AUTHOR: Unknown
TITLE. In the Hebrew manuscipts., I and II Kings appear as one book, the division may have been made for the convenience of Greek readers.
SYNOPSIS. The Book may be Divided into Two Divisions.
PART I. The History of the Reign of Solomon.
(1) Opening Events, The death of David, and the accession of Solomon, his son, chs. 1,2
# 1Ki 1:1 – 2:1
(2) The Early Years of Solomon’s Reign, the Golden Age of Israel, Made Famous by
(a) The king’s wise choice # 1Ki 3:5-14
(b) His discriminating judgment # 1Ki 3:16-28
(c) His surpassing wisdom # 1Ki 4:29-34
(d) The growth of his dominions # 1Ki 4:21
(e) The splendour of his court, and palaces # 1Ki 4:22-28 7:1-12
(f) The building of the temple, chs. 5,6 # 1Ki 5:1 – 6:1
(g) Other building enterprises and great wealth # 1Ki 9:17-23 10:14-29
(h) The visit of the Queen of Sheba # 1Ki 10:1-13
(3) The Later Years of His Reign
The decline of his kingdom brought about by,
(a) His extravagant luxury # 1Ki 10:14-29
(b) His notorious sensuality # 1Ki 11:1-3
(c) His apostasy from God # 1Ki 11:4-8
(d) The enemies which the Lord stirred up against him # 1Ki 11:14-40
PART II. The History of the Kingdoms of Judah and Israel. From the death of Solomon to the Accession of Jehoram, in Judah, and from the Accession of Jeroboam to the Reign of Ahaziah, in Israel.
(1) The Disruption of the Kingdom through the folly of Solomon’s son, Rehoboam # 1Ki 11:43 – 12:19
(2) The Ten Tribes revolt, and enthrone Jeroboam as king of Israel # 1Ki 12:20
(3) The Comparative History of the Two Kingdoms.
(a) The reigns in Judah of Rehoboam, Abijam, Asa and Jehoshaphat # 1Ki 12:1 – 22:50
(b) The evil reigns in Israel of Jeroboam, Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Omri, Ahab, and Ahaziah # 1Ki 12:20 – 22:53
HEROIC CHARACTER, The prophet Elijah.
(a) For the summary of his life,
(b) Prophecies of,
(c) Miracles of,
CHOICE SELECTIONS
Solomon’s Wise Choice # 1Ki 3:5-14
Solomon’s Prayer at the dedication of the temple # 1Ki 8:22-53
The Ministry of Elijah chs. 17,18,19,21 # 1Ki 17:1 – 19:1 21:1
The call of Elisha # 1Ki 19:1