Colourful characters, strange stories,fierce battles and amazing miracles are all contained in the Old Testament, but how does this all fit together and where does it belong in what we think of as 'real history'? This book sets out to be a narrative of one section of pre-Christian history, the 450 years during which God's people were not just a nation but also a monarchy. The author places each king of Israel and Judah in his own time and place, pointing out in what ways a particular king either feared or did not fear the Lord, and what the consequences were. Helpfully he also involves the contribution of various prophets sent by the Lord to speak to these kings. He seeks to explain who was who, and who was related to whom; what took place when and where, and how the story connects with that of other nations of the time. These Old Testament characters and their successes and failings are fascinating and yet their lives and the events surrounding them are a challenge for us today as in the final chapter the author explains how the kingdom of God still functions even although the historic reign of the kings is over for ever. Book jacket.