1 KINGS INTRODUCTION
The Book of 1 Kings, part of the historical books of the Old Testament, records the transition of Israel from a united kingdom to a divided nation. It begins with the reign of King Solomon, showcasing his wisdom and the construction of the temple, and traces the kingdom’s decline as idolatry and disobedience take hold. Through its accounts of leaders, prophets, and events, 1 Kings reveals God’s sovereignty and faithfulness while highlighting the consequences of sin.
PURPOSE: The book demonstrates God’s sovereignty in the history of Israel, highlighting the blessings of obedience and the consequences of disobedience to His covenant. It recounts the reigns of Israel’s kings, emphasizing the need for godly leadership and faithfulness to the Lord. 1 Kings serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God’s Word and reliance on His guidance in all circumstances.
AUTHOR: Scholars typically affirm Jeremiah as a likely author of 1 Kings due to his prophetic role during the fall of Jerusalem and the exile. However, some conservative scholars propose the possibility of an unknown prophet or historian compiling the books to emphasize divine inspiration rather than human authorship. Gleason L. Archer Jr. (in A Survey of Old Testament Introduction) considers Jeremiah a strong candidate but acknowledges the role of later redactors who preserved prophetic writings. Merrill Unger (in Unger’s Commentary on the Old Testament) leans toward Jeremiah but leaves open the possibility of other inspired prophetic contributors. Edward J. Young (in An Introduction to the Old Testament) maintains the inspired nature of the text without dogmatically identifying the author, suggesting the content is more significant than the writer’s identity.
ADDRESSEE: 1 Kings is written specifically to the people of Israel, offering them a historical account of their kings and teaching lessons about faithfulness to God.
DATE: The dates for the writing of 1 Kings are around 560–540 BC during the Babylonian exile. This timing aligns with the historical context reflected in the book, including the fall of Jerusalem (586 BC). This dating is based on internal evidence, including the detailed descriptions of events leading to the exile, suggesting the author had a retrospective view, likely writing shortly after these events had transpired.
SETTING: The setting is ancient Israel and covers the history of the Israelite monarchy, from the death of David to the end of King Ahab’s reign. It spans roughly 120 years, beginning with Solomon’s ascension to the throne and his construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The book details Solomon’s wisdom, his reign’s prosperity, the division of Israel into the northern and southern kingdoms, and the rise of various kings, including Ahab and his confrontation with the prophet Elijah. It also highlights the political, spiritual, and moral challenges faced by Israel, as well as the ongoing struggle to maintain faithfulness to God amidst idolatry and corruption.
KEY VERSES:
- 1 Kings 1:37 – Marks the beginning of Solomon’s reign, highlighting God’s continued faithfulness and the transfer of leadership from David to Solomon.
“As the Lord has been with my lord the king, even so may He be with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord King David.”
- 1 Kings 3:9 – Solomon’s request for wisdom shows his humility and desire for God’s guidance to lead the people righteously.
“Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”
- 1 Kings 8:27 – Solomon’s prayer at the temple’s dedication reflects his awe of God’s greatness, acknowledging that no building can fully contain God’s presence.
“But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You. How much less this temple which I have built!”
- 1 Kings 18:21 – Captures the pivotal moment of Elijah’s confrontation with Israel’s idolatry, calling the people to choose whom they would truly serve.
“And Elijah came to all the people, and said, ‘How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.’ But the people answered him not a word.”
BASIC STORYLINE:
- The Reign of Solomon (Chapters 1-11)• Solomon becomes king after David.
• He asks God for wisdom and is granted wealth and knowledge.
• Solomon builds and dedicates the Temple in Jerusalem.
• His wealth and wisdom bring fame, but he turns to idolatry due to foreign wives.
• Solomon dies, and his son Rehoboam becomes king. - The Division of the Kingdom (Chapters 12-14)
• Rehoboam’s harsh leadership causes the kingdom to split into Israel (north) and Judah (south).
• Jeroboam, king of Israel, sets up idolatry with golden calves.
• A prophet warns Jeroboam, but he does not repent.
• Rehoboam’s reign ends with judgment for his sin.
3. The Kings of Israel and Judah (Chapters 15-22)
• Several kings rule in Israel and Judah; some are good, and many are evil.
• Elijah, the prophet, confronts King Ahab and Queen Jezebel over idolatry.
• Elijah performs miracles, including the famous showdown on Mount Carmel against Baal’s prophets.
• Ahab dies in battle, and his son Ahaziah takes over.
• The book ends with Israel continuing in sin under Ahab’s descendants.
CHAPTER CONTENT:
- Solomon’s reign begins, Prayer
- David’s instructions to Solomon
- Solomon’s wisdom and request
- Solomon’s officials and wealth
- Preparation for building the temple
- Solomon builds the temple
- Solomon’s palace and furniture
- Ark brought to the temple
- God’s covenant with Solomon
- Queen of Sheba visits
- Solomon’s idolatry and judgment
- Rehoboam’s foolish decision, Division
- Prophet rebukes Jeroboam, Judgment
- Jeroboam’s sin, Death of Abijah
- Abijam and Asa’s reign
- The kings of Israel
- Elijah’s prophecy and miracles
- Elijah confronts Ahab, Mt. Carmel
- Elijah’s flight, God’s voice
- Ahab’s battles with Syria
- Naboth’s vineyard, Elijah’s rebuke
- Ahab’s death, Micaiah’s prophecy