The 11th Book of the Bible: The Books of Kings in Israel, Part 1

Like the Books of Samuel and Chronicles, the First Book of Kings originally formed together with the second a single book, or more accurately, a single scroll.

Historically, the Books of Kings follow directly after Samuel, beginning with the final days of King David.
The end of the Books of Kings also recounts the end of the reign of the Jewish kings in the land of Israel, the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, and the people’s exile.

The name of the author or authors is not mentioned in the Books of Kings; with the exception of the last chapter of the Second Book, the prophet Jeremiah may be one of the possible authors.

The First Book of Kings begins by describing the reign of King Solomon; this period represents the golden age of the monarchy in Israel.

David’s numerous wars had brought peace to the kingdom from hostile neighbors, and Solomon’s wise reign brought the people security and prosperity through trade and employment.
In addition, the first Temple for the Ark of the Covenant was built in Jerusalem, further cementing its significance as the center of Israel—a status that continues to this day, 3,000 years later.

But in his old age, Solomon completely failed in his role as guardian of the faith in the one God of Israel.

He authorized the construction of places of worship for his many wives from pagan nations, thereby reopening the door to idolatry in Israel and, through these actions, bringing God’s wrath upon the land He had chosen as His own.

Consequently, after Solomon’s reign, the unity of Israel as a nation was shattered.

A northern kingdom named Israel emerged, consisting of 10 tribes with their own king; Samaria was established as the new capital.
Meanwhile, the southern kingdom of Judah, consisting of the remaining two tribes, continued with the seat of David’s dynasty in Jerusalem.

The First Book of Kings continues to recount the history of the divided kingdoms, focusing on the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the ministry of the prophet Elijah.
Here, idolatry had already been introduced at the very beginning by the first king, Jeroboam, with two golden calves, and this evil, godless spirit continues to run through the list of the kings of Israel.

Outline of the First Book of Kings:

Content of the first book of Kings:

The first book of Kings

• 1. Kings chapter 1
  • I. The History of Solomon (Chapters 1-11)
• 1. Kings chapter 2
• 1. Kings chapter 3
• 1. Kings chapter 4
• 1. Kings chapter 5
• 1. Kings chapter 6
• 1. Kings chapter 7
• 1. Kings chapter 8
• 1. Kings chapter 9
• 1. Kings chapter 10
• 1. Kings chapter 11
• 1. Kings chapter 12
  • II. The History of the Divided Kingdoms of Judah and Israel Up to Jehoshaphat of Judah and Ahaziah of Israel (Chapters 12-22)
  • The Incident at the Altar in Bethel
• 1. Kings chapter 13
  • The Incident at the House of the Old Prophet in Bethel
  • The Death and Burial of the Disobedient Prophet
  • Jeroboam Continues His Sinful Ways
• 1. Kings chapter 14
  • Judah’s Idolatry Under Rehoboam
  • The Invasion and Plunder by the Egyptian King Shishak; Concluding Remarks
• 1. Kings chapter 15
  • The Reign of King Abijah of Judah
  • The Reign of King Asa of Judah
  • The Reign of King Nadab of Israel; His Overthrow by Baasha
  • The Reign of King Baasha of Israel
• 1. Kings chapter 16
  • The Prophet Jehu’s Threat of Judgment Against Baasha
  • The Reign of King Zimri of Israel
  • The Division of the Kingdom of Israel; Omri Becomes Sole Ruler
  • The Reign of King Omri of Israel; Founding of the Capital, Samaria
• 1. Kings chapter 17
  • Elijah Before King Ahab and at the Brook Cherith
  • Elijah’s Miracle at the Widow’s House in Zarpath (Sarepta) in Phoenicia
  • The Resurrection of the Widow’s Son
• 1. Kings chapter 18
  • God’s Command to Elijah; Obadiah’s Encounter with Elijah
  • Elijah before Ahab; the summoning of the prophets of idols to Mount Carmel
  • God’s judgment on Mount Carmel; the killing of the prophets of Baal
  • Elijah’s prayer is answered by God; the slaughter of the priests of Baal
  • Description of the approaching storm; Ahab’s journey and Elijah’s long run to Jezreel
• 1. Kings chapter 19
  • Jezebel’s threat; Elijah’s despondency; his strengthening by an angel and his journey to HorebGod’s revelation at Horeb
  • God’s revelation at Horeb
  • Elijah receives the command to prepare the instruments of divine vengeance (Hazael, Jehu, Elisha)
  • The calling of Elisha
• 1. Kings chapter 20
  • Ben-Hadad besieges Samaria; Ahab’s initial weakness, followed by a resolute stance
  • A prophet’s instructions to Ahab; a great victory for the Israelites over Ben-Hadad
  • Ben-Hadad’s second campaign; new instructions from the prophet to Ahab; a council of the Syrians; victory for the Israelites
  • Ben-Hadad besieged at Aphek and forced to surrender; Ahab’s rash leniency toward him
  • A prophet’s disciple confronts Ahab about his transgression
• 1. Kings chapter 21
  • Ahab’s resentment toward Naboth
  • Jezebel’s disastrous intervention; her despicable letter to the elders of the city of Jezreel
  • The treacherous murder of Naboth; Ahab’s forcible seizure of the vineyard
  • Elijah announces God’s judgment to the royal couple
  • Ahab’s repentance; God’s mitigation of the threat of disaster
• 1. Kings chapter 22
  • Ahab and Jehoshaphat form an alliance to wage war against Syria
  • The Favorable Prophecy of the 400 Prophets; Micah Is to Be Consulted
  • Micah’s Initial Prophecy of Good Fortune, Followed by His Prophecy of Disaster
  • Micah’s Mistreatment by Zedekiah and His Capture by Ahab
  • Defeat of the Allies at Ramoth; Ahab’s Death in Battle; His Burial in Samaria; Concluding Remarks