With this book, David Malkin continues the series begun with the novel about the first Hebrew king, Shaul. After the death of Shlomo, his state split into two parts: Israel and Judah, which were led by about twenty kings each, until the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar crushed Jerusalem. The 340 years of reign of the Lesser Kings, so named by analogy with the Lesser Prophets, coincide in time with the life of the First Temple. “Lives of the Lesser Kings,” as well as previous books by David Malkin, are based on the chronicles of the TANAKH, supported by materials from modern history and archeology of the Ancient East.

“Of the long list of names of Jewish kings, only the names of David and Solomon. The average reader shows little interest in the monarchs who ruled Israel and Judah after the separation of these states. Meanwhile, Jewish history under these rulers is much more interesting and dramatic than any of the episodes from the times of David and Solomon. With courage that bordered on insolence, the Jews dared to wage war with such powerful powers as Syria, Phenicia, and Egypt. While other nations trembled at the approach of the Assyrian and Babylonian hordes, Israel and Judah appealed to the valor and courage of their neighbors and assembled a coalition from them to fight the enemy. The Jewish kings did not in any way resemble cautious and prudent politicians. They were more like Renaissance people with their penchant for vivid dramatic effects.” (M.I. Diamont “Jews, God and History”)