Leslie J. HOPPE. The Rise and Fall of the Israelite Kingdoms: Two Contrasting Biblical Stories. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 2021. pp. 288. $29.95 pb. ISBN: 978-08091-5488-3. Reviewed by Daniel LLOYD, Saint Leo University, Charleston, SC 29406.

Fr. Hoppe’s The Rise and Fall of the Israelite Kingdoms: Two Contrasting Biblical Stories is an outstanding resource for those studying the Israelite royal history. Though some readers may be interested in either the history of the Jewish monarchies as presented in Samuel/Kings or in Chronicles, this book is clearly most valuable to those studying both simultaneously. Hoppe’s work draws out the significance of each tradition through his comparisons with the other. Higher level undergraduate courses and master’s level students can profit enormously from this book. It is also appropriate for general readers interested in the topic.

Hoppe begins with an Introduction which establishes a framework for his exposition of the similarities and differences at the heart of the book. Here Hoppe outlines the major theological and cultural interests of each tradition and gives special attention to the ways the endings of the traditions point to their theological interests. For example, in the case of Samuel/Kings, Hoppe emphasizes the theological message that punishment in the form of lost land, temple, and monarchy was the result of turning from the Law. Chronicles, on the other hand, takes this tradition and concludes its accounting with hope: “Chronicles offers a later version of the story of the two Israelite kingdoms—a version that respects the Deuternomistic account but is convinced that there was a future for Israel beyond judgment” (p. 5). This focus on seeing the endings as of particular importance for our ability to understand the distinctions of the traditions is also helpfully noted by Hoppe’s suggestion that Chronicles “does not reject the authority of Samuel/Kings but it does challenge that work as the only way to understand Judah’s past” (p. 6). 

After the Introduction, four chapters cover the royal history. These chapters move chronologically through the prelude in each tradition, the early Israelite monarchy, the two Israelite kingdoms, and finally the decline and collapse of the kingdoms. Both traditions are presented and discussed in succession within each of the chapters, making tracking the parallels and distinctions much easier than if Hoppe had presented one tradition in its entirety and then then other. The book ends with a helpful table of the Israelite kings organized with manner of accession, length of reign, manner of death, and the evaluation of the reign from the perspectives of Samuel/Kings and Chronicles.

Strengths in Hoppe’s presentation are numerous. First among them concerns Hoppe’s approach to these sacred texts in light of their historical nature. He introduces readers to the fruits of modern biblical criticism, such as the way archeology influences our understanding of the history of the Jewish people  in light of the texts (see, for example, p. 30). Hoppe’s many years of scholarship remain informative, but without becoming the primary subject on any page. Rather, his purpose is to present the major ideas of the traditions in their complexity without getting distracted by adjudicating historical claims or inconsistencies. This allows readers to enter into a deeper appreciation of these texts, their ambiguities, and their purposeful attempt to draw readers into “reflection and interpretive creativity” (p. 13).

Other strengths stem from Hoppe’s attention to details. The book provides a retelling of many of the details of the monarchic stories, allowing Hoppe to focus on significant particulars and differences. Because the variety of persons and the details involved with the histories of the kingdoms can be complicated, this is a welcome retelling. Along with its inclusion of the appendix, the chapters also act as an easy reference source for the Jewish kings. Furthermore, even readers well-versed in the historical traditions will be pleasantly surprised with details brought out in Hoppe’s presentation which act as a source for deeper consideration about the texts.

There is little which can be improved in a book such as a this. In a few places readers might find a word unfamiliar and unexplained (such as “palladium” on p. 32). So too, Hoppe here and there might surprise readers with an interpretation that does not get enough of a treatment to be quite convincing, such as his skepticism about some of David’s actions and motives (see p. 65). There is an interesting and relatively short (p. 95-98) excursus on the gәbîrâ, which some readers will probably be a bit confused by in terms of its inclusion and specificity. These are not really shortcomings but rather choices, which might have been different had another authored the book.

Best about Hoppe’s book is that it can serve as an introduction to the histories of the kingdoms and an invitation to study them. This will probably not be the road taken by most readers, but its approachability and comprehensiveness to main ideas and details (despite its modest size) is something to consider. Most readers will simply welcome it enthusiastically for the way it will deepen their understanding and appreciation of the Samuel/Kings and Chronicles traditions.