Old Testament · 22 chapters
1 Kings.
First Kings begins with Solomon’s reign and the building of the temple, then follows the kingdom’s division. The ministries of prophets such as Elijah confront rulers and people who turn from God toward injustice and idolatry.
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Chapter 1.
As David weakens, Adonijah attempts to claim the throne. Nathan and Bathsheba intervene, and David publicly establishes Solomon as his successor.
Read chapter 46 versesChapter 2.
David gives Solomon final instructions before dying. Solomon consolidates his rule through judgments involving rivals and unfinished conflicts from David’s reign.
Read chapter 28 versesChapter 3.
Solomon asks God for discernment to govern well and receives wisdom with added blessings. His judgment between two mothers demonstrates that gift.
Read chapter 34 versesChapter 4.
Solomon organizes officials and provisions for the kingdom. The chapter describes Israel’s prosperity and the breadth of Solomon’s wisdom.
Read chapter 18 versesChapter 5.
Solomon arranges with Hiram of Tyre for materials and skilled labor to build the temple. Preparations involve extensive timber cutting and organized labor.
Read chapter 38 versesChapter 6.
The temple’s structure, rooms, carvings, and inner sanctuary are described. During construction, God reminds Solomon that continued dwelling among Israel is tied to obedience.
Read chapterChapter 7.
Solomon builds royal structures, and Hiram fashions the temple’s bronze furnishings. Pillars, basins, stands, and other sacred objects prepare the sanctuary for worship.
Read chapter 66 versesChapter 8.
The ark is brought into the temple, and God’s glory fills it. Solomon dedicates the house with prayer about forgiveness, justice, exile, and the nations.
Read chapter 28 versesChapter 9.
God answers Solomon’s prayer with promises and warnings about faithfulness. The chapter also records Solomon’s building projects, labor arrangements, and trade.
Read chapter 29 versesChapter 10.
The queen of Sheba visits to test Solomon’s wisdom and sees the wealth of his kingdom. The account describes the extraordinary splendor of his reign.
Read chapter 43 versesChapter 11.
Solomon’s foreign wives turn his heart toward other gods. God announces the kingdom’s coming division, while adversaries arise and Jeroboam receives a prophetic promise.
Read chapter 33 versesChapter 12.
Rehoboam rejects advice to lighten the people’s burdens, and the northern tribes break away. Jeroboam establishes alternative worship centers with golden calves.
Read chapter 34 versesChapter 13.
A man of God condemns Jeroboam’s altar but later disobeys the word he received. His death becomes a further warning, yet Jeroboam does not turn back.
Read chapter 31 versesChapter 14.
Ahijah announces judgment on Jeroboam’s house when the king seeks news about his sick son. Rehoboam’s reign in Judah is also marked by unfaithfulness and loss.
Read chapter 34 versesChapter 15.
Accounts of Abijam and Asa in Judah are followed by rapid changes in Israel’s monarchy. Asa’s reforms contrast with recurring violence and idolatry in the north.
Read chapter 34 versesChapter 16.
Successive northern rulers seize and lose power, culminating in Omri and Ahab. Ahab’s marriage to Jezebel and promotion of Baal worship deepen Israel’s unfaithfulness.
Read chapter 24 versesChapter 17.
Elijah announces drought and is sustained first by ravens, then by a widow at Zarephath. God provides food for her household and restores her son’s life.
Read chapter 46 versesChapter 18.
Elijah confronts Ahab and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. God answers with fire, and rain returns after the long drought.
Read chapter 21 versesChapter 19.
Elijah flees Jezebel and despairs in the wilderness. God sustains him, addresses him at Horeb, and directs him toward renewed work and Elisha’s calling.
Read chapter 43 versesChapter 20.
Ahab defeats Ben-hadad’s forces after prophetic promises of victory. His later agreement with the defeated king brings a prophetic rebuke.
Read chapter 29 versesChapter 21.
Ahab desires Naboth’s vineyard, and Jezebel engineers Naboth’s death to obtain it. Elijah announces judgment, and Ahab responds with a measure of humility.
Read chapter 53 versesChapter 22.
Micaiah warns Ahab against battle despite the court prophets’ assurances. Ahab dies as foretold, and the chapter reviews the reigns of Jehoshaphat and Ahaziah.
Read chapterKing James Version (KJV). Bible text supplied by eBible.org and the CrossWire Bible Society. Summaries are written with AI assistance and are separate from Scripture. Read the chapter itself when considering its meaning.