The reception of the Books of Kings in rabbinic literature

This chapter surveys references to Kings in rabbinic literature (Mishnah, Tosefta, Talmuds, and relevant midrashim). It also discusses the dynamics of rabbinic reception of these books and sketches the main themes and aspects of that reception. The chapter demonstrates that the relative marginalization of Kings as a textbook for midrashic analysis is belied by the continuing vitality of the characters and stories of Kings in rabbinic literature at large. The literature also "rabbinized" these characters and stories by portraying them with the spirit and values of the rabbis and their interest in Torah study and communal religious activities. This is quite distinct from these characters' original political and historical settings and concerns.