About This Book
First Kings begins with Israel's glory under Solomon and ends with the divided kingdom's decline, chronicling kings who mostly reject God. The book opens with aged David securing Solomon's succession against Adonijah's attempted coup. David charges Solomon to follow God's law and deal with unfinished business. Solomon requests wisdom rather than riches, pleasing God who grants both wisdom and unprecedented wealth.
Solomon's wisdom becomes legendary, attracting the Queen of Sheba. He builds the magnificent temple in Jerusalem, fulfilling David's desire, and God's glory fills it at dedication. God renews His covenant with Solomon, promising blessing for obedience but judgment for idolatry. Despite his wisdom, Solomon's heart is turned away by his many foreign wives who lead him into idolatry.
God declares that the kingdom will be torn from Solomon's son, though one tribe will remain for David's sake. After Solomon's death, his son Rehoboam foolishly rejects elders' counsel, imposing harsh policies that split the kingdom. Jeroboam leads ten northern tribes in rebellion, establishing the kingdom of Israel with capitals at Shechem and later Samaria. To prevent his people from worshiping in Jerusalem, Jeroboam sets up golden calves at Dan and Bethel, establishing an apostate religious system.
The southern kingdom of Judah continues under David's line in Jerusalem. The book then alternates between northern and southern kings. In the north, Ahab marries the wicked Jezebel, who promotes Baal worship aggressively. God raises up Elijah, who demonstrates God's supremacy at Mount Carmel and pronounces judgment on Ahab's house for murdering Naboth.