The story of kings in Scripture begins with a nation’s longing to be like everyone else.
In 1 Samuel 8, the Israelites came to the prophet Samuel with a demand: “Appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.” Though God had been their true King, ruling through His Word, His prophets, and His providence, Israel wanted a visible ruler they could follow. Samuel warned them this choice would come at a cost. But they insisted—and God, in His sovereignty, allowed it.
Saul: The King Who Looked the Part but Lacked Obedience
The first king, Saul, came from the smallest tribe, Benjamin. He stood taller than anyone else (1 Samuel 9:2) and began his reign with humility and promise. But it did not last.
When God commanded him to destroy the Amalekites completely, Saul chose partial obedience, sparing their king and the best of their livestock (1 Samuel 15). Samuel’s words cut deep: “To obey is better than sacrifice.” In the end, Saul’s pride and disobedience cost him the throne and his peace of mind.
David: The King After God’s Heart but Not Without Sin
Then came David, the shepherd anointed while Saul still reigned. He unified Israel, established Jerusalem as its capital, and longed to build a temple for God. Scripture calls him “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14). Yet even David fell short. His adultery with Bathsheba and the arranged death of her husband, Uriah (2 Samuel 11), brought devastating consequences to his family and kingdom. Still, David’s response stands apart: sincere repentance and trust in God’s mercy, recorded in Psalm 51.
Solomon: The Wisest King Who Forgot Wisdom’s Source
David’s son Solomon began his reign by asking for wisdom rather than wealth (1 Kings 3:9–12). God granted it and more. Solomon built the magnificent temple in Jerusalem, wrote much of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, and brought Israel to its height of glory. Yet despite all his wisdom, Solomon’s heart turned away. He married foreign wives who led him to worship other gods (1 Kings 11:4). The kingdom that once knew peace began to fracture under the weight of idolatry.
The Divided Kingdom: Kings Who Forgot Their Calling
After Solomon’s death, the kingdom split into Israel in the north and Judah in the south. Most of the kings who followed did evil in the eyes of the Lord. Ahab and his queen Jezebel promoted Baal worship (1 Kings 16:30–33). Rehoboam’s harshness led to rebellion (1 Kings 12). Manasseh, one of Judah’s longest-reigning kings, filled the temple with idols and even sacrificed his own son, though late in life he humbled himself before God and was forgiven (2 Chronicles 33:12–13).
Generation after generation, each ruler proved the same truth: no human king could lead God’s people perfectly. Their reigns were marked by compromise, corruption, or pride. Even the best among them fell short of God’s righteousness.
Jesus: The Perfect and Eternal King
Centuries later, the prophets began to speak of another King, a coming Messiah who would rule with justice and peace. Isaiah foretold:
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders… He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom forever” (Isaiah 9:6–7).
When Jesus arrived, He did not come with armies or gold but with grace and truth (John 1:17). He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:5) and wore a crown of thorns instead of gold. Yet through His death and resurrection, He conquered sin and established an eternal kingdom, not built by human hands but in the hearts of those who believe.
Unlike Saul, He obeyed fully.
Unlike David, He was without sin.
Unlike Solomon, His heart never strayed.
Revelation declares that “on His robe and on His thigh He has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” (Revelation 19:16).
Jesus is the King Israel longed for, the King humanity has always needed. His reign is perfect, His justice pure, His mercy unending. And unlike every king who came before Him, His kingdom will never fall.
The Kingdom and the King Storybook Bible
From Creation’s wonder to Christ’s throne—70 captivating stories that will make your family’s Bible time unforgettable.
This captivating storybook Bible for children brings Scripture to life with 70 beautifully-illustrated stories spanning from Creation to Revelation. Beloved author and storyteller, Bob Hartman weaves together an unforgettable journey through God’s Word highlighting the theme of God’s kingship. And acclaimed illustrator, Catalina Echeverri captures children’s imaginations with her stunning artwork.
Children will encounter the Creator King, the rejected King, the promise-keeping King, and ultimately Jesus—the True King who provides the way to a glorious new kingdom for all who trust in Him. They’ll discover what it means to live as God’s people, in God’s kingdom, under Christ’s rule.
This storybook Bible will be treasured by families. Whether shared during bedtime stories or family devotions, The Kingdom and the King is ideal for reading aloud with young children while being engaging enough for older kids to enjoy independently. Each story includes Scripture references so families can explore God’s Word together more deeply.