1 Kings

History · Old Testament · Traditionally Jeremiah; modern scholars attribute it to anonymous Deuteronomistic editors · 6th century BCE

1 Kings narrates the transition of the Israelite monarchy from King David to his son Solomon, highlighting the construction and dedication of the first temple in Jerusalem. Following Solomon's death, the narrative details the division of the united kingdom into Israel in the north and Judah in the south. The book also tracks their respective rulers and introduces the prophetic ministry of Elijah during a period of deep spiritual conflict.

22 chapters

• 11 Kings 1Adonijah attempts to seize the throne, but David, prompted by Nathan and Bathsheba, names and anoints Solomon as king.
• 21 Kings 2David dies, and Solomon secures his kingdom by executing Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei, and banishing the priest Abiathar.
• 31 Kings 3God grants Solomon wisdom in a dream, which Solomon immediately demonstrates by resolving a dispute between two mothers over a baby.
• 41 Kings 4This chapter details Solomon's royal officials, his twelve regional administrative districts, and his legendary wisdom, wealth, and peace.
• 51 Kings 5Solomon partners with King Hiram of Tyre to secure timber and labor for building the temple of Yahweh in Jerusalem.
• 61 Kings 6Solomon builds and furnishes the temple in Jerusalem, detailing its dimensions, materials, inner sanctuary, and gold overlay.
• 71 Kings 7Solomon builds his palace complex and hires Hiram of Tyre to craft elaborate bronze pillars and vessels for the temple.
• 81 Kings 8Solomon brings the Ark of the Covenant into the temple, dedicates the structure with prayer, and offers massive sacrifices.
• 91 Kings 9God warns and promises Solomon in a vision, while Solomon engages in labor conscription, regional construction, and maritime trade.
• 101 Kings 10The Queen of Sheba visits Solomon to test his wisdom, and the narrative details his vast wealth, trade, and splendor.
• 111 Kings 11Solomon's worship of foreign gods leads to divine judgment, the rise of political adversaries, and his eventual death.
• 121 Kings 12Rehoboam's harsh policies cause the ten northern tribes to rebel under Jeroboam, who establishes golden calf worship.
• 131 Kings 13A Judean prophet denounces Jeroboam's altar but is killed by a lion after being deceived into disobeying God's instructions.
• 141 Kings 14Ahijah prophesies the destruction of Jeroboam's dynasty, while Egypt plunders Jerusalem during the troubled reign of Rehoboam in Judah.
• 151 Kings 15Abijam and Asa reign over Judah, while Baasha assassinates King Nadab to seize power and annihilate Jeroboam's dynasty in Israel.
• 161 Kings 16Israel experiences a series of short, unstable reigns and coups until Omri establishes a dynasty, followed by his wicked son Ahab.
• 171 Kings 17Elijah declares a drought in Israel, survives at Cherith and Zarephath, and miraculously revives a widow's dead son.
• 181 Kings 18Elijah defeats Baal's prophets in a contest on Mount Carmel, and God sends rain to end the long drought.
• 191 Kings 19Fleeing Jezebel, Elijah meets Yahweh in a quiet voice at Horeb and receives instructions to anoint Hazael, Jehu, and Elisha.
• 201 Kings 20King Ahab twice defeats the invading Syrian king Ben-hadad but is condemned by a prophet for sparing his life.
• 211 Kings 21Jezebel arranges the murder of Naboth so Ahab can seize his vineyard, prompting Elijah to prophesy doom upon Ahab's house.
• 221 Kings 22Ahab ignores Micaiah's prophecy of defeat, goes to war against Syria alongside Jehoshaphat, and is killed in battle at Ramoth-gilead.