Like 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings were originally one book. The author of both is anonymous, but due to information contained within 1 Kings, the date of writing is estimated between 560 and 550 B.C. The book of 1 Kings follows 1 and 2 Samuel in chronological order as well as placement in the Bible. When reading 1 Kings, it is important to remember that 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings are a group of books written as a historical record of the activities of the kings of Israel and Judah, beginning with King Saul. The books are in-depth, detailed, and contain interesting and engaging stories pertaining to the children of Israel, their interaction with godly and ungodly kings, and the call for their obedience to God.
Together, 1 and 2 Kings covers a period of approximately 400 years, beginning with the rule of King David’s son, Solomon, and the Babylonian exile. These events range from 970 B.C. to 586 B.C. Due to the prophetic nature to the historical events covered in the books, many scholars have proposed that the author of both books was a prophet. Some feel it may have been Isaiah, Ezra, Jeremiah, or even an unknown prophet from the time. In Josephus’ writings, he attributed Kings to multiple prophets. First Kings, by itself, covers a span of approximately 120 years, beginning with the death of King David that occurred sometime near 970 B.C. and ends with the rules of King Jehoshaphat (southern kingdom of Judah), and King Ahaziah (northern kingdom of Judah). The divided kingdom resulted in many hardships for the children of Israel and 1 Kings gives an account of their trials, troubles, and tribulations for failing to obey God’s commands. The Israelites from the divided kingdom were taken into captivity as punishment for their failure to stay true to their covenant with God.
Though 1 Kings is a testament to the punishment that occurs for disobeying God, it is also a shining example of God’s continual and persistent plea for those in sin and rebellion to return to him. Main events that transpired during 1 and 2 Kings include the division of the kingdom in 930 B.C., the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 B.C., and the fall of Jerusalem and David’s kingdom in 586 B.C.
An overview of 1 Kings begins with the kingdom of Israel united through chapters 1 and 11 and highlights the glorious years under King Solomon. In 1 Kings chapters 12-22, we read about the kingdoms as they became divided. The kings of Judah include Rehoboam, Abijam, Asa, and Jehoshaphat, while the kings of Israel include Jeroboam, Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Omri, Ahab, and Ahaziah.
The book of 1 Kings teaches many important and valuable lessons including the importance of living a holy life and growing in godliness, developing a life of devotion to God, and living a life of faith. Important passages include 1 Kings 1: 29, 30, 1 Kings 3: 6-14, 1 Kings 8: 46-61, 1 Kings 10: 23- 1 Kings 11:2, and 1 Kings 18:30-39.
First Kings is a powerful lesson and reminder to the importance of obeying God’s law and remaining covenant with Him.
