Simon J. DeVries

Simon J. DeVries is an American Old Testament scholar of the late twentieth century, working within mainstream academic study.

His commentaries on Kings engage the narrative and its theological claims, attending to the shape of Israel’s rise and decline, and to the prophetic voice that interprets events. We can benefit from his careful handling of detail and context, while reading as Christians who want to preach God’s covenant faithfulness, human idolatry, and the need for the true King.

He remains valued for steady exposition across large sections of complex narrative.

Recommended titles include 1 Kings in Word Biblical Commentary, 2 Kings in Word Biblical Commentary, and studies on Israel’s monarchy.

Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical

Simon J. DeVries

Simon J. DeVries is an American Old Testament scholar of the late twentieth century, working within mainstream academic study.

His commentaries on Kings engage the narrative and its theological claims, attending to the shape of Israel’s rise and decline, and to the prophetic voice that interprets events. We can benefit from his careful handling of detail and context, while reading as Christians who want to preach God’s covenant faithfulness, human idolatry, and the need for the true King.

He remains valued for steady exposition across large sections of complex narrative.

Recommended titles include 1 Kings in Word Biblical Commentary, 2 Kings in Word Biblical Commentary, and studies on Israel’s monarchy.

Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical

Simon J. DeVries

Simon J. DeVries

Simon J. DeVries is an American Old Testament scholar of the late twentieth century, working within mainstream academic study.

His commentaries on Kings engage the narrative and its theological claims, attending to the shape of Israel’s rise and decline, and to the prophetic voice that interprets events. We can benefit from his careful handling of detail and context, while reading as Christians who want to preach God’s covenant faithfulness, human idolatry, and the need for the true King.

He remains valued for steady exposition across large sections of complex narrative.

Recommended titles include 1 Kings in Word Biblical Commentary, 2 Kings in Word Biblical Commentary, and studies on Israel’s monarchy.

Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical

Reset

1 Kings

AdvancedAdvanced students / scholars, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
7.8
Author: Simon J. DeVries
Bible Book: 1 Kings
Series: Word Biblical Commentary
Type: Exegetical (Technical)
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary

Summary

We find Simon J. DeVries’s 1 Kings a weighty Word Biblical Commentary that stays close to 1 Kings. It is built for careful preparation, giving detailed notes on text, structure, and interpretive questions.

This volume is not written as a preaching manual, but it regularly strengthens our handling of the passage. When we are tempted to rush, it slows us down and helps us read with greater honesty.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this commentary when we want a technical companion that can answer hard questions without flattening the text. The series typically offers careful argument, detailed observation, and help with difficult verses.

We also benefit when we need to test our assumptions. Even when we do not follow every conclusion, the discipline of working through the evidence can refine our exegesis and steady our preaching.

For Reformed ministry, the gain is often indirect. Stronger exegesis supports clearer proclamation, and it helps us move to Christ with firmer textual footing.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as an advanced desk resource for pastors and students who want depth. It works best alongside a more directly expositional volume that helps us shape sermons and applications.

As pastoral next steps, we can read the Bible Book Overview, consult Top Recommendations, and browse the Reformed Commentary Index to build a wiser shelf.


🛒
Purchase here