1 Kings 1 – Solomon Becomes King
1 Kings: David is old. Adonijah tries to seize the throne, but Nathan and Bathsheba intervene. David declares Solomon the rightful king.
1 Kings 2 – David’s Final Instructions
David gives Solomon final commands about justice and obedience to God. Solomon secures the kingdom by dealing with Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei.
1 Kings 3 – Solomon’s Wisdom
Solomon asks God for wisdom. God grants wisdom, riches, and honor. The chapter ends with the famous story of Solomon judging between two women claiming one baby.
1 Kings 4 – Solomon’s Administration
List of Solomon’s officials. The nation enjoys peace, prosperity, and exceptional wisdom under his rule.
1 Kings 5 – Preparing to Build the Temple
Solomon forms a partnership with Hiram of Tyre. Materials and labor are organized for the Temple.
1 Kings 6 – Construction of the Temple
Detailed description of the Temple’s dimensions and beauty. The building takes seven years.
1 Kings 7 – Solomon’s Palace & Temple Furnishings
Solomon builds a large royal palace. Hiram the craftsman makes bronze items for the Temple.
1 Kings 8 – Dedication of the Temple
The Ark is brought into the Temple. Solomon offers a long prayer asking for God’s presence, forgiveness, and blessing. God’s glory fills the Temple.
1 Kings 9 – God’s Covenant Warning
God appears to Solomon: He will bless Israel if they obey, but He will reject the Temple if they worship other gods. Solomon continues major building projects.
1 Kings 10 – Visit of the Queen of Sheba
The Queen of Sheba visits Solomon and praises his wisdom and wealth. Solomon’s riches become legendary.
1 Kings 11 – Solomon’s Downfall
Solomon’s foreign wives led him into idolatry. God declares that the kingdom will be torn away from his son, except for one tribe. Jeroboam is chosen to lead the northern tribes.
1 Kings 12 – Division of the Kingdom
Rehoboam’s harsh decisions cause ten tribes to rebel and follow Jeroboam. Jeroboam sets up golden calves, leading Israel into sin.
1 Kings 13 – The Man of God from Judah
A prophet rebukes Jeroboam for his idolatry. Another prophet deceives him, and judgment falls. Shows the seriousness of God’s word.
1 Kings 14 – Jeroboam & Rehoboam Judged
Prophecy against Jeroboam’s house for idolatry. In Judah, Rehoboam also turns to sin. Both kingdoms suffer decline.
1 Kings 15 – Early Kings of Judah & Israel
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Abijah and Asa rule Judah
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Nadab and Baasha rule Israel
Asa is faithful; Baasha continues idolatry.
1 Kings 16 – Wicked Kings in Israel
A series of evil kings: Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Omri.
The chapter ends with Ahab, the most wicked king so far, who marries Jezebel and promotes Baal worship.
1 Kings 17 – Elijah Appears
Elijah proclaims drought. He is fed by ravens, multiplies the widow’s oil and flour, and raises her son from the dead.
1 Kings 18 – Elijah on Mount Carmel
Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal. God sends fire from heaven. The people turn back to God. The drought ends.
1 Kings 19 – Elijah’s Crisis
Elijah flees from Jezebel and becomes discouraged. God appears in a gentle whisper. Elijah is told to anoint Hazael, Jehu, and Elisha as successors.
1 Kings 20 – Ahab’s Battles with Syria
Ahab defeats Ben-Hadad of Syria twice because God helps him, but Ahab makes a foolish treaty and is rebuked by a prophet.
1 Kings 21 – Naboth’s Vineyard
Ahab covets Naboth’s vineyard. Jezebel arranges Naboth’s death. Elijah prophesies judgment on Ahab and Jezebel.
1 Kings 22 – Ahab’s Death
Jehoshaphat of Judah allies with Ahab. Micaiah the prophet warns of disaster but is ignored. Ahab is killed in battle, fulfilling Elijah’s prophecy.
Summary in One Line
1 Kings shows how obedience brings blessing and sin brings judgment—especially for the kings who lead God’s people.