1 Kings

1 Kings

King David was old and frail. His servants brought Abishag the Shunammite to care for him.

“But the king did not know her intimately.”

Adonijah son of Haggith exalted himself:

“I will be king.”

He prepared chariots, horsemen, and 50 runners.

He conferred with Joab and Abiathar the priest—but not Zadok, Nathan, or Solomon.

Nathan the Prophet Warns Bathsheba

“Adonijah has made himself king—David does not know.

Go to the king and remind him:

‘Did you not swear Solomon would reign?’”

Bathsheba bowed before the king and made her plea.

Nathan entered and confirmed her words.

David Acts

“Call to me Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah.

Take Solomon to Gihon. Anoint him king over Israel and Judah.”

They placed Solomon on the king’s mule.

Zadok anointed him with oil from the Tabernacle.

“Long live King Solomon!”

All the people rejoiced with great noise.

“The earth split with the sound.”

Adonijah’s Fear

He heard while still feasting. Panic struck.

He fled and took hold of the horns of the altar.

Solomon said:

“If he proves himself honorable, not a hair will fall.”

———

David’s time drew near. He charged Solomon:

“Be strong. Keep YHWH’s statutes, walk in His ways.”

“Do not let Joab’s blood go unpunished.

Show kindness to the sons of Barzillai.

Deal with Shimei wisely—he cursed me bitterly at Bahurim.”

David Died

“And Solomon sat on the throne of his father David, and his kingdom was firmly established.”

Adonijah’s Second Move

He asked Bathsheba:

“Ask Solomon to give me Abishag the Shunammite as wife.”

Bathsheba relayed the request.

Solomon replied:

“You ask for the kingdom itself!”

He had Adonijah executed by Benaiah.

Priestly and Political Purge

Abiathar was removed from the priesthood

“So the word of YHWH concerning Eli’s house was fulfilled.”

Joab fled to the altar but was executed by Benaiah.

Shimei was confined to Jerusalem.

After breaking his oath and leaving the city, Solomon had him struck down.

“Thus the kingdom was firmly in Solomon’s hand.”

———

Solomon allied with Egypt—he married Pharaoh’s daughter.

He loved YHWH, walking in His statutes.

The Dream at Gibeon

YHWH appeared to Solomon in a dream:

“Ask what I shall give you.”

Solomon replied:

“I am but a child. Give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people.”

YHWH said:

“Because you did not ask for riches or death of enemies…

I give you a wise and discerning heart—none like you before or after.”

“I also give you what you did not ask: riches, honor, and long life—if you walk in My ways.”

The Judgment of the Two Women

Two women came before Solomon. One’s child had died. Both claimed the living son.

Solomon said:

“Divide the child in two.”

One woman said:

“Give her the child—do not kill him!”

Solomon declared:

“She is the mother.”

“And all Israel saw the wisdom of God in him.”

———

Solomon ruled all Israel. His officials included:

Azariah (priest)

Elihoreph and Ahijah (secretaries)

Jehoshaphat (recorder)

Benaiah (army)

Zadok and Abiathar (priests)

12 district governors who provided provisions

Peace and Prosperity

“Judah and Israel were as many as the sand by the sea.

They ate, drank, and rejoiced.”

“Solomon ruled from the Euphrates to Philistia to Egypt—

all brought tribute and served him all his days.”

Daily Provisions

Solomon’s household consumed vast daily supplies.

“He had 40,000 stalls of horses and 12,000 horsemen.”

Wisdom Beyond Measure

“He spoke 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs.

He spoke of trees, animals, birds, reptiles, and fish.”

“Men came from all nations to hear the wisdom of Solomon.”

———

Hiram king of Tyre sent envoys to Solomon—he had loved David.

Solomon said:

“My father could not build the house because of war.

But now YHWH has given me rest. I will build a house for His Name.”

Hiram rejoiced:

“Blessed be YHWH!”

They made a treaty.

Solomon gave wheat and oil; Hiram gave cedar and cypress.

Labor for the House

Solomon raised a labor force of 30,000, rotating monthly.

He had 70,000 burden bearers, 80,000 stonecutters, and 3,300 overseers.

“They prepared costly stones to lay the foundation of the house.”

———

In the 480th year after the Exodus, in the 4th year of Solomon’s reign, he began building the House of YHWH.

Structure and Dimensions:

60 cubits long, 20 wide, 30 high

The inner sanctuary (Most Set-Apart Place) was 20 x 20 x 20 cubits

Cedar wood covered the walls and floor; no stone was visible

The sanctuary was overlaid with pure gold

The Word of YHWH to Solomon

“If you walk in My statutes…

I will dwell among the children of Israel and not forsake My people.”

The house was completed in seven years.

———

Solomon also built his palace—13 years in construction.

He built the House of the Forest of Lebanon, with massive cedar beams and columns.

He made:

The Hall of Pillars

The Hall of the Throne (Hall of Judgment)

A house for Pharaoh’s daughter, his wife

Huram of Tyre

A craftsman, son of a Tyrian father and Israelite mother, was brought for bronze work.

He fashioned:

Two bronze pillars (named Jachin and Boaz)

The Sea—a massive basin supported by 12 oxen

Ten bronze lavers

Bronze utensils: shovels, bowls, pots

Everything was cast in clay molds in the Jordan valley.

———

All the elders and leaders assembled as the Ark was brought to the Temple.

The priests carried it into the Most Set-Apart Place.

“There was nothing in the Ark except the two tablets of stone.”

The Glory Fills the Temple

“A cloud filled the house, and the priests could not stand to minister,

for the glory of YHWH filled the house.”

Solomon said:

“YHWH has said He would dwell in thick darkness.

I have built a house for Your Name forever.”

Solomon’s Prayer

He stood before the altar, spread out his hands, and prayed:

“There is no God like You… who keeps covenant and steadfast love.”

“But will God indeed dwell on earth?

The heavens cannot contain You—how much less this house!”

Petitions:

Hear from heaven when Your people pray

Judge between the righteous and wicked

Restore when they turn in repentance

Hear the foreigner who comes to pray toward this house

Forgive when Your people sin and return with all their heart

Fire and Sacrifice

Solomon offered 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep.

The people rejoiced for 14 days.

“They blessed the king and went home joyful and glad of heart.”

———

YHWH appeared to Solomon a second time:

“I have heard your prayer. I have consecrated this house…

My Name shall be there forever.”

“If you walk before Me like David… I will establish your throne.

But if you turn away, this house will become a ruin.

All who pass by will be astonished and say: ‘Why has YHWH done this?’”

Solomon’s Achievements

He gave 20 cities in Galilee to Hiram of Tyre, but Hiram was displeased:

“What are these cities?”

Solomon raised forced labor from remaining Canaanite peoples—

but did not enslave Israelites.

———

The Queen of Sheba heard of Solomon’s fame and came with hard questions.

She brought spices, gold, and precious stones.

Solomon answered all her questions—nothing was hidden.

She saw:

His wisdom

The food of his table

The seating of his officials

His ascent to the house of YHWH

She said:

“The report I heard was true—but I did not believe it until I came.

Behold, not even half was told me!”

“Blessed be YHWH your God!”

She gave 120 talents of gold and much spice.

Wealth and Wonders

Solomon received 666 talents of gold yearly.

He made:

Shields of gold

A great ivory throne overlaid with gold

12 lion statues beside the steps

Silver was accounted as nothing.

Ships brought gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.

“Solomon surpassed all kings in riches and wisdom.”

“The whole earth sought his presence to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart.”

———

“Solomon loved many foreign women…”

Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite.

He had 700 wives and 300 concubines.

“When Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart after other gods…”

He built high places for Ashtoreth, Chemosh, and Molech.

“Solomon did evil in the eyes of YHWH.”

YHWH’s Judgment

“Because you have not kept My covenant,

I will tear the kingdom from you—

yet not in your days, for the sake of David.

I will give one tribe to your son.”

Adversaries Raised Up

Hadad the Edomite

Rezon of Damascus

Jeroboam son of Nebat

Ahijah’s Prophecy to Jeroboam

Ahijah the prophet met Jeroboam and tore his cloak into 12 pieces:

“Take 10—for YHWH will give you 10 tribes.

But one tribe will remain for David’s sake.”

“If you walk in My ways, I will build you an enduring house.”

Solomon sought to kill Jeroboam. He fled to Egypt.

Solomon’s Death

“He reigned in Jerusalem forty years.”

He was buried in the city of David.

Rehoboam his son reigned after him.

———

All Israel came to Shechem to make Rehoboam king.

They said:

“Lighten the yoke your father placed on us.”

Rehoboam consulted:

The elders: “Speak kindly—they will serve you.”

The young men: “Tell them: My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist.”

He answered harshly:

“My father scourged you with whips—I will scourge you with scorpions.”

Israel Rebels

“What portion have we in David? To your tents, O Israel!”

Only Judah and Benjamin remained loyal.

Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was stoned.

He fled to Jerusalem.

“So Israel has been in rebellion to this day.”

Jeroboam Made King

YHWH told Rehoboam:

“Do not fight your brothers. This thing is from Me.”

Jeroboam’s Golden Calves

Fearing the people would return to Rehoboam if they worshiped in Jerusalem, Jeroboam made:

Two golden calves

One in Bethel, one in Dan

“Behold your gods, O Israel!”

“This became sin.”

He also built shrines on high places and appointed unauthorized priests.

———

A man of God from Judah came to Bethel while Jeroboam stood at the altar.

He cried out:

“O altar, altar! A son named Josiah shall be born—he will burn bones on you.”

He gave a sign:

“The altar shall split, and ashes pour out.”

It happened immediately.

Jeroboam stretched out his hand to seize the man—

His hand withered.

He begged for healing. The man of God prayed—his hand was restored.

Jeroboam invited him to eat. He refused:

“I was commanded: ‘Do not eat or drink or return the same way.’”

The Lying Prophet

An old prophet from Bethel lied:

“An angel told me you may eat with me.”

The man of God believed him.

As they ate, the word of YHWH came through the old prophet:

“You disobeyed YHWH’s voice—your body shall not be buried with your fathers.”

On the road, a lion met him and killed him.

“The lion stood beside the body and donkey.”

The old prophet buried him in his own tomb.

Jeroboam Hardened

“Even after this, he did not turn from his evil ways.”

———

Jeroboam’s son became sick.

He sent his wife in disguise to Ahijah the prophet at Shiloh.

Though Ahijah was blind, YHWH told him:

“The wife of Jeroboam is coming.”

When she arrived, Ahijah said:

“Tell Jeroboam:

You exalted yourself—but have done more evil than all before you.”

The Judgment

“I will cut off every male from Jeroboam.

Dogs shall eat those who die in the city.

The child shall die, but he alone will come to the grave—because in him something good was found.”

“Israel will be uprooted from this good land.”

Jeroboam’s Death

His child died when the wife returned.

Jeroboam reigned 22 years, then died.

Rehoboam’s Reign in Judah

He was 41 years old when he began to reign.

Judah also did evil:

High places

Male shrine prostitutes

Idolatry

Shishak of Egypt Attacks

He took treasures from the Temple and palace.

Rehoboam replaced gold shields with bronze ones.

“There was continual warfare between Rehoboam and Jeroboam.”

Rehoboam reigned 17 years and died.

———

Abijam reigned over Judah for 3 years.

He walked in the sins of his father—but for David’s sake, YHWH preserved a lamp in Jerusalem.

Then came Asa, who reigned 41 years.

“He did what was right in the eyes of YHWH.”

He removed male shrine prostitutes and idols.

He even removed his grandmother Maacah from being queen because of an obscene Asherah image.

War With Israel

Baasha king of Israel fortified Ramah.

Asa took treasures from the Temple and gave them to Ben-hadad of Syria,

who attacked Israel and broke Baasha’s hold.

———

Nadab son of Jeroboam reigned 2 years

Baasha conspired, killed him, and reigned in his place.

Baasha reigned 24 years but did evil.

The word of YHWH came through Jehu the prophet:

“I will wipe out Baasha’s house as I did Jeroboam’s.”

Baasha’s son Elah reigned 2 years.

Zimri’s Short Reign

Zimri, a commander, conspired and struck Elah.

He killed all Baasha’s family—fulfilling prophecy.

But Zimri reigned only seven days.

The army made Omri king, who laid siege to Tirzah.

Zimri saw the city was taken, set the palace on fire, and died.

Omri and Ahab

Omri reigned 12 years.

“He did more evil than all before him.”

His son Ahab reigned after him.

“He considered it a light thing to walk in Jeroboam’s sins—

he took Jezebel, daughter of the king of Sidon, as wife.”

He served Baal, built an altar, and made an Asherah.

“Ahab did more to provoke YHWH than all before him.”

———

Elijah the Tishbite said to Ahab:

“As YHWH lives, there shall be no dew or rain—except at my word.”

By the Brook Kerith

YHWH sent Elijah to hide by the brook.

Ravens brought him bread and meat.

When the brook dried, YHWH sent him to Zarephath.

The Widow and the Jar of Flour

He met a widow gathering sticks.

“Bring me a little water—and a morsel of bread.”

She said:

“I have only a handful of flour and a little oil—then my son and I will die.”

Elijah said:

“Make a cake for me first.

The jar of flour will not run out, nor the jug of oil fail.”

And it was so.

The Widow’s Son Dies and Is Raised

Her son became ill and died.

Elijah cried out:

“Have You brought calamity on this woman?”

He stretched himself over the child three times and prayed.

“YHWH heard the voice of Elijah—

and the child revived.”

She said:

“Now I know you are a man of God.”

———

“In the third year, YHWH said:

‘Go, show yourself to Ahab. I will send rain.’”

Elijah met Obadiah, Ahab’s servant who had hidden 100 prophets in caves.

Elijah Confronts Ahab

“You are the troubler of Israel!

You have abandoned YHWH and followed Baal.”

He summoned Israel to Mount Carmel:

“How long will you limp between two opinions?

If YHWH is God, follow Him. If Baal, follow him.”

The Contest

450 prophets of Baal

1 altar for Baal, 1 for YHWH

The god who answers by fire—He is God

Baal’s prophets cried out all morning.

They danced, cut themselves—but no voice answered.

Elijah Rebuilds the Altar

He took 12 stones for the 12 tribes.

He drenched the sacrifice and wood with water—three times.

He prayed:

“Let it be known today that You are God in Israel!”

Fire fell from heaven, consuming the offering, wood, stones, dust, and water.

The people fell on their faces:

“YHWH—He is God!”

Elijah said:

“Seize the prophets of Baal.”

They were brought to the brook Kishon and slain.

Rain Returns

Elijah said to Ahab:

“Go up—eat and drink. I hear the sound of rain.”

He prayed seven times on Mount Carmel.

A small cloud appeared—and the sky grew black with wind and rain.

“And the hand of YHWH was on Elijah.”

He outran Ahab to Jezreel.

———

Jezebel vowed:

“May the gods do so to me if I don’t kill Elijah by tomorrow.”

Elijah fled to Beersheba, then to the wilderness.

“It is enough. Take my life.”

He lay under a broom tree.

An angel touched him:

“Arise and eat.”

He ate, drank, and lay down again.

The angel came again.

“The journey is too great for you.”

He went 40 days and nights to Mount Horeb.

The Voice in the Whisper

YHWH said:

“What are you doing here?”

Elijah said:

“I have been zealous. But I alone am left.”

YHWH said:

“Go out and stand before Me.”

There came:

A great wind — YHWH was not in it

An earthquake — not in it

A fire — not in it

Then a still, small voice

YHWH said:

“Go. Anoint:

Hazael king over Aram

Jehu king over Israel

Elisha prophet in your place.”

“I have preserved 7,000 in Israel who have not bowed to Baal.”

The Call of Elisha

Elijah found Elisha plowing.

He cast his cloak upon him.

Elisha said:

“Let me kiss my parents—then I will follow.”

He sacrificed his oxen, fed the people, and followed Elijah.

———

Ben-hadad, king of Aram, assembled 32 kings against Samaria.

He sent messengers to Ahab:

“Your silver, gold, wives, and children are mine.”

Ahab agreed. But Ben-hadad demanded more.

Ahab consulted the elders, who said:

“Do not listen or consent.”

YHWH Promises Victory

A prophet came to Ahab:

“Have you seen this great army?

Today I will give it into your hand, so you shall know that I am YHWH.”

Israel Strikes First

Young men led the charge. Israel defeated the Arameans.

Ben-hadad fled on horseback.

The prophet warned:

“The king of Aram will return next year—prepare.”

Second Battle: Hills vs. Plains

Ben-hadad’s advisors said:

“Their god is the god of the hills. Let us fight in the plains.”

Israel camped opposite them like two little flocks.

YHWH said:

“Because they say I am only the god of the hills—

I will give them into your hand.”

Israel defeated 100,000 foot soldiers in one day.

Ben-hadad fled to Aphek.

Ahab Spares the King

Ben-hadad’s servants said:

“Put on sackcloth and ropes—ask for mercy.”

Ahab said:

“Is he still alive? He is my brother!”

They made a treaty. Ahab let him go.

A Prophet's Judgment

A prophet, disguised, asked another to strike him. He refused—was eaten by a lion.

The prophet went to Ahab and revealed himself:

“You let go the man I devoted to destruction—

so your life shall be for his life, your people for his people.”

Ahab went home, sullen and angry.

———

Naboth had a vineyard next to Ahab’s palace.

Ahab said:

“Give me your vineyard for a vegetable garden. I will give you a better one.”

Naboth replied:

“YHWH forbid I give the inheritance of my fathers!”

Ahab lay on his bed, turned his face, and refused to eat.

Jezebel’s Plot

She said:

“Do you not govern Israel? Arise and eat—I will give you Naboth’s vineyard.”

She wrote letters in Ahab’s name.

She ordered a fast and hired scoundrels to accuse Naboth of blasphemy.

They stoned him. He died.

Jezebel said:

“Arise, take the vineyard—Naboth is dead.”

Elijah Confronts Ahab

YHWH said:

“Go to Ahab—he is in Naboth’s vineyard.”

Elijah said:

“Have you murdered and also taken possession?”

“In the place where dogs licked Naboth’s blood,

they shall lick yours.”

“Dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.”

“I will cut off every male from Ahab.”

Ahab Repents

“He tore his clothes, fasted, and walked meekly.”

YHWH said:

“Because he humbled himself, I will not bring disaster in his days—

but in his son's days.”

———

Jehoshaphat king of Judah visited Ahab.

Ahab said:

“Will you go with me to fight Ramoth-gilead?”

Jehoshaphat replied:

“I am as you are. But first seek the word of YHWH.”

The Prophets Speak

Ahab gathered 400 prophets:

“Go up—YHWH will give it into your hand.”

Jehoshaphat asked:

“Is there not a prophet of YHWH besides?”

Ahab said:

“There is Micaiah—but I hate him. He never prophesies good.”

Jehoshaphat said:

“Let not the king say so.”

The Messenger Warns

“Speak favorably like the others.”

Micaiah answered:

“As YHWH lives, what He says—I will speak.”

He mocked the king:

“Go and triumph.”

Ahab said:

“How many times must I adjure you to tell me the truth?”

Micaiah’s Vision

“I saw all Israel scattered like sheep without a shepherd.”

“YHWH said: ‘Who will entice Ahab?’

A spirit said: ‘I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of his prophets.’

And YHWH said: ‘You shall entice him—and prevail.’”

Zedekiah Strikes Micaiah

“Which way did the Spirit of YHWH go from me to speak to you?”

Micaiah said:

“You will see on the day you go into an inner room to hide.”

Ahab ordered:

“Put him in prison. Feed him bread and water until I return.”

Micaiah replied:

“If you return in peace—YHWH has not spoken by me.”

Ahab’s Disguise and Death

Ahab disguised himself.

A random archer struck him between the joints of his armor.

He died by evening.

“The blood washed into the chariot. Dogs licked it where the prostitutes bathed—

according to the word of YHWH.”

Jehoshaphat Reigns in Judah

He walked in the ways of Asa, doing what was right.

“Yet the high places were not removed.”

Ahaziah Reigns in Israel

Son of Ahab, he did evil in the sight of YHWH.

“He walked in the ways of his father and mother, and of Jeroboam.”