1 Kings
Solomon’s Prayer of Dedication
In this section we find a magnificent dedicatory prayer by Solomon. He first stood beside the altar and then fell to his knees (v. 54). He began his prayer with worship and praise to God for His faithfulness as prayer should be and not with requests. He then proceeded to petition …
Elijah Visits a Widow at Zarephath
Elijah’s prophetic ministry dominates this section of the book of l Kings. He had been prepared by the Lord to demonstrate to all of Israel that God and not Baal is still the only true God. Perhaps as Elijah heard reports of Jezebel’s increasing maneuverings to replace t …
Jeroboam’s Rebellion
Solomon had both internal and external adversaries. We have already heard about Hadad, the Edomite, who had taken refuge in Egypt and lived for the day he could take revenge of David’s slaughter of the Edomites. Apparently he caused trouble for Solomon militarily (v. 25). Now we …
Solomon Turns From The Lord
Solomon’s life ends in disaster. It seems that as he grew older, he got farther away from God. Riding the crest of power and prestige he apparently thought he was above reproach. The Law had clearly forbidden foreign marriages (Deut. 7:1-5). In addition to this, a king was als …
Joab’s Execution
The removal of four men was imperative if Solomon’s throne was to remain secure. Already Adonijah has been lain. Now the second conspirator, Abiathar, has to be dealt with. He was the priest who though faithful to David, had supported Adonijah as his successor. He could have bee …
Nathan And Bathsheba Counsel With David
Nathan spoke to Bath-sheba … “let me … give thee counsel.” A revolt was defeated by this prophet, who, knowing the Lord’s will (2Sa 7:12; 1Ch 22:9), did so in accordance with his character and office. Up to this point the succession of the Hebrew …
Abijah’s Evil Reign in Judah
Abijah, Rehoboam’s son and David’s grandson, succeeded his father to the throne of Judah (v. 1). He reigned for a period of three years in Jerusalem and he walked in the sins of hia father (vv. 2-3). This began near the end of Jeroboam’s reign in Israel. Because of David, who …
Omri And Ahab Reigns in Israel
The death of Zimri did not automatically place the throne of the Northern Kingdom in Omri’s hands. Half the population, including the army, followed Omri but the other half sided with Tibni (v. 21). For over three years civil war ravaged Israel and threatened to split it …
Solomon’s Palace Complex
The description of Solomon’s palace in this portion of scripture raises a question as to whether one building or several were constructed as it refers to the forest of Lebanon (v. 2). Most scholars think this reference is to the extensive use of Lebanese cedar rather than …