0The Old Testament provides peculiarly powerful ways of thinking and seeing. Brueggemann considers the artistry of 1 & 2 Kings as it mediates between history and faith. He has spent many years engaged with the artistry and imagination of the Old Testament, pondering the ways of power in church and society and he makes clear that those issues of power in the ancient texts still pertain to contemporary times. While the book proceeds text-by-text, special focus is placed upon Solomon, Elijah, Elisha, and Josiah as models of faith. Brueggemann provides a useful guide for the reader to maneuver between flat history and absolute faith. In commentary form, 1 & 2 Kings invites the reader to view fresh ways of faithful insight and wisdom. Like all volumes in the Smyth & Helwys Commentary Series, 1 & 2 Kings provides a wealth of visual treats, from photography to classic works of art and maps. Each visual supports the commentary and enhances interpretation.