The Book of 1 Kings is the eleventh book of the Bible and records Israel’s transition from King David’s reign to the division of the kingdom.

It covers the rise and fall of King Solomon, the division into Israel and Judah, and the ministry of the prophet Elijah.

This book highlights the importance of faithfulness to God and the consequences of turning away from Him.

Solomon Becomes King (1 Kings 1-2)

After David’s death, his son Solomon is anointed as king. However, this does not happen without conflict.

Adonijah, another son of David, tries to claim the throne, but Solomon is chosen and secures his reign.

Key Highlights:

• Solomon is anointed king while David is still alive.
• Adonijah, David’s son, tries to take the throne but is removed.
• Before dying, David advises Solomon to follow God’s commands.

Lesson: God raises leaders according to His plan, and obedience to Him is the key to a strong foundation.

King Solomon’s Wisdom & the Building of the Temple (1 Kings 3-9)

Solomon is known for his great wisdom, which he receives after asking God for an understanding heart.

His reign is marked by prosperity, justice, and the construction of the temple in Jerusalem.

Key Highlights:

• God grants Solomon wisdom, making him the wisest man of his time.
• The famous story of two women fighting over a baby demonstrates Solomon’s wisdom.
• Solomon builds the temple in Jerusalem, fulfilling God’s promise to David.
• The Ark of the Covenant is placed in the temple, and God’s glory fills it.

Lesson: True wisdom comes from God, and our greatest achievements should be dedicated to His glory.

Solomon’s Downfall & Idolatry (1 Kings 10-11)

Despite his wisdom, Solomon turns away from God by marrying many foreign wives, who lead him into idolatry.

This angers God, and He foretells that Solomon’s kingdom will be divided after his death.

Key Highlights:

• Solomon marries many foreign women who bring idol worship into Israel.
• God warns Solomon that his actions will lead to the kingdom’s division.
• Solomon dies, and his son Rehoboam becomes king.

Lesson: Worldly success means nothing if we turn away from God. Even the wisest person can fall without faithfulness.

The Kingdom Divides: Israel & Judah (1 Kings 12-14)

Solomon’s son Rehoboam becomes king, but his harsh leadership causes ten tribes to rebel, forming the northern kingdom of Israel, while the southern kingdom of Judah remains under David’s lineage.

Key Highlights:

• Jeroboam becomes king of Israel (the northern kingdom) and leads them into idolatry.
• Rehoboam rules Judah (the southern kingdom) but also turns from God.
• Idol worship spreads, leading both kingdoms further from God’s ways.

Lesson: Poor leadership and disobedience to God can divide families, nations, and people.

Elijah the Prophet & the Confrontation with Baal (1 Kings 17-19)

During the reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, idolatry worsens, but God raises Elijah, the prophet, to call Israel back to Him.

Key Highlights:

• Elijah proclaims a drought as a judgment against Israel’s sin.
• He performs miracles, including multiplying oil for a widow and raising her son from the dead.
• On Mount Carmel, Elijah challenges 450 prophets of Baal, calling down fire from heaven to prove that Yahweh is the true God.

Lesson: God always raises up messengers to call His people back to Him. Faith in God’s power overcomes any opposition.

Ahab’s Wicked Reign & Naboth’s Vineyard (1 Kings 20-22)

King Ahab, influenced by his wife Jezebel, continues in wickedness. His reign ends with judgment and his death in battle.

Key Highlights:

• Ahab and Jezebel plot to steal Naboth’s vineyard, having him unjustly killed.
• Elijah confronts Ahab, declaring judgment on his household.
• Ahab dies in battle, fulfilling Elijah’s prophecy.

Lesson: No one, not even the most powerful rulers, can escape God’s justice.

Final Thoughts

The Book of 1 Kings is a powerful reminder that faithfulness to God leads to blessing, while idolatry and disobedience bring destruction.

It introduces the prophets who call Israel to repentance and sets the stage for the continued struggles of Israel and Judah.