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| I KINGS Events that took place in I Kings are as follows: The Reign of Solomon The Temple Splendor of Solomon's Court Golden Age of Hebrew History Division and Decay of the Kingdom Apostasy of the Ten Tribes Apostasy of the Ten Tribes Elijah I and II Kings in the old Hebrew Testament, were one book. It was divided by the Septuagint translators. I Kings opens with the Hebrew nation in its glory. II Kings closes with the nation in ruin. Together they cover a period of about 400 years, approximately, 1000~600 BC. The author is not known. A Jewish tradition says it was Jeremiah. Whoever the author, he makes frequent reference to state annals and other historical records existent in his day: as, "The book of the acts of Solomon," "The book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah," The book chronicles of the kings of Israel" Chapters 1 and 2 ~ Solomon Becomes King: Born of Bathsheba, to whom David had no right, and, though not in line for the succession, yet he was chosen by David, and approved of God, to be David's successor. Adonijah, David's 4th son, it seems, was heir expectant to the throne; for Amnon, Absalom and probably Chiliab, were dead. So while David was on his deathbed, and before Solomon was formally anointed king, Adonijah plotted to seize the kingdom. But the plot was thwarted by Nathan the prophet, Solomon was generous in his treatment of Adonijah. But Adonijah persisted in his effort to steal the thrones, and it was not long till he suffered death. Chapter 3 ~ Solomon's Choice of Wisdom This was at Bigeon, where the Tabernacle and Brazen Altar were at the time, about 10 miles northwest of Jerusalem' although the Ark was at Jerusalem. God told Solomon to ask what he would. Solomon asked for wisdom to govern his people. That pleased God, and God richly rewarded him. VS. 10 - 12 "No fairer promise of true greatness, or more beautiful picture of youthful piety is known in history." Chapter 4 ~ Solomon's Power, Wealth and Wisdom He had inherited the throne of the most powerful kingdom then existent. It was an era of peace and prosperity. Solomon had vast business enterprises, and was famous for his literary attainments. He wrote 3000 proverbs, 1005 songs, and scientific works on botany and zoology. He wrote three of the Bible books: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon, Chapters 5, 6, 7,and 8, Solomon builds the temple. Chapters 9, 10 ~ Splendor of Solomon's Kingdom These two chapters are an expansion of chapter 4. Solomon devoted himself to commerce and gigantic public works. He made a deal with the king of Tyre, to use his navy on the Mediterranean. He had a navy at Ezion-geber, and controlled the trade route South through Edom to the coasts of Arabia, India and Africa. He built his empire by peaceful commerce. This era of David and Solomon was the Golden Age of Hebrew history. David was a warrior, Solomon was a builder. David made the Kingdom and Solomon built the Temple. In the outside world, this was the age of Homer, the beginning of Greek history. Egypt, and Assyria and Babylon, at the time, were weak. Israel was the most powerful kingdom in all the world; Jerusalem the most magnificent city, and the Temple the most splendid building, on earth. They came from the ends of the earth to hear Solomon's wisdom and see his glory. The famous Queen of Sheba exclaimed, "The half was not told me." Chapter 11 ~ Solomon's Wives and Apostasy Solomon's glorious reign was clouded by a grand Mistake: his Marriage to Idolatrous women. He had 700 wives and 300 concubines which, in itself, was an enormous crime, both against himself and his women. This wise man of the ages, in this respect at least, we think, was just a plain common fool. Many of these women were Idolaters, daughters of heathen princes, wedded for the sake of political alliance. Chapter 12 ~ Division of the Kingdom The Kingdom had lasted 120 years: Saul, 40 years, David 40 years, Solomon 40 years. After the death of Solomon the Kingdom was Divided: Ten Tribes forming the Northern Kingdom, called "Israel"; Judah and Benjamin forming the Southern Kingdom, called "Judah". The Northern Kingdom lasted a little over 200 years, and was destroyed by Assyria, 721 B.C. The southern Kingdom lasted a little over 300 years, and was destroyed by Babylon about 600 B. C. The Secession of the Ten Tribes "was of God" as punishment for apostasy of Solomon, and a lesson to Judah. Religion of the Northern Kingdom Jeroboam, founder of the Northern Kingdom, to keep the two kingdoms separate, adopted Calf Worship, the religion of Egypt, as State Religion of his newly formed kingdom. God's Worship had become identified with Judah and the Family of David. The Calf came to stand as a symbol of Israel's Independence of Judah. Jeroboam roothe Calf Worship in the Northern Kingdom so deeply that it was not swept away till the fall of the kingdom. Baal Worship, introduced by Jezebel, prevailed about 30 years, and was exterminated by Elijah, Elisha and Jehu, and never returned, although it did persist intermittently in Judah. Everyone of the 19 kings of the northern Kingdom followed the worship of the Golden Calf. Some of them also served Baal. But not one ever attempted to bring the people back to God. Religion of the Southern Kingdom God-Worship: though most of the kings served Idols, and walked in the evil ways of the kings of Israel; some of Judah's kings served God, and at times there were great reformations in Judah. On the whole, however, in spite of the repeated warnings, Judah sank lower and lower in the horrible practices of Baal worship and other Caanite religions, till there was no remedy. Elijah Six chapters are given to Ahab's reign, while most of the kings have only a part of one chapter. The reason: it is largely the story of Elijah. Elijah was God's answer to Ahab and Jezebel, who had substituted Baal for God. God sent Elijah to eradicate Baalism, a vile and cruel religion. Elijah's "rare" sudden and brief appearances, his undaunted courage and fiery zeal, the brillance of his triumphs, the pathos of his despondency, the glory of his departure, and the calm beauty of his reapperance on the Mt. of Transfiguration, make him one of the grandest characters Israel ever produced." The Ways of Solomon The heir of David, the heart of God Was now in charge of where they trod. Noted for his wisdom, but still made mistakes And was chastised by God for his ways. Although he was wise and mostly dedicated His pension for wives wasn't appreciated, The temple he built was most stately indeed And in this venture, he did succeed. Israel was the most powerful kingdom Whose claim to fame was Solomons And Jerusalem, the magnificent city Was home to the beautiful facility. The Temple of Solomon, was the best Of all the kingdoms, of the world, all the rest It's beauty could not compare To any place of worship that was there. Solomon, the poet, the wise man, the king David's son would accomplish many things His wisdom grew along with his reign He served his kingdom 40 years the same. Compiled and written by Shirley Barr February 28, 2005 Reference: Halley's Bible Handbook Copyright 1962 _ credits given |
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| I Kings 9: 4,5 As for you, if you will follow me with intergrity and godliness, as David your father did, always obeying my commands and keeping my laws and regulations, then I will establish the throne of your dynasty over Israel forever. For I made this promise to your father, David: "You will never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel" |
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| BY SHY |
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| SONG: 'BESIDE ME' sequenced and permission given |
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