There is a short introduction available for the book of 1 Kings. You can read it here.
Key Themes (1 Kings)
The book of 1 Kings is a historical narrative that details the transition of Israel from a united kingdom under Solomon to a divided kingdom after his reign. It chronicles the reigns of various kings in both Israel (the northern kingdom) and Judah (the southern kingdom), highlighting themes of leadership, idolatry, and the consequences of turning away from God. The key themes include:
- The Rise and Fall of Solomon: A central theme in 1 Kings is the reign of Solomon, which begins with great promise but ends in spiritual decline. Solomon’s early reign is marked by wisdom, wealth, and the building of the temple in Jerusalem, symbolizing Israel’s peak under God’s blessing. However, his later years are marred by idolatry and disobedience, leading to the kingdom’s eventual division. This theme emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God’s commands and the dangers of straying from Him, even for a wise and powerful leader.
- The Division of the Kingdom: The book of 1 Kings details the division of the united kingdom of Israel into two separate entities: Israel in the north and Judah in the south. This division occurs as a direct consequence of Solomon’s disobedience and the people’s unfaithfulness. The theme of division highlights the destructive impact of sin on national unity and the long-lasting consequences of turning away from God.
- Idolatry and Its Consequences: Idolatry is a recurring theme in 1 Kings, as many of the kings of Israel and Judah lead the people into worshiping false gods. The book shows that idolatry leads to moral and spiritual decay, national instability, and eventually, God’s judgment. This theme underscores the seriousness of idolatry and the need for exclusive worship of the one true God.
- The Role of Prophets: Prophets play a crucial role in 1 Kings as messengers of God, calling the kings and the people back to faithfulness. Figures like Elijah and Nathan confront the kings, deliver God’s warnings, and perform miracles to demonstrate God’s power. This theme highlights the importance of prophetic voices in holding leaders accountable and guiding the nation according to God’s will.
- The Sovereignty of God: Throughout 1 Kings, God’s sovereignty is evident in the rise and fall of kings, the division of the kingdom, and the actions of the prophets. Despite human failures, God’s purposes are ultimately fulfilled, demonstrating that He is in control of history. This theme emphasizes that God’s will prevails, even in the midst of human rebellion and political turmoil.
- The Importance of the Temple and Worship: The construction and dedication of the temple in Jerusalem by Solomon is a significant event in 1 Kings. The temple represents God’s presence among His people and serves as the central place of worship for Israel. This theme highlights the importance of proper worship and the centrality of God’s presence in the life of the nation.
- The Covenant and Its Renewal: The book of 1 Kings repeatedly references the covenant between God and Israel, reminding the people and their leaders of the conditions of this covenant—obedience leading to blessing and disobedience leading to curse. The theme of covenant renewal is particularly evident in the prophets’ calls to repentance and the consequences of breaking the covenant, as seen in the division of the kingdom and the rise of idolatry.
- The Influence of Foreign Powers and Alliances: 1 Kings also explores the impact of foreign influences and political alliances on Israel and Judah. Solomon’s marriages to foreign women, for instance, lead him into idolatry, while various kings form alliances that compromise their allegiance to God. This theme underscores the dangers of relying on foreign powers and the importance of maintaining faithfulness to God above all else.
The book of 1 Kings is a rich narrative that explores the complexities of leadership, the dangers of idolatry, and the consequences of disobedience to God. It highlights the importance of covenant faithfulness, the central role of worship, and the prophetic voices that call the people back to God. Through its detailed account of Israel’s history, 1 Kings offers important lessons on the sovereignty of God and the critical need for leaders and nations to remain devoted to Him.
What Noticed Today (1 Kings 1-2; Psalms 37, 71, 94)
1 Kings 1
David’s last days and the issue of planning a successor to the throne.
In verses 1-4, David was old and could no longer stay warm, so a search was done for a beautiful young virgin to care for David. Abishag, the Shunammite was brought to David, and she became his caregiver, but he was not intimate with her.
In verses 5-10, Adonijah, David’s son, kept exalting himself, saying, “I will be king.”
Note: Adonijah was David’s fourth son and probably the oldest of David’s remaining sons.
- Adonijah prepared chariots, cavalry, and had 50 men run ahead of him.
- Apparently, this had been going on for some time, but David said nothing to him. Adonijah grew bolder and bolder.
- Eventually, he conspired with Joab and Abiathar, the priest.
- He even planned a coronation party for himself with sacrificed animals. He invited the royal household, the men of Judah, and servants of the king. However, he did not invite Nathan the prophet, Benaiah, the warriors, or his brother Solomon.
In verses 11-40, about that time, Nathan, the prophet, stepped in to let Bathsheba know what Adonijah had planned.
- Nathan and Bathsheba told David about Adonijah and asked if he intended to let Adonijah become king rather than Solomon (as he had promised).
- David made good on his earlier promise to Bathsheba and ordered Solomon crowned as king.
In verses 41-53, Adonijah learns of Solomon’s coronation.
- Jonathan, son of Abiathar, the priest, came and told Adonijah that David and made Solomon king.
- When Adonijah’s supporters heard that David made Solomon king, they deserted him.
- Adonijah was afraid and went to grab hold of the horns of the altar near the tabernacle.
- Solomon told Adonijah he would be shown mercy if he demonstrated loyalty to the throne and was no longer rebellious.
- Adonijah promised loyalty to Solomon, and Solomon sent him home.
Note: Adonijah soon rebelled against Solomon and was killed (1 Kings 2:13-25).
1 Kings 2
1 Kings 2 contains David’s final instructions to Solomon.
In verses 1-9, David encouraged Solomon to be faithful to God, walk in His ways, and keep His statutes.
- David gave Solomon a list of people who had betrayed him, as well as those who had been faithful to him.
- David died, having ruled Israel 40 years, seven years in Hebron, and 33 years in Jerusalem.
In verses 10-25, Adonijah came to Bathsheba and asked her to ask Solomon to give him Abishag (David’s caregiver) as a wife.
Note: It was the tradition for a king to take over the concubines of their predecessor as a sign of power. So Adonijah’s request was very bold and symbolized taking David’s power.
- Solomon wisely refused and ordered Benaiah to kill Adonijah.
Some thoughts for additional consideration:
- David certainly seemed to have a soft spot in his heart for his rebellious/traitorous children. First, Absalom tried to take his throne; then, Adonijah tried to take the throne. In both cases, David let the action go until it caused bigger problems for him and others. Even after David died, Adonijah continued to try to extend his authority, but Solomon wisely saw through his ploy and took decisive action.
- Sometimes it is easy to know what to do when it involves someone else, but when it involves our own flesh and blood, we lose the strength of our convictions. We may feel like we are loving and gracious by letting out children find their way. Sometimes we think if we just ignore their behavior, they will see the error of their ways and stop. That is usually not the case. Seldom does ignoring and hoping a problem will go away actually resolve anything. There are times when decisive action is the best way to deal with a difficult action.
Psalm 37
Psalm 37 is a build on Psalm 36.
In verses 1-8, David tells believers to continue to trust in the Lord despite the presence of evil, sinful people. The righteous should not envy the wicked who succeed, nor should they concern themselves with their success because that leads only to anger and evil.
In verses 9-11, David describes how the wicked will soon be cut off, and that the meek will inherit the earth.
Verses 12-22, build on verses 9-11 with five contrasting examples: wicked devise evil but the Lord laughs at them, the wicked attack the meek but their own violence will destroy them, it is better to be poor than to be wicked and have wealth, the Lord protects the righteous, but the wicked will perish, and the wicked are selfish, but the poor are generous.
In verses 23-31, David describes the blessings of the Lord upon the righteous. He provides food for them, and loves and protects them. The righteous are just and wise because the law of God is in their hearts.
Concluding in verses 32-40, David warns that the wicked lie in wait to destroy the righteous, but the Lord will protect and uphold the righteous and destroy the wicked. The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord, who helps and delivers them from the wicked.
Psalm 71
Psalm 71 combines elements from four other psalms (Psalms 22, 31, 35, and 40).
In verses 1-4, the psalmist prays for deliverance from God, his rock, and fortress providing security from the wicked.
In verses 5-13, the psalmist confirms his confidence and hope in the Lord. He asks God to continue to care for and protect him from those who would harm him and bring shame, scorn, and disgrace upon them.
In verses 14-24, the psalmist’s hope remains in the Lord, and he will continue to praise Him and tell others of His mighty deeds. As the aging psalmist closes, he vows to continue to praise God as the “Holy One of Israel.”
Psalm 94
Psalm 94 recognizes vengeance belongs to the Lord.
In verses 1-7, the psalmist prays for the wicked who oppose God to be judged. He laments the oppression inflicted on the righteous by the wicked because they think the Lord does not see their actions.
In verses 8-15, the psalmist tells the wicked fools that surely the God that created them can hear and see them and knows their wickedness. He warns them that the Lord will not forsake his people and will bring justice to the righteous.
In verses 16-23, the psalmist describes relying on the Lord for help and encouragement. The Lord was his stronghold and refuge.
What did you notice in your study today? Feel free to visit the website and leave a question or a comment.
