THE BOOK OF I KINGS
Introduction:
First Kings records the death of David, the reign of Solomon, the building of the temple, death of Solomon, division of the kingdom under Rehoboam and Jeroboam, and the history of the two kingdoms to the reign of Jehoram over Judah, and Ahaziah over Samaria. Includes the mighty ministry of Elijah. — Scofield.
Author: Unknown.
Title: In the Hebrew Mss., 1 and 2 Kings appear as one book, the division may have been made for the convenience of Greek readers.
A Brief Summary of the Book: The Book may be divided into Two Divisions.
Part 1: The History of the Reign of Solomon.
A. Opening Events: The death of David, and the accession of Solomon, his son, 1 Kings 1:1–2:46.
B. The Early Years of Solomon’s Reign;
1. The Golden Age of Israel;
2. Solomon Made Famous by:
a. The king’s wise choice, 1 Kings 3:5-14.
b. His discriminating judgment, 1 Kings 3:16-28.
c. His surpassing wisdom, 1 Kings 4:29-34.
d. The growth of his dominions, 1 Kings4:21.
e. The splendor of his court, and palaces, 1 Kings 4:22-28–7:1-12.
f. The building of the temple, 1 Kings 5:1–6:38.
g. Other building enterprises and great wealth, 1 Kings 9:17-23–10:14-29.
h. The visit of the Queen of Sheba, 1 Kings 10:1-13.
C. The Later Years of His Reign. The decline of his kingdom brought about by:
1. His extravagant luxury, 1 Kings 10:14-29.
2. His notorious sensuality, 1 Kings 11:1-3.
3. His apostasy from God, 1 Kings 11:4-8.
4. The enemies which the Lord stirred up against him, 1 Kings 11:14-40.
Part 2: This part shows History of the Kingdoms of Judah and Israel:
— From the death of Solomon to the Accession of Jehoram, in Judah;
— From the Accession of Jeroboam to the Reign of Ahaziah, in Israel.
C. The Disruption of the Kingdom through the folly of Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, 1 Kings 11:43–12:19.
D. The Ten Tribes revolt, and crown Jeroboam as king of Israel, 1 Kings 12:20.
E. The Comparative History of the Two Kingdoms.
1. The reigns in Judah of Rehoboam, Abijam, Asa and Jehoshaphat, 1 Kings 12:1–22:50.
2. The evil reigns in Israel of Jeroboam, Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Omri, Ahab, and Ahaziah, 1 Kings 12:20–22:53.
Choice Selections:
1) Solomon’s Wise Choice, 1 Kings 3:5-14.
2) Solomon’s Prayer at the dedication of the temple, 1 Kings 8:22-53.
3) The Ministry of Elijah, 1 Kings 17:1-19:21; 21:1-29.
4) The call of Elisha, 1 Kings 19:19-21.
Heroic Character: The prophet Elijah.
1) General References to: 1 Kings 17:1,15, 23; 18:21; 19:5,19; 21:17; 2 Kings 1:3, 10; 2:11; 2 Chronicles 21:12; Malachi 4:5; Matthew 17:3; Luke 4:26; 9:54; James 5:17.
2) Summary of Elijah’s life
a. Three times fed with Divine Supplies:
1. By Ravens 1 Kings 17:6.
2. By miraculously increased store of the widow, 1 Kings 17:15.
3. By an angel, 1 Kings 19:5-8.
b. A fearless reformer, 1 Kings 18:17-40.
c. Rebuked kings, 1 Kings 21:20; 2 Kings 1:16.
d. Mighty in prayer, 1 Kings 17:20-22; 18:36-38; James 5:17.
e. In one instance yielded to discouragement, 1 Kings 19:3-4.
f. Not infallible in judgment, 1 Kings 19:14, 18.
g. Divinely honored, 2 Kings 2:11; Matthew 17:3.
Miracles of Elijah:
1) Drought, 1 Kings 17:1; James 5:17.
2) Meal and oil multiplied, 1 Kings 17:14.
3) Child restored to life, 1 Kings 17:22.
4) Sacrifice consumed by fire, 1 Kings 18:38.
5) Captains and men slain by fire, 2 Kings 1:10.
6) Rain brought, 1 Kings 18:41.
7) Waters of Jordan divided, 2 Kings 2:8.