1 Kings: Summary & Key Themes

The Book of 1 Kings at a glance, before you read it.

Written by	unknown
Written for	Israel in exile
Type	History
Chapters	22
Position	Book 11 of 66 · book 11 of the Old Testament

Summary

Solomon builds the temple but turns to other gods; the kingdom splits in two. Elijah confronts Ahab and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel.

Main themes

wisdom and its loss
a divided kingdom
true and false worship

Key verse

And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

1 Kings 18:21 (KJV)

How to read 1 Kings

Try one chapter a day: 22 days to finish. Ask three questions as you go: what did this mean to the first readers, what does it show about God, and what does it ask of me?

Previous: 2 Samuel · Next: 2 Kings