rabbinic understandings, for which sin might "tsara'at" be a punishment?
Why is it that the author of our text records these lists of Kings, their years and behavior for us? What is the point of all this retelling? How does this narrative fit into the theme of the entire work of Second Kings?
Articulate the theology of this chapter. Is it in concert with the theology of the five Books of Moses? How so?

Chapter 16

Note here that Ahaz, the King of Judah, plunders the treasury of the Temple and uses this money to placate the king of Assyria with a bribe. We have seen this before.
In what ways did Ahaz show disdain for the Temple in Jerusalem? Why did he behave in these ways?
In the Temple in Jerusalem, out of what material was the altar composed?
When were meal-offerings generally offered? What are some examples of libations that were brought in the Temple?

Chapter 17

Until this point in our text, how might you describe the position or the relationship between the Kingdoms of Israel and their neighbors?
Again, notice the author's theological justification for the situation of the Kingdoms of Israel at this moment in history.
What did God command the Israelites to do with the other religions and peoples that they would encounter when they first entered the Land of Israel as they came out of the desert?
Consult Deuteronomy 18:10 for God's explicit warning of those practices that they were not allowed to adopt as they entered the Land.
Notice that the pagan priests are attempting to teach the Israelites how to fear the Lord! This is a very ironic moment. Yet even from the non-Jews, the Israelites fail to learn their lesson.

Chapter 18

What was the "copper serpent" that Moses made for the Israelites? Under what conditions did he make it?
Notice the special place that Hezekiah had in the eyes of God.
If Hezekiah was so beloved by God, how was it that Sennacherib conquered his kingdom?
How do you feel about the fact that Hezekiah gave the doors of the Temple away to the King of Assyria? Did he have a choice?
What was Ravshakeh trying to convince the people of? What were the points in his argument? What motivated him to make such arguments?
Why did the people rend their garments when they heard Ravshakeh's words?

Chapter 19

What is a "birthstool" that verse 3 discusses?
Explain the image that Hezekiah invokes of the "God of Israel, who dwells between the kruvim." (verse 15)
Note the author's switch to religious poetry and imagery. This section stands in stark contrast to many sections of this book.
Why does God seem to have "a change of heart," in this chapter when He takes decisive action to assist the Israelites against their enemies? Why here and now?

Chapter 20

Explain Hezekiah's response to Isaiah's prophecy that everything in the Temple treasury will be carried off to Babylonia.
Why did Hezekiah show off all his wealth to the guests from Babylonia?
Where did Isaiah come from? Is it not interesting how the prophets are introduced (or not introduced!) in the Book of Kings?
Why did Isaiah offer this horrible prophecy about the fate of the Temple? Why would the Jews deserve such a punishment? Were they not on their way towards turning over a new leaf?

Chapter 21

Why do you think the Kings of Israel always seem to return to other gods? Don't they see that when they do things like this they will only get punished?
Notice that what particularly provokes God is that Menasheh shed much innocent blood in Jerusalem. This is, of course, on top of the fact that he caused the Israelites to sin and do what is evil in the eyes of the Lord.
Was Menasheh the first King of Israel to be assassinated? Which other kings were also killed by their own people?

Chapter 22

What is meant by the surprising sentence of Hilkiah: "I have found the Scroll of the Law in the House of the Lord?" Had they not had copies of the Torah up until this point?
Why did the King rend his garments when he heard the words of the Scroll of the Law?
Where was Huldah sitting when they came to speak with her?
What were the words of comfort that Huldah offered the King? Were these words really so comforting?

Chapter 23

What did Josiah read to the people of Israel (specifically, what passages)? When was the last time the people had heard such words?
What were the "mazalot" that Josiah abolished in verse 5?
Where is the Kidron Valley now?
Why was it that, after abolishing all the idol worship in Jerusalem, Josiah called for a Passover sacrifice? What is the particular focus of this religious act?
Why was it that after all the good that Josiah had done, so much of which was clearly unprecedented, God was still not placated?

Chapter 24

Notice that the author would like us to understand that the bands attacking Judah were incited and were simply an extension of God's wrath.
Why do you think Nebuchadnezzar changed Mattanyah's name to Zedekiah? What was the significance of such an act?
Notice that when Israel sins, God seems to "cast us way from before His Presence" (verse 20) as a punishment. What ware some theological ramifications of such an idea?

Chapter 25

According to the Rabbis what is the date when Nebuchadnezzer's army breached the outer walls of Jerusalem? What is the date of the Temple's ultimate destruction?
Consult Jeremiah 52:12 for an alternative date when the Temple was destroyed.
Note -- the harsh language and vivid imagery of this chapter which serve to confirm the fact that God's promise was ultimately fulfilled.
Reflecting back on the entire book of Kings, identify the most prevalent theme and religious message of the book. Is the narrative compelling? Does it speak to you as a Jew and as a person?
Is there ultimately any comfort offered at the end of this book? How does the author of the book leave his readers?