Study on the Book of 1 Kings
1. Authorship
Traditional View
• Jewish tradition attributes 1 Kings (along with 2 Kings) to
the prophet Jeremiah.
• This view is based on similarities in style and themes with
the Book of Jeremiah.
• However, there is no direct internal claim of authorship.
Modern Scholarly View
• Scholars generally view 1 Kings as part of the
Deuteronomistic History (DtrH) (Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, 1–2 Samuel, 1–2
Kings).
• The Deuteronomistic Historian (likely a group of scribes)
compiled these books, possibly during the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE).
• Some scholars suggest multiple editorial layers, including
an initial edition during King Josiah’s reign (7th century BCE) and later
updates during the exile.
2. Date of Authorship
Traditional Dating
• Composed during or shortly after the events it records
(10th–6th centuries BCE).
• Some believe it was completed by Jeremiah before the fall
of Jerusalem (586 BCE).
Modern Scholarly Dating
• Likely compiled in stages, with a final form emerging
during the Babylonian Exile (6th century BCE).
• Some material may date back to earlier court records or
oral traditions.
3. Intended Audience
• Original Audience: Israelites living in exile or under
foreign rule, reflecting on their history and covenant failures.
• Purpose:
• To explain why Israel and Judah fell, linking their
downfall to disobedience to God’s covenant.
• To encourage faithfulness to the Mosaic Law.
• To present Davidic kingship as an ideal (though flawed in
practice).
4. Major Themes
1. The Rise and Fall of Kings
• Highlights Solomon’s wisdom and temple building, but also
his failure due to idolatry.
• Chronicles the division of the kingdom (Israel & Judah)
and the moral decline of many rulers.
2. Covenant Faithfulness vs. Apostasy
• Kings who obeyed God (e.g., Hezekiah, Josiah) experienced
blessings.
• Kings who turned to idolatry and injustice (e.g., Ahab,
Manasseh) led their nations to destruction.
3. The Role of Prophets
• Figures like Elijah and Elisha confront wicked kings and
demonstrate God’s power.
• Prophets act as covenant enforcers, calling Israel back to
Yahweh.
4. Judgment and Exile
• The book warns of consequences for sin, culminating in the
fall of Jerusalem in 2 Kings.
5. The Hope of Restoration
• Despite judgment, the Davidic covenant and prophecies of a
future king hint at restoration.
Study on the Book of 1
Kings (Grouped Sections for Clarity)
1. The Reign of Solomon (Chapters 1–11)
A. Solomon’s Rise to Power (Chapters 1–2)
• David’s final days: Adonijah attempts to seize the throne, but Solomon is
anointed king.
• David’s last instructions: He advises Solomon to remain faithful to God and
deal with political rivals.
• Consolidation of power: Solomon removes threats (Adonijah, Joab, Shimei) to
secure his rule.
B. Solomon’s Wisdom and Prosperity (Chapter 3–4)
• Solomon prays for wisdom and demonstrates it in the famous “two mothers, one
baby” case.
• His reign is marked by peace, prosperity, and international fame.
C. Construction of the Temple and Palace (Chapters 5–9)
• Solomon builds the Temple in Jerusalem, fulfilling David’s vision.
• The Temple dedication includes a prayer emphasizing covenant faithfulness.
• God appears to Solomon, promising blessings if he obeys but judgment if he
turns away.
D. Solomon’s Decline (Chapters 10–11)
• Marries many foreign wives, leading to idolatry.
• God raises adversaries (Hadad, Rezon, Jeroboam) as judgment.
• A prophecy declares that his kingdom will be divided after his death.
2. The Division of the Kingdom (Chapters 12–14)
A. Rehoboam’s Foolish Decision (Chapter 12)
• Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, increases harsh labor on the people.
• The northern tribes rebel and form the kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam.
• Only Judah and Benjamin remain loyal to Rehoboam.
B. Jeroboam’s Idolatry (Chapters 12–14)
• Jeroboam sets up golden calves at Bethel and Dan to keep Israel from
worshiping in Jerusalem.
• A prophet condemns his actions, warning of divine judgment.
3. The Early Kings of Israel and Judah (Chapters 15–16)
A. Kings of Judah
• Asa (good king): Brings religious reforms.
• Jehoshaphat (good king): Strengthens Judah but allies unwisely with Israel.
B. Kings of Israel
• Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Omri: A series of violent power struggles and
assassinations.
• Omri establishes Samaria as Israel’s capital and strengthens the kingdom
politically.
4. The Elijah Cycle: Confronting Ahab (Chapters 17–22)
A. Elijah and the Drought (Chapter 17)
• Elijah proclaims a drought as judgment for Ahab’s idolatry.
• Miracles: Widow’s flour and oil, resurrection of her son.
B. The Showdown at Mount Carmel (Chapter 18)
• Elijah challenges 450 prophets of Baal to call fire from heaven.
• Yahweh answers Elijah, proving His power. The false prophets are executed.
C. Elijah’s Crisis and Renewal (Chapter 19)
• Elijah flees after Queen Jezebel threatens him.
• God speaks in a “still small voice,” reassuring him.
• Elijah anoints Elisha as his prophetic successor.
D. Ahab’s Judgment and Death (Chapters 20–22)
• Ahab’s corruption: Takes Naboth’s vineyard unjustly.
• Prophecy of doom: Elijah predicts Ahab’s downfall.
• Ahab’s death: Dies in battle, fulfilling prophecy.
Summary & Application
• God’s faithfulness and judgment: Obedience brings blessing; disobedience
leads to downfall.
• The role of prophets: They serve as God’s messengers, calling people back to
Him.
• Leadership and legacy: The book warns against compromise and idolatry, as
seen in Solomon’s fall and the divided kingdom.