1Kg1 Kings

About

Solomon succeeded David and had a relative success that was mixed with occasional failures. After his death, a civil war separated the nation. The kings who came after Solomon were very wicked, and the prophet Elijah had many confrontations with King Ahab.

AuthorJeremiah, according to Jewish tradition
For whom it was writtenFor the Israelites.
Chapter amount22
Verse amount816

Message/Outline

  • The reign of Solomon (1Kings 1-10).
  • The death of Solomon and the division of the kingdom (1Kings 11-16).
  • King Ahab and Jezebel worship the god Baal (1Kings 16).
  • The prophet Elijah defeats the prophets of Baal (1Kings 17,18).

Main Characters

DavidThe second and most illustrious king of Israel. Known as the man after God's own heart.
SolomonThird king of Israel. Asked for and received wisdom from God, becoming the wisest and richest man on earth.
RehoboamA son of Solomon. He was the last king over the united twelve tribes, continuing to reign over Judah after the division. Reigning over two tribes.
NathanProphet during the reigns of David and Solomon.
JeroboamServant of Solomon. He was king for 22 years.
AhabSeventh king of Israel. Married Jezebel and worshiped Baal.
JezebelWife of Ahab. She exterminated the prophets of the Lord and plotted to kill Elijah. She was the most intelligent and remarkable queen and the most wicked as well.
ElijahProphet.
ElishaServant and successor of Elijah.

Chapters

1, 2David dies and Solomon is made king. Solomon reigns and kills Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei.
3, 4Solomon asks God for wisdom and understanding. God gives him wisdom, riches, and fame.
5 - 8Solomon builds the temple for God. When it is completed, the ark of the covenant is brought into the temple.
8, 9God appears to Solomon for the second time and promises protection, but on the condition that the people obey God.
9Solomon forms a powerful army and builds many cities during his reign.
10Solomon becomes known as the wisest and richest man on earth.
11God promises to give the rule of the ten northern tribes (Israel) to Jeroboam. Solomon tries to kill Jeroboam, but he flees to Egypt. Jeroboam remains in Egypt until Solomon's death.
12, 13After Solomon's death, his son Rehoboam becomes king of Judah (two tribes), but the other ten tribes of Israel make Jeroboam their king. Jeroboam makes two golden calves and places one in Bethel and another in Dan. God becomes angry and sends a prophet with a message, but Jeroboam remains in his error.
14God is angry because of the people's idolatry. The king of Egypt attacks Jerusalem and takes the treasures from the royal palace and the temple.
15, 16In Judah, Rehoboam dies and his son Abijah and his grandson Asa take the throne. In Israel, several kings occupy the throne and most do not obey God's commandments.
17 - 19In Israel, the prophet Elijah challenges and defeats the prophets of the god Baal. Elijah flees from Ahab and Jezebel into the desert.
20 - 22Ahab defeats the Syrians. Ahab seizes a vineyard from his neighbor, and God announces that He will punish Ahab and Jezebel. Ahab dies in a battle where a prophet of God tells him not to go.