1 Kings
Main Point: The books of 1–2 Kings continue the story of the people of Yahweh moving forward from the eternal promise given from Yahweh to David in 2 Samuel 7. The Messianic King would come through the line of David to fulfill the promises made to Abram in Genesis 12 and rule over the nations. Unfortunately, the kings found in the books of 1–2 Kings fall way short of this expectation.
Historical Timeline
Reign of Saul over United Kingdom of Israel – 1020–1000 BC
Reign of David over United Kingdom of Israel – 1000–961 BC
Reign of Solomon over United Kingdom of Israel – 961–922 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom of Israel to Assyria – 722 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Southern Kingdom of Judah to Babylon – 587 BC
Texts to Consider:
· 1 Kings 2:1–4
With David’s instructions to Solomon, he echoes what other passages from Scripture?
· 1 Kings 6:1–2, 37–38
How long did it take for the Temple to be constructed during the reign of Solomon?
The use of trees and fruit (particularly pomegranates) invokes what location?
· 1 Kings 8:46–61
What stands out about Solomon’s prayer of dedication of the Temple?
· 1 Kings 9:1–9
What does the LORD say to Solomon after his building of the Temple, prayer of dedication, and benediction over the people of Israel?
· 1 Kings 11:1–13
Now what has happened with Solomon?
· 1 Kings 11:26–40, 12:25–29
Jeroboam, son of Nebat, is established as a king of a divided kingdom. Then, what did he do?
· 1 Kings 18:20–19:18
Elijah, during and after his confrontation with Ahab, Jezebel, and the prophets of Baal, can teach us many things. What do you think he learned?