Old Testament · Narrative

1 Kings

22 chapters · 816 verses · Prophetic scribes · ~550 BC

Solomon builds the most magnificent temple the world has ever seen — then marries 700 women who turn his heart from God. The kingdom splits in two and never recovers.

Overview

1 Kings begins in glory and ends in division. Solomon's wisdom, wealth, and temple give way to idolatry and heavy taxation. After his death, the kingdom fractures: 10 tribes in the north (Israel), 2 in the south (Judah). Elijah emerges as God's thunderbolt against the wickedness of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel.

Key chapters of 1 Kings

Themes:wisdomdivisionidolatryprophecyfaithfulness

Related

All 22 chapters of 1 Kings

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