Book of 1 Kings

Author: The Book of 1 Kings does not specifically name its author. The tradition is that it was written by the Prophet Jeremiah.

Date of Writing: The Book of 1 Kings was likely written between 560 and 540 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: This book is the sequel to 1 and 2 Samuel and begins by tracing Solomon's rise to kingship after the death of David. The story begins with a united kingdom, but ends in a nation divided into 2 kingdoms, known as Judah and Israel. 1 and 2 Kings are combined into one book in the Hebrew Bible.

Key Verses: 1 Kings 1:30, "I will surely carry out today what I swore to you by the LORD, the God of Israel: Solomon your son shall be king after me, and he will sit on my throne in my place."

1 Kings 9:3, "The LORD said to him: 'I have heard the prayer and plea you have made before me; I have consecrated this temple, which you have built, by putting my Name there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.'"

1 Kings 12:16, "When all Israel saw that the king refused to listen to them, they answered the king: 'What share do we have in David, what part in Jesse's son? To your tents, O Israel! Look after your own house, O David!'"

1 Kings 12:28, "After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves. He said to the people, 'It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.'"

1 Kings 17:1, "Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, 'As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.'"

Brief Summary: The book starts with Solomon and ends with Elijah. The difference between the two gives you an idea as to what lies between. Solomon was born after a palace scandal between David and Bathsheba. Like his dad, he had a weakness for women that would bring him down. Solomon did well at first, praying for wisdom and building a temple to God that took 7 years. But then he spent 13 years building a palace for himself. His accumulation of many wives led him to worship their idols and led him away from God. This, in turn, led the nation away from God and even the preaching of Elijah could not bring them back. Elijah tried, even to challenging the idols to "show up" God and God won. This made Queen Jezebel angry (to say the least). She ordered Elijah's death so he ran away and said; "Let me die." God sent food to the prophet and whispered in a "quiet gentle sound," and in the process saved his life for further work.

Practical Application: In between Solomon and Elijah, you will find it all. Rebellion, corruption, courage and faith. You will see that their world is much like ours. Things haven't changed and neither has God. The quiet, gentle sound that encouraged Elijah will encourage you.

Recommended Resources: 1 & 2 Kings, Holman Old Testament Commentary by Gary Inrig.
1st & 2nd Kings, New American Commentary by Paul House.

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Book of 1 Kings