The Book of 1st Kings
in a Nutshell
The Book of 1st Kings
in a Nutshell
Embedded Files
in a Nutshell
The Book of 1 Kings continues the story of Israel’s monarchy, beginning with the final days of David and the rise of his son Solomon. It traces the nation’s glory at its height and its gradual descent into division and idolatry. The book is a tale of wisdom and wealth, but also of warning, revealing how even great leaders fall when they turn away from God’s covenant.
Solomon becomes king after a tense succession battle and quickly establishes his rule with strength and diplomacy. God grants him unmatched wisdom, and under Solomon's leadership, Israel experiences peace, prosperity, and international fame. The highlight of Solomon’s reign is the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, a permanent dwelling for God's presence among His people. At its dedication, Solomon prays for God’s blessing and continued faithfulness, if Israel remains obedient.
However, Solomon’s later years are marked by compromise. He marries many foreign wives who lead him into idolatry. His heart turns from Jehovah, and God announces that the kingdom will be torn from his descendants. After Solomon's death, the kingdom splits into two: Judah in the south, ruled by Solomon’s son Rehoboam, and Israel in the north, led by Jeroboam.
The rest of the book alternates between the kings of both nations, most of whom lead their people into sin. In Israel, Jeroboam establishes idol worship to secure political control, setting a pattern followed by future kings. Yet amid the darkness, God raises up prophets like Elijah, who boldly confronts King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, challenges the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, and calls Israel to return to Jehovah.
1 Kings reveals the danger of divided loyalty and the steady erosion of spiritual integrity. It warns that political success and religious ritual mean little without true devotion to God. As the nation fragments, the need becomes clear for a greater King, faithful, wise, and holy, who will establish a lasting kingdom of righteousness.
JJ Bowks, ©CDMI
The Bible in a Nutshell Series
The Bible in a Nutshell Series
Hebrew Scriptures
Hebrew Scriptures
(Old Testament Books)
Outline of the Book of 1st Kings
Outline of the Book of 1st Kings
I. The Reign of Solomon (1:1–11:43)
A. Solomon Secures the Throne (1:1–2:46)
1. Adonijah’s attempt to claim the throne (1:1–53)
2. David’s final instructions to Solomon (2:1–12)
3. Solomon eliminates rivals and consolidates power (2:13–46)
A. Solomon Secures the Throne (1:1–2:46)
1. Adonijah’s attempt to claim the throne (1:1–53)
2. David’s final instructions to Solomon (2:1–12)
3. Solomon eliminates rivals and consolidates power (2:13–46)
B. Solomon’s Wisdom and Administration (3:1–4:34)
1. Solomon’s request for wisdom (3:1–28)
2. Solomon’s officials and prosperity (4:1–34)
C. The Building of the Temple (5:1–6:38)
1. Alliance with Hiram and preparation for building (5:1–18)
2. Construction of the temple (6:1–38)
D. Solomon’s Other Building Projects (7:1–51)
1. Solomon’s palace and complex (7:1–12)
2. Temple furnishings and skilled craftsmanship (7:13–51)
E. Dedication of the Temple (8:1–66)
1. Ark brought into the temple (8:1–21)
2. Solomon’s dedicatory prayer (8:22–53)
3. Solomon’s blessing and feast (8:54–66)
F. Solomon’s Covenant Renewal and Wealth (9:1–28)
1. God’s second appearance to Solomon (9:1–9)
2. Achievements and partnerships (9:10–28)
G. Solomon’s Fame and Apostasy (10:1–11:43)
1. Visit of the Queen of Sheba (10:1–13)
2. Solomon’s wealth and splendor (10:14–29)
3. Solomon’s foreign wives and idolatry (11:1–13)
4. Adversaries raised by God (11:14–25)
5. Jeroboam’s rise and Solomon’s death (11:26–43)
II. The Division of the Kingdom (12:1–14:31)
A. The Kingdom Divides: Rehoboam and Jeroboam (12:1–24)
1. Rehoboam’s harsh decision (12:1–15)
2. Ten tribes revolt and follow Jeroboam (12:16–24)
B. Jeroboam’s Apostasy in Israel (12:25–14:20)
1. Golden calves at Bethel and Dan (12:25–33)
2. Prophecy against Jeroboam’s altar (13:1–34)
3. Jeroboam’s judgment and the death of his son (14:1–20)
C. Rehoboam’s Reign in Judah (14:21–31)
1. Rehoboam’s evil and idolatry (14:21–24)
2. Shishak of Egypt plunders Jerusalem (14:25–28)
3. Rehoboam’s death (14:29–31)
III. The Early Kings of Judah and Israel (15:1–16:34)
A. Kings of Judah: Abijam and Asa (15:1–24)
1. Abijam’s short and evil reign (15:1–8)
2. Asa’s long and righteous reign (15:9–24)
B. Kings of Israel: Nadab to Ahab (15:25–16:34)
1. Nadab’s short reign and assassination (15:25–31)
2. Baasha’s reign and judgment (15:32–16:7)
3. Elah’s short reign and assassination by Zimri (16:8–14)
4. Zimri’s brief reign and suicide (16:15–20)
5. Omri’s reign and building of Samaria (16:21–28)
6. Ahab’s rise and extreme wickedness (16:29–34)
IV. The Ministry of the Prophet Elijah (17:1–22:40)
A. Elijah’s First Appearance and Miracles (17:1–24)
1. Drought prophecy and provision by ravens (17:1–7)
2. Miracle with the widow at Zarephath (17:8–24)
B. Confrontation with Ahab and Mount Carmel (18:1–46)
1. Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal (18:1–40)
2. God sends rain after drought (18:41–46)
C. Elijah’s Crisis and God’s Encouragement (19:1–21)
1. Elijah flees and despairs (19:1–10)
2. God reveals Himself in a gentle whisper (19:11–18)
3. Elijah calls Elisha as successor (19:19–21)
D. Ahab’s Wars with Syria (20:1–43)
1. Victory over Ben-hadad (20:1–34)
2. A prophet rebukes Ahab (20:35–43)
E. Naboth’s Vineyard and Ahab’s Sin (21:1–29)
1. Jezebel engineers Naboth’s death (21:1–16)
2. Elijah’s prophecy of doom (21:17–29)
F. Ahab’s Final Battle and Death (22:1–40)
1. Jehoshaphat allies with Ahab (22:1–28)
2. Ahab is killed in battle (22:29–40)
V. Jehoshaphat’s Reign in Judah (22:41–50)
1. Summary of reign and religious reforms (22:41–46)
2. Alliance with Ahaziah of Israel fails (22:47–50)
VI. Brief Note on Ahaziah of Israel (22:51–53)
1. Evil reign and idolatry (22:51–53)
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