What is important to God? It is interesting to note that in 1 and 2 Kings, while a great many kings come and go across the pages, only a few are selected for more detailed treatment by the author. What criteria did the author use to decide who would be given more ink and who would be given only passing mention? It was not what you might expect. The author passes quickly by some of the most politically and economically powerful kings in Israel's history. Omri, for instance, was a very significant political force from the view of secular history, but he is dismissed in a mere six verses (16:23-28).
The most words in 1 and 2 Kings go to the kings who moved the people toward obedience or toward obedience in significant ways. Obedience, faithfulness, loyalty, devotion. These are the priorities with God.
