Genesis-Kings stands amid three key approaches to the Bible: quest for symbolic/allegorical meaning (Philo to Middle Ages); quest for factual history (Luther to ca. 1970s and “the collapse of history”); quest for literary artistry/meaning (esp. since James Muilenburg, 1968). Gen-Kgs emerges as a narrative with historical components, and triple focus: (i) human origins, (ii) Israel and Judah, a narrative matching that of other nations, and (iii) primarily a narrative of the human heart. Following literary convention, explicit emphasis on the heart occurs at the beginning (hearts estranged, Gen 6:5-6; 8:21), middle (listen with total heart, Deuteronomy, esp. 6:4-6), and end (Josiah’s total heart, 2 Kgs 23:25). Biblical accounts present diverse human dimensions, whether, for instance, God-like (Gen 1) or made of clay (Gen 2). Both are necessary. Abraham is more God-like than Jacob; Elijah more than Elisha. The first five books (Gen-Deut) build up towards the need to choose. The other books (Josh-Kgs) show pairs of contrasting choices: Joshua/Judges; Samuel/Saul; David/Solomon; prophets/kings; Hezekiah/Manasseh; Josiah/other kings.