1 Kings — Introduction & Outline

These two books (originally one) are anonymous, but Talmudic tradition identifies the prophet Jeremiah as the author. Some evidence supports this. The books take a prophet's view of history with emphases on apostasy, judgment, idolatry, immorality, and the mention of prophets ministering to Israel and Judah. Also, some scholars see a style similar to Jeremiah's. In any case, the author would have written most of the books during the lifetime of Jeremiah. The phrase "to this day" (1 Kings 8:8; 12:19) indicates a time prior to the Babylonian captivity in 586 B.C. Only the last two chapters were obviously written after the captivity, perhaps by an exile. Other traditions have suggested Ezra or Ezekiel as authors. The authors had access to a number of documents which could have been used to compile 1 and 2 Kings (1 Kings 11:41; 14:19,29; 15:7; 2 Kings 18:18; and chs. 18-20 with Isa. 36-39).

The books were written before the Babylonian captivity in 586 B.C. with the exception of 2 Kings 24 and 25 which were written after the captivity. Since no mention is made of the Jews' return to Jerusalem in 538 B.C., the books were compiled in their final form before then.

These books cover a period of over 400 years beginning with the inauguration of Solomon (c. 970 B.C.) and ending with the release of Jehoiachin from Babylon (c. 560 B.C.). Of this, 1 Kings covers a period of 120 years from Solomon to the end of Ahaziah's reign (c. 851 B.C.). Three major periods of Israel's history are included: the united kingdom (c. 1043-931 B.C), the divided kingdom (c. 931-722 B.C.), and the surviving kingdom (c. 722-586 B.C.).

Politically, during the times of the kings Israel reached a peak of influence under Solomon. This declined, however, especially after the fall of the northern kingdom (722 B.C.). The surviving southern kingdom enjoyed only sporadic greatness until its fall in 586 B.C. Outside Israel, the New Assyrian empire dominated the region until just before the fall of Israel in the north. Egypt's power during this time was present but fluctuated. Assyria's power was eventually supplanted fully by Babylon about a century after the fall of northern Israel.

Israel's religious and moral condition paralleled the political. Solomon's construction of the temple was a high point for Judaism and devotion to God, but his lapse into idolatry led the nation into apostasy. After Solomon, Jeroboam began calf worship in northern Israel at Bethel and Dan. Later, Ahab and Jezebel promoted Baal worship, which was also propagated in the southern kingdom by their daughter Athaliah. Apostasy continued until the end of the northern and southern kingdoms in spite of the ministries of many prophets who called the nation to repentance. The prophets ministering in Israel included Elijah, Elisha, Amos, and Hosea. The prophets of Judah were Obadiah, Joel, Isaiah, Micah, Nahum, Zephaniah, Jeremiah, and Habakkuk. The religious condition of either kingdom was determined and reflected in the reigning king. The record of Kings shows that all nineteen of Israel's kings were evil and of the nineteen in Judah, only eight were designated "good".

The historical purpose of Kings is to complete the history of the Davidic dynasty begun in the books of Samuel. The LXX recognized this when the books were artificially divided and labeled "3 and 4 Kingdoms," the book of Samuel being "1 and 2 Kingdoms." Theologically, Kings teaches the lessons of history by evaluating the monarchy according to the standards of the Mosaic law. Kings shows that the welfare of Israel under the monarchs depended on the covenant faithfulness of the people and their king. It thus portrays the reasons for the demise of the monarchy in terms of the covenant's stipulations of blessing for obedience and cursing for disobedience.

The book of 1 Kings traces the history of Israel's monarchy from the time of the united kingdom under Solomon to the reigns of the kings of Israel and Judah after the division. The account of the division (ch 12) divides the book into its two parts.

The first half of the book records the history of the kingdom still united under Solomon (1:1-11:43). It begins with an account of David's final days in order to show how Solomon was established as king (1:1-2:46). His appointment as king (1:1-53), in spite of Adonijah's intrigue, conveys the approval of God through the blessing of David, Zadok the priest, and the prophet Nathan (1:34,47-48). This blessing allows Solomon to solidify his rule immediately after David's death (2:1-46). David's last words, a charge to Solomon, illustrate a crucial theme of Kings: Obedience to the Mosaic covenant brings the blessing of God upon the monarchy (2:3-4).

Solomon soon rises to great power and influence (3:1-8:66). In spite of his pagan marriage and participation in idolatry, he is given extraordinary wisdom by God for his royal responsibilities (3:1-28). The evidence for this is seen in his administration which is characterized by organization, peace, prosperity, and reputable wisdom (4:1-34).

The greatest accomplishment of Solomon is his construction of the temple (5:1-8:66) which is presented as an act of obedience to bring God's blessing (6:11-13; 8:19-20,23). The great detail of the record of construction of the temple and its furnishings (5:1-7:51) emphasizes the glory of the temple. Its completion consolidates religious and political power for Solomon and is a great impetus for the devotion of Israel to the Mosaic covenant. Solomon clearly understands the covenant's stipulations for blessing and restoration as seen in his sermon, prayer, and benediction at the temple's dedication (8:1-66).

A good part of the record is devoted to touting Solomon's achievements as king (9:1- 10:29). His success is cast against the reassuring repetition of God's covenant with David to Solomon (9:1-9). Solomon's success is evident in the nation with the enslavement of the Canaanites (9:15-25), but extends also to the surrounding nations (9:10-14; 26-28; 10:1-29).

Solomon's downfall is presented in terms which show clearly that it is a consequence of disobedience to the covenant (11:1-43). This is seen in the Lord's rebuke of his immorality and idolatry (11:9-13) and the record of divine chastisement through various adversaries (11:14- 40). The rebuke also foretells the division of the kingdom under his son (11:11-12). Thus the death of Solomon (11:41-43) signals the transition to the period of the divided kingdom.

The second half of Kings records the history of the divided kingdom under the various kings (12:1-22:53). As God had predicted, the division took place under the rule of Solomon's son, Rehoboam (12:1-14:31). His antagonist, Jeroboam, led the revolt of the northern tribes and became their first king (12:16-24). His reign is very evil (12:25-14:20) and plunges Israel to a new depth of idolatry with the establishment of calf-worship centers in Bethel and Dan (12:25-33). Jeroboam experiences divine chastening (13:1-10) and a prophecy of judgment (14:1-18) before he dies (14:19-20). Rehoboam, who remained king of Judah, is as evil as Jeroboam and also experiences God's judgment at the hand of Shishak of Egypt (14:21-31).

The next two kings of Judah illustrate the fluctuation between good and evil in the southern kingdom (15:1-24). Abijam's reign is evil (15:1-8), but Asa's proves good (15:9-24). Nevertheless, in spite of sin God is able to bestow a gracious blessing upon Abijah for the sake of His covenant with David (15:4-5).

Following this, the record turns to the reign of five kings, all evil, in the north (15:25- 16:28). The record of each king is brief: Nadab (15:25-32); Baasha (15:33-16:7); Elah (16:8- 14); Zimri (16:15-20); and Omri (16:21-28). Interspersed commentary confirms that the unrest and disasters of these reigns are the curses of the Mosaic covenant due to disobedience.

Wickedness in Israel reaches a new level (16:30) under the reign of Ahab (16:29- 22:40). To stop the downward spiral, God raises up the prophet Elijah whose ministry occupies three chapters (17:1-19:21). His bold confrontations with Ahab and his evil wife, Jezebel, condemn idolatry and challenge the nation to choose God over idols (18:1-46). In his escape from Ahab and Jezebel (19:1-18), God encourages Elijah with the information that there is a faithful remnant within Israel (19:18). Two more incidents in the life of Ahab display his wickedness. In his war with Syria (20:1-43) Ahab spares Ben-Hadad against God's design and is condemned for it. Then, he and Jezebel cause the murder of Naboth to satisfy Ahab's desire for his vineyard (21:1-29). This brings the prediction of Jezebel's death and the desolation of Ahab's house. The final episode of Ahab's reign describes his defeat and death in a war with Syria while once more illustrating his chronic rejection of God's prophets (22:1-40).

The end of 1 Kings does not properly serve as a conclusion to the book, since originally it and 2 Kings were one. But the good reign of Jehoshaphat in Judah (22:41-50) and the evil reign of Ahaziah in Israel (22:51-53) typify the contrast seen in the book. It is a contrast of faithfulness to the Mosaic covenant that brings blessing and unfaithfulness which brings judgment to God's people under the kings.

1. The United Kingdom Under King Solomon 1:1-11:43

   1. The establishment of Solomon as King 1:1-2:46

      1. The appointment of Solomon as king 1:1-53
      1. The decline of David's health 1:1-4
      2. The plan of Adonijah to be king 1:5-10
      3. The plan of Nathan to make Solomon king 1:11-27

         1. Bathsheba's appeal to David 1:11-21
         2. Nathan's appeal to David 1:22-27
      4. The proclamation of Solomon as king 1:28-53

         1. David's plan to make Solomon king 1:28-37
         2. Solomon's anointing as king 1:38-40
         3. Adonijah's reaction 1:41-53
      2. The solidification of Solomon as king 2:1-46

         1. David's final charge to Solomon 2:1-9
         2. David's death 2:10-12
         3. Solomon's purge of the kingdom 2:13-46
         1. The execution of Adonijah 2:13-25
         2. The exile of Abiathar 2:26-27
         3. The execution of Joab 2:28-35
         4. The execution of Shimei 2:36-46
   2. The rise of Solomon as king 3:1-8:66

      1. The wisdom of Solomon 3:1-28

         1. His folly in marriage and idolatry 3:1-3
         2. His request for wisdom 3:4-15
         3. His display of wisdom with the two harlots 3:16-28
      2. The administration of Solomon 4:1-34

         1. His eleven officials 4:1-6
         2. His twelve governors 4:7-19
         3. His reign of prosperity 4:20-34
         1. Solomon's peace and prosperity 4:20-28
         2. Solomon's reputation for wisdom 4:29-34
      3. The temple of Solomon 5:1-8:66

         1. The preparation for the temple 5:1-18
         1. The assembly of the materials 5:1-12
         2. The assembly of the laborers 5:13-18
         2. The construction of the temple 6:1-38
         1. The dimensions of the temple 6:1-10
         2. The Lord's promise of blessing 6:11-13
         3. The completion of the temple 6:14-38
         3. The construction of other buildings 7:1-12
         4. The furnishings of the temple 7:13-51
         1. The skilled craftsmanship of Hiram 7:13-14
         2. The bronze pillars 7:15-22
         3. The sea and the oxen 7:23-26
         4. The carts and the lavers 7:27-39
         5. The summary of the furnishings 7:40-51
         5. The dedication of the temple 8:1-66
         1. The return of the ark and Shekinah glory 8:1-13
         2. Solomon's sermon of dedication 8:14-21
         3. Solomon's prayer of dedication 8:22-53
         4. Solomon's benediction on the congregation 8:54-61
         5. Solomon's offerings and feast 8:62-66
   3. The accomplishments of Solomon as king 9:1-10:29

      1. God's covenant with Solomon as king 9:1-9
      2. Solomon's achievements as king 9:10-28

         1. His gift of Israel's cities to Hiram 9:10-14
         2. His enslavement of the Canaanites 9:15-25
         3. His establishment of a navy 9:26-28
      3. Solomon's reputation for wisdom and wealth 10:1-29

         1. The visit by the queen of Sheba 10:1-13
         2. The accumulations of wealth 10:14-22
         3. The tributes of surrounding nations 10:23-25
         4. The equestrian accomplisments 10:26-29
   4. The downfall of Solomon as king 11:1-43

      1. The intermarriage and idolatry of Solomon 11:1-8
      2. The Lord's rebuke of Solomon 11:9-13
      3. The Lord's chastisement through adversaries 11:14-40

         1. The adversary Hadad the Edomite 11:14-22
         2. The adversary Rezon the son of Eliadah 11:23-25
         3. The rebellion of Jeroboam 11:26-40
      4. The death of Solomon 11:41-43
2. The Divided Kingdom Under Various Kings 12:1-22:53

   1. The division of the kingdom under Jeroboam and Rehoboam 12:1-14:31

      1. The division of the kingdom 12:1-24

         1. The foolish decision of Rehoboam 12:1-15
         2. The revolt of the northern tribes 12:16-24
      2. The evil reign of Jeroboam in Israel 12:25-14:20

         1. The establishment of idolatry 12:25-33
         2. The episode of the man of God 13:1-34
         1. His warning to Jeroboam 13:1-10
         2. His sin against God 13:11-19
         3. His judgment by God 13:20-32
         4. Jeroboam's continuing idolatry 13:33-34
         3. The judgment on Jeroboam's house 14:1-18
         4. The death of Jeroboam 14:19-20
      3. The evil reign of Rehoboam in Judah 14:21-31

         1. His sin of idolatry 14:21-24
         2. His judgment by God 14:25-31
   2. The reign of two kings in Judah 15:1-24

      1. The evil reign of Abijam in Judah 15:1-8
      2. The good reign of Asa in Judah 15:9-24
      1. His good deeds 15:9-15
      2. His alliance with Syria 15:16-22
      3. His death 15:23-24
   3. The reign of five kings in Israel 15:25-16:28

      1. The evil reign of Nadab in Israel 15:25-32
      2. The evil reign of Baasha in Israel 15:33-16:7
      3. The evil reign of Elah in Israel 16:8-14
      4. The evil reign of Zimri in Israel 16:15-20
      5. The evil reign of Omri in Israel 16:21-28
   4. The reign of Ahab in Israel 16:29-22:40

      1. The wickedness of Ahab 16:29-34
      2. The ministry of Elijah 17:1-19:21
      1. The prophecy of drought against Ahab 17:1-24

         1. Elijah proclaims a drought. 17:1-7
         2. Elijah provides a widow with food. 17:8-16
         3. Elijah revives the widow's son. 17:17-24
      2. The confrontation with Ahab 18:1-46

         1. The challenge to Ahab 18:1-19
         2. The victory on Mount Carmel 18:20-40
         3. The prediction of rain 18:41-46
      3. The escape from Ahab and Jezebel 19:1-18

         1. Elijah's flight 19:1-8
         2. Elijah's encouragement by God 19:9-18
      4. The call of Elisha 19:19-21
      3. The wars of Ahab with Syria 20:1-43
      1. Ahab's first victory over Syria 20:1-22

         1. His defiance of Ben-Hadad 20:1-12
         2. His assurance of victory 20:13-22
      2. Ahab's second victory over Syria 20:23-30
      3. Ahab's sinful treaty with Ben-Hadad 20:31-43

         1. Ahab makes a treaty 20:31-34
         2. Ahab is condemned by God 20:35-43
      4. The downfall of Ahab 21:1-22:40
      1. Jezebel's murder of Naboth 21:1-16
      2. Elijah's condemnation of Ahab and Jezebel 21:17-29
      3. Ahab's defeat by Syria 22:1-40

         1. The predictions of the false prophets 22:1-12
         2. The prediction of Micaiah 22:13-28
         3. The defeat and death of Ahab 22:29-40
   5. The reign of Jehoshaphat in Judah 22:41-50
   6. The reign of Ahaziah in Israel 22:51-53