Bible Book of 1 Kings | Splendor and Divided Kingdom

The glory of Solomon's reign followed by the tragic division of the kingdom into Israel and Judah. 1 Kings chapters with summary and commentary.

Genre: Historical Book. Theme: Splendor and Divided Kingdom

  • Author: Jeremiah
  • Date: c. 560 - 538 BC
  • Read Time: 145 mins
  • Purpose: To record Solomon's reign and the division of the kingdom.
  • Key Verse: 1 Kings 9:4 - If thou wilt walk before me... then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom.
  • Christ: The Greater than Solomon.
  • Audience: The exiled nation needing to understand why they lost the land
  • Temple: Records the First Temple construction and dedication.
  • Monarchy Peak: The construction and dedication of the First Temple in Jerusalem.
  • Prophetic Rise: The emergence of Elijah as the primary spiritual antagonist to royal idolatry.

1 Kings documents the transition from the United Monarchy under Solomon to the tragic split into the Northern (Israel) and Southern (Judah) kingdoms.

The narrative structure shifts from the golden age of wisdom and wealth to a cyclical battle between the prophets of Yahweh and the prophets of Baal.

Jesus is the King who is 'Greater than Solomon' in wisdom, wealth, and the building of a living Temple.

1 Kings 1 - David in His Old Age

David was very old. His son Adonijah exalted himself as king. When David heard he told Zadok and Nathan to anoint Solomon as king.

1 Kings 2 - David's Instructions to Solomon

David charged Solomon to keep the law and to punish Joab and Shimei. Then David died. Solomon had Adonijah, Joab and Shimei executed.

1 Kings 3 - Solomon Wisdom

Solomon married Pharaoh's daughter. He asked the LORD for discernment. Two women came before him and he judged between them wisely.

1 Kings 4 - Solomon's Officials

Solomon had officials and twelve governors. He ruled from the River to the land of Egypt. Men of all nations came to hear his wisdom.

1 Kings 5 - Preparations for Building the Temple

Solomon sent to King Hiram: "I will build a house for the LORD. Cut down cedars for me." The workers prepared the timber and stones.

1 Kings 6 - Solomon temple

Solomon built the temple. The LORD said, "If you walk in my ways I will dwell with Israel." Solomon overlaid the temple with gold.

1 Kings 7 - Solomon Builds His Palace

Solomon built his own house. Hiram made pillars, the sea and utensils for the temple of bronze. Solomon made the furniture of gold.

1 Kings 8 - Dedication of Solomon's temple

The priests brought the ark into the temple. Solomon said, "O LORD, if anyone prays toward this place then hear from heaven and act."

1 Kings 9 - The Lord Appears to Solomon

The LORD said to Solomon, "If you walk in my ways I will establish your throne." Solomon did not make slaves of the sons of Israel.

1 Kings 10 - Queen of Sheba

The queen of Sheba came to test Solomon. She gave him gold, spices and precious stones. Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth.

1 Kings 11 - King Solomon wives

Solomon had many wives and turned to other gods. Ahijah told Jeroboam that the LORD would give him ten of the tribes. Solomon died.

1 Kings 12 - King Rehoboam Folly

Rehoboam refused to reduce the labour demands on Israel. So all Israel except Judah made Jeroboam king. Jeroboam made golden calves.

1 Kings 13 - A Man of God Confronts Jeroboam

A man of God cried out against Jeroboam's altar. He disobeyed the LORD by eating at an old prophet's house and was killed by a lion.

1 Kings 14 - Prophecy Against Jeroboam

Ahijah told Jeroboam's wife: "The LORD says, 'I will sweep away the house of Jeroboam.'" Rehoboam ruled Judah and Judah did evil.

1 Kings 15 - Abijam Reigns in Judah

Abijam ruled Judah and was not devoted to the LORD. Asa ruled and did right. Nadab ruled Israel and did evil. Baasha killed Nadab.

1 Kings 16 - Elah Reigns in Israel

Elah ruled Israel and did evil. Zimri killed Elah but Israel made Omri king. Omri did evil. Ahab ruled and began to worship Baal.

1 Kings 17 - Elijah Predicts a Drought

Elijah told Ahab, "There will be no rain." Elijah stayed with a widow in Zarephath. The widow's son died but the LORD revived him.

1 Kings 18 - Elijah and the Priests of Baal

Elijah went to Ahab and challenged the prophets of Baal. Baal gave no answer but the LORD answered Elijah with fire. Then rain fell.

1 Kings 19 - Elijah Flees Jezebel

Elijah fled from Jezebel. At Horeb there was a wind, an earthquake and a fire; then the LORD spoke. Elijah put his mantle on Elisha.

1 Kings 20 - Ahab's Wars with Syria

Ben-hadad attacked Samaria. Israel defeated the Arameans twice. Ahab made a treaty with Ben-hadad so a prophet spoke against him.

1 Kings 21 - Naboth Murdered for His Vineyard

Naboth would not sell his vineyard, so Jezebel had him killed. Elijah said to Ahab, "Dogs will lick up your blood and eat Jezebel."

1 Kings 22 - Ahab and the False Prophets

Ahab and Jehoshaphat planned for war. Micaiah said, "I saw Israel scattered. Your prophets are lying." Ahab was killed in battle.