1 Kings for Dummies

 Part I: The Reign of Solomon (Chapters 1-11)

  • Chapter 1: Adonijah attempts to get the throne, but David appoints Solomon
  • Chapter 2: David instructs Solomon to follow the LORD, deal with Joab, show kindness to Barzillai, keep a close eye on Shimei, Solomon deals with Adonijah, Abiathar the priest is punished, Joab is put to death, and Shimei is put to death.
  • Chapter 3: Solomon’s Wisdom
    • Solomon’s dream and God’s promise of wisdom
    • Solomon’s wise judgment
  • Chapter 4: Solomon’s Reign
    • Solomon’s officials and administration
    • The prosperity of Israel
  • Chapters 5-9: The Temple and Solomon’s Projects
    • Hiram of Tyre and the building of the Temple
    • The dedication of the Temple
    • Solomon’s other projects (e.g., the palace, the Great Porch, the chariots and horses)
  • Chapter 10: The Queen of Sheba
    • The Queen of Sheba’s visit to Solomon
    • Her gifts and admiration for Solomon
  • Chapter 11: Solomon’s Decline
    • Solomon’s foreign wives and their influence
    • His idolatry and God’s displeasure

Part II: The Divided Kingdom (Chapters 12-22)

  • Chapter 12: Rehoboam’s Ordination and Jeroboam’s Rebellion
    • Jeroboam’s appointment as ruler over the northern tribes
    • His rebellion against Solomon
    • The division of the kingdom into Israel and Judah
  • Chapter 13: The Young Prophet warns Jeroboam then is killed by lion
  • Chapter 14: Abijah, Jeroboam’s son dies as Ahijah predicted and Rehoboam dies
  • Chapter 15: Abijam then Asa then Jehoshaphat reign in Jerusalem. Jeroboam dies and Nadab reigns. Baasha’s conspiracy to destroy Jeroboam’s royal line.
  • Chapter 16: Jehu prophesies against Baasha, Elah’s short reign, Zimri conspires and reigns a week, then Omri takes the throne, buys Samaria from Shemer and names it after Shemer. Omri dies and his son Ahab takes the throne.
  • Chapter 17: Elijah’s confrontation with Ahab, famine begins, Elijah raises the widow’s son.
  • Chapter 18: Elijah brings the rain back, meets Obadiah, the showdown on Carmel, the rain begins in Israel.
  • Chapter 19: Elijah under the juniper tree, Elisha comes along to help Elijah.
  • Chapter 20: Benhadad, king of Syria, attacks Israel but is beat. A nameless prophet reproves Ahab.
  • Chapter 21: Naboth’s vineyard, Elijah returns on the scene, Ahab humbles himself and the LORD defers his anger until later.
  • Chapter 22: Jehoshaphat solicits help from Ahab to get Ramoth Gilead. The false prophets encourage Ahab to fight. Micaiah warns Ahab against fighting the Syrians. Ahab is killed in battle by the Syrians. Ahaziah, Ahab’s son, reigns Israel after Ahab. Jehoshaphat dies.