Historical narrative · 22 chapters
1 Kings
The temple and royal splendor give way to idolatry and division. Elijah confronts a kingdom that has confused political success with faithfulness to God.
Historical & literary context
Author unnamed. The account runs from Solomon’s reign to the divided kingdoms and is told with covenant faithfulness as its measure.
Introduction and study notes are commentary, not Scripture.
The shape of the book
- 1–11 · Solomon and the temple
- 12–16 · Division and rival kings
- 17–22 · Elijah and Ahab
A passage to begin with
1 Kings 18:21
21Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people did not answer a word.
Berean Standard Bible · Public domain
Read the full chapterThink it through
Where can prosperity disguise divided loyalty?