1 Kings (1 Kgs)

The 11th book of the OT, having 22 chapters. Although the author is unknown it records history during the period 970 to 851 BC, and reveals the lives of various kings who mostly did things their way, not God's. The once great nation begins to falter. Time to read: 2 hrs 40 mins.

Key figures
David, Solomon, Elijah, Ahab and Jezebel.

Summary
As King David neared his death he declared Solomon, his son, as successor to the throne. When God said to Solomon in a dream, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you", he asked for wisdom to govern. God was pleased with his request and granted it, along with riches and honour (1 Kgs 3:5-14, 28, 4:29-34 10:23). Solomon built the temple, a structure appealing to the outward forms of worship, but the people's hearts slowly became attracted by other gods. Although the wisest King of Israel, Solomon had many wives of other cultures and religious beliefs, which lead to the nation largely worshiping false gods - this was his downfall (1 Kgs 11:1-4). During the next King's reign, civil war caused the nation to split into two Kingdoms - the Northern 10 tribes (called Israel) and the Southern two (called Judah). Both had a series of evil Kings (especially Ahab and his wife Jezebel) but God always had His representatives. These prophets were responsible to confront the people and their leaders with God's requirements and give direction from the law. Elijah was used by God to defeat the prophets of the Baal on Mt Carmel.

Central message
The book of 1 Kings presents a powerful narrative about the consequences of divided loyalty and the importance of wholehearted devotion to God. At its core, the central message is that we must make a decisive choice about who we will serve (1 Kgs 18:21). The dramatic confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel illustrates this point vividly - there can be no compromise between serving the true God and false idols. The tragic decline of Solomon, despite his renowned wisdom, demonstrates that intellectual knowledge of God is insufficient without faithful obedience. Even the wisest person can fall when they allow gradual compromises in their spiritual life, particularly through relationships that pull them away from God (1 Kgs 11:1-8). Throughout the narrative, we see that God remains faithful even when His people are not. He continually raises up prophets like Elijah to call the people back to covenant faithfulness. The division of the kingdom serves as a sobering reminder that disobedience has consequences, but God preserves a remnant and continues His redemptive plan. This message remains profoundly relevant today. In a world of competing values and spiritual alternatives, we are constantly faced with the same choice: will we serve God wholeheartedly or divide our allegiance? The book teaches that it is impossible to serve two masters (Mt 6:24) and challenges us to examine where we might be compromising our faith to accommodate cultural norms. True wisdom is not merely knowing God's ways but consistently walking in them.

Important passages and reflections
*What would my request have been if God had asked me what I wanted - like he did of Solomon (1 Kgs 3:5)? Would it have been for personal gain and glory or for the blessing of others?

*Solomon had plenty of worldly wisdom to give to others but failed to apply spiritual wisdom by following God's commands (1 Kgs 10:1-7, 11:2,10). To be effective wisdom must be applied - by the giver as well as the receiver. Unfortunately, Solomon didn't practice what he taught. There is a big difference between knowing what is right and doing what is right!

*Solomon's wives turned his heart away from the true God (1 Kgs 11:4). Friends and relationships have a powerful influence on us - often trying to get us to adopt their values. Yes, be friendly to all but choose close friends wisely, and don't enter into binding contracts with non-believers because you too will most likely be drawn away to other gods.

Application points

Where might I be compromising my faith to fit in with cultural norms? Like Solomon adopting foreign practices, we can slowly compromise our values to accommodate modern culture.
Am I seeking God's wisdom in my decisions? Solomon's request for wisdom was honored by God. Do we prioritize divine guidance over worldly success?
Who are the 'prophets' speaking truth in my life? Elijah stood alone against false prophets. Who challenges me to remain faithful to God's word?