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April 14, 2025

Bible Survey: 1 Kings

by Jason Neill

Scripture reading: 1 Kings 11-12; 17-18

The Old Testament contains eleven books that comprise the core historical narrative of the Hebrew Bible. These include Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Joshua, Judges, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, Ezra, and Nehemiah. The remaining books within the Old Testament serve primarily as supplementary or complementary texts. For example, although Leviticus is not structured as a narrative, it provides critical legal and ritual context that enhances the narrative presented in Exodus. Similarly, 1 Chronicles functions as a parallel account to 1 and 2 Samuel, while 2 Chronicles offers a theological reinterpretation of the events recorded in 1 and 2 Kings. This week, our study continues the primary narrative by turning to the book of 1 Kings, which advances the historical and theological developments of Israel’s monarchy.

The book of 1 Kings begins with a depiction of King David in the final stages of his life: “Now King David was old, advanced in years; and they put covers on him, but he could not get warm” (see 1 Kings 1:1, NKJV). This opening sets the stage for a critical question—who will succeed David as king? Adonijah, David’s eldest surviving son following the deaths of Amnon, Absalom, and Chileab (see 2 Samuel 3:3), assumes he is the rightful heir. Acting on this assumption, Adonijah hosts a celebratory feast and boldly declares to those in attendance, “I will be king” (see 1 Kings 1:5).

The prophet Nathan and Bathsheba swiftly meet to discuss the situation, asserting that Adonijah’s claim cannot stand, as Solomon had been promised the throne. Together, they confront David, who reaffirms that Solomon is indeed to be the next king (see 1 Kings 1:28-30).

Following Solomon’s rise to the throne, God appeared to Solomon in a dream, offering him the opportunity to ask for anything, promising to grant his request. Overwhelmed by the weight of his responsibilities as king, Solomon requests wisdom to govern his people justly (1 Kings 3). God grants his request. In chapters 5-8, Solomon undertakes the construction of the temple, which will house the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies. However, in chapters 9-11, the narrative turns to Solomon's decline. His numerous marriages to foreign women, who did not worship the one true God, ultimately led his heart away from complete devotion to Yahweh. Tragically, Solomon’s reign ends with his death as an idolater (see Chapter 11).

Chapters 12-16 mark a pivotal turning point in the history of Israel, as the nation is torn by civil war. The northern tribes, known as Israel, break away from the southern tribes, known as Judah. Samaria becomes the capital of Israel, while Jerusalem remains the capital of Judah. In chapters 17-19, the narrative centers on the intense struggle for the allegiance of the people to the one true God. The prophet Elijah orchestrates a dramatic contest between the false god Baal and Yahweh (see 1 Kings 18). In this contest, Yahweh, the only true God, triumphs. One might expect this divine victory to end the nation’s idolatry; however, idol worship continues to persist among the people.

Chapters 20-22 focus on King Ahab of Israel and his conflict with Aram. Ahab, of whom it is said, “...he did evil in the sight of the LORD, more than all who were before him” (1 Kings 16:29, NKJV), meets his demise in battle, fulfilling the prophecy of the Lord (see 1 Kings 20). Ultimately, Ahab's sinful reign leads to his downfall, as foretold.

Authorship and date. 1 and 2 Kings were originally composed as a single literary work before being divided into two books. The identity of the author remains unknown; however, scholars generally date the composition to between 600 and 575 B.C. This proposed timeframe is based on internal evidence, particularly the detailed account of the Babylonian exile in 2 Kings 25, which describes events that took place in 586 B.C. While definitive authorship cannot be established, Jewish tradition has historically attributed the work to either Ezra or Ezekiel—figures who lived during the period of the exile and would have had access to relevant historical and theological material.   

Jesus in 1 Kings. Although Jesus is not explicitly mentioned in 1 Kings, the failure of each earthly king serves as a reminder to the nation of Israel of its need for the ultimate Messianic King—one who will reign with justice, holiness, and righteousness.

Application. Christians rarely experience a sudden or dramatic fall from the faith. Spiritual decline often begins with small compromises—one here, another there. Over time, these seemingly minor deviations accumulate, leading to a growing indifference or coldness toward God and the things of God, such as Scripture, prayer, worship, and fellowship with other believers. Let Solomon serve as a cautionary example for us this week. Despite his remarkable achievements, wisdom, and wealth, he gradually allowed external influences to draw him away from wholehearted devotion to God. If you believe you are somehow immune to such a fate—that this could never happen to you—you may already be slipping without realizing it.

Solomon’s first failure was his disregard for the Scriptures. In Deuteronomy 17, the Mosaic Law lays out clear requirements for Israel’s kings, including the command to create a personal copy of the law and study it diligently to ensure obedience. Solomon, however, neglected this vital practice. While neglecting Scripture may seem insignificant at first, it can gradually lead to spiritual compromise and set one on a path of disobedience.