The appeal in 1st and 2nd Kings is for faithful obedience to God (1 Kings 2:4; 8:25, 57-58; 9:1-5; 15:1-5; 2 Kings 18:1-6; 22:1-2; 20:3). The chief aim of both books is to teach great moral lessons exemplified by events in the history of the Jewish nation and in the lives of its leaders and people. In studying these two Old Testament books, we see that every king was judged by his obedience or disobedience to God’s law. His success was measured by his adherence to the law, and by his God-honoring testimony before the heathen (cf. Deuteronomy 17:14-20).
The good of the nation depended upon its faithfulness to God (our nation needs to give strict adherence to this fact as well). Idolatry and compromise caused the decline and eventual fall of both Israel and Judah (cf. Hosea 1-13; Jeremiah 1-52). Idolatry and all sin inevitably bring defeat and punishment (Psalm 106:34-38; cf. Jeremiah 19:3-11) while faith and righteousness bring victory and joy (Psalm 33:12; Proverbs 14:34).
Events in Jewish history are lessons in the righteousness, justice, loving-kindness, mercy and faithfulness of God (Hosea 2:18-20). They also serve as a constant warning and example of the consequences of disobedience (1 Corinthians 10:1-12; cf. Romans 15:4).
