“The First Book of the Kings,” Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide (2002), 104–11
“The First Book of the Kings,” Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide, 104–11
The First Book of the Kings
Overview of the Book
First Kings is the third book in the group of four books that tells the history of Israel during the time they were ruled by kings. The book begins with Solomon being chosen as king after David. It covers approximately 120 years of history, ending with the story of Ahab, one of the more wicked kings in Israel’s history. Our Father in Heaven confronted Ahab by sending someone more than equal to the task, Elijah the prophet. Often revered as Israel’s greatest prophet, Elijah displayed the power of God over the false god Baal in dramatic fashion on Mount Carmel. Although 1 Kings tells some political history, the book is more a history of how political leaders kept the covenants God made with Israel, especially regarding idolatry. The major focus is on those kings who were most notable in either keeping or not keeping the covenant and on the prophets who preached to them. We can learn lessons from both the good and bad examples in 1 Kings.
Baal Worship
Worship of the idol Baal is mentioned many times in 1–2 Kings. Baal was the false god of many of Israel’s neighbors. Those who worshiped him believed he helped their crops grow and their herds increase. This false religion, inspired of Satan, included immoral activities in its worship and was referred to by prophets as “the shame” (see Bible Dictionary, “Baal,” pp. 617–18). At various times, many Israelites forsook God and defiled themselves by this religion rather than worshiping the true and living God.
Time Line for 1 Kings
1060 B.C. Saul becomes king
1050
1013 B.C. David becomes king
1000
990 B.C. Solomon becomes king
970 B.C. Temple built in Jerusalem
950
940 B.C. Kingdom of Israel divided
920 B.C. Asa rules as king in Judah
900
876 B.C. Ahab is king of Israel, Elijah preaches
853 B.C. Elijah translated
850
Note: All dates are approximate.