Introduction and review of research : A review of research on the composition of the Deuteronomistic history ; Martin Noth ; Rejection of Martin Noth's thesis ; Confirmation of Martin Noth's thesis ; Modification of Martin Noth's thesis ; Gerhard von Rad ; The two-redaction theory ; DtrG -- DtrP -- DtrN ; A response to the research on the composition of the deuteronomistic history ; A review of research on kingship according to the deuteronomistic history ; The traditional position ; Recent alternative proposals ; A response to the research on kingship according to the deuteronomistic history ; The purpose of this dissertation -- Kingship in 2 Kings 18-23 : King Josiah, 2 Kings 22-23 ; The deuteronomist's evaluation ; The discovery of the lawbook, 2 Kings 22:3-20 ; The covenant renewal ceremony, 2 Kings 23:1-3 ; The reform of the cult, 2 Kings 23:4-20, 24 ; The Passover celebration, 2 Kings 23:21-23 ; Conclusion ; King Hezekiah, 2 Kings 18-20 ; The deuteronomist's evaluation of King Hezekiah ; The basis of the Deuteronomist's evaluation ; Introduction, 2 Kings 18:9-16 ; Yahweh's deliverance of Jerusalem, 2 Kings 18:17-19:37 ; Hezekiah's illness, 2 Kings 20:1-11 ; The envoys from Babylon, 2 Kings 20:12-19 ; Conclusion ; A proposal: The role of the king according to the deuteronomistic historian ; The deuteronomist's theology ; The role of the king according to the deuteronomistic historian -- Kingship in the remainder of the deuteronomistic history.