1 Kings study section

1 Kings chapter summaries

A one-line summary of every chapter, with the period it covers. Open any chapter for the full study.

Chapter list

Chapters 1–11

Solomon’s wisdom, the building of the temple, and his tragic decline into idolatry.

Chapter 1 (c. 971 BC): As David lies dying, Adonijah tries to seize the throne, but Nathan and Bathsheba secure the crown for Solomon.
Chapter 2 (c. 970 BC): David charges Solomon to walk faithfully, and Solomon establishes his kingdom, removing his rivals.
Chapter 3 (c. 970 BC): Solomon asks God for wisdom, and God grants him wisdom, riches, and honor, shown in the case of the two mothers.
Chapter 4 (c. 965 BC): Solomon’s officials, the peace and prosperity of his reign, and the greatness of his wisdom.
Chapter 5 (c. 966 BC): Solomon allies with Hiram of Tyre to gather timber and labor for building the temple.
Chapter 6 (c. 966 BC): The temple is built over seven years, with the LORD’s promise to dwell among His people if they obey.
Chapter 7 (c. 959 BC): Solomon builds his palace complex and the bronze and gold furnishings for the temple.
Chapter 8 (c. 959 BC): Solomon dedicates the temple; the glory of the LORD fills it, and he prays and blesses the people.
Chapter 9 (c. 959 BC): The LORD appears again, promising blessing for obedience and warning of exile for unfaithfulness.
Chapter 10 (c. 950 BC): The Queen of Sheba visits, marveling at Solomon’s wisdom and wealth and praising his God.
Chapter 11 (c. 940 BC): Solomon’s foreign wives turn his heart to idols, and the LORD announces He will tear the kingdom away.

Chapters 12–16

The split into Israel and Judah and the parade of kings that follows.

Chapter 12 (c. 930 BC): Rehoboam’s harshness splits the kingdom, and Jeroboam sets up golden calves at Bethel and Dan.
Chapter 13 (c. 930 BC): A man of God condemns Jeroboam’s altar but is deceived by an old prophet and killed by a lion.
Chapter 14 (c. 925 BC): Judgment is pronounced on Jeroboam’s house, and Rehoboam’s Judah also does evil.
Chapter 15 (c. 913 BC): The reigns of Abijam and good King Asa in Judah, and Nadab and Baasha in Israel.
Chapter 16 (c. 885 BC): A rapid, bloody succession of northern kings ends with Ahab, more evil than all before him.

Chapters 17–22

Elijah’s confrontation with Ahab, Jezebel, and the prophets of Baal.

Chapter 17 (c. 863 BC): Elijah announces a drought, is fed by ravens, and raises the son of the widow of Zarephath.
Chapter 18 (c. 860 BC): Elijah defeats the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, and the LORD sends fire and then rain.
Chapter 19 (c. 860 BC): Fleeing Jezebel, the discouraged Elijah meets God in a low whisper at Horeb and is recommissioned.
Chapter 20 (c. 857 BC): Ahab defeats Ben-hadad of Aram twice but spares him, against the word of the LORD.
Chapter 21 (c. 855 BC): Ahab and Jezebel seize Naboth’s vineyard by false witness and murder, and Elijah pronounces doom.
Chapter 22 (c. 853 BC): Ahab dies in battle despite his disguise, as Micaiah prophesied; Jehoshaphat reigns well in Judah.

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