1 Kings Introduction
1 Kings narrates the history of Israel from the last days of King David to the reign of King Jehoshaphat in Judah and King Ahaziah in Israel. The book emphasizes the consequences of obeying or disobeying God's commandments and highlights the spiritual decline of Israel due to idolatry, culminating in the division of the kingdom after Solomon's reign.
Chapter 1:
David is old and bedridden, and his son Adonijah attempts to seize the throne. Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba intervene, reminding David of his promise that Solomon would succeed him. David instructs Zadok the priest and Nathan to anoint Solomon as king. Solomon is proclaimed king, and Adonijah's supporters disperse.
Chapter 2:
David gives Solomon final instructions before his death, urging him to follow God's laws. After David's death, Solomon consolidates his reign by dealing with potential threats. He orders the deaths of Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei, and exiles Abiathar, securing his position as king.
Chapter 3:
Solomon makes a political alliance by marrying Pharaoh's daughter. In a dream at Gibeon, God offers Solomon anything he desires. Solomon asks for wisdom to govern Israel. God is pleased and grants him both wisdom and wealth. Solomon's wisdom is demonstrated in a famous case where he resolves a dispute between two women claiming to be the mother of the same child.
Chapter 4:
The prosperity of Solomon’s reign is highlighted. Solomon appoints officials and governors over Israel, and the kingdom enjoys peace and security. Solomon's wisdom and understanding surpass that of all others, and he becomes renowned for his insights on various topics, including nature and governance.
Chapter 5:
Solomon prepares to build the temple. He secures a treaty with Hiram, king of Tyre, for cedar wood and skilled workers. Hiram sends materials to Solomon in exchange for provisions. Solomon gathers laborers to begin the construction, fulfilling his father David’s desire to build a house for the Lord.
Chapter 6:
Solomon begins building the temple in the fourth year of his reign, following detailed instructions. The temple is constructed with care and precision, and the inner sanctuary is overlaid with gold. The chapter concludes with God’s promise to dwell among the Israelites if they keep His commandments.
Chapter 7:
Solomon builds his royal palace, which takes 13 years to complete. He also constructs the Hall of Judgment and other buildings. The temple furnishings, including the bronze altar, the Sea, and various utensils, are crafted by Huram, a skilled artisan from Tyre. The temple is now ready for dedication.
Chapter 8:
The Ark of the Covenant is brought into the temple. Solomon dedicates the temple with prayers and sacrifices, asking God to hear the prayers of His people. Solomon acknowledges God's faithfulness and mercy, praying for Israel's future blessings, even in times of sin and exile.
Chapter 9:
God appears to Solomon again, affirming that He has consecrated the temple. However, He warns Solomon that if he or his descendants turn away from Him, Israel will be cast off, and the temple will be destroyed. Solomon’s other achievements, including his construction projects and relationships with other nations, are also detailed.
Chapter 10:
The Queen of Sheba visits Solomon, having heard of his wisdom. She is impressed by his wisdom, wealth, and the grandeur of his kingdom. Solomon's wealth and prosperity are highlighted, with details of his annual income, his throne, and his influence over the surrounding nations.
Chapter 11:
Solomon's many foreign wives lead him into idolatry, angering God. God raises up adversaries against Solomon, including Hadad and Rezon. God also tells Jeroboam that he will rule over ten tribes of Israel after Solomon’s death due to Solomon’s disobedience. Solomon dies, and his son Rehoboam succeeds him.
Chapter 12:
Rehoboam becomes king, but his harsh response to the people’s request for lighter burdens causes the kingdom to divide. Jeroboam becomes king over the ten northern tribes, while Rehoboam retains control of Judah. Jeroboam sets up golden calves in Bethel and Dan to prevent the people from worshiping in Jerusalem.
Chapter 13:
A man of God from Judah prophesies against Jeroboam’s altar, predicting its destruction. Jeroboam’s hand withers but is restored after the man of God prays. Despite this miracle, Jeroboam continues in idolatry. The chapter concludes with the man of God disobeying God's command and being killed by a lion.
Chapter 14:
Jeroboam’s son falls ill, and his wife seeks counsel from the prophet Ahijah. Ahijah foretells the destruction of Jeroboam's house because of his idolatry. Meanwhile, Rehoboam’s reign is marked by evil practices, including idolatry. Shishak, king of Egypt, invades Judah and takes treasures from the temple.
Chapter 15:
Abijam becomes king of Judah but follows the sinful practices of his father, Rehoboam. However, for David’s sake, God allows his line to continue. Asa, his son, succeeds him and does what is right in the eyes of the Lord, removing idols and reforming Judah. Meanwhile, Nadab, Jeroboam’s son, reigns in Israel but is assassinated by Baasha.
Chapter 16:
Baasha becomes king of Israel and follows the sinful ways of Jeroboam. His dynasty is later destroyed by Zimri, who reigns for seven days before being overthrown by Omri. Omri establishes Samaria as the new capital of Israel and is succeeded by his son Ahab, who does more evil than all the kings before him.
Chapter 17:
The prophet Elijah is introduced. He proclaims a drought in Israel as judgment for Ahab’s idolatry. Elijah is miraculously fed by ravens and later stays with a widow in Zarephath, where he performs miracles, including multiplying her food supply and raising her son from the dead.
Chapter 18:
Elijah confronts Ahab and challenges the prophets of Baal to a contest on Mount Carmel. God answers Elijah's prayer with fire from heaven, proving His supremacy. The people acknowledge God, and Elijah orders the prophets of Baal to be executed. Elijah prays for rain, and the drought ends.
Chapter 19:
After defeating the prophets of Baal, Elijah flees from Queen Jezebel, who threatens his life. He travels to Mount Horeb, where God speaks to him in a still small voice. God instructs Elijah to anoint Hazael, Jehu, and Elisha, and reassures him that there are still faithful followers in Israel.
Chapter 20:
Ben-Hadad, king of Syria, attacks Israel, but Ahab is given victory by the Lord. Ben-Hadad attacks again but is defeated. Ahab shows mercy to Ben-Hadad and makes a treaty with him, which displeases God. A prophet rebukes Ahab for letting Ben-Hadad live.
Chapter 21:
Ahab covets Naboth’s vineyard, but Naboth refuses to sell it. Jezebel arranges for Naboth to be falsely accused and killed. Ahab takes possession of the vineyard, but Elijah confronts him, pronouncing God’s judgment on Ahab and his household. Ahab repents, and God delays the punishment.
Chapter 22:
Ahab allies with Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, to retake Ramoth Gilead from the Syrians. Micaiah, a prophet, predicts Ahab’s defeat, but Ahab disregards the warning. Ahab is killed in battle, fulfilling Elijah's prophecy. Jehoshaphat reigns righteously in Judah, while Ahaziah, Ahab’s son, rules in Israel.