The Book of 1 Kings
The Book of 1 Kings begins with the reign of Solomon, known for his wisdom, wealth, and the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Solomon's early devotion to God brings blessing and prosperity to Israel.
However, Solomon's later years are marked by compromise, as he turns away from God through foreign alliances and idolatry. After his death, the kingdom divides into Israel (north) and Judah (south).
The book then focuses on the spiritual decline of both kingdoms, highlighting God's warnings through prophets such as Elijah. Miracles and confrontations reveal God's power and His call to repentance.
1 Kings teaches:
- •The danger of spiritual compromise
- •The importance of faithful leadership
- •God's patience and persistent warnings.
Author
Jeremiah
Written
560-538 BC
Chapters
22
Characters in 1 Kings
Key Themes in 1 Kings
Verse Commentaries in 1 Kings
1 Kings 3:5
"In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God sa…"
1 Kings 3:9
"Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people,…"
1 Kings 3:12
"Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wi…"
1 Kings 8:27
"But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven …"
1 Kings 8:56
"Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, acco…"
1 Kings 17:14
"For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not wa…"
1 Kings 18:21
"And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye betwee…"
1 Kings 19:4
"But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and …"
1 Kings 19:12
"And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and…"
Test your knowledge
Take the 1 Kings Bible Quiz (KJV)
Ten KJV questions from the Book of 1 Kings, with chapter and verse on every answer.
Structured Plans for 1 Kings
Read through 1 Kings with a guided daily plan.
Bible in a Year
Read through the entire Bible in one year with daily Old Testament, New Testament, and Psalms/Proverbs readings.
Bible Reading Plan for Depression (14 Days)
Two weeks of KJV Scripture for the discouraged soul. Hope, light, and the nearness of God.
14 Prayers That Changed Everything (KJV)
Study fourteen of the most powerful prayers in Scripture and learn how to pray with boldness and humility.
30 Days of God's Promises (KJV)
One promise of God a day for a month, read in its own context — provision, presence, forgiveness, peace, and the promise of His return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Miracles in the Book of 1 Kings
Supernatural acts of God recorded in 1 Kings:
Fire on Mount Carmel
Elijah's prayer brought fire from heaven that consumed the sacrifice and the water around it.
Read the miracleJeroboam's Hand Withered and Restored
King Jeroboam's hand withers as he stretches it out against a prophet, then is restored at the prophet's prayer.
Read the miracleThe Glory of the LORD Fills Solomon's Temple
Fire falls and the glory of the LORD fills the temple at its dedication, so the priests cannot stand to minister.
Read the miracleElijah Fed by Ravens
During a drought, ravens brought bread and meat to Elijah morning and evening by the brook Cherith.
Read the miracleQuiz yourself on 1 Kings
Free KJV quizzes covering 1 Kings — instant feedback, verse references on every answer.
Related Reading from 1 Kings
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
The Glory of the LORD Fills Solomon's Temple
Fire falls and the glory of the LORD fills the temple at its dedication, so the
1 Kings Quiz
A journey through the reign of Solomon and the divided kingdom of Israel.
1 Kings Bible Quiz
Solomon's wisdom, the divided kingdom, and Elijah on Carmel.
Solomon in the Bible
The Wise King
The Judgment of Solomon
1 Kings 3:16-28 • Wisdom and Justice
Chariots of Fire — Elisha at Dothan (2 Kings 6 KJV)
When the Syrian army surrounded Elisha, God opened his servant's eyes to see the