---
title: "Who Were the Target Readers for 1 Kings and 2 Kings?"
canonical: "https://www.bibletolife.com/resources/questions/who-were-the-target-readers-for-1-kings-and-2-kings"
markdown: "https://www.bibletolife.com/resources/questions/who-were-the-target-readers-for-1-kings-and-2-kings.md"
type: "questions"
typeTitle: "Questions"
authors:
  - "Harry Shields"
date: "2024-09-13"
updated: "2026-09-15"
topics:
  - "Interpreting the Bible"
perspective: "Learn"
relatedBook: "The Moody Bible Commentary"
relatedBookUrl: "https://www.bibletolife.com/resources/books/the-moody-bible-commentary"
---

# Who Were the Target Readers for 1 Kings and 2 Kings?

> 1 and 2 Kings were written for Jewish exiles in captivity, explaining why Israel fell while affirming God's faithfulness to David's covenant and the hope of a coming Messiah.

**Type:** Questions  
**Published:** September 13, 2024  
**Authors:** [Harry Shields](https://www.bibletolife.com/resources/authors/harry-shields)  
**Topics:** [Interpreting the Bible](https://www.bibletolife.com/resources/topics/interpreting-the-bible)  
**Perspective:** Learn

The recipients of 1 and 2 Kings are not specifically stated. However, the content and message of the book suggests it was written to the faithful remnant of Jewish people who had gone into captivity. The message of the book explains how and why the nation went into captivity, because of their failure to follow the Lord. It also presents God’s faithfulness to His covenant to David to preserve a faithful remnant (cf. 2Sm 7:8-17). Although all of the kings of Judah had ultimately failed to fulfill the Davidic promise, the implication is that the people should keep looking forward for the messianic King, the greater Son of David.

## For Further Reading

[The Moody Bible Commentary](https://www.bibletolife.com/resources/books/the-moody-bible-commentary)

by Michael A. Rydelnik and Michael Vanlaningham