1 Kings — Full Study Guide (with Questions & Answers)
Clear. Concise. Easy for teaching, personal study, or Bible classes.
SECTION 1 — Overview of 1 Kings
Main Message
Obedience brings blessing, but disobedience and idolatry bring judgment—especially for leaders.
Major Themes
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God blesses obedience
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Idolatry destroys nations
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God evaluates every king
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Prophets call people back to God
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God’s word always comes true
SECTION 2 — Chapter-by-Chapter Study Guide (Q&A)
1 Kings 1 – Solomon Becomes King
Q1. Why did Adonijah try to take the throne?
A. Because David was old and weak, and he believed he was the rightful heir.
Q2. How was Solomon confirmed as king?
A. Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba intervened; David publicly declared Solomon king.
1 Kings 2 – David’s Final Words
Q1. What did David command Solomon before dying?
A. To obey God and keep the Law.
Q2. Why did Solomon execute Joab and Shimei?
A. To remove threats and establish a stable kingdom.
1 Kings 3 – Solomon’s Wisdom
Q1. What did Solomon ask God for?
A. Wisdom to govern the people.
Q2. How did Solomon demonstrate his wisdom?
A. By wisely judging between two women claiming one baby.
1 Kings 4 – Solomon’s Prosperity
Q1. What characterized Solomon’s kingdom?
A. Peace, prosperity, organization, and unmatched wisdom.
1 Kings 5 – Temple Preparation
Q1. Who provided materials for the Temple?
A. Hiram, king of Tyre.
1 Kings 6 – Building the Temple
Q1. How long did it take to complete the Temple?
A. Seven years.
1 Kings 7 – Solomon’s Palace & Temple Furnishings
Q1. What else did Solomon build besides the Temple?
A. A large royal palace.
Q2. Who made the bronze furnishings?
A. Hiram the craftsman.
1 Kings 8 – Dedication of the Temple
Q1. What happened when the Ark was placed in the Temple?
A. God’s glory filled the Temple.
Q2. What was a major theme in Solomon’s prayer?
A. Asking God to forgive and hear His people whenever they pray toward the Temple.
1 Kings 9 – God’s Warning to Solomon
Q1. What condition did God place on His blessing?
A. Obedience to His commands.
Q2. What would happen if Israel turned to idols?
A. God would reject the Temple, and the nation would be judged.
1 Kings 10 – Queen of Sheba
Q1. Why did the Queen of Sheba visit Solomon?
A. To test his wisdom.
Q2. What was her conclusion?
A. Solomon’s wisdom exceeded all reports.
1 Kings 11 – Solomon’s Fall
Q1. What led Solomon into sin?
A. His many foreign wives and their idols.
Q2. What judgment did God announce?
A. The kingdom would be divided after Solomon’s death.
1 Kings 12 – The Kingdom Divides
Q1. Why did the people reject Rehoboam?
A. He refused to lighten their burdens.
Q2. Who became king of the northern tribes?
A. Jeroboam.
1 Kings 13 – The Man of God
Q1. What did the prophet rebuke Jeroboam for?
A. Leading Israel into idolatry with golden calves.
Q2. What lesson does the chapter teach?
A. God’s word must be obeyed exactly.
1 Kings 14 – Judgment on Jeroboam
Q1. Why was Jeroboam judged?
A. For causing Israel to sin through idolatry.
1 Kings 15 – Kings of Judah and Israel
Q1. Which king of Judah was faithful?
A. Asa.
Q2. What characterized Israel’s kings?
A. Ongoing idolatry.
1 Kings 16 – Rise of Ahab
Q1. Who was the worst king so far?
A. Ahab.
Q2. Why was Ahab considered evil?
A. He married Jezebel and promoted Baal worship.
1 Kings 17 – Elijah Arrives
Q1. What judgment does Elijah announce?
A. A drought.
Q2. What miracles does Elijah perform?
A. Multiplying flour and oil; raising a widow’s son.
1 Kings 18 – Mount Carmel
Q1. What was Elijah’s challenge?
A. The God who answers by fire is the true God.
Q2. What happened?
A. God sent fire from heaven; the drought ended.
1 Kings 19 – Elijah’s Discouragement
Q1. Why did Elijah flee?
A. Jezebel threatened to kill him.
Q2. How did God speak to him?
A. In a gentle whisper.
1 Kings 20 – Ahab vs. Syria
Q1. Why did God help Ahab win battles?
A. To show His power and call Ahab to repentance.
1 Kings 21 – Naboth’s Vineyard
Q1. What sin did Ahab commit?
A. He had Naboth killed to seize his vineyard.
Q2. What judgment was pronounced?
A. Ahab, Jezebel, and their house would be destroyed.
1 Kings 22 – Ahab’s Death
Q1. What did Micaiah prophesy?
A. Ahab would die in battle.
Q2. How did Ahab die?
A. A random arrow struck him—fulfilling prophecy.
SECTION 3 — Key Lessons from 1 Kings
1. Leadership matters.
A whole nation rises or falls based on one leader’s obedience.
2. Idolatry always destroys.
Every downfall in 1 Kings begins with false worship.
3. God keeps His word—always.
Every prophecy in 1 Kings comes true.
4. Success without obedience leads to disaster.
Even Solomon fell when he turned to idols.
5. God is merciful but just.
He sends prophets again and again before judgment comes.
SECTION 4 — Personal Application
Ask Yourself:
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What “idols” compete for my heart today?
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Do I obey God fully, or only partially like many kings?
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How can I listen to God’s word more faithfully?
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What does my leadership (home, work, church) reflect—obedience or compromise?