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About Joy of Living
For over 45 years Joy of Living has been effectively establishing individuals around the world in the sound, basic study of God’s Word.
Evangelical and interdenominational, Joy of Living reaches across denominational and cultural barriers, enriching lives through the simple, pure truths of God’s inspired Word, the Bible.
Studies are flexible, suited for both formal and informal meetings, as well as for personal study. Each lesson contains historical background, commentary and a week’s worth of personal application questions, leading readers to discover fresh insights into God’s Word. Courses covering many books in both the Old and New Testaments are available. Selected courses are also available in several foreign languages. Contact the Joy of Living office for details.
Joy of Living Bible Studies was founded by Doris W. Greig in 1971 and has grown to include classes in nearly every state in the Union and many foreign countries.
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Table of Contents
About Joy of Living
How to Use Joy of Living Materials
Do You KNOW You Have Eternal Life?
Lesson 1
Commentary: Introduction
Questions: 1 Kings 1:1—2:11
Lesson 2
Commentary: 1 Kings 1:1—2:11
Questions: 1 Kings 2:12—5:18
Lesson 3
Commentary: 1 Kings 2:12—5:18
Questions: 1 Kings 6-8
Lesson 4
Commentary: 1 Kings 6-8
Questions: 1 Kings 9-11
Lesson 5
Commentary: 1 Kings 9-11
Questions: 1 Kings 12-14
Lesson 6
Commentary: 1 Kings 12-14
Questions: 1 Kings 15-17
Lesson 7
Commentary: 1 Kings 15-17
Questions: 1 Kings 18
Lesson 8
Commentary: 1 Kings 18
Questions: 1 Kings 19
Lesson 9
Commentary: 1 Kings 19
Questions: 1 Kings 20-21
Lesson 10
Commentary: 1 Kings 20-21
Questions: 1 Kings 22
Lesson 11
Commentary: 1 Kings 22
Chart: The Rulers of Israel and Judah
Chart: David’s Family
Illustration: Solomon’s Temple
Map: Where 1 Kings Took Place
How to Use Joy of Living Materials
This unique Bible study series may be used by people who know nothing about the Bible, as well as by more knowledgeable Christians. Each person is nurtured and discipled in God’s Word, and many develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as they study.
Joy of Living is based on the idea that each person needs to open the Bible and let God speak to them by His Holy Spirit, applying the Scripture’s message to their needs and opportunities, their family, church, job, community, and the world at large.
Only a Bible is needed for this study series. While commentaries may be helpful, it is not recommended that people consult them as they work through the daily study questions. It is most important to allow the Holy Spirit to lead them through the Bible passage and apply it to their hearts and lives. If desired, additional commentaries may be consulted after answering the questions on a particular passage.
The first lesson of a series includes an introduction to the study, plus the first week’s daily study questions. Some questions are simple, and some are deeper for those who are more advanced.[1] The individual works through the Bible passages each day, praying and asking God’s guidance in applying the truth to their own life. (The next lesson will contain the commentary on the Bible passage being covered in the study questions.)
To Use in a Group Setting:
After the daily personal study of the passage has been completed, the class gathers in a small group, where they pray together and discuss what they have written in response to the questions about the passage, clarifying problem areas and getting more insight into the passage. The small group/discussion leader helps the group focus on biblical truth, and not just on personal problems. The student is the only person who sees their own answers and shares only what they feel comfortable sharing.
After small groups meet for discussion and prayer, they often gather in a large group meeting where a teacher gives a brief lecture covering the essential teaching of the Bible passage that was studied during the prior week and discussed in the small groups. The teacher may clarify the passage and challenge class members to live a more committed daily life.
At home, the student begins the next lesson, which contains commentary notes on the prior week’s passage and questions on a new Scripture passage.
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Do You KNOW You Have Eternal Life?
Your condition…
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)
But your iniquities (sins) have separated you from your God. (Isaiah 59:2)
For the wages of sin is death. (Romans 6:23)
There is help…
For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. (1 Peter 3:18)
The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
What do I do?…
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out. (Acts 3:19)
Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved. (Acts 16:31)
You CAN know…
He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. (1 John 5:12-13)
If you would like to make the decision today to repent and trust Christ as your Savior, either for the first time or as a re-commitment of your life, you may want to pray a prayer similar to this one:
Lord Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner. Please forgive my sins. Thank You for dying on the cross for me, and for coming alive again. I accept Your gifts of forgiveness and eternal life. I place my life in Your hands. I want to be Yours forever. Thank you for loving me so much. In Your Name I pray, Amen
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1 Kings Lesson 1
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God’s Call, God’s Promise
(Genesis 11-35)
Although the events in the books of 1 and 2 Kings took place from 930 bc to shortly after 561 bc,[2] the story really began nearly a thousand years earlier in the city of Ur of the Chaldees (in modern day Iraq). After God sent the flood that destroyed all life on earth except for the people and animals preserved on the ark, the descendants of Noah had spread out, multiplied and populated the earth, and they had again abandoned the God who created them.
Yet God had not abandoned humanity. He called one man, Abram, and told him that if he would leave his country and go to a land God would show him, He would make of Abram a great nation, give him that land, and bless all the world through him. (It would be through his descendants that the Savior of the world would come.) In faith Abram (later called Abraham) obeyed God. Abraham had a son, Isaac, to whom the promise was given, and he in turn had a son, Jacob, to whom the promise was given.
From a Family to a Nation
(Genesis 46—Exodus 18)
Jacob, whose name God changed to Israel, had 12 sons. When Jacob was an old man, he, his sons, and their families (70 people in all) went into Egypt to escape starvation during a great famine. One of the sons, Joseph, was already there and in great power. He was second only to the Pharaoh, and because of this the family was well cared for.
However, generations passed, and the children of Israel grew in numbers. A new Pharaoh arose and was fearful of this great number of foreigners living within the borders of his land. To protect himself and his country, he placed the Israelites in bondage, where they remained for nearly 400 years. As always, God was faithful, and in His time He raised up a man named Moses. With great and mighty miracles God delivered the Israelites from the Egyptians and led them to the land He had promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
A Covenant Made — A Covenant Broken
(Exodus 19 — Judges)
Prior to bringing the Israelites into the Promised Land, the general area of Israel today, God made a covenant with them. At Mount Sinai they agreed to serve the Lord and obey His commands. He gave them His law, and promised to bless them as long as they served Him. But even as God gave them His glorious law, they were rebelling against Him and worshiping other gods. And so began the cycle of God’s blessing, Israel’s rebellion, God’s disciplining, their repentance, God’s deliverance and blessing again.
Because of their continued disobedience and rebellion, the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years after leaving Egypt and prior to entering the Promised Land. God, however, miraculously provided for them during that time. Finally, with Israel poised on the verge of entering the Promised Land, God designated Joshua, son of Nun, to lead them in the conquest of their new homeland. The final chapter of the book of Joshua states, “Israel served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had experienced everything the Lord had done for Israel” (Joshua 24:31).
The time of the judges began soon after the death of Joshua. Israel would again rebel against God and worship false gods. God would allow a nation to oppress them until they cried out to God in their misery. In mercy He would raise up a person to judge them and lead them in victory against their oppressor. As long as the judge lived, there was peace, but when the judge died, the Israelites soon slipped into their old ways. This was a time when “everyone did as they saw fit” (Judges 17:6)—and much of the time, anarchy reigned.
The Kingdom Established
1 Samuel 8 — 2 Samuel 24
Israel had been given the perfect government, with the Lord Himself as King, and the law of the Lord as the law of the land, yet the people weren’t satisfied. They wanted to be like the nations round about them. They wanted a man as their king. God granted their desire.
Saul, their first king, didn’t fully obey the Lord, so God gave the kingdom to David, a shepherd who loved the Lord. Although David made many mistakes, God said, “I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart” (Acts 13:22).
The Kingdom’s Exaltation and Exile
1 & 2 Kings
David could not live forever and his son, Solomon, became king after him. Although God’s hand of blessing was upon Solomon, and he achieved greatness for himself and the kingdom, his sin began the eventual decline and eventual division of the kingdom into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. For the next several hundred years there was a pattern of disobedience and judgment, broken only by periodic revivals in the southern kingdom of Judah under the leadership of godly kings. This disobedience led to the deportation and exile of God’s people from both kingdoms. Although humanity is unfaithful, God remains faithful to His promises. Hope was extended to God’s people that they would eventually return to the land, and that one day the offspring of David would again sit on the throne—this time forever.
God’s Plan
The Bible unfolds for us God’s beautiful plan to redeem humanity and restore to us everything that was lost in the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. The conquest of the Promised Land and the consequent removal of the ungodly and wicked people living there were part of God’s plan. His plan for Israel (see Romans 9:4-5) was…
• to establish a “holy nation” (Exodus 19:6).
• to give them His law and the temple worship.
• to reveal to them His glory.
• to bring forth through them the Messiah, the Savior, to redeem the world.
It was not that the Israelites were innately better than other nations. As the Bible plainly reveals, all of humanity is lost in sin (see Romans 3:23), and Israel repeatedly sinned. It is simply that God chooses to use whomever He will, and He chose to create and use the nation of Israel as part of His plan. Through them He would demonstrate to the world…
• that He alone is God.
• that He is completely holy.
• that all mankind is depraved.
• that sin is terrible.
• that we are helpless in our sin.
• that it is impossible to remove sin and its consequences by any natural means.
• that a Savior is necessary (see Galatians 3).
• that through them, finally, He would send His Son to be our Savior.
The Books of 1 and 2 Kings
First and Second Kings were originally one book, but the translators of the Septuagint, a pre-Christian Greek translation of the Old Testament, divided the book of Kings into two books because the Greek translation took up more space than the Hebrew version. These books are a sequel to 1 and 2 Samuel, and begin during the final days of King David’s life. They cover approximately 400 years, and tell of Solomon’s reign, of the division of the kingdom into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, and of the events leading to the downfall of these two kingdoms.
As you study 1 Kings (2 Kings is covered in a separate Joy of Living study), you will see the failure of God’s people to obey Him, and the results of that disobedience. You will also see God’s patience and His continued faithfulness and mercy to those who call upon His Name, even in the most evil of times.
Who Wrote 1 and 2 Kings?
There are varying opinions regarding what person or persons physically wrote 1 and 2 Kings. Jewish tradition holds that it was the prophet Jeremiah, although many contemporary scholars do not accept this. There are entire books written about who and when various portions of the Bible were written, and it is all very interesting and serves a purpose; however, our purpose in this study is to know God better, to understand His working on behalf of and through humanity.
And to that end, God solves for us the problem of “Who wrote 1 and 2 Kings?” He tells us simply that the Bible (including 1 and 2 Kings) is His Word, recorded by people but written by the Holy Spirit. Second Peter 1:21 says, “For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” And 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed…” Regardless of whom God used to record the Bible, He has spoken to us. The test of time has proven the infallibility of His Word.
Second Peter 1:19 says, “We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place…” As you work through the study of 1 and 2 Kings, ask God to open the eyes of your understanding to His truth. Ask Him to help you apply His truth to your own life.
A Daily Appointment with God
Make a daily appointment with God. Find a quiet spot. Take your Bible and your study material with you. If you have a busy phone, you may have to turn it off! Remember how very important your appointment with God is, and make time to be with Him daily. Ask yourself the following things:
1. How much time will I spend with the Lord each day?
2. What do I need to put aside in order to spend this time with the Lord? (Examples: sleep, TV, emailing, web-browsing or online chatting, casual telephone conversations, etc. Each person will have to decide what his or her priorities are, and what can be removed from the daily schedule to make time to spend with God.)
3. What is the best time for my appointment with God?
4. Where is the quietest place for me to pray and study?
5. Do I really want to spend time with God? (If your last answer is “yes,” God will bless you as you work out the time. If your last answer is “no,” pray that God will give you a desire, a hunger to spend this time with Him. He will do this for you!)
Study Questions
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Before you begin your study this week:
❖ Pray and ask God to speak to you through His Holy Spirit.
❖ Use only the Bible for your answers.
❖ Write down your answers and the verses you used.
❖ Answer the “Challenge” questions if you have the time and want to do them.
❖ Share your answers to the “Personal” questions with the class only if you want to share them.
First Day: Read the Introduction to 1 Kings.
1. What meaningful or new thought did you find in the introduction to 1 Kings or from your teacher’s lecture?
2. Look for a verse in the lesson to memorize this week. Write it down and post it in a prominent place. Make a real effort to learn the verse and its “address” (reference of where it is found in the Bible).
Second Day: Read 1 Kings 1:1—2:11, concentrating on 1:1-10.
1. a. What was David’s physical condition, and how did his servants deal with it? (1 Kings 1:1-4)
b. Challenge: Read 2 Samuel 5:4. What is the oldest David could have been at this time?
2. a. Adonijah was apparently David’s oldest surviving son.[3] In view of David’s physical condition, what did Adonijah decide to do? (1 Kings 1:5)
b. Challenge: Read 1 Chronicles 28:1-7. Which of David’s sons had God already designated to be king after David? Who knew about this?
3. What kind of a parent had David been to Adonijah? (1 Kings 1:6)
4. a. Who supported Adonijah’s plan to usurp the throne? (1 Kings 1:7)
b. Who remained loyal to David as Israel’s king? (1 Kings 1:8)
5. How did Adonijah begin his attempted coup? (1 Kings 1:9-10)
6. Personal: According to 1 Chronicles 28:1-7, Adonijah and all of the officials of Israel must have known that God had chosen Solomon as the next king. Yet Adonijah proclaimed himself king at a ceremony that included sacrifices to God. Have you ever participated in a ceremony without really believing and following that which it represents? For example, have you ever attended a church service and taken communion without really paying attention to the service, without repentance in your heart, and without sincere gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice for you?
Third Day: Review 1 Kings 1:1—2:11, concentrating on 1:11-31.
1. Who took action to prevent Adonijah’s plot from succeeding, and what was his plan? (1 Kings 1:11-14)
2. If David did not take action, did it appear that Israel would accept Adonijah as king? (1 Kings 1:15-20)
3. What would be the fate of Bathsheba and Solomon if David did not take action? (1 Kings 1:12,21)
4. How did Nathan confirm Bathsheba’s words? (1 Kings 1:22-27)
5. How did David respond? (1 Kings 1:28-31)
6. Personal: David must have been very weak since “he could not keep warm even when they put covers over him” (1 Kings 1:1), and he might not have felt physically able to deal with this new crisis, yet he exerted himself to “carry out this very day” (1 Kings 1:30 italics added) God’s plan for the succession of Israel. Is there something God is telling you to do, through His Word or through prayer, that you don’t feel capable of dealing with? Read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. Does this help you understand how to deal with your situation?
Fourth Day: Review 1 Kings 1:1—2:11, concentrating on 1:32-40.
1. Whom did David call to carry out the public anointing of Solomon as king? (1 Kings 1:32)
2. How would their actions demonstrate to the people that this anointing had David’s blessing? (1 Kings 1:33-35)
3. How did Benaiah respond? (1 Kings 1:36-37)
4. a. How and where was Solomon anointed as king? (1 Kings 1:38-39a)
b. Challenge: Compare Solomon’s anointing to that of his father David in 1 Samuel 16:1,11-13.
5. How did the people respond to Solomon’s anointing? (1 Kings 1:39b-40)
6. Personal: The people’s response to Solomon’s anointing gives a little glimpse of what will take place when our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of Kings, will take up His power and begin to reign over all. How does Revelation 11:15-17 express this? Are you looking forward to this?
Fifth Day: Review 1 Kings 1:1—2:11, concentrating on 1:41-53.
1. How did Adonijah and his guests learn about Solomon’s anointing? (1 Kings 1:41-48; summarize briefly)
2. How did Adonijah’s guests respond to the news? (1 Kings 1:49)
3. What did Adonijah do? (1 Kings 1:50)
4. Why did he do this? (1 Kings 1:51)
5. a. What was Solomon’s gracious response? (1 Kings 1:52-53)
b. Challenge: Solomon did not execute Adonijah as a rival claimant to the throne, as would have been common in his day. Instead, he showed mercy, guaranteeing Adonijah’s safety as long as he would renounce any claim to the throne. From the following verses, what godly characteristics was Solomon exhibiting by his action?
Psalm 103:8
Daniel 9:9
6. Personal: As a follower of Christ, do you show forgiveness even when your natural self is still offended? From Colossians 3:13, why are we to do this? What situation do you face right now in which it is hard for you to forgive someone? Do you need to pray about this now?
Sixth Day: Review 1 Kings 1:1—2:11, concentrating on 2:1-11.
1. What did David do as he neared death? (1 Kings 2:1)
2. a. What did David instruct Solomon regarding his spiritual life? (1 Kings 2:2-3a)
b. What would be the result if Solomon followed David’s counsel? (1 Kings 2:3b-4)
3. What did David instruct Solomon regarding Joab? (1 Kings 2:5-6)
4. a. Whom did David want Solomon to reward, and why? (1 Kings 2:7)
b. What difficult matter did David leave in Solomon’s hands? (1 Kings 2:8-9)
5. Where was David buried, and how long did he reign over Israel? (1 Kings 2:10-11)
6. Personal: In spite of his failures, David was a great role model for his son, Solomon, of a man whose heart was dedicated to God. He taught Solomon to love God and to love His Word. Solomon had a heart prepared by God, and unlike his older brothers, he responded willingly to David’s instruction. If you have children, are you passing along your love for the Lord and His Word to them? If you feel that you have failed at this in the past, why not pray and ask God to prepare your children’s hearts, and to help you communicate your faith to them? If you don’t have children, is there someone in your life who may be viewing you as a spiritual role model? What aspect of your faith would you like to share with them?
1 Kings Lesson 2
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1 Kings 1:1—2:11
Second Timothy 3:16-17 tells us, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” The books of 1 and 2 Kings are not merely history books or narratives about sinful humanity. Within these pages—these stories—God has a message for you and for me. He wants to take these truths and equip us “for every good work.”
In looking at events in history, you gain a better understanding of what transpired when you know who the major characters were, what parts they played, and what incidents led up to a specific event. Considering this, let us see what we can discover about 1 and 2 Kings.
The Major Characters
• David: The youngest of eight sons, David had taken care of sheep as a youth. While David was in these humble circumstances, the prophet Samuel, at God’s direction, anointed him to be the next king of Israel. During the years prior to actually taking the throne, David faced many challenges, not the least of which were the numerous attempts by the then-current king, Saul, to kill him. David spent many years fleeing from Saul. After becoming king, David united the kingdom, secured its borders, brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, and united the people in the worship of the living God. He had many wives, concubines, and sons. He was a great king; however, he was lax in sexual purity and in the discipline of his children. Although David made mistakes and committed sin, he was a man after God’s own heart (see Acts 13:22).
• Adonijah: Years before, Adonijah’s half-brother Amnon, David’s first-born son, had raped his half-sister, Tamar. As a result, Tamar’s full brother Absalom killed Amnon. Absalom eventually tried to overthrow his father’s throne, and was himself killed. This left Adonijah as David’s oldest living son.[4] Used to doing as he pleased, and left unchecked by David, he decided he was going to be king.
• Solomon: One of David’s younger sons. Solomon’s mother was Bathsheba—the woman with whom David had committed adultery. While still an infant, Solomon had been chosen by God to be the next king and to build God’s temple.
• Joab: The son of David’s sister Zeruiah, Joab had joined David over 40 years before, during David’s flight from King Saul. As head of David’s army, Joab had subdued Absalom’s attempted coup by killing Absalom. He fell into disfavor with David because of this. Although Joab had always been loyal to David, even when he did not agree with him, at the end of David’s reign he chose to support Adonijah rather than Solomon as the new king.
• Benaiah: One of David’s “mighty warriors” (2 Samuel 23:1, see also 23:20), Benaiah was the son of the priest Jehoiada. He was in charge of David’s private bodyguard, and at times seemed to be in a subtle power struggle with Joab. At David’s instruction, he backed Solomon as the next king.
• Abiathar: The only priest to escape Saul’s slaughter of the priests at Nob, Abiathar had joined David over 40 years before, during David’s flight from King Saul. He served as high priest while David was on the throne. However, during David’s latter reign he shared that position with Zadok. Abiathar supported Adonijah rather than Solomon as the next king.
• Zadok: Son of Ahitub, Zadok joined David’s ranks after the death of Saul. He shared the position of high priest with Abiathar. During Adonijah’s rebellion, Zadok supported Solomon.
• Nathan: A prophet frequently used by God to encourage, direct, and rebuke David, Nathan supported Solomon as the next king.
• Bathsheba: While still married to Uriah the Hittite, one of David’s army officers, Bathsheba became pregnant with David’s child. After arranging for Uriah to be killed in battle, David married Bathsheba. However, as part of God’s judgment, their infant child died. After Nathan the prophet confronted David with his sin, he repented, and God gave them Solomon and three more sons.
• Abishag: A beautiful young virgin, Abishag was brought in to minister to David in his old age. Although numbered with the concubines, she did not have sexual relations with the king.
The End of David’s Reign
God had forbidden David to build the temple. However, God had informed him that Solomon was to be the next king and that he had been chosen to build it. After gathering the necessary materials and making all the preparation for building the temple, David charged Solomon to “build a house for the Lord, the God of Israel” (1 Chronicles 22:6),[5] and prayed that God would give Solomon discretion and understanding when He put him in command over Israel. David also commanded all the leaders of Israel to help Solomon.
As 1 Kings begins, the once mighty king David had become an old man with poor health, confined to his bed, and unable to keep warm. A young virgin, Abishag, had been found to minister to him and to lie next to him in order for her body heat to help warm him. David was nearing the end of his reign, and Solomon had not yet officially been crowned king.
With great cunning, Adonijah enlisted the support of two powerful men, Joab son of Zeruiah and Abiathar the priest, in order to declare himself king of Israel. A great celebration complete with sacrifices was held just south of Jerusalem near En-Rogel. All the royal officials were invited except for Nathan the prophet, Benaiah, and David’s special guard—those known to be loyal to David. Most notably, David’s other sons were invited—all except Solomon. Adonijah had everything planned. He would declare himself king; all the most powerful people in the land, including the royal princes, would be unwitting pawns in this power play, and the aged King David and the crown prince, Solomon, would be left powerless—or so he thought.
Adonijah had forgotten the Lord and His plan. Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” God will always accomplish His purpose!
Knowing the danger they were in, Nathan the prophet went to Bathsheba, informed her of what was happening, and told her what steps to take to save her life and the life of her son Solomon. She was to go to the king and remind him that he had promised that Solomon would be the next king. Then she was to tell him that Adonijah had been declared king, and that she and Solomon would be in danger once he, David, died. While she was speaking, Nathan would go in to the king and inform him of the events that were taking place and inquire if this was something David had planned.
These two accounts stirred the aged King David to action. He reaffirmed his promise that Solomon would be the next king. He commanded Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, along with David’s private bodyguard, to place Solomon on David’s own mule, and go to the spring at Gihon. There they were to anoint Solomon king over Israel, blow the trumpets, and declare, “Long live King Solomon!” (1 Kings 1:34). From there, they were to go back to Jerusalem and place Solomon on David’s throne.
They followed David’s instructions, and all the people rejoiced so loudly that the ground shook. When Adonijah and his guests heard this sound of celebration, Joab questioned what was taking place in the city. They were informed that Solomon had been crowned king and was sitting on the throne at David’s command, and that the people and the royal officials[6] were celebrating. At this, the guests quickly dispersed. Adonijah was now the one fearing for his life. He ran and grabbed hold of the horns of the altar,[7] refusing to move until King Solomon swore not to kill him.
Solomon agreed not to harm Adonijah for the attempted coup, but to deal with him according to Adonijah’s future actions. Even then, it was not until Solomon’s men physically removed him that Adonijah came down from the altar. He immediately went and bowed before King Solomon, who sent him to his home. Adonijah’s coup had been thwarted, but his attitude had not changed.
David’s Death
When David was ready to die, he called Solomon to his side. He reminded Solomon of God’s conditional promise—that if his descendants walked faithfully before the Lord with all their heart and soul, there would always be one of his descendants on the throne of Israel.[8] For each generation the promise was based on their walk with the Lord.
And so David told Solomon:
• to be strong and show yourself a man, and
• to observe what the Lord your God requires, which meant:
• to walk in His ways
• to keep His decrees, commands, laws, and requirements.
Then David asked Solomon to deal with some matters that would help protect the throne.
He was to execute Joab for all the unrighteous deeds he had committed. Perhaps because Joab was his sister’s son, David had never been able to deal fully with him. If left unchecked, Joab could cause problems for Solomon’s reign. Another threat to Solomon’s throne was Shimei son of Gera, who had cursed David when David fled from Absalom. Although David had sworn not to harm him, Shimei’s hatred of the house of David could cause problems in the kingdom. Finally, David reminded Solomon to show special kindness to the sons of Barzillai, the man who had provided for and remained faithful to David during Absalom’s attempted coup. These men could strengthen the unity of the kingdom.
At last, after reigning for 40 years, David rested with his fathers and was buried in the city of David, and Solomon’s rule was established.
When looking at David’s life and realizing that he had killed thousands of men in battle, had ordered thousands more killed, had committed adultery, and had arranged for the woman’s husband to be murdered, you may wonder how the Bible can portray him as a godly man. Perhaps you compare your sin to David’s and think, “I’m not so bad.” But God does not look at things the way we do (see 1 Samuel 16:7). He looks at the heart, and according to God, David was a man after His own heart (see Acts 13:22).
In James 2:10 we learn that if we break any part of God’s law, we are guilty of breaking all of it. In Matthew 5 we see that God looks deeper than a person’s outer actions—He looks at the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. We are not better than David. Like him, we are sinners, under God’s condemnation and in need of forgiveness.
David’s heart was broken because of his sin, and he sought God’s forgiveness (read Psalm 51). What is your attitude toward your sin? Are you sorry? Do you want God’s forgiveness? He offers it to you freely because Jesus Christ died and paid the price for your sin on the cross (see Ephesians 1:7). Will you pray now:
“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I am sorry for my sins and turn from them now. I accept that Jesus Christ died on the cross and paid the price for my sin. Thank you.”
Study Questions
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Before you begin your study this week:
❖ Pray and ask God to speak to you through His Holy Spirit.
❖ Use only the Bible for your answers.
❖ Write down your answers and the verses you used.
❖ Answer the “Challenge” questions if you have the time and want to do them.
❖ Share your answers to the “Personal” questions with the class only if you want to share them.
First Day: Read the Commentary on 1 Kings 1:1—2:11.
1. What meaningful or new thought did you find in the commentary on 1 Kings 1:1—2:11 or from your teacher’s lecture?
2. Look for a verse in the lesson to memorize this week. Write it down and post it in a prominent place. Make a real effort to learn the verse and its “address” (reference of where it is found in the Bible).
Second Day: Read 1 Kings 2:12—5:18, concentrating on 2:12-35.
1. After Solomon was crowned, was there any question in Israel over who was the rightful king? (1 Kings 2:12)
2. a. What did Adonijah request of Bathsheba, and how did she respond? (1 Kings 2:13-21, summarize briefly)
b. What was Solomon’s answer? (1 Kings 2:22)
3. How did Solomon deal with Adonijah’s continuing efforts to usurp the throne? (1 Kings 2:23-25)
4. a. Review 1 Kings 1:7. Who had supported Adonijah’s attempt to usurp the throne?
b. Although Abiathar deserved to die for opposing both David’s will and God’s will regarding the succession of the throne, why did Solomon allow him to live? What was his punishment (1 Kings 2:26-27)
c. When Joab heard of Adonijah’s fate, what did he do? What was Joab’s punishment and why was this necessary? (1 Kings 2:28-34, summarize briefly)
5. Personal: Again we see that every sin has consequences (see Romans 6:23), whether immediate or delayed. It is common in our culture today for people to think that their actions don’t matter, as long as they don’t hurt someone else. But every sin—no matter how private or hidden—is an offense against God, our maker. Have you realized the offense of your sin against God, and asked for His forgiveness?
Third Day: Review 1 Kings 2:12—5:18, concentrating on 2:36—3:14.
1. a. Review 1 Kings 2:1,8-9. What had David told Solomon regarding Shimei?
b. David “no doubt realized the insincerity of Shimei’s repentance and the very real probability of a return on Shimei’s part to active hostility at the earliest sign of weakness.”[9] In view of his father’s concern, what limitation did Solomon set for Shimei that would keep him isolated from his kinsmen of Benjamin and of Saul’s family? (1 Kings 2:36-37)
2. a. Did Shimei take this restriction seriously? (1 Kings 2:38-40)
b. Shimei had been graciously pardoned once, but now he “had taken grace lightly”[10] What fate did he suffer in accord with his agreement with Solomon? (1 Kings 2:41-46)
3. Personal: God had promised that David’s kingdom would go to Solomon, and now the last opponent of Solomon’s rule was gone—his kingdom was secure. God always keeps His word (see Numbers 23:19). What promise from God’s Word do you depend on? How about Philippians 1:6? Write this verse and put your name in it, or write down another promise from God’s Word.
4. What did Solomon offer to the Lord in order to bring thanksgiving for establishing his kingdom and to seek God’s blessing on his reign? (1 Kings 3:4)
5. a. What did God graciously offer Solomon, and how did Solomon reply? (1 Kings 3:5-9)
b. What did God grant Solomon in response to his request? (1 Kings 3:10-14)
6. Personal: As followers of Jesus Christ, we are also invited to bring our requests to God (see Philippians 4:6-7). After reading today’s Scriptures, will your requests to God have a different focus? Write a prayer to Him here.
Fourth Day: Review 1 Kings 2:12—5:18, concentrating on 3:15-28.
1. In 1 Kings 3:15-27, what illustration is given of Solomon’s God-given ability to rule wisely and justly?
2. How did the news of this verdict affect all Israel? (1 Kings 3:28)
3. Challenge: Read Isaiah 11:1-5, which is a prophecy of the Messiah. How was Solomon’s wisdom and discernment a type or picture of the Messiah who would come from the line of David, son of Jesse?
4. Personal: Human government is often corrupted by greed, selfishness, and injustice. Do you yearn for the day when Jesus Christ will return and rule with wisdom, understanding, and power? Write down your desires here in a prayer to the Lord.
Fifth Day: Review 1 Kings 2:12—5:18, concentrating on 4:1-28.
1. King David had established Israel as a great and powerful empire. His son Solomon’s reign brought increased governmental organization and strengthening. How did Solomon organize the provision of supplies for the royal court? (1 Kings 4:7)
2. Challenge: Read 1 Samuel 8:11-17. When the people had asked the prophet Samuel for a king, what did he warn them? How does the description of Solomon’s reign in 1 Kings 4:1-7 compare to this warning?
3. We all live under a government, and are subject to its taxes and laws. According to the following verses, how are we to respond to it? Summarize briefly.
Matthew 22:15-22
Romans 13:1-7
Titus 3:1
4. Personal: The Israelites were pleased with King Solomon’s wisdom and justice, but perhaps not as pleased to pay taxes or to be conscripted to labor on his projects. How does your response to your own government compare to what you read in question 3?
5. Challenge: Solomon, in his wisdom and reign of peace, was a type or picture of the coming Messiah. How did the prophet Micah describe the Messiah’s reign in Micah 4:1-4?
6. Personal: God’s Son, Jesus Christ, came to earth as Messiah. He died for our sins and rose again, then ascended into heaven. Someday He will return and take up His reign of wisdom and peace forever. Have you accepted Him as your Lord and Savior, so that you can look forward to this with joy? Write down your thoughts and feelings about this hope.
Sixth Day: Review 1 Kings 2:12—5:18, concentrating on 4:29—5:18.
1. a. What was the source of Solomon’s wisdom? (1 Kings 4:29)
b. What was Solomon’s reputation among the surrounding nations? (1 Kings 4:34)
2. Personal: Because God is the Creator and Ruler over all life, a person can obtain true wisdom only from Him. By walking with the Lord day by day, spending time in His Word and in prayer, we learn to see things from His perspective. How have you grown in wisdom since you came to know the Lord?
3. What king sent envoys to Solomon, and why? (1 Kings 5:1) Find this king’s city on the map.
4. What trade agreement did the two kings make? (1 Kings 5:6-11)
5. a. How was the work of the conscripted laborers from Israel organized? (1 Kings 5:13-14)
b. What building supplies did all of these laborers prepare for the temple project? (1 Kings 5:17-18)
6. Personal: What a huge and complicated job Solomon had taken on! Yet he must have felt that all that effort was worth it to honor the one true God of Israel. Read Colossians 3:23-24. Do you approach everything you do with this attitude?
1 Kings Lesson 3
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1 Kings 2:12—5:18
With the mighty King David in the grave, Solomon’s half-brother Adonijah again plotted to gain the throne, but this time with subtlety and deceit.
Pretending he came in peace, Adonijah went to speak to Solomon’s mother, Bathsheba. He erroneously stated that all of Israel had looked to him as their king, but he said, it was God’s will that Solomon had become king instead. Still trying to create the appearance of humility and submission, he asked her to request that Solomon allow him to have Abishag as his wife.
At first reading, it may not seem like much to us in the 21st century; even to Bathsheba it seemed an innocent request—after all, Abishag was still a virgin and had been little more than David’s caregiver. However, let us look at his request a little closer.
Although we are told in God’s Word that Abishag remained a virgin, this was probably not a widely known fact. Abishag would have been considered by the people of Israel to be one of David’s concubines, since she had lain with him in his bed in his private chambers. Now consider the significance of having possession of one of a former king’s wives or concubines: when God gave Saul’s throne to David, He also gave David all Saul’s wives (see 2 Samuel 12:8).[11] Also, when Absalom had slept with David’s concubines while trying to usurp the throne, he was showing that he was the one in power and that he had assumed the throne. Therefore, by taking Abishag as his wife, Adonijah would again become a contender for the throne.
Upon hearing this request from Bathsheba, Solomon immediately knew what Adonijah was attempting to do. In accordance with his previous pronouncement that he would deal with Adonijah according to his actions, Solomon sent Benaiah to execute him.
It was also time for Solomon to deal with Abiathar the priest, whose active support of Adonijah as king had been a serious offense worthy of death. However, because Abiathar had carried the Ark of the Lord before David and had shared in so many of David’s difficulties, Solomon spared his life, but removed him from the priesthood, thereby removing him from a position of power and leaving Zadok as the only high priest. Although Abiathar’s punishment was based on his own actions, it also fulfilled a judgment God had pronounced on the family of Eli, Abiathar’s ancestor, nearly 200 years before (see 1 Samuel 2:27-36).
When God promises a blessing, blessing will come; when He vows judgment, judgment will come. It is important to remember that God’s timing is different from ours, and that His timing is always perfect. Has someone harmed you or done wrong to you? Are you wondering why God has not done something about it? He said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay” (Romans 12:19). Wait for Him. Has He made you a promise that has not yet come to pass, and you are wondering why? It will, in His time—the right time (see Hebrews 6:13-18). Trust Him.
Solomon Secures His Reign
Upon hearing what had happened to his co-conspirators, Joab ran and grabbed the horns of the altar, seeking refuge.[12] When Solomon heard of Joab’s action, he sent Benaiah to execute him, but Joab refused to leave the tent of the Lord, declaring that if he was going to die, he would die there. So Solomon instructed Benaiah to strike Joab down where he stood. And thus, Solomon carried out David’s instructions to “not let his [Joab’s] gray head go down to the grave in peace” (1 Kings 2:6). It was not just for conspiring against Solomon that Joab was put to death, but also for murdering two men in peacetime—Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army. Solomon then made Benaiah head of the army.
Then, in accordance with David’s instruction, Solomon called Shimei into account for his actions against David many years before. Shimei, a relative of Saul, Israel’s first king, believed that David should not have been king. When David fled from Absalom, Shimei had cursed David and thrown stones at him. Upon David’s return to the throne, Shimei asked for forgiveness, and David spared his life. However, this man, too, could have become a troublemaker within Solomon’s kingdom.[13] Solomon instructed him to build a house in Jerusalem and to remain there. He was warned that if he left Jerusalem, he would be put to death. This restriction would limit his influence and reduce the possibility that he could conspire against Solomon with other dissenters.
Although Shimei agreed to this, after three years had passed, he took it upon himself to leave Jerusalem and personally go after some servants who had fled from him. Whether he believed that Solomon would not hear of his actions, or believed that no judgment would befall him, he returned to his home after venturing to Gath. Solomon confronted Shimei with this breach of their agreement and reminded him of all the evil he had done to his father, David. Then Solomon ordered Benaiah to execute Shimei.
With the death of these powerful men, Joab, Abiathar, and Shimei, who had opposed his rule, Solomon’s reign was at last internally secure.
Solomon then turned to developing international relationships and establishing the kingdom externally. He secured a political alliance with Egypt, which was sealed with his marriage to the Pharaoh’s daughter.[14] This was beneficial in many ways. Along with securing Israel’s southern border, the city of Gezer was given to Solomon as a wedding present. This city lay at the crossing of two major trade routes, one running north and south, the other east and west. These routes would be important supply lines for Solomon’s building projects, which he would soon begin.
Living to Please the Lord
When the Israelites entered the Promised Land, about 500 years prior to Solomon’s time, the people were to destroy all the pagan places of worship—including the high places—throughout the land. They were not to worship there, but were to worship only in the place God designated. For several hundred years after entering the land, the Israelites had worshiped at the tabernacle, also known as the tent of meeting, which contained the ark of the covenant and many other items designated for the worship of the Lord. However, when the prophet Samuel was a child, the ark of the covenant was captured. When the ark was returned to Israel, it was not reunited with the tabernacle. By the time King David moved the ark to Jerusalem and placed it in a special tent, while awaiting the building of the temple, the tabernacle was residing at the high place in Gibeon.
Since the temple for the Lord had not yet been built, and there was confusion regarding the designated place to worship, many of the people sacrificed at high places. This may have been acceptable to the Lord at the time, but only until the temple was built.
During the early part of his reign, every aspect of Solomon’s life expressed his love and reverence for the Lord. David’s palace was considered holy because of the presence of the Ark of the Covenant. Therefore, because Solomon’s wife, the daughter of Pharaoh, was not an Israelite, Solomon did not have her live in David’s palace; instead she had her own dwelling within the city of David. Solomon also walked according to all the statutes that David had walked in, except for offering sacrifices at the high places.[15]
Does your life show your love for the Lord? Do you seek to obey Him and to do that which pleases Him? Jesus said in John 14:15, ““If you love me, keep my commands.” This is not a legalistic statement telling us how to obtain eternal life,[16] but a truth that applies both to the Lord and to others. When you love someone, you desire to do what pleases him or her. So, look at your life. Check out your attitude. Do you want to do what pleases the Lord, rather than just “doing your own thing”? Only you can answer this.
Solomon’s Request
Of all the high places where the people worshiped, Gibeon was the most important, since the tabernacle with the altar resided there. It was at Gibeon that Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings to the Lord, and where the Lord appeared to him in the night in a dream. In the dream, the Lord told Solomon to ask Him for whatever he wanted.
Solomon’s reply reflects his great desire to be all that God had called him to be. Recognizing his inexperience and his inability to lead such a great number of people, a special people chosen by God, Solomon asked God for a discerning heart in order to properly govern them.
Consider your own heart. Do you want God to help you accomplish all that you have set out to do, or do you want God to enable you to do all that He has called you to do? Is serving Him more important to you than wealth, honor, power or fame? You must search your own heart. Maybe you’ve been busy going your own way, doing your own thing, or perhaps you’ve even been busy serving the Lord—but in your own way, rather that asking Him what He wants you to be doing. Take a few minutes right now to search your heart and talk to the Lord about what you find.
God was pleased with Solomon’s unselfish request, and gave him the wise and discerning heart that he asked for. He also gave him riches and honor. The Lord promised that there would never be anyone like Solomon, and that as long as he lived, there would never be a king as great as he was.
Solomon then returned to Jerusalem and offered sacrifices and offerings before the ark of the covenant. He had sought the Lord at both places, before the ark and within the tabernacle. After this, he celebrated with a great feast for his entire court.
Solomon’s Wisdom
Whether God had truly answered and given Solomon the wisdom he asked for was soon put to the test. Two prostitutes came before him, seeking justice. The first presented the problem. They had both given birth to baby boys within a few days of each other. They lived alone with no one to help them. One infant had died during the night. Each claimed the living child as her own.
Now, there was no DNA testing in those days. Solomon had to rely on God’s wisdom. Very simply, Solomon determined who was the mother of the living child. He issued an order for the child to be cut in two and half given to each woman. The true mother loved her son and didn’t want anyone to harm her baby, even if it meant giving him up. However, the other woman was content to let the child be slaughtered rather than to lose out. Solomon told them to let the child live, and then gave him to the woman who showed true love for her baby. Everyone was amazed. Truly, God had given Solomon wisdom to administer justice.
Do you lack wisdom? God tells us, His children, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5). And Proverbs 2:1-10 tells us,
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
Think about these verses:
• Do you believe God’s Word and memorize it, putting it within you?
• Do you really listen to God, wanting to know and understand what is going on in the world and among people?
• Do you believe that knowing and understanding God’s Word and how it applies to every aspect of life is as valuable as silver or some hidden treasure? Do you really? Do your actions show that you value God’s Word and wisdom? Do you put as much effort into studying God’s Word as you would put into finding a hidden treasure?
If these things are true for you, you will understand what is right and just and fair, and you will recognize every good path. You will become wise, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Yes, the Lord will satisfy your soul.
Solomon’s Government
After bringing the Israelites out of Egypt, God gave them, through Moses, the law by which they were to govern themselves legally and morally. Under Joshua’s leadership they entered the Promised Land and much of it was subdued, but the Israelites still functioned as individual tribes. Under their first king, Saul, the tribes functioned as a loose coalition for defense, but it was David that God used to solidify them into a national entity—the kingdom of Israel. David conquered their enemies, established Jerusalem as the capital city, and made preparations for the building of the temple. Now, under Solomon’s rule, Israel entered a “Golden Age” of prosperity and peace.
Solomon had asked God for wisdom to govern his people, and God had answered that prayer. True wisdom springs from a reverential fear and knowledge of God, which enables a person to see from God’s perspective the problems, tasks, and situations that life brings their way, and gives them insight into how best to handle each one. Wisdom deals not only with moral issues, but also with the practical issues of life. It enables a person to have success in everything they do. In some places in the Old Testament, the term wisdom is even used when referring to mastery or skill in workmanship or administration, such as in Exodus 31:3, where two craftsmen, appointed to make items for the tabernacle, were given “wisdom” to accomplish their tasks. All of this, God gave to Solomon.
Solomon created a strong, well-organized central government, with a system of taxation to provide for its maintenance and administration. He divided Israel into 12 districts, which, for some reason not given to us, did not correspond to the twelve tribes. For one month each year, each district was required to provide for the king—his extensive royal household, which included the servants and court officials and their families, and his thousands of horses. But, in return, Solomon provided the people with a strong kingdom where they could live in peace and prosperity. Proverbs 29:4 says, “By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.”[17] Solomon reigned with justice and righteousness. The prosperity and peace of his kingdom was a foreshadow (albeit imperfect) of the future kingdom when Messiah will reign (see Micah 4).
Many people grumble about the government—no matter who is in authority, and it is sometimes hard to accept that we are to submit to those in authority over us, but Romans 13:1 tells us, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” Paul wrote this when Caesar, who was ungodly, reigned. If those in authority are telling you to do something contrary to God’s instructions, such as in Acts 4:18-19, we must obey God rather than them, but other than that, we are to submit to the laws of the land; otherwise, according to Romans 13:2, “Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” In Judges 19-20 we see how terrible it is when anarchy reigns, and when everyone does what they see as right in their own eyes.
Because governments consist of people, they will be imperfect. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2 we are urged “that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
Many people also grumble about paying taxes, but Jesus said regarding taxes, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” (Mark 12:17). And Romans 13:6-7 says, “This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” Our taxes go toward many things that benefit us all, including our military which defends us, police which protect us, roads and streets which allow for commerce as well as convenience in travel, public parks and recreational facilities, and much more. Also, those who work for us deserve to be paid. Of course there are those who misappropriate and misuse our taxes, but they will be called into account for what they do—if not by the people or the authorities, then by God. Our responsibility is to do what God calls us to do.
Solomon’s Power and Prosperity
The people of Israel multiplied until they “were as numerous as the sand on the seashore” (1 Kings 4:20), and Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates River to the border of Egypt, and over all the land of the Philistines. This was in fulfillment of the promises God had made to Abraham (see Genesis 15:18-21), Isaac (see Genesis 26:2-4), and Jacob (see Genesis 35:11-12). All these kingdoms paid tribute as a sign of submission to Solomon.
With his kingdom prosperous, secure, and well governed, Solomon was able to turn his attention to other pursuits. God made him wiser than any man and gave him wisdom in all areas of life—he spoke three thousand proverbs, some of which are recorded in the book of Proverbs. He wrote over a thousand songs. God gave him wisdom regarding plants, animals, birds, fish and reptiles. Solomon taught, and men from all nations came to learn from him.
The account of Solomon in these chapters of 1 Kings addresses his greatness, but the book of Ecclesiastes, written by Solomon, addresses the discontent that he felt. So often we humans think if we just had enough money, or enough power, or enough fame, or enough admiration from others, or someone to love us, or more time to do what we want, or a little more ability in a certain area, or a little more knowledge or understanding of something, or if we could just accomplish this or that, then we would be content. But if you read through Ecclesiastes you will see that these don’t satisfy—that only God, Himself, can satisfy us. As we will see as we continue with our study, although Solomon started well, he made choices that would disrupt his relationship with the Lord, which caused him to become discontented.
Stop a moment and check yourself. Are you allowing anything—no matter how seemingly insignificant—or anyone to disrupt your relationship with the Lord? If you are, what are you going to do about it?
Building the Temple
King David had been denied the right to build a temple for the Lord, but God had promised him that his son would do it. David made extensive preparations for building the temple, but it was only a beginning. Building the temple was the greatest of Solomon’s accomplishments.
Hiram, king of Tyre, was the first Gentile king to acknowledge David as ruler of Israel (see 2 Samuel 5:11). They developed a long-standing trade agreement between their kingdoms, by which David obtained Lebanon’s highly sought-after cedar logs,[18] along with carpenters and stonemasons, to use when building his palace.
When Hiram learned that Solomon had been anointed king in his father’s stead, he sent emissaries extending his resources and friendship to Solomon. As Solomon laid plans for building the temple and his palace, he took advantage of this offer. Hiram was to provide cedar and pine logs. In return, Solomon provided provisions for Hiram’s royal household, along with paying for the labor of King Hiram’s men.
God gave Solomon wisdom for overseeing these immense projects. He conscripted 30,000 non-Israelites, who lived within the borders of Israel, to work alongside Hiram’s men. These unpaid laborers worked in shifts of 10,000, spending one month in Lebanon and then being allowed to work their fields and tend their flocks at home for two months. Thus, each shift worked four months out of the year in Lebanon, with eight months at home. All the preparation of the timber and the stone for building the temple was completed away from the temple site.
Second Chronicles 2:6 gives insight into the humility with which Solomon began this project. He expressed the greatness of God, saying, “But who is able to build a temple for him, since the heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain him? Who then am I to build a temple for him, except as a place to burn sacrifices before him?”
This great project was a privilege given to Solomon by God. How do you view the projects God has given to you? You may say, “What project? God hasn’t given me a project!” But, Colossians 3:23 tells us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” And Philippians 2:14-16 exhorts us, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” Are you doing everything you do as for the Lord? Do you complain and argue about every task before you, or the job you have, or even the menial daily chores you do at home? Are you shining like a star in the universe with His grace and love flowing through you? Ask God to help you remember that whatever you do for the least person, you are doing for Him (see Matthew 25:40).
Study Questions
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Before you begin your study this week:
❖ Pray and ask God to speak to you through His Holy Spirit.
❖ Use only the Bible for your answers.
❖ Write down your answers and the verses you used.
❖ Answer the “Challenge” questions if you have the time and want to do them.
❖ Share your answers to the “Personal” questions with the class only if you want to share them.
First Day: Read the Commentary on 1 Kings 4-5.
1. What meaningful or new thought did you find in the commentary on 1 Kings 4-5 or from your teacher’s lecture?
2. Look for a verse in the lesson to memorize this week. Write it down and post it in a prominent place. Make a real effort to learn the verse and its “address” (reference of where it is found in the Bible).
Second Day: Read 1 Kings 6-8, concentrating on 6:1-13.
1. When did Solomon begin building the temple? (1 Kings 6:1)
2. Challenge: How is the temple described in 1 Kings 6:2-11? Summarize briefly.
3. Read 1 Chronicles 28:11-12. With whom did the plans for the temple originate?
4. a. What did the temple represent regarding God’s relationship with His people? (1 Kings 6:13)
b. In order to experience the blessings of this promise from the Lord, what did Solomon need to do? (1 Kings 6:11-12)
5. The temple as the place God dwelt among the Israelites was a type or picture of His relationship to those who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. What do you learn about this in the following verses?
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Ephesians 1:13-14
6. Personal: Solomon’s experience of the blessings of God’s presence depended upon his obedience to God’s Word. Christians are sealed by the Holy Spirit, who guarantees “our inheritance” (Ephesians 1:13-14), but Ephesians 4:30-32 warns that we can spoil the blessing of His presence through disobedience. Have you grieved God’s Spirit? Why not pray about this now?
Third Day: Review 1 Kings 6-8, concentrating on 6:14-38.
1. After Solomon finished the exterior structure of the temple, he began on the interior. What is your impression of the temple’s interior—the quality of materials used and the way it must have looked—after reading 1 Kings 6:14-36?
2. a. What was the purpose of the room called “the inner sanctuary”? (1 Kings 6:19)
b. Challenge: Why was the ark of the covenant the focal point of the temple and its ritual, according to the following verses?
Exodus 25:21-22
1 Samuel 4:4
3. a. What did Solomon make and place inside the inner sanctuary? (1 Kings 6:23-28)
b. Challenge: These two huge cherubim were in addition to the two cherubim built into the cover of the ark. From the following Bible passages, how would the sight of these cherubim remind the believer of the awesome holiness of God?
Genesis 3:24
Ezekiel 1:22-28 (summarize briefly)
4. How long did it take for the building of the temple to be completed? (1 Kings 6:37-38)
5. Personal: Everything in the temple was designed not only to remind the Israelites of God’s awesome holiness, but also to represent God’s coming to dwell among them—such an amazing thing! Today we often think of God as our Father and our Friend, which He is, but we must not lose sight of how great and holy He is, as well. Write down your perception of God based on what you are learning in His Word.
Fourth Day: Review 1 Kings 6-8, concentrating on chapter 7.
1. Solomon built a number of palace buildings or units. How long did it take to finish all the parts of the palace? (1 Kings 7:1)
2. What palace buildings or units are listed in 1 Kings 7:2-8?
3. a. The narrative now turns to the making of the vessels of the temple. Whom did Solomon bring in to do this work? (1 Kings 7:13-14)
b. What vessels did Huram make for the temple? (1 Kings 7:40b-45)
4. What furnishings for the temple did Solomon have made? (1 Kings 7:48-50)
5. From 1 Kings 7:51, when the temple was completed, what did Solomon bring into its treasury? What did David say about these items in 1 Chronicles 29:3?
6. Personal: Do you feel, as David and Solomon did, that it is a privilege to give freely and joyously to the Lord? If you haven’t felt enthusiastic about giving in the past, why not talk to the Lord about it now?
Fifth Day: Review 1 Kings 6-8, concentrating on 8:1-21.
1. a. Whom did King Solomon summon, and for what purpose? (1 Kings 8:1)
b. Challenge: Describe the transportation of the ark and its placement in the temple, from 1 Kings 8:2-8.
2. a. What did the ark contain? (1 Kings 8:9)
b. Challenge: From Exodus 34:27-28, what was written on the two stone tablets?
3. How did God indicate that He was pleased with Solomon’s work and that He would dwell with His people? (1 Kings 8:10-11)
4. a. What did Solomon recognize about the cloud that filled the temple? (1 Kings 8:12-13)
b. Challenge: Read Exodus 19:9 and 20:21 to see what Solomon was referring to.
5. How did Solomon praise God for fulfilling His promise? (1 Kings 8:14-21, summarize briefly)
6. Personal: What God had promised David He had also carried out. Do you believe that He will carry out His promises made to you as a believer in Jesus Christ? For example, read John 14:1-6. What promise do you trust Him to fulfill?
Sixth Day: Review 1 Kings 6-8, concentrating on 8:22-66.
1. a. Solomon now gave a prayer of dedication for the temple. What did he recognize about the true nature of God in 1 Kings 8:27?
b. In spite of this fact, what did Solomon ask, based on God’s promise and His grace? (1 Kings 8:29-30)
2. In 1 Kings 8:31, 33, 35, 37, 41-43, 44 and 46, what specific situations did Solomon anticipate in which sinful people, suffering because of God’s judgment, would repent and pray? Summarize each situation briefly.
3. a. In 1 Kings 8:56 Solomon praised God for giving rest to His people as He had promised. What was the key to continuing in this rest, according to 1 Kings 8:57-58?
b. Challenge: The rest enjoyed by Solomon and his generation was not complete or final. From Hebrews 4:1-3, what must we do when we hear the gospel in order to truly enter into God’s rest?
4. How did Solomon pray that God’s work in His people would affect the Gentiles? (1 Kings 8:59-60)
5. What sacrifices of dedication did Solomon and all Israel offer, and how long did they celebrate before the Lord? (1 Kings 8:62-65; summarize briefly)
6. Personal: Solomon prayed, “Deal with everyone according to all they do, since you know their hearts (for you alone know every human heart)” (1 Kings 8:39). Do you realize that God knows everything about you, even things that you thought were hidden? Have you repented of these things and asked for His forgiveness? What does 1 John 1:9 promise will happen when you do this?
1 Kings Lesson 4
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1 Kings 6-8
In the spring, about 966 years before the birth of Jesus Christ—480 years after the Lord brought the Israelites out of Egypt—Solomon began work on the temple of the Lord. Erected on Mount Moriah[19] in Jerusalem, this beautiful structure was a place to worship and honor the Lord, the God of Israel.
Considering that a cubit is approximately18 inches, the temple itself was 90 feet long, 30 feet wide, and 45 feet high. When you compare the dimensions of the temple to the dimensions of the tabernacle (listed in Exodus 26:15-30; 36:20-34), you will notice that the temple’s length and width are exactly twice that of the tabernacle.[20] Like the tabernacle, the temple consisted of two major sections: the main hall, called the Holy Place, and the inner sanctuary, called the Most Holy Place (see illustration). When completed, the temple would take the place of the tabernacle as Israel’s meeting place with God.[21]
Every aspect of the structure was of the finest materials and workmanship. The huge blocks of stone were prepared at the quarry, so that it was not necessary for the workmen to use a hammer, chisel, or any type of iron tool at the actual temple site. The walls within were paneled with carved cedar; even the floor was covered with cedar planks. All this, including the floor, was overlaid with pure gold. The Holy Place was sixty feet long, and was lighted by clerestory windows, which are windows set high in the walls.
As the work progressed, the word of the Lord came to Solomon, encouraging him that if he would just obey the Lord, He would fulfill, through him [Solomon], all that He had promised to David. Just as His glory was with the Israelites at the tabernacle, so the Lord’s glory would live among Israel, and He would not abandon them.
As the work continued, the inner sanctuary was prepared for the Ark of the Covenant. This Most Holy Place was a thirty-foot windowless cube with a raised floor, and it, too, was entirely overlaid with gold. Two 15-foot-high cherubim,[22] each with a wingspan of 15 feet and covered with gold, were placed side by side with their wings touching. It was under these huge golden creatures that the ark would be placed—not as an object of worship, but as the place where God’s presence would be manifested (see Exodus 25:21-22).
Built around the temple, but with nothing inserted into the actual walls of the temple, was a three-story structure with chambers that were entered from outside the temple. These are believed to have been used as storage for the vast temple treasury. A 30-foot-high, 15-foot-deep portico extended across the front of the temple. Surrounding the temple was the upper courtyard, called the courtyard of the priests in 2 Chronicles 4:9. Within it was the bronze altar, where the burnt offerings were made, along with the bronze basins and the bronze Sea used for ceremonial cleansing.[23]
Solomon had begun building the temple in the spring of the fourth year of his reign. He completed the project seven years later, in the fall of the eleventh year of his reign. When you consider the cost of a gold ring, or of a marble countertop, you begin to understand the value of the materials that were used. The skilled laborers had to be paid, the forced labor had to be fed, housed, and provided for in general. This expenditure was not an attempt to purchase God’s favor; it was an expression of love and devotion on the part of both David and Solomon.
What about your giving to God? Is it something you feel compelled to do, or is it an expression of your love and devotion to the Lord? Are you happy when you give to the work of the Lord and to those in need? Do you realize that all you have came from the Lord? King David said, “Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand” (1 Chronicles 29:14). Second Corinthians 9:7 tells us, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” If your attitude is not what it should be, ask God to change you. He will.
Solomon’s Palace
After the temple was completed, Solomon turned his attention to building his palace, the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon, so called because it was constructed with cedar columns supporting trimmed cedar beams and roofed with cedar. This project took Solomon 13 years to complete—nearly twice as long as it took to build the temple. Two factors entered into this:
• Prior to his death, David had spent many years gathering materials for the building of the temple, but not for the palace.
• The palace itself was much larger than the temple. Although, like the temple, it was 45 feet tall, it was 150 feet long and 75 feet wide, with a colonnade that was 75 feet long and 45 feet wide.
The palace complex was a multipurpose facility. Whether there were individual structures or merely designated locations within the palace itself, the palace complex contained…
• the Hall of Justice, or throne hall, where Solomon judged.
• Solomon’s personal living quarters.
• Pharaoh’s daughter’s living quarters.
Both the temple complex and the palace complex were located within the great courtyard, which was constructed in the same manner as the inner courtyard of the temple. Built of massive blocks of stone, which were each 12 to 15 feet wide, it was surrounded with a wall consisting of three courses of dressed stone and one of cedar beams.[24]
The magnificence and grandeur of the temple and the palace were so great that even foreign dignitaries were impressed when they saw it (see 1 Kings 10).
Completion of the Temple
Prior to the completion of the temple, Solomon requested that King Hiram send Huram, an expert craftsman in working with bronze. Huram’s father had been a Phoenician, a man from Tyre, but his mother was an Israelite from the northern tribe of Naphtali.
Huram cast two large hollow pillars of bronze, each 27 feet high with a circumference of 18 feet. They were each topped with a 7.5-foot tall bronze bowl-shaped capital, which was decorated with pomegranates and a network of interwoven chains. These two pillars stood on either side of the entrance to the temple. The one located on the south side of the door was named Jakin, meaning, “He establishes;” the one located on the north side of the door was named Boaz, meaning, “In Him is strength.”[25] These would be a perpetual reminder to each successive king of Israel that God is the one who established the nation, and that their strength lay in Him. Huram also made…
• the 30-foot square, 15-foot high bronze altar (see 2 Chronicles 4:1).
• the bronze Sea, which had a circumference of 45 feet. It held a large reservoir of water used by the priests for ceremonial washing.
• the twelve bronze bulls that held up the bronze Sea.
• ten bronze basins, each 6-feet in diameter, sitting on ten moveable, decorative bronze stands. These were for washing the items to be used for burnt offerings.
• bronze basins, shovels, and sprinkling bowls. These were used by the priests in various rites.
It took so much bronze to make all these items that the weight of it was not determined.
Solomon also made the furnishings of pure gold that were to go in the Lord’s temple, including…
• the golden altar, to be used for burning incense.
• the golden table, which held the bread of the Presence (see Exodus 25:23-30). From 2 Chronicles 4:8,19, there appears to have been 10 of these tables.
• ten gold lampstands, with their lamps, tongs, and floral work.
• gold basins, wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, dishes, and censers.
At last, the temple of the Lord was completed, and all the silver, gold, and other furnishings that David had dedicated to the Lord had been brought into the temple treasuries.
Dedication of the Temple
The temple of the Lord was now ready for the ark of the covenant. This was a great event. Solomon summoned the elders of Israel, all the heads of the tribes, and the chiefs of the Israelite families. They were to gather in Jerusalem in the seventh month, on the Feast of Tabernacles, also called the Feast of Ingathering. This was one of three feasts where the men of Israel were to go to Jerusalem. During this feast the people were to make and live in temporary dwellings, to remind them that they dwelt in tents during the exodus, when the Lord brought them out of Egypt.
During the exodus and up to Solomon’s time, the ark of the covenant dwelt in a tent. The Lord had brought the people into the land and had given them rest—they were now living in their homes in safety under their own vine and fig tree. Now, the ark would no longer reside in a tent, but in a permanent dwelling in Jerusalem.
When all the elders of Israel were gathered, the priests took up the ark, in accordance with God’s instructions, and proceeded to bring it up from Zion, the City of David.[26] They also brought the tabernacle and its sacred furnishings, which were to be stored somewhere within the temple. As the ark moved along, Solomon and those with him offered sacrifice after sacrifice, so many that they were without number.
The priests placed the ark in its designated place beneath the wings of the cherubim in the Most Holy Place. This is the very ark that was made when the Israelites were at Mount Sinai, after their deliverance from Egypt, when the covenant between God and Israel was made. God had said, “Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:5-6). The Israelites had replied, “We will do everything the Lord has said” (verse 8). It was there that God gave them the Ten Commandments on two stone tablets. These same tablets with God’s commandments on them were still within the ark as it was placed within the temple.
Try to imagine the majesty of the occasion:
• the magnificent temple
• the priests and Levites, clothed in white linen, standing in the courtyard to the east of the bronze altar
• the Levitical musicians playing harps, cymbals, and lyres
• the 120 priests with trumpets, also to the east of the bronze altar
• the singers joining their voices, singing, “He is good; his love endures forever” (2 Chronicles 5:13)
• Solomon and all the elders of Israel in their finest garments before the bronze altar.
Then the temple was filled with the glory of the Lord, the same cloud that had guided Israel out of Egypt and through the desert, the cloud that was present above the tabernacle and had represented the presence of the Lord (see 2 Chronicles 5:11-14; Exodus 13:21-22; 40:34-35). The priests were unable to perform their duties because of the cloud.
With awe, Solomon said, “The Lord has said that he would dwell in a dark cloud” (1 Kings 8:12).[27] With humility, he realized that God had permitted him to build a place for His glory to reside among His people Israel.
Solomon turned and blessed the whole assembly of Israel, and blessed the Lord for fulfilling His promise to David—the promise that David’s son would sit on the throne and build a temple for the Name of the Lord, the God of Israel.
Then Solomon turned toward the altar, and with arms raised toward heaven he knelt and prayed to the Lord in the hearing of all the people. This was not merely a formal prayer, but a prayer from Solomon’s heart. He was overcome with the knowledge that there is no one like the Lord in greatness, and that God is faithful to every promise He has made.
Stop for a moment and consider…
• God is great, beyond our comprehension. He is truly omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient.
• He is faithful to every promise He has made—to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; to Israel; to David and Solomon; and, to you.
• This mighty, magnificent God—who was celebrated by all of Israel and is worshiped by the host of heaven and by all creation—loves you, and wants to have a close, intimate relationship with you. You are of great value to Him, so much so that He sent His Son to pay the price for your sin, and make a way for you to have a relationship with Him.
If you have not yet put your trust in Jesus Christ and His death on the cross to take away your sin, please do it now. Pray and acknowledge that you are a sinner. Tell God that you want to turn from your sin; thank Him for what Jesus did on the cross for you; and then trust that Jesus’ death and resurrection is enough to bring you back to God. Tell Him, “Thank you.”
Perhaps you have already done this. If so, take a few moments to just be with the Lord. Think of His greatness, and tell Him how wonderful He is. Thank Him for all that He has already done for you, and for the prayers He has answered. Recommit your life to Him, with all your heart.
Solomon’s Prayer
As he prayed, Solomon asked God that the temple would be the reminder—the symbol, to every Israelite, everywhere—of God’s presence and of His concern for them. He asked that when his people, and those who would come to trust in God’s name, turned and prayed toward the temple, that it would be a symbol of their turning to God, and that He would forgive their sin, hear their prayer, and answer them.
Solomon rose from before the altar, turned to the people, and blessed them. His prayer for them should become the prayer of our hearts:
• that we thank God for the rest He has given us, and for the promises He has fulfilled
• that He would always be with us, and never forsake us (see Hebrews 13:5)
• that He would turn our hearts to Him, so that we might obey him and walk in His ways
• that He would bless and care for His people according to their daily needs
• that the entire world would know that the Lord is God, and that there is no other.
Solomon ended with a reminder to the people that their hearts must be fully committed to the Lord, and that they should obey Him. We, too, must remember the obedience that comes from faith, and that Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15).
For 14 days, the king and the people offered sacrifices and celebrated before the Lord. At the end of that time they all returned home, rejoicing in all that God had done for His servant David and for all Israel: Israel was established in the land, David’s offspring was on the throne, and the Lord would dwell in her midst.
As Psalm 33:12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”
Study Questions
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Before you begin your study this week:
❖ Pray and ask God to speak to you through His Holy Spirit.
❖ Use only the Bible for your answers.
❖ Write down your answers and the verses you used.
❖ Answer the “Challenge” questions if you have the time and want to do them.
❖ Share your answers to the “Personal” questions with the class only if you want to share them.
First Day: Read the Commentary on 1 Kings 6-8.
1. What meaningful or new thought did you find in the commentary on 1 Kings 6-8 or from your teacher’s lecture?
2. Look for a verse in the lesson to memorize this week. Write it down and post it in a prominent place. Make a real effort to learn the verse and its “address” (reference of where it is found in the Bible).
Second Day: Read 1 Kings 9-11, concentrating on chapter 9.
1. When God honored Solomon by appearing to him a second time, what promise did He make and what were the conditions? (1 Kings 9:4-5)
2. What would happen if Solomon or his sons didn’t fulfill the conditions of God’s promise? (1 Kings 9:6-9)
3. a. In 1 Kings 9:10-19 the narrator describes a business transaction between Solomon and Hiram, king of Tyre, and describes Solomon’s various building projects. Who made up the slave labor force for these projects? (1 Kings 9:20-21)
b. In what capacities did the Israelites serve Solomon? (1 Kings 9:22-23)
4. Once the temple was finished, where did Solomon offer sacrifices to the Lord? (1 Kings 9:25)
5. Challenge: Review 1 Kings 3:2-4. Where had Solomon and the people previously offered sacrifices?
6. Personal: God cared so much about Solomon and the people of Israel that He Himself appeared to Solomon to give a solemn warning. Throughout Israel’s history He sent His personal envoys, the prophets, to keep calling His people to follow Him in obedience. Finally, He sent His own Son, Jesus Christ. Read 1 John 4:9-10. Have you accepted God’s loving sacrifice of His Son for your sin?
Third Day: Review 1 Kings 9-11, concentrating on 10:1-13.
1. a. Who heard about Solomon, and what was his fame associated with? See 1 Kings 10:1a and Matthew 12:42b.
b. What did she decide to do about what she heard? (1 Kings 10:1b)
c. Challenge: Read Matthew 12:38-42. How did Jesus commend this woman, in contrast to His criticism of the unbelieving religious leaders of His time?
2. What was her reaction to all that she saw and heard? (1 Kings 10:2-7; summarize briefly)
3. a. How did the queen of Sheba believe Solomon’s subjects must feel about having him as king? (1 Kings 10:8)
b. Why did she believe God had placed Solomon on the throne? (1 Kings 10:9)
4. What gifts did the two rulers exchange? (1 Kings 10:10,13)
5. Personal: Solomon’s wisdom and splendor inspired awe in the queen of Sheba. You may feel that you can never compare to Solomon, in either wisdom or wealth. Read 1 Corinthians 1:26-31. Can you identify with these people? Has Jesus Christ become your wisdom, righteousness, holiness and redemption?
Fourth Day: Review 1 Kings 9-11, concentrating on 10:14-29.
1. How does 1 Kings 10:14-22 continue to describe the wealth and splendor of Solomon’s reign?
2. How did “the whole world” regard Solomon? (1 Kings 10:23-25)
3. How did Solomon both accumulate and trade in chariots and horses? (1 Kings 10:26-29)
4. Challenge: In Deuteronomy 17:14-20, Moses gave instructions about the king the people of Israel would eventually seek to rule over them. As we will see in tomorrow’s passage (1 Kings 11:1-13), Solomon will be rebuked for violating Deuteronomy 17:17a. However, he is not rebuked in reference to the second half of this verse. Read God’s promise to Solomon in 1 Kings 3:13 to see why.
5. Personal: Riches were God’s gift to Solomon, and he should not be criticized for it; God’s prohibition in Deuteronomy had to do with motivation and priorities.[28] In the same way today God may bless individuals with wealth; it is in how they use the wealth and where they put their trust that God is interested. Have you been blessed with material goods? Do you trust in them more than in God for your security?
Fifth Day: Review 1 Kings 9-11, concentrating on 11:1-13.
1. a. How many wives and concubines did Solomon have, and from what peoples did many of them come? (1 Kings 11:1,3a)
b. About what did God warn the future king of Israel in Deuteronomy 17:17a?
2. a. Why had God warned the Israelites about intermarriage with the Canaanite peoples? (1 Kings 11:2a)
b. Challenge: Read Exodus 34:15-16 to see one of God’s earlier warnings in this matter.
3. a. What happened after Solomon disobeyed God’s command? (1 Kings 11:2b, 3b-5)
b. What practices did Solomon allow in his household and perhaps even participate in? (1 Kings 11:7-8)
4. Challenge: From the following verses, what were some of the special privileges and honors Solomon received from God that he was now throwing aside in favor of following his wives in worshiping other gods?
2 Samuel 12:24-25
1 Kings 3:5 and 9:2
1 Kings 3:12-13
5. a. What punishment would Solomon suffer because of his sin? (1 Kings 11:9-11)
b. How was Solomon’s punishment modified by God’s mercy, and for whose sake? (1 Kings 11:12-13)
6. Personal: God’s warnings and commands are not made because He is a spoil-sport who wants to make our lives miserable. We may not immediately understand the reason for His commands, but we can be sure that He warns us for our good, because He knows how we are made and knows what the end result will be when we insist upon our own way. Is there a command in Scripture that you struggle to obey, that you just can’t understand? How does Solomon’s experience give you a different outlook on it?
Sixth Day: Review 1 Kings 9-11, concentrating on 11:14-43.
1. a. What two men became troublesome to Solomon, and how was God involved in this matter? (1 Kings 11:14,23)
b. Review 1 Kings 5:4. What was the situation in Israel earlier in Solomon’s reign?
2. a. Who was the third, and as we will see, the most serious problem for Solomon in his later years? (1 Kings 11:26)
b. How did Jeroboam learn about God’s plan for Solomon’s kingdom? (1 Kings 11:29-32)
3. Challenge: Compare 1 Kings 11:36 with 1 Kings 9:3. How was the future of David’s throne linked with the city of Jerusalem?
4. a. What opportunity did God offer Jeroboam, and what condition did He set? (1 Kings 11:37-38)
b. What would become of God’s promise to David? (1 Kings 11:39)
5. a. What did Solomon do in response to Jeroboam’s rebellion? (1 Kings 11:40)
b. When Solomon died, who succeeded him as king? (1 Kings 11:43)
6. Personal: In spite of Solomon’s faults, he was the first step of the fulfillment of God’s promise to David, and his inspired words of wisdom as recorded in Scripture live on for us to learn from. God honored Solomon’s earlier wholehearted service to Him. No matter what your life pattern has been—whether you have served God in the past or have just come to know Him for the first time—He invites you to follow Him wholeheartedly now. Will you do that? Write down your thoughts about this.
1 Kings Lesson 5
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1 Kings 9-11
Thirteen years had passed since the dedication of the temple, when fire came down from heaven and consumed the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. Solomon’s magnificent Palace of the Forest of Lebanon had been completed, and Pharaoh’s daughter was settled there. Solomon had also completed all of his other major building projects—strategically-placed fortified cities, such as Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer; cities that were primarily for storing supplies; cities for his chariots and horses; the walls of Jerusalem; supporting terraces for the palace and temple area; and much more. Everything he desired to build in Jerusalem and throughout the territory that he ruled, he had built.
To accomplish these projects, he had used the conscripted labor that was discussed in lesson 3. He obtained many of the supplies from Hiram, King of Tyre, including over four tons of gold. In addition to the original payment agreement Solomon had made (see 1 Kings 5:1-12), he gave Hiram twenty towns in Galilee. When Hiram looked at them, he thought they were worthless, and named them “the Land of Kabul,” which sounds like the Hebrew for “good-for-nothing.”[29] Second Chronicles 8 tells us that Hiram evidently gave the cities back to Solomon, and the rebuilding of these cities was yet another one of Solomon’s many building projects.
Another of Solomon’s undertakings was the establishment of a trading venture in conjunction with King Hiram. At Ezion Geber, near Elath in Edom, located at the northern end of the Gulf of Aqaba, Solomon built a fleet of ships. Hiram sent sailors who knew the sea to help man these ships. Their first venture brought back 16 tons of gold. After that, every three years ships returned, bringing back gold, silver, ivory, apes, and baboons.
Scripture also notes that on the three important holy days—the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles—Solomon continued to offer sacrifices. However, it does not say that, like his father David, he was a man after God’s own heart.
God’s Appearance to Solomon
When Solomon “had achieved all he had desired to do” (1 Kings 9:1), the Lord appeared to him again, just as He had at Gibeon, twenty-four years before, when Solomon was first crowned king. All that God had promised Solomon at that first appearance had been fulfilled:
• Solomon had been given a wise and discerning heart, so that there was no one like him.
• Solomon was given riches and honor, so that no king was equal to him.
In this second appearance, the Lord began by reminding Solomon that He had answered Solomon’s prayer regarding the temple[30]—that He had consecrated the temple by putting his Name there,[31] and that both His eyes and His heart would be there. Next came God’s promise to Solomon as an individual—God would establish Solomon’s royal throne over Israel forever, just as He had promised Solomon’s father, David. Then came the condition for that promise—Solomon was to walk before God in integrity of heart and uprightness, as David had done, and to observe God’s decrees and laws.
Not only did Solomon have both the written record of all that God had done for Israel and the verbal testimony from his father of all that God had done for him, Solomon had also seen the promises that God had already fulfilled in his own life and the prayers that God had already answered. These were proof in Solomon’s life that God was true to His Word—that what He says, He does.
Like Solomon, we have the written record of all that God has done for Israel and for humanity. We also have the verbal testimony of other believers about what God has done for them, and, for those who have known the Lord for any length of time, we see the promises that God has already fulfilled in our own lives and the prayers that He has already answered. All these bear witness in our lives that God is true to His Word—that what He says, He does.
God has given us promises, too, and many of them come with conditions. We must meet those conditions to receive the fulfillment of the promises. For example, in Philippians 4:6-7, God tells us what to do in order for His peace, which transcends all understanding, to guard our hearts and minds. If you want to receive the benefits of the promise in this passage, you must meet the conditions of the promise, which include not being anxious, presenting our requests to God with thanksgiving, etc.
Then came God’s warning, not just to Solomon, but also to his descendants—if Solomon, or any of his sons, were to turn away from the Lord and no longer obey the rules and regulations that God had given them to keep, and decide to worship and serve other gods…then Israel would be removed from the land, God’s presence would no longer dwell in the temple, and it would eventually be destroyed. The nations would mock and ridicule Israel, and when people would scornfully ask why the Lord had done this, others would answer that it was because Israel had forsaken the Lord and served other gods.
As we continue this study, we will discover that throughout Israel’s history, when there was a godly king on the throne, the nation walked in righteousness; however, when the king served other gods, the nation, as a whole, followed suit.[32]
God had created the nation of Israel from one man, Abraham, and through it the nations of the world were to be blessed. First, Israel was given God’s law and the tabernacle/temple worship. It is God’s law that shows us what sin is and leads us to Him (see Galatians 3:24). The temple was a picture of what is in heaven. The sacrifices were pictures of what Jesus would do for us (see Hebrews 10), to bring us back into relationship with God. Most importantly, it was through Israel that the Savior of the world would come. This nation was to show the world the blessings of knowing and serving the Lord (see Psalm 144:15).
Years before, prior to Israel becoming the prominent nation that it was under Solomon, when King David sinned with Bathsheba, it gave the enemies of the Lord opportunity to show utter contempt for God (see 2 Samuel 12:14). Now the eyes of the nations were on Israel and its leaders. How important it was for them to walk in righteousness!
The Visit of the Queen of Sheba
One of those nations, Sheba, was a wealthy nation, known for its trade in gold, spices, and precious stones.[33] After hearing about Solomon and his relation to the name of the Lord, the Queen of Sheba made the long journey to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions. She brought with her a caravan laden with spices, gold, and precious stones, as a gift to honor this great king. When he answered her questions, she talked with him about all that she had on her mind (see 2 Chronicles 9:1).
People still want answers to the questions of life, such as—Why am I here? Why is life difficult? Where will I go when I die? God has given us those answers in His Word, and we have the privilege of sharing those answers with others.
The Queen of Sheba was royal, and was wealthy in her own right. She had expected to see greatness; however, she was astounded by all that she beheld—the blessings God had given Solomon: his wisdom, his palace, the food, the number of officials seated at his table, all the servants and cupbearers in their robes, and the quality and quantity of burnt offerings made to the Lord at the temple.
After beholding the tangible blessings and hearing the wisdom that came out of Solomon’s mouth, she acknowledged that God had made Solomon king in order to bless Israel and to use him to maintain justice and righteousness. She believed that those who were near him daily—his servants and officials, who heard his wisdom—must surely feel blessed. But that was not necessarily so.
Nothing in this life is perfect; we live in a fallen world. All too often, when we humans are in a place of blessing, we begin to take the blessing for granted. Instead of being thankful for what we have, we begin to complain about what we do not have. If we have a good employer or a good mate, we begin to see the imperfections rather than being grateful for what is good.
I know of a woman whose job was not perfect, but it paid a decent salary. She liked most of those she worked with, and for the most part, she enjoyed what she was doing. However, as time passed she began to grumble, and when others grumbled it added to her discontent. Eventually, all she did was complain. Due to personal circumstances, it was necessary for her to leave the job for a time, but when the company offered to re-hire her, she rejected the opportunity. Later, after working several other places in temporary positions, she commented that the first job had been the best job she had ever had. When she compared what she had before with what most people were dealing with, she realized that the first job had been a blessing.
This happens in marriages, too. A man or woman begins to take the good things about their mate for granted, and only notices their shortcomings. After a time they become discontented; some may even divorce.
Think about your own life situation. Are you complaining about someone or something? Make a list of all the good things about that person or situation (including the fact that God works everything to make us like Jesus), and begin to thank God for each one. You will be surprised at how your attitude will change.
Everything the Queen of Sheba asked for, Solomon gave to her.[34] In addition to granting her requests, Solomon presented her with gifts of greater value than the gifts she had brought to him. So, with a new understanding of the God of Israel and of the blessings He bestows on his people, she returned to her country.
Trusting and Obeying God
When the Israelites were given the law through Moses, they were given instructions regarding what a king should and should not do (see Deuteronomy 17:14-20), even though at the time they had no king over them. The king was to read the law of the Lord every day, so that…
• he would learn to fear the Lord and how to obey Him.
• he would not become proud and believe that he was better than the other Israelites.
• he would not turn from the Lord in even the smallest way; thus he would ensure that he and his descendants would reign for many generations.
Along with obeying the law in general, there were specifics that dealt with the king alone. He was not to…
• obtain a large number of horses for himself, and was particularly not to send his people to purchase horses from Egypt.
• amass large amounts of silver and gold for himself.
• take numerous wives.
It is plain why the king should read the law daily, but you may wonder about the specific things he was not supposed to do.
• Horses were used in warfare. The greater the number of horses and chariots, the stronger the army. Israel was not to trust in its own might for safety, but was to trust in the Lord (see Psalm 20:7). They especially were not to go back to Egypt, the place where they had been enslaved, to obtain the horses.
• Throughout Deuteronomy God had warned not only the king, but also all the people, not to trust in riches, or to think that it was by their own power and strength that they had obtained them (see Deuteronomy 8:17-18).
• Numerous wives would lead the king away from the Lord.
Now let us look at how obedient Solomon was to these instructions:
• Solomon, and the kingdom, had such an abundance of gold, that silver was considered of little value. Solomon had not, however, accumulated it for himself. God had given it to him (see 1 Kings 3:13).
• Solomon had 12,000 horses and 1,400 chariots. Many of these were obtained from Egypt.
• Solomon had 700 wives of royal birth and 300 concubines.[35] He may have married some of them in order to seal political alliances; however, he was acting in disobedience to God’s direct command. Not only did he take multiple wives, but also some of them were from the nations that the Lord had forbidden the Israelites to intermarry with.
Solomon had begun well; however, the result of his disobedience was disastrous. You cannot disobey the Lord without there being negative results. Walking away from the Lord doesn’t usually happen all at once. It is often gradual—a “small” compromise here, a “little” disobedience there—and before you know it, you’ve drifted from fellowship with God. You may not even realize it.
I grew up by the Ohio River. It is a very wide and seemingly slow-moving river. On hot summer days we used to go out in a boat, and after water skiing, we would sometimes turn the motor off and just enjoy the sounds and smells of God’s creation. It seemed like we were sitting still in the middle of the river, but we weren’t. Ever so slowly, the current was moving us downstream. If we didn’t turn the motor on and get moving again, we could have drifted down the river to a place we didn’t want to go. In the same way, if we aren’t moving forward with the Lord, staying in fellowship with Him through prayer, reading His Word, and living in obedience to Him, we will begin to drift away from Him. It becomes easier to accept wrong attitudes in ourselves, leading to poor choices and from there into sin.
This is what happened to Solomon. God had warned the Israelites how they would behave if they intermarried with certain nations, and that is exactly what happened. As Solomon grew old, his wives led his heart away from the Lord. He didn’t directly deny the Lord, but he was not fully devoted to the Lord as David had been.
David had not been a perfect man. In fact, he committed adultery with Bathsheba, and then tried to cover it by having her husband killed. However, when confronted, David was sickened by his sin and repented. Although God forgave him, there were many consequences from that sin. David believed that God judged fairly, and he accepted God’s judgment without question or complaining. Never once did David’s heart go after false gods.
Solomon, however, compromised. His heart was not completely for the Lord. One compromise led to another, until Solomon was building places to worship false gods on the hill east of Jerusalem.
What Solomon did is what many people do. They may go to church and acknowledge that Jesus is the Savior of the world, but they intertwine other beliefs with what the Bible says. Some people follow horoscopes, or believe in reincarnation and karma, or in a multitude of other falsehoods. Their religion is just that—a religion of mixed ideas, and not a relationship with the God of the universe. This relationship has been made possible by the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. Throughout the Bible, we are warned that there is only one God, and we are to worship and serve only Him.
Just think—this was Solomon, who was the recipient of so many of God’s tangible blessings, who had seen the glory of the Lord fill the temple, and to whom the Lord had appeared twice. But we are human, too. We have the Holy Spirit Himself living within us. If we let ourselves begin to drift, we, too, will fall. First Corinthians 10:12-13 warns us, “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.”
God had given the king certain instructions to help him remain true to the Lord. Let us see how we can apply these to our own lives:
He was to read God’s Word daily. We also need to read God’s Word daily, because…
• it is spiritual food (see 1 Peter 2:2).
• it must remain in us in order for our prayers to be answered (see John 15:7).
• it will be a light for our path, to show us how to live (see Psalm 119:105).
• it teaches us to see ourselves as we are, and to not think too much of ourselves (see Romans 12:3)
The king was not to amass for himself anything that he might put his trust in, instead of trusting in the Lord. We, too, need to make certain that our trust is in the Lord, and not in tangible things.
• “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Timothy 6:9-10).
• Riches, in themselves, are not evil. However, Jesus said that we can’t serve both God and money (see Matthew 6:24).
• Hebrews 13:5 says, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”
The king was not to intermarry with those who were not Israelites and who did not serve the Lord. We are told in 2 Corinthians 6:14, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” Whether in marriage or in business, we should not be yoked in a relationship with those who don’t know and serve the Lord; they will lead us to compromise. We may protest and say they won’t, but Scripture tells us otherwise.
Just as the Queen of Sheba looked at the king’s life, other people are looking at our lives. The apostle Paul said, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Do our lives measure up to what God says? Does your life show the joy that comes from both trusting and obeying the Lord?
The Consequences of Disobedience
God was angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned from the Lord, and he was serving other gods. For this reason judgment was pronounced: the kingdom would be taken away from Solomon. However, because of God’s love for and promise to David, this would not transpire during Solomon’s lifetime, but during his son’s; nor would God take the entire kingdom from him. Only the ten northern tribes would be taken and given to one of Solomon’s servants.
Before Solomon’s birth, God had promised David that He would establish Solomon’s kingdom (see 2 Samuel 7:12-16). When Solomon would do wrong, God would use people to punish Solomon, but He would not remove His love from him. God promised David that his throne would be established forever.
In accordance with that promise, God raised up adversaries against Solomon. The first was Hadad the Edomite, who had bitter hatred for the house of David and Solomon. The animosity had arisen many years before when David conquered Edom. One of the few royal survivors of a six-month slaughter by David’s army, the child Hadad had sought refuge in Egypt. There he found great favor with the pharaoh. When Hadad came of age, Pharaoh gave him his own wife’s sister in marriage. Although Hadad lacked nothing, when he learned that both David and the general of David’s army were dead, he had returned to Edom. Now, he began to create problems for Solomon on his southeastern border.
The Lord also raised up Rezon, the leader of a band of rebels, who settled in Damascus and ruled over the area of Aram, which was on the northeastern border of Israel. Losing control of these areas would affect several of Solomon’s lucrative trade routes.
But, the one who eventually caused the most difficulty for Israel was Jeroboam, the son of Nebat. Jeroboam was an Israelite. He had been a capable young man who did his work well. Solomon put him in charge of the forced labor for both the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. One day when Jeroboam was leaving Jerusalem, the prophet Ahijah came to him with a symbolic message from the Lord. Ahijah tore his new cloak into twelve pieces and gave ten of the pieces to Jeroboam. He then gave him a verbal message:
First, the pronouncement—God was going to take the kingdom from Solomon’s son. However, because of His promise to David, He would allow Solomon’s son to retain one tribe, Judah. By doing this, He would humble David’s descendants, but not forever.
Next, the unconditional promise—God would give Jeroboam ten of the tribes—the northern kingdom of Israel—to rule.[36]
Finally, the conditional promise—If Jeroboam would do all that God commanded, and walk in all God’s ways as David had done, then God would be with Jeroboam and would build a dynasty for him, as enduring as the one that He had built for David.
What a privilege and opportunity for Jeroboam. As we continue with this study, we will see what he does with it.
Solomon’s End
Jeroboam, presumably attempting to fulfill the prophecy in his own timing, rebelled against Solomon (see 1 Kings 11:26). Solomon then tried to kill him. Fleeing for his life, Jeroboam went to Egypt and sought asylum from Shishak, the new king.[37] He remained there until Solomon died.
For forty years Solomon had reigned over all Israel. Through him, God began to fulfill His promises to David. When he died, he was buried in the city of David. In spite of his failures in his old age, Solomon accomplished many great things and recorded much of the wisdom God gave to him. You can read many of his proverbs in the book of Proverbs. His struggle to find the meaning of life, and the wisdom he learned along the way, is recorded in the book of Ecclesiastes.
His son, Rehoboam, succeeded him as king.
Study Questions
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Before you begin your study this week:
❖ Pray and ask God to speak to you through His Holy Spirit.
❖ Use only the Bible for your answers.
❖ Write down your answers and the verses you used.
❖ Answer the “Challenge” questions if you have the time and want to do them.
❖ Share your answers to the “Personal” questions with the class only if you want to share them.
First Day: Read the Commentary on 1 Kings 9-11.
1. What meaningful or new thought did you find in the commentary on 1 Kings 9-11 or from your teacher’s lecture?
2. Look for a verse in the lesson to memorize this week. Write it down and post it in a prominent place. Make a real effort to learn the verse and its “address” (reference of where it is found in the Bible).
Second Day: Read 1 Kings 12-14, concentrating on 12:1-24.
1. Rehoboam had succeeded his father Solomon as king. Where did he go, and for what purpose? (1 Kings 12:1)
2. a. What did Jeroboam do when he heard about this, and what action did the delegation from the northern tribes take? (1 Kings 12:2-3)
b. What reforms did they demand from Rehoboam if he wanted to be their king? (1 Kings 12:4)
3. a. What counsel did Rehoboam receive from the elders who had served his father? Did he accept their counsel? (1 Kings 12:6-8a)
b. What advice did his younger advisors give? Did he follow their advice? (1 Kings 12:8b-14, summarize briefly)
4. a. What was the ultimate reason that Rehoboam made this decision? (1 Kings 12:15)
b. What was the result of Rehoboam’s decision? (1 Kings 12:16,19-20)
5. What did Rehoboam decide to do about Israel’s rebellion, and how was civil war averted? (1 Kings 12:21-24)
6. Personal: We don’t know if Solomon had warned Rehoboam about the punishment that was coming from the Lord, that He would “tear the kingdom” away from Solomon’s descendant (see 1 Kings 11:11-12). Rehoboam may have felt that he had every right to rule all Israel, which would naturally lead him to a military response to Israel’s rebellion. Yet when he heard the word of the Lord forbidding this action, he obeyed. Can you think of a time when God’s Word forbade one of your plans or desires? What did you do?
Third Day: Review 1 Kings 12-14, concentrating on 12:25-33.
1. What city did Jeroboam make his capital? (1 Kings 12:25)
2. What did Jeroboam fear? (1 Kings 12:26-27)
3. What did Jeroboam do about this after seeking advice from people, but not from the Lord? (1 Kings 12:28-33, summarize briefly)
4. Challenge: Read Hosea 8:1-6. How did the prophet express God’s view of Jeroboam’s actions?[38]
5. Challenge: Read 2 Chronicles 11:5,13-17. Who left Israel and went to Judah at this time, and why?
6. Personal: When the prophet told Jeroboam that the Lord was going to take the ten tribes from Solomon and give them to Jeroboam, God specifically said, “I will do this because they have forsaken me…and have not walked in obedience to me, nor done what is right in my eyes, nor kept my decrees and laws” (1 Kings 11:33). Even though Jeroboam’s kingdom was a direct gift from God, he forgot why he had received it, went his own way, and ignored God’s laws. Do you realize that everything you have is a gift from God? (See James 1:17.) Will you choose to honor and obey Him?
Fourth Day: Review 1 Kings 12-14, concentrating on chapter 13.
1. How did the Lord send a warning to Jeroboam? (1 Kings 13:1)
2. a. What did the man of God prophesy about the altar where Jeroboam was leading in false sacrifices? (1 Kings 13:2)
b. Challenge: Read 2 Kings 23:15-16 to see the fulfillment of this prophecy.
3. a. What sign did the man of God give to confirm his prophecy? (1 Kings 13:3)
b. Did the sign take place? (1 Kings 13:5)
4. What happened when Jeroboam tried to punish the man of God? (1 Kings 13:4,6)
5. Although we may not understand all the events of 1 Kings 13:7-32, God’s word is true. God asks for complete obedience, not partial obedience. His direction is to protect us, not to harm us. What happened to the prophet from Judah in verses 24-26 because of his disobedience to God’s explicit instructions?
6. a. Did these events cause Jeroboam to turn back to God? What would be the consequence of his refusal to repent? (1 Kings 13:33-34)
b. Personal: When we go off on our own way instead of following God’s way, He calls us to repent. Have you been going your own way in some area of your life? Read Revelation 3:19-20. What will Jesus do when you listen to Him and repent?
Fifth Day: Review 1 Kings 12-14, concentrating on 14:1-20.
1. What did Jeroboam do when his son became critically ill? (1 Kings 14:1-3)
2. a. Why might Jeroboam have thought his wife’s disguise would work? (1 Kings 14:4)
b. How did Ahijah know about the disguise? (1 Kings 14:5-6)
3. a. What did God say, through Ahijah, that He had done for Jeroboam? (1 Kings 14:7-8)
b. What had Jeroboam done in spite of God’s goodness to him? (1 Kings 14:9)
c. What consequences would fall on Jeroboam’s dynasty because of his sin? (1 Kings 14:10-11)
d. What would happen to Jeroboam’s son? (1 Kings 14:12-13)
e. Because Jeroboam’s sin permeated all Israel as they participated in his false religion, what consequences would they experience? (1 Kings 14:15-16)
4. How did the prophet’s words begin to be fulfilled? (1 Kings 14:17-18)
5. How long did Jeroboam rule over Israel? (1 Kings 14:19-20)
6. Personal: Although Jeroboam’s son Abijah died, Jeroboam himself did not immediately experience God’s judgment for his sin. He remained king over Israel, and passed the throne to his son Nadab at his death. Yet Ahijah’s prophecy would eventually be fulfilled: Jeroboam’s dynasty would fall, and the Assyrians would take the people of Israel away from their land into captivity. What does Galatians 6:7 say about this? Do you take God’s warnings seriously?
Sixth Day: Review 1 Kings 12-14, concentrating on 14:21-31.
1. a. How long did Rehoboam, son of Solomon, rule in Judah? (1 Kings 14:21)
b. Challenge: Read 2 Chronicles 11:16-17 and 12:1. How did Rehoboam act towards the Lord during the first few years of his reign? When and why did he change?
2. How did the people of Judah follow Rehoboam into sin? (1 Kings 14:22-24)
3. Who invaded Jerusalem, and what did he take? (1 Kings 14:25-26)
4. Read 2 Chronicles 12:5-12, which gives additional information about this event. Why did God moderate Israel’s punishment and keep Shishak from destroying Jerusalem? (2 Chronicles 12:6-8,12)
5. Who succeeded Rehoboam as king of Judah after his death? (1 Kings 14:31)
6. Personal: Even though Rehoboam sinned greatly, he humbled himself when the prophet confronted him with his sin. The Lord graciously gave him deliverance, and he and his people were not totally destroyed by the invader. Read 1 Peter 5:6. What is your attitude toward God?
1 Kings Lesson 6
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1 Kings 12-14
Nearly one hundred years earlier, shortly after the death of Saul, the tribe of Judah[39] had crowned David, Rehoboam’s grandfather, king over their tribe. Seven years and six months later, the ten northern tribes of Israel made a compact with David, and they also crowned him king. The kingdom remained united throughout Solomon’s lifetime. Now, with the death of his father Solomon, Rehoboam—already recognized as king of Judah—was to go to the city of Shechem, located within the territory of the tribe of Ephraim, to be crowned king of Israel.[40]
Upon hearing this news, Jeroboam, son of Nebat, returned from Egypt, and the elders of the northern tribes of Israel summoned him to go with them to Shechem. Prior to the coronation, they went to Rehoboam to propose a new agreement: if Rehoboam would ease the harsh labor requirements and heavy taxation that Solomon had imposed on them, then they would willingly serve him and make him their king. Rehoboam asked that they give him three days in which to make his decision.
First, Rehoboam sought the counsel of the elders who had been advisors to Solomon. Their advice was for him to listen to the request of the people. This idea was not to his liking, so he sought the counsel of the younger men, those who had grown up with him and were now serving him. Their advice was just the opposite of the elders. They believed they could frighten the northern tribes into submission, and suggested that Rehoboam to tell them that he would be far harder on them than his father had been. This was more to his liking. At the end of three days, Rehoboam met again with Jeroboam and all the northern tribes of Israel. With boldness and audacity, Rehoboam stated that he rejected their request, and that the worst his father had done to them was less than the least of what he would do to them.
It seems to make no sense that Rehoboam would listen to the younger men’s foolish advice, but we must take into account that this was part of the judgment the Lord had decreed on Solomon and all of Israel for their disobedience to Him. Proverbs 21:1 tells us, “In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.” And Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” God intervenes when He sees fit.
We may not understand why God allows certain events to happen, but He is far wiser than we are, and knows exactly what He is doing and why. Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’” What He asks of us is to trust Him, to truly believe that He is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent, and that He is love—that He knows what He is doing, even though we may not, even cannot, understand. He is working out everything “in conformity with the purpose of his will” (Ephesians 1:11). He also asks us to pray for those in authority, so “that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). So to sum it up, we are to pray and trust the Lord in all situations.
The Northern and Southern Kingdoms Divide
Upon hearing Rehoboam’s decision, the Israelites announced that they no longer had any share in the house of David,[41] particularly in Rehoboam and his reign. They returned home and made Jeroboam their king. However, the Israelites that were already living within the borders of Judah submitted to the rule of Rehoboam. The prophecy that had been given to Jeroboam in 1 Kings 11:31 was beginning to be fulfilled.
Whether or not Rehoboam knew of God’s judgment on his father Solomon, and of the prophecy regarding the division of the kingdom, we are not told. We do know that he was not ready to give up the control of these tribes. He sent Adoniram, who had been in charge of forced labor, to talk to them, but when they stoned him to death, Rehoboam fled for his life to Jerusalem.
Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Rehoboam mustered an army of one hundred and eighty thousand men from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin[42] to fight against the northern tribes and bring them into submission to himself once again. As they were preparing for battle, a message from the Lord came to Shemaiah, the prophet, which he delivered to Rehoboam and to all the people of Judah and Benjamin. They were not to fight against their brothers, the northern tribes of Israel, because God had brought about this division. In accordance with that word, the army dispersed and returned home. From this point forward, the area of the ten northern tribes is referred to as “Israel,” while the area governed by the descendants of David is known as “Judah.”
Jeroboam Turns Away from God
Setting: The Northern Kingdom of Israel
Jeroboam had served as an administrator under Solomon, and he knew how to lead men. Now, as king over Israel, Jeroboam set about securing his safety and his kingdom. He fortified the city of Shechem, making it his capital city, and also fortified the city of Peniel, which was located across the Jordan River, some distance from Shechem.
The basic administrative machinery of Jeroboam’s kingdom was already in place, including the system of taxation that Solomon had established, but Jeroboam identified what he believed to be one major problem. The temple of the Lord was located in Judah, in Jerusalem—Rehoboam’s capital city, and the people were required to go to Jerusalem to make certain sacrifices. He feared that when the people went to worship the Lord in Jerusalem, their allegiance would return to the house of David, and that they would turn on Jeroboam, kill him, and reunite the kingdom.
Jeroboam failed to trust God. He failed to believe that since God had fulfilled His promise and had given him the kingdom, He would also fulfill His promise to establish that kingdom for him and for his offspring, on the condition that Jeroboam would be obedient to Him and serve Him with all his heart, as David had done. Instead, Jeroboam took matters into his own hands. After consulting with others, he made two golden calves and placed them within the borders of Israel, one in Bethel and one in Dan. He told the people, “Here are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt” (1 Kings 12:28). What an insult to the Lord.
As if the golden calves were not wicked enough, Jeroboam also built shrines on the high places, and appointed priests to serve there.[43] He also instituted his own festivals, to draw his people away from the celebrations that God had instituted, that were celebrated in Jerusalem. This did not go unnoticed by God.
Most of the people were all too ready to accept these false gods; however, the Levites who had lived within Israel’s borders left their lands and property and moved to Judah (see 2 Chronicles 11:5-14). Imagine packing up your belongings and leaving your house and property, knowing that you would probably never return, just to be in a land where you could serve the Lord. Consider yourself. Do you think you would do it? In some cultures, people lose their family and friends when they become Christians—some even risk losing their life. How deep is your love for Him? Perhaps your difficulty is not as great as losing all that you have, perhaps it is a matter of losing some of your time to do what you want to do. Is there anything that you allow to come between you and your time alone with the Lord?
Never Disobey God’s Word
On the fifteenth day of the eighth month, as Jeroboam celebrated a festival of his own making, he went to Bethel and sacrificed on the altar that he had made. However, at God’s direction, an unnamed prophet of God arrived at Bethel from Judah, with a word from the Lord. In the hearing of Jeroboam and the people, he pronounced God’s judgment:
A descendant of David’s, named Josiah, would be born. On that very altar, he would burn the bones of those priests of the high places who were that day making sacrifices on the altar. And, as a sign that it would surely come to pass, the altar would split apart and the ashes would spill on the ground.
In fury Jeroboam stretched out his hand, pointing to the prophet, and demanded that the guards seize him. At that moment the king’s outstretched hand shriveled up and became paralyzed. Then the altar split apart and the ashes spilled on the ground, just as the prophet had said they would. Jeroboam pleaded with the prophet to ask God to restore his hand. The prophet prayed, and Jeroboam’s hand was restored. Next, the king asked the prophet to return home with him and accept a gift from him, but the prophet refused. The Lord had commanded him to take nothing from the king that would, in any way, give the appearance that God condoned the king’s actions.
God had given the prophet from Judah several instructions, in addition to the prophecy he was to deliver. He was not to return to Judah by the same route he had come, nor was he to eat bread or drink water until he returned home. So, having delivered the prophecy, this prophet left the presence of the king and started his journey home, taking a different route, in accordance with God’s instructions.
There was an old prophet of the Lord living in Bethel. When he heard from his sons all that had transpired, he hurried after the prophet from Judah. When the old prophet caught up to the Judean prophet, he told him, that he, too, was a prophet of the Lord, and he invited the Judean prophet to return to his house and have something to eat before continuing his journey. The Judean prophet repeated the instructions that God had given to him, about not returning by the same way, and not eating or drinking until he had returned to Judah.
Now, for whatever reason, the old prophet lied to the Judean prophet. He told the Judean prophet that an angel had appeared to him and instructed him to bring the Judean prophet back to his home to eat and drink before continuing his journey. Unfortunately, the Judean prophet believed him and went to the old prophet’s house, where he ate and drank.
God had given the Judean prophet clear instructions, and up to this point he had been obedient. He had not allowed the king of Israel to sway him in his obedience, but he allowed the credentials of the old prophet to make him doubt what God had instructed him to do.
God gives us clear instructions in His Word, the Bible. We are never to go against what His Word tells us, no matter who tells us it is OK. There are numerous warnings in the Bible about those who would deceive us (e.g. Deuteronomy 13:1-4, 1 John 4:1, and Galatians 1:8). There are people who may tell us something that they believe is true, yet it is not, and there are those who intentionally try to deceive us. It is important for us to read and study God’s Word for ourselves. If someone tells you something you are not certain about, ask God and search His Word. If you have a Christian friend or pastor that you trust, ask them to suggest passages of Scripture for you to read that might help clear up confusion. Of course, if you are in doubt about whether something is wrong to do or not, do not do it (see Romans 14:23).
We may not understand why God tells us to do or not to do something. But He knows why He gave that instruction. Partial obedience is not obedience, and what may seem like a small disobedience can often carry great consequences. As the two prophets sat eating, the word of the Lord came to the old prophet: because the Judean prophet had defied God’s instruction, his body would not be buried in the tomb of his fathers.
When they had finished eating and drinking, the Judean prophet resumed his journey home, not knowing exactly what was going to happen. On his way, he was attacked and killed by a lion, although his donkey was not harmed. His dead body lay on the road, and contrary to what is natural, the lion did not attack the donkey, and the donkey did not run away from the lion. They stood together beside the prophet’s dead body. When the old prophet heard of it, he knew the word of the Lord had been fulfilled. He and his sons took the prophet’s body and buried it in Bethel, in the tomb of the old prophet.
Judgment Against Jeroboam
Twice, Jeroboam had received a prophecy from one of God’s prophets. He had seen God’s word fulfilled, miracles done, and prayers answered, yet he continued to do evil. He appointed more priests for the high places, and he continued to lead Israel in sin. Yet when his son, Abijah, became ill, it was to Ahijah, the prophet of the Lord, that he turned. Ahijah was the prophet that had told Jeroboam that God would make him king over Israel. What he had said had come to pass, and now Jeroboam wanted to know what was going to happen to his son.
Not wanting Ahijah to know who was seeking his counsel, Jeroboam told his wife to disguise herself and to take gifts to give to the prophet. Now, Ahijah was an old man and nearly blind, but God had told him who would be coming and what to say to her. As Jeroboam’s wife stepped inside his doorway, Ahijah gave her God’s word to Jeroboam:
• First, God reminded Jeroboam of what He had done for him. God had taken Israel from the house of David, and had made Jeroboam, who was one of the common people, their king.
• Then God reminded Jeroboam of how he had responded to His blessing. Jeroboam had turned his back on the Lord, and had done more evil than any of the rulers before him, going so far as to make idols for himself and to lead the people in worship of these idols.
• Finally, God pronounced judgment on Jeroboam and on Israel. Because of the evil Jeroboam had done, God would raise up a king to bring disaster on him and on his lineage. God was going to wipe out every trace of Jeroboam and his descendants. If any of them died in the city, dogs would eat them, and if any died in the country, birds would eat them.
In addition, as soon as his wife would return home, their son, Abijah, would die, but because there was some goodness in Abijah, he alone of their family, would be buried.
As for Israel, because she followed Jeroboam in worshiping false gods, God would eventually uproot her and scatter her beyond the Euphrates River.
Fulfilling Ahijah’s prophecy, the child Abijah died when his mother entered the city. He was buried, and Israel mourned for him. As we continue with our study of 1-2 Kings, we will see how God fulfilled the rest of the prophecy against Jeroboam, son of Nebat.
Jeroboam reigned twenty-two years in all. His son Nadab succeeded him as king. Nadab would continue the evil that Jeroboam had begun.
Rehoboam’s Unfaithfulness
Setting: The Southern Kingdom of Judah
In the southern kingdom of Judah, Rehoboam walked in the ways of the Lord for three years (see 2 Chronicles 11:16-17; 12:1), but after his kingdom was established, both he and the people abandoned the law of the Lord. They built high places and planted groves of trees, where they worshiped other gods. They engaged in all the detestable practices of the nations that God had cast out of the land before them. For this reason, in the fifth year of Rehoboam’s reign, Shishak, king of Egypt, along with innumerable troops of Libyans, Sukkites, and Cushites, attacked Judah’s southern border and began moving north toward Jerusalem, conquering city after city as they went. In fear, Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah gathered in Jerusalem. God sent the prophet, Shemaiah, to them with a message—they had abandoned the Lord, and therefore He had abandoned them to Shishak (see 2 Chronicles 12).
The message must have struck their hearts, because they bowed before the Lord, humbling themselves, and acknowledging that God’s judgment was just. When the Lord saw this, He sent another message through Shemaiah—a message of mercy. Shishak would not destroy them; however, they would become his subjects, so they could learn the difference between serving the Lord and serving the kings of other lands. Where God had blessed them with many tangible blessings, Shishak took all the treasures from the palace and from the temple, including the gold shields that Solomon had made. Rehoboam must have continued to worship the Lord after this, for he had bronze shields made to replace the gold ones. Whenever he went to the Lord’s temple, the guards carried the bronze shields, but when he left, they put them away.
Rehoboam had been forty-one when he became king, and he reigned seventeen years. He had done evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the Lord, but when he humbled himself, the Lord saw that there was some good in Judah and did not totally destroy them. When he died, he was buried in the city of David, and his son, Abijah,[44] succeeded him as king.
God has given every Christian multiple blessings, such as peace and joy. The greatest gift is fellowship with Him. When we, like Rehoboam, fail to seek Him, we so easily slip into sin, lose our fellowship with the Lord, and with the loss of that fellowship, lose our peace and joy. If this has happened to you, will you humble yourself before the Lord, confess what you have done, and allow Him to forgive you and to restore you to fellowship with Himself? Don’t wait. Won’t you do it now?
If you have continued to seek the Lord since you became a Christian, do you remember to thank Him for the many blessings that He has given to you? Take a moment right now to name a few, and to thank Him for them.
Study Questions
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Before you begin your study this week:
❖ Pray and ask God to speak to you through His Holy Spirit.
❖ Use only the Bible for your answers.
❖ Write down your answers and the verses you used.
❖ Answer the “Challenge” questions if you have the time and want to do them.
❖ Share your answers to the “Personal” questions with the class only if you want to share them.
First Day: Read the Commentary on 1 Kings 12-14.
1. What meaningful or new thought did you find in the commentary on 1 Kings 12-14 or from your teacher’s lecture?
2. Look for a verse in the lesson to memorize this week. Write it down and post it in a prominent place. Make a real effort to learn the verse and its “address” (reference of where it is found in the Bible).
Second Day: Read 1 Kings 15-17, concentrating on 15:1-24.
1. Today we’ll look at two kings of Judah, the grandson and great-grandson of King Solomon. When Abijah[45] succeeded his father Rehoboam as king of Judah, how did he behave in relation to the Lord? (1 Kings 15:1-3)
2. In spite of this, what did the Lord do, and why? (1 Kings 15:4-5)
3. When Asa succeeded his father Abijah as king of Judah, how did he behave in relation to the Lord? (1 Kings 15:8-15, summarize briefly)
4. By seizing Ramah in Judah, Baasha, king of the northern tribes of Israel, cut off the main road north out of Jerusalem, giving him control of the trade routes in that direction.[46] What did Asa, king of Judah, do about it? (1 Kings 15:16-22, summarize briefly)
5. Challenge: Read 2 Chronicles 16:7-10, which reports what took place after this event. How did the Lord regard Asa’s solution to his problem with Baasha?
6. Personal: God was faithful to Judah for David’s sake. In spite of Abijah’s spiritual failures, He raised up Asa, who “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord” (1 Kings 15:11). Yet even Asa failed and did “a foolish thing” (2 Chronicles 16:9), turning to human solutions to deal with his crisis instead of turning to the Lord. Do you want to do what is right in God’s eyes, and avoid doing foolish things? Read John 15:5-6. How does Jesus tell us that we can do this?
Third Day: Review 1 Kings 15-17, concentrating on 15:25—16:14.
1. Today we’ll look at several kings of the northern kingdom of Israel. Who succeeded Jeroboam as king of Israel, and how did he behave in relation to the Lord? (1 Kings 15:25-26)
2. How was God’s judgment against the house of Jeroboam carried out? (1 Kings 15:27-30)
3. How did Baasha, the next king of Israel, behave in relation to the Lord? (1 Kings 15:33-34)
4. Although God had raised Baasha up as king over Israel, what message did God now send to him through a prophet? (1 Kings 16:1-4)
5. a. Elah succeeded his father Baasha as king of Israel. From 1 Kings 16:9b, what does Elah’s behavior suggest about his character?
b. How was Jehu’s prophecy about Baasha’s house or dynasty fulfilled in 1 Kings 16:9-13?
6. Personal: Each king, whether of Judah or Israel, was judged by whether he did “right” or did “evil” in the eyes of the Lord. All the other facts—what he built, who he fought, etc.—were secondary. Do you realize that that is how God will judge your life, as well? All of your accomplishments and works will make no difference, if you haven’t repented of your sin and turned away from it to follow God’s way. Today we have a great advantage over the people of the Old Testament: we have the privilege of trusting in the blood of Jesus Christ for our forgiveness, and of relying on the power of His Holy Spirit within us to help us remain in Him. Have you trusted Him for forgiveness? Do you trust Him day by day to help you live a life pleasing to Him?
Fourth Day: Review 1 Kings 15-17, concentrating on 16:15-28.
1. a. After killing Elah, the previous king of Israel, how long did Zimri reign? (1 Kings 16:15a)
b. What did the army of Israel think about Zimri’s coup d’etat, and whom did they proclaim as king of Israel? (1 Kings 16:15b-16)
2. a. What happened to Zimri? (1 Kings 16:17-18)
b. What was the ultimate reason for Zimri’s death? (1 Kings 16:19)
3. Chaos continued in the struggle for power in Israel. Who eventually succeeded in gaining control? (1 Kings 16:21-23)
4. What city did Omri build that became the new capital of the northern kingdom of Israel? (1 Kings 16:24)
5. a. In spite of Omri’s accomplishments as Israel’s king, what was the Lord’s evaluation of him? (1 Kings 16:25-26)
b. Who succeeded Omri as the next king of Israel? (1 Kings 16:28)
6. Personal: This must have been a chaotic and frightening time in the northern kingdom of Israel, as men fought and killed one another to gain power. If the people of Israel had followed their previous kings’ leadership in religious practice, all they had to turn to were “worthless idols” (1 Kings 16:26). Today you may have the privilege of living in a safe and stable country, but we never know what the future may hold. If the world around you became chaotic and frightening, to whom or what would you turn for help and comfort?
Fifth Day: Review 1 Kings 15-17, concentrating on 16:29—17:6.
1. How long did Ahab rule over Israel from the capital of Samaria? (1 Kings 16:29)
2. a. How did the Lord evaluate Ahab’s life? (1 Kings 16:30)
b. In what ways did he provoke the Lord, even more than his predecessors had done? (1 Kings 16:31-33)
3. a. When the Israelites entered the Promised Land under Joshua’s leadership, the Lord delivered the city of Jericho into their hands. After He caused Jericho’s walls to collapse, the entire city was burned. From Joshua 6:26, what did Joshua say about the future of Jericho?
b. In spite of Jericho’s history and Joshua’s oath, what did Ahab grant one of his subjects the authority to do? How was Joshua’s prophecy fulfilled? (1 Kings 16:34)
4. a. Even in such a dark time, whom did God raise up to speak His truth to Ahab, and what did the prophet say? (1 Kings 17:1)
b. Challenge: Read Deuteronomy 11:16-17. Was Elijah’s pronouncement a capricious punishment, or had Israel been previously warned that this would happen?
5. What did God instruct Elijah to do, and how would He provide for the prophet’s needs there? (1 Kings 17:2-6)
6. Personal: Israel had broken the pledge of their covenantal relationship with God, and they were now suffering the consequences. Sometimes the only way God can get our attention is by withdrawing His blessings from our lives. Has this ever happened to you? Did you repent and renew your fellowship with the Lord?
Sixth Day: Review 1 Kings 15-17, concentrating on 17:7-24.
1. When the brook dried up due to the drought, where did the Lord send Elijah? (1 Kings 17:7-9)
2. a. What test of faith did Elijah put before the widow? (1 Kings 17:10-14)
b. This woman was not an Israelite. She referred to “the Lord your God” (1 Kings 17:12, italics added) in speaking to Elijah. Did she obey Elijah and put her trust in his God? What was the result? (1 Kings 17:15-16)
3. a. What new crisis arose for the widow? (1 Kings 17:17)
b. What did Elijah do in response? (1 Kings 17:18-21)
4. a. How did the Lord answer Elijah’s prayer? (1 Kings 17:22)
b. In spite of seeing food miraculously provided for her on a daily basis, the woman still seemed to have doubts. How did she respond when her son was raised from the dead? (1 Kings 17:23-24)
5. Challenge: Read John 9:2-3. How do Jesus’ words explain why God chose to miraculously resurrect the widow’s son?
6. Personal: God chose to work miracles through Elijah for the benefit of a poor, unimportant, non-Jewish woman. His blessings and His provision for salvation are available to any person who will believe, no matter what their station in life. Read Romans 3:22-24. Have you accepted His gracious provision for you that was made possible by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ?
1 Kings Lesson 7
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1 Kings 15-17
As we study the remainder of 1 Kings, our reading will alternate between what transpired in the southern kingdom of Judah (where all the kings were descendants of David) and what transpired in the northern kingdom of Israel (where none of the kings were descendants of David). The reigns of the kings of the two kingdoms did not begin and end at precisely the same time. The chart, “The Rulers of Israel and Judah,” may help clarify the chronology of the kings of both kingdoms and how they relate to one another.
To obtain a more complete picture of all that transpired in the lives of the kings and their kingdoms, we will reference the parallel accounts in both 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles.
King Abijah[47] of Judah
Setting: The Southern Kingdom of Judah
During the eighteenth year of the reign of Jeroboam in Israel, Rehoboam, king of Judah, died and his son Abijah, the great-grandson of David, became king of Judah. Abijah committed the same sins that his father had committed. However, 2 Chronicles 13 tells us that although Abijah’s heart was not fully committed to the Lord as David’s was, in time of crisis Abijah had some faith in the Lord.
There was warfare between Judah and Israel throughout Abijah’s lifetime. Prior to one conflict, as the armies of the two kingdoms drew up for a battle, Abijah called out to the men of the opposing army, urging them not to fight against Judah and saying that if they did, they would be fighting against the Lord, the God of their fathers, and they would not succeed. Even as Abijah was explaining to them the error of their worship, denouncing the golden calf idols that Jeroboam had made, the Israelite troops were moving around to the rear of Judah’s army so that they could attack from both front and rear. When it became apparent what was happening, the men of Judah called on the Lord, the priests blew their trumpets, the battle cry was raised, and God routed Jeroboam and the Israelite army. As 2 Chronicles 13:18 states, “The people of Judah were victorious because they relied on the Lord, the God of their ancestors.” Judah took several towns from Israel, including Bethel, which had been a key center for the worship of Jeroboam’s golden calves.
After a short, three-year reign, Abijah died and was buried in the City of David. His son Asa succeeded him.
King Asa of Judah
It was in the twentieth year of Jeroboam of Israel’s reign that Asa became king of Judah. First Kings 15:11 says, “Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as his father [forefather] David had done.” Asa brought about great reform in Judah. He…
• expelled the male shrine prostitutes from the land.
• got rid of all the idols that his ancestors had made.
• removed his grandmother from her position as queen mother because she had made an image for the worship of Asherah. (Asa also cut the image down and burned it.)
• brought into the temple all the silver and gold articles that he and his father had obtained and dedicated to the Lord.
• commanded the people of Judah to seek the Lord and obey His laws.
During this period of reform Asa prospered, and he fortified many Judean cities. However, after ten years of peace, the Cushite leader Zerah attacked Judah with a vast army. When Asa led the army of Judah against the Cushites, he didn’t merely rely on the strength of his army, but also called on the Lord. In response, the Lord struck down the Cushites, and the army of Judah returned victorious with a large amount of plunder.
Although Asa began his reign by clearing the land of idols and evil practices, as time passed, possibly while he was away at war, some evil practices slipped back in. Because of this, God sent Azariah the prophet to encourage Asa as he and his men returned from battle. Azariah said, “The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you. For a long time Israel was without the true God, without a priest to teach and without the law. But in their distress they turned to the Lord, the God of Israel, and sought him, and he was found by them” (2 Chronicles 15:2b-4). Azariah ended by saying, “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded” (verse 7).
In response, Asa once again purged both Judah and the areas he had conquered of all idols, and he repaired the altar of the Lord that was in front of the portico of the temple. Then Asa called an assembly in Jerusalem of all who lived in Judah, including all the people who had emigrated from Israel in order to serve the Lord. When they were gathered together, they sacrificed to the Lord and made a covenant to seek Him with all their heart and soul. Because the people eagerly sought the Lord, He was found by them.
During Asa’s reign over Judah there were eight different kings over Israel: Jeroboam, Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Tibni, Omri, and Ahab. During the time Baasha was king over the northern tribes of Israel, he took the city of Ramah, which was only four miles north of Jerusalem, and fortified it. This blocked a major trade route and also prevented any more of the Israelites from using this corridor to immigrate to Judah.
In response to this development, Asa took unusual action. Instead of seeking the Lord, Asa used the silver and gold from the treasuries of his palace and of the temple to make an alliance with Ben-Hadad, king of Aram. Ben-Hadad brought his forces against Israel so that Baasha stopped building Ramah in order to defend his northern border. Using the materials that were left behind, Asa built up the border cities of Geba and Mizpah.
Although his action succeeded in stopping Baasha, Asa had compromised Judah by making an alliance with an ungodly nation. If only he had trusted the Lord, how different the outcome would have been. God was not pleased, and He sent Hanani the seer to rebuke Asa for his foolishness. Because of his faithless action, Hanani declared, Asa would continue to be at war. Instead of repenting, Asa became so angry with Hanani that he put him in prison, and then began brutally oppressing some of his people.
No matter how long a person has been a Christian, they must continue to walk humbly with the Lord, trusting Him with everything. First Corinthians 10:12-13a gives us this caution, “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.” We can never assume that we have matured to a point where we can’t be tempted. First Corinthians 10:13b goes on to give us encouragement, “And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” Whether a believer is tempted to outright sin or to take some action apart from trusting God, the Lord has provided a way to triumph, if they will just call on Him and take His path of escape.
Instead of repenting of his foolishness and turning to the Lord, Asa became angry and took his anger out on others. Anyone is capable of choosing to take matters into their own hands instead of trusting the Lord. But if we do, we must live with the results. If a believer has acted foolishly, that person should repent and turn to God, asking Him to forgive and to help them deal with the consequences of their actions. But, unfortunately, some people react in anger and blame the Lord. Proverbs 19:3 says, “A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the Lord.” In Asa’s old age his feet became severely diseased, but even then he did not seek the Lord’s help; he relied only on physicians.
God had been faithful to Judah for David’s sake. In spite of Abijah’s[48] spiritual failures, God raised up Asa, who “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord” (1 Kings 15:11). Although Asa failed and did “a foolish thing” (2 Chronicles 16:9) by turning to human solutions to deal with his crisis instead of turning to the Lord, his legacy of righteousness remained. When Asa died he was buried in Jerusalem, and his son Jehoshaphat succeeded him as king.
Kings Nadab and Baasha of Israel
Setting: The Northern Kingdom of Israel
During the second year of Asa of Judah’s reign, Nadab, the son of Jeroboam, became king in Israel. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord and continued to sin and to lead Israel in sin, just as his father had. He reigned for only two years.
While the Israelites were besieging Gibbethon, a Philistine town, Baasha, from the tribe of Issachar, plotted against Nadab and killed him, succeeding him as king. As soon as he began to reign, Baasha killed all the rest of Jeroboam’s family. This fulfilled the prophecy of Ahijah against Jeroboam (see 1 Kings 14:7-10).
God had made Jeroboam king over the northern tribes of Israel, and had given him many other promises contingent on his obedience to God. However, Jeroboam had refused to walk in the ways of the Lord, had made other gods, and had caused Israel to worship these gods.
God’s judgments are true and just, and He uses whomever and whatever He chooses to carry out those judgments. Baasha was not a good or a righteous man. His evil actions sprang from the evil in his heart, and yet it was through him that Ahijah’s prophecy was fulfilled. Proverbs 16:4 says, “The Lord works out everything to its proper end—even the wicked for a day of disaster.” Surely disaster came on the house of Jeroboam. As you can see, in some conflicts it is not good against evil; sometimes it is merely evil against evil.
Baasha proved to be no better than Jeroboam. Of him Scripture says, “He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, following the ways of Jeroboam and committing the same sin Jeroboam had caused Israel to commit” (1 Kings 15:34). And so the word of the Lord came to Jehu[49] son of Hanani against Baasha. God was going to destroy Baasha’s house so that, like the house of Jeroboam, it would become non-existent.
After an evil reign of 24 years, Baasha died, and his son Elah became king.
King Elah of Israel
It was during the twenty-sixth year of the reign of Asa, king of Judah, that Elah became the king of Israel. In the second year of his reign, while he was in the city of Tirzah getting drunk, Zimri, who had the command of half of Elah’s chariots, murdered him and declared himself king. Zimri then destroyed the entire family of Baasha. This was God’s judgment against Baasha and against his son Elah for their sin, and for the sin they caused Israel to commit. This was according to the prophecy spoken by Jehu the prophet.
King Zimri of Israel
Zimri was king for only seven days. When the army learned that Zimri had killed Elah and the entire family of Baasha, they declared their commander, Omri, to be king. They laid siege to Tirzah, where Zimri was reigning. When Zimri realized they were going to capture the city, he killed himself by burning the royal palace down around him. As Scripture says, “So he died, because of the sins he had committed, doing evil in the eyes of the Lord and following the ways of Jeroboam and committing the same sin Jeroboam had caused Israel to commit” (1 Kings 16:18-19).
King Omri of Israel
For three years the people of Israel were divided. Half of them wanted Tibni to be king, and half wanted Omri to be king. Those who supported Omri were stronger. Tibni died,[50] and Omri became king.
In his twelfth year as king, Omri built a new capital city for Israel, Samaria. He built it on a hill, which he purchased from Shemer. Omri did not stop the idol worship that Jeroboam had begun; in fact, he sinned more than any of the kings that had gone before him. Omri reigned for 12 years. When he died, his son Ahab became king.
King Ahab of Israel
Ahab resided in Samaria and reigned over Israel for twenty-two years. The kings of Israel had become progressively more evil. Jeroboam, the first king over the northern kingdom of Israel, had introduced the golden calves and claimed they were the gods who had led the Israelites out of Egypt. Ahab led the people even further away from the Lord, and did more to provoke the Lord than any of the kings of Israel before him:
• He married Jezebel, the evil daughter of the king of the Sidonians, who worshiped Baal.
• He built a temple to Baal in Samaria, and served him instead of the Lord. The worship of Baal included child sacrifice (see Jeremiah 19:5).
• He also built an Asherah pole. Asherah was the female goddess associated with Baal, and their worship involved lewd rites.[51]
Ignoring God’s Warnings
Five hundred years prior to this time, when the Israelites entered the Promised Land under Joshua’s leadership, the Lord delivered the city of Jericho into their hands. At that time Joshua made this pronouncement, “Cursed before the Lord is the one who undertakes to rebuild this city, Jericho: At the cost of his firstborn son he will lay its foundations; at the cost of his youngest he will set up its gates” (Joshua 6:26). In spite of Jericho’s history and of Joshua’s pronouncement, Ahab gave permission to Hiel of Bethel to rebuild Jericho. In fulfillment of the prophecy, when Hiel laid Jericho’s foundation, his firstborn son died, and when he set up the gates, his youngest son died.
In Deuteronomy 11:16-17, God warned His people before they entered the Promised Land, “Be careful, or you will be enticed to turn away and worship other gods and bow down to them. Then the Lord’s anger will burn against you, and he will shut up the heavens so that it will not rain and the ground will yield no produce, and you will soon perish from the good land the Lord is giving you.” In fulfillment of this warning, as well will see in 1 Kings 17-18, there had begun to be a drought throughout the land of Israel.
God’s Word stands true regardless of the passage of time. Throughout the Bible He gives us instruction on how to live in order to avoid many of the sorrows life can bring. His instructions are true today despite what anyone may say to the contrary.
God’s Provision for Elijah
Times were dangerous for those who served the Lord. Jezebel had begun killing the prophets of the Lord, and many survived only by going into hiding (see 1 Kings 18:13). During this dark and evil time God sent Elijah, a man from Tishbe in the area of Gilead, to speak His truth to Ahab. In James 5:17 we read that Elijah was a human being just like us. As you read the account of Elijah, consider his obedience to the Lord.
We aren’t told how Elijah obtained an audience with Ahab, but he informed Ahab that there would be no dew or rain for the next few years unless he, Elijah, said so.
Consider the following:
• Elijah risked his life by identifying himself with the Lord.
• Ahab, and those who heard him, may have considered his words the ravings of a crazy man.
• Whether they considered him a madman or a prophet, how could Elijah safely withdraw from Ahab’s presence after his dire prophecy?
After Elijah made his pronouncement, God instructed him to go across the Jordan River and hide in the Kerith Ravine. Elijah obeyed. Ravens brought him bread and meat every morning and evening, and he drank from the brook.
God provided what was needed for Elijah. We don’t read that Elijah complained about these provisions. Elijah was walking in obedience to the Lord, yet he was alone; there was no house, no fancy meal, and no beverage but water. But unknown to Elijah, Ahab was searching throughout Israel and all the surrounding nations for him, and God had him tucked safely away in the Kerith Ravine (see 1 Kings 18:10). No one could be forced to tell where Elijah was, since he didn’t have contact with anyone. Are you thankful for God’s provision for you, or are you discontented because you don’t have something you want? Will you start trusting Him to give you just what is right for you—whether it is a lot or a little?
Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath
Then a new difficulty arose for Elijah, even as he continued in his obedience to the Lord. Because there was no rain, the brook, in the very place to which God had sent him, dried up. Since he was a ordinary person, just like us, he may have been bewildered as he watched God’s provision disappear gradually, right before his eyes. It was not until the brook was completely dry that God gave him direction. He was to leave, at once—not later, but at once—and go to Sidon, the very country from which Jezebel and Israel’s Baal worship had sprung, to a town called Zarephath. There, God said, He had commanded a widow to provide food for him. Again, Elijah obeyed.
The drought had caused a widespread famine. When Elijah arrived at the town gate of Zarephath, he saw a widow, gathering sticks. He asked her for a drink, and as she was going to get it, he asked her for a small piece of bread, too. She replied that as surely as the Lord his God lived, she had no bread. (Note that she acknowledged that Elijah’s God lived.) She explained that she was gathering sticks to make a fire in order to use the last of her flour and oil to make something for her son and herself to eat, and then they would die. Somehow this woman recognized Elijah as an Israelite who worshiped the true God, not Baal. Elijah told her not to fear, but to make him something to eat before feeding her son or herself, because the Lord, the God of Israel, had said that her flour and oil would not run out until the Lord sent rain again. She did as Elijah had instructed, and, just as God had said, the flour and the oil were not used up until He sent rain again. Although she was not an Israelite, the widow believed and acted upon the word of the Lord spoken through Elijah, even while many in Israel were worshiping Baal instead of the one true God.
After some time had passed, while she was still trusting daily in the Lord to provide food for them to eat, another crisis arose. Her son became very ill. Instead of getting better, he gradually grew worse, and eventually died.
In her grief, the widow went to Elijah, thinking that somehow Elijah’s presence had revealed her sin and that this was her judgment. Elijah was bewildered by the boy’s death (see 1 Kings 17:20). Life had been promised through the provision of the food, and now death had appeared. He took the child to his room and called out to the Lord. Then, three times, he stretched himself out on the child and prayed that God would restore the boy’s life. And God did.[52]
When Elijah gave the boy back to his mother, she said, “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord from your mouth is the truth” (1 Kings 17:24). One would think that the daily provision of food would have convinced her of this, but it took the death of her son and his return to life to establish her faith. Elijah’s faith, too, was strengthened for the task he would soon undertake.
The fact that this woman was not one of God’s people, the Jews, was not an issue with God. As it says in Acts 10:34-35, “God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.” Why then, we may ask, did God allow the death of her son to happen? Was it because of her sin? In John 9:2, Jesus’ disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned…but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him” (verse 3).
God’s work was certainly displayed in and through this boy. His mother had already shown a measure of faith by giving the bread to Elijah and by risking her life by sheltering him, but now her faith was sure.
First Peter 1:7 says, “These [all kinds of trials] have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” When we realize this—truly believe it—we are willing to trust the Lord in everything we face in life.
Where is your heart? Is it focused on the here and now, the immediate, or have you set it on what is eternal? (See Colossians 1:3-6.) Ask yourself, “Do I really believe what God says in the Bible?” If you do believe, how will this change the focus of your life?
Study Questions
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Before you begin your study this week:
❖ Pray and ask God to speak to you through His Holy Spirit.
❖ Use only the Bible for your answers.
❖ Write down your answers and the verses you used.
❖ Answer the “Challenge” questions if you have the time and want to do them.
❖ Share your answers to the “Personal” questions with the class only if you want to share them.
First Day: Read the Commentary on 1 Kings 15-17.
1. What meaningful or new thought did you find in the commentary on 1 Kings 12-14 or from your teacher’s lecture?
2. Look for a verse in the lesson to memorize this week. Write it down and post it in a prominent place. Make a real effort to learn the verse and its “address” (reference of where it is found in the Bible).
Second Day: Read 1 Kings 18, concentrating on verses 1-15.
1. a. At God’s command, Elijah had been staying with the widow in Zarephath, a town near Sidon in Phoenicia, north of Israel. When did God speak to Elijah, and what did He command? (1 Kings 18:1-2a)
b. Challenge: Review 1 Kings 16:29—17:1 to see the roots of the situation in Israel when chapter 18 opens. Why had there been no rain in Israel for 3 years?
2. What was the effect of the drought in Samaria, the capital of Israel, and what was king Ahab concerned about? (1 Kings 18:2b,5)
3. What do you learn about Obadiah in 1 Kings 18:3-4?
4. a. When Obadiah met Elijah, what did the prophet tell him to do? (1 Kings 18:6-8)
b. What was Obadiah’s fear? (1 Kings 18:9-14, summarize briefly)
5. How did Elijah reassure Obadiah? (1 Kings 18:15)
6. Personal: Obadiah was a devout believer in the Lord. Even though he worked in service to Ahab and Jezebel, he risked his life to hide and sustain the Lord’s prophets from Jezebel’s persecution. Now Elijah had asked him to do something that could even more directly put his life in jeopardy. Are you willing to take risks in order to do what God asks you to do? If you have done this in the past, what happened?
Third Day: Review 1 Kings 18, concentrating on verses 16-21.
1. Whom did Ahab seem to blame for the famine in Israel? (1 Kings 18:16-17)
2. How did Elijah correct Ahab? (1 Kings 18:18)
3. What did Elijah tell Ahab to do? (1 Kings 18:19-20)
4. a. What did Elijah ask the people, and what was their answer? (1 Kings 18:21)
b. Challenge: Read Joshua 24:14-18. When the Israelites first came to the Promised Land, what choice did Joshua set before them, and what was their answer?
5. Every generation and every person is faced with the same choice: Serve God or serve someone or something else. How did Jesus express this in Matthew 6:24?
6. Personal: The peoples around the Israelites worshiped many gods, and the Israelites adopted their worship practices, adding the new gods to their traditional worship of the Lord. But, as we have seen, God does not accept such mixed worship; we must worship Him with our whole hearts, or not at all. Do you follow God with your whole heart, or is there anything or anyone else that you also serve? What will you do about this?
Fourth Day: Review 1 Kings 18, concentrating on verses 22-29.
1. What test did Elijah propose that would prove who was the true God? (1 Kings 18:22-24)
2. Challenge: Scan Leviticus 9 and write down verses 22-24. How had God previously shown His approval of true worship in a similar way?
3. When the prophets of Baal called on their god, what happened? (1 Kings 18:25-26)
4. What did Elijah sarcastically suggest? (1 Kings 18:27)
5. How did the prophets of Baal intensify their rituals, and what was the outcome? (1 Kings 18:28-29)
6. Personal: It is useless to serve, or put our hopes in, anyone or anything but God. He is the only one who has the power to help us. All other sources of power or help are temporary or false. How have you found this to be true in the past when you put your hopes in someone or something other than the Lord?
Fifth Day: Review 1 Kings 18, concentrating on verses 30-40.
1. When the prophets of Baal had no success after a whole day’s effort, what did Elijah do in preparation for calling on the Lord? (1 Kings 18:30-35)
2. What did Elijah ask God to do, and for what purpose? (1 Kings 18:36-37)
3. What was God’s answer? (1 Kings 18:38)
4. How did the people respond? (1 Kings 18:39)
5. a. What did Elijah then command them to do? (1 Kings 18:40)
b. Challenge: Read Deuteronomy 17:2-5. Why did the prophets of Baal deserve the death penalty?
6. Personal: Our God is not only all-powerful, but also all-loving. If we acknowledge Him as Lord, all His power and love are available to us. Read Ephesians 3:14-21. Have you put your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Have you realized how great His love is for you, and have you been strengthened with power through His Spirit?
Sixth Day: Review 1 Kings 18, concentrating on verses 41-46.
1. What did Elijah assure Ahab was on its way? (1 Kings 18:41)
2. What did Elijah do as he waited for God’s action? (1 Kings 18:42-43)
3. When the servant finally returned with good news, what word did Elijah send to Ahab? (1 Kings 18:44)
4. What did Ahab do? (1 Kings 18:45)
5. What did the Lord empower Elijah to do? (1 Kings 18:46)
6. Personal: When God says He will do something, He keeps His word. Do you have confidence that what He says, He will do? How will this confidence affect your actions and decisions today?
1 Kings Lesson 8
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1 Kings 18
Setting: The Northern Kingdom of Israel
Characters in Chapter 18:
• Elijah—a prophet of God who was walking in faith and obedience. He had boldly informed Ahab that there would be no rain or dew until he, Elijah, said so.
• Ahab—king of the northern kingdom of Israel. He was a weak-willed man, dominated by his pagan wife, Jezebel. A double-minded and self-seeking man, Ahab blamed Elijah for the drought and had searched for him throughout Israel and the surrounding nations. Ahab was worried about his military might and sought grassland to sustain his horses and mules.
• Jezebel—the pagan daughter of the king of Sidon who became queen of Israel when she married Ahab. She was an evil woman who worshiped both Baal and Asherah. She endeavored to wipe out the worship of the true God by attempting to kill all His prophets.
• Obadiah—although he was in charge of Ahab’s palace, he was a true follower of the Lord. When Jezebel was killing God’s prophets, Obadiah risked his own life by hiding one hundred prophets in two caves and providing them with food and water.
• The people of the northern kingdom of Israel—although they were descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, these people had followed the lead of their kings and had worshiped not only the golden calves, set up by Jeroboam son of Nebat, but also a pagan god, Baal.
Setting the Scene
Israel was now in the third year without rain, and the famine brought on by the drought was becoming unbearable. Rebellious adults, like rebellious children, are often willing to listen only after suffering the consequences of their rebellion. Perhaps now both Ahab and the people of Israel would be ready to listen to what God had to say. And so God directed Elijah to return to Israel and to confront Ahab once again.
Scene One—The Meetings
Meeting with Obadiah
Ahab had sent Obadiah in one direction to search for grass, while Ahab himself went to search in another. As Obadiah traveled along, he met with Elijah and bowed in respectful greeting. Immediately Elijah gave a command that struck fear in the heart of Obadiah, “Go tell your master, ‘Elijah is here’” (1 Kings 18:8).
Because no one had been able to find Elijah for the previous three years, Obadiah believed that God’s Spirit had hidden Elijah. With Elijah’s seemingly miraculous disappearance and reappearance, Obadiah feared that when he told Ahab that Elijah was there, the Spirit of God would just whisk Elijah away again and Obadiah would therefore face death. However, with Elijah’s reassurance that he would be there waiting, Obadiah went to tell Ahab.
Obadiah and Elijah lived in dangerous and desperate times, and each served the Lord in the way that was set before them—Elijah by boldly speaking forth God’s word, and Obadiah by hiding and providing for the prophets.
Perhaps you aren’t able to do what you believe is an “important” job for the Lord, such as preaching or teaching. But who are we to determine what is important? What Obadiah did by hiding and providing for those prophets was certainly important to those prophets, and it fulfilled the Lord’s command given in Leviticus 19:18, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” God chooses which gifts and abilities to give to each believer. Some are given the gift of being able to help others, just as others are given the gift of teaching (see 1 Corinthians 12:11,28). It is our responsibility to use whatever gift we are given, and to serve the Lord in whatever way He sets before us (see 1 Corinthians 4:2)—whether the times are dangerous or not.
Meeting with Ahab
Ahab’s greeting to Elijah was to immediately accuse him of being the one who had brought the drought and famine to Israel. However, Elijah boldly laid the blame where it belonged, at the feet of Ahab and his family, for deserting the Lord and introducing Baal worship into Israel. Elijah then challenged Ahab to gather all the people of Israel, including Jezebel’s four hundred fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, and meet him on Mount Carmel.[53]
Although Ahab didn’t know what to expect at that gathering, the lack of rain and dew must have convinced him that there was power behind what Elijah said, so he sent word throughout the land to gather at Mount Carmel.
Scene Two—The Challenge
It must have been quite a spectacle on beautiful Mount Carmel, to see Ahab with eight hundred fifty false prophets dressed in all their finery, thousands of Israelites, and Elijah with his simple clothing.[54]
When everyone had arrived, Elijah went straight to the heart of the problem and confronted the Israelites with their double-minded worship. He put a challenge before them—find out who is the true God, the Lord or Baal, and then worship him. Although the people didn’t respond, neither did they leave. Perhaps they had strayed so far from the Lord that they really didn’t know the truth. After all, who had been teaching them? Their leaders certainly weren’t leading them in righteousness. Elijah proposed a test to determine who was the true God, worthy to be worshiped.
First, Elijah wanted the people to be consciously aware of the difference between the prophets of Baal and him. He called to their attention that he was the only prophet of the Lord that was still alive and proclaiming God’s word, while there were 450 of Baal’s prophets—quite a contrast in perceived power. Then he outlined the contest:
• The people of Israel were to get two bulls and allow the prophets of Baal the first choice of which animal they wanted; he would take the remaining animal.
• Then the prophets of Baal were to cut up their bull in preparation for sacrifice, place it on the wood of their altar, but not set it on fire. Elijah would do the same.
• Finally, each would call upon their god. The ‘god’ who answered by sending fire to consume the sacrifice was the true God and should be served.
The people thought this was a good idea.
The Test
In accordance with the rules of the test, the prophets of Baal prepared their bull for sacrifice in the usual manner, except they did not set fire to the wood under it. Then they began to shout out to Baal to answer them—but there was no answer. They did this from the morning until noon, and the people watched.
At this point Elijah began to taunt Baal’s prophets. He questioned them, in the hearing of the people, saying that perhaps Baal was deep in thought or was traveling. On the other hand, maybe he was too busy, or perhaps he was asleep and they needed to shout louder in order to wake him up. And so, Baal’s prophets shouted louder, and raved, and began cutting themselves, in an effort to get Baal to respond. They continued doing this until evening—but there was no answer, and the people watched.
As it drew nearer to the time of the evening sacrifice designated in God’s law, Elijah called the people to come to where he stood. As they watched, Elijah took twelve stones, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel.[55] Then slowly, using the twelve stones one by one, he rebuilt the altar of the Lord that had been in ruins. After digging a trench completely around it, he placed wood on the altar. He then cut up the bull and placed it on the wood. Finally, he instructed some of the Israelites to fill four large jars with water and pour it over the offering and the wood. They were to do this three times. The wood and the offering were so wet that the water ran down the altar and filled the trench that he had dug around the altar. And the people watched.
At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah stepped up and prayed in a loud voice so that everyone could hear. He asked the Lord to let everyone know that…
• He is the God of Israel.
• Elijah was His servant.
• everything Elijah had done was at God’s direction.
• He, the Lord, is God and was turning their hearts back to Him again.
As Elijah finished his prayer, the fire of the Lord came down and completely burned up the offering, the wood, the stones, the dust, and the water that was in the trench. Nothing was left. This time the people responded. They fell on their faces, calling out, “The Lord—He is God! The Lord—He is God!” (1 Kings 18:39).
The Results
Repentance was but the first step. With great authority, Elijah commanded the people to take the prophets of Baal down to the valley and, in accordance with God’s law, to execute them (see Deuteronomy 13:12-18; 17:2-5). The people instantly obeyed.
Elijah then turned to Ahab, who had remained passive throughout this display of God’s power, and told him to go eat; the drought would soon be over. This king, who always appeared to be thinking of himself, did just that.
Elijah himself then withdrew and, along with his servant, climbed to the top of Mount Carmel, where he knelt on the ground with his head between his knees and prayed. Many years before, when Solomon was king, God had said, “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain…if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:13-14). The people had repented and turned to the Lord, and so Elijah prayed for rain. He sent his servant to look for a cloud signifying rain was on its way, but there was no cloud. Elijah didn’t just pray once and give up when the answer didn’t appear immediately. Seven times he prayed and sent his servant to look for a cloud. It was not until the seventh time that a small cloud was seen, and Elijah knew his prayer had been answered.
Elijah sent word to Ahab that he had better hurry and leave, or the coming storm would stop his journey, but even as the message was being delivered the wind rose, the sky filled with dark clouds, and the rain poured down. Ahab headed off on his journey toward Jezreel.
What a glorious day it had been for Elijah!
• God had shown Himself mighty for His people.
• The people had repented.
• The land was rid of many of the false prophets.
• The drought was at last ended.
And finally, filled with God’s power, Elijah ran in victory before Ahab’s chariot the sixteen miles to Jezreel.
The Key to Powerful Prayer
When reading about all God did through Elijah, it is easy to forget that Elijah was a regular person, just as we are. James 5:17-18 says, “Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.” So, what was the secret to his prayers?
Let us first look at 1 John 5:14-15 which says, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” Next look at 1 Kings 18:36, where Elijah prayed, “I am your servant and have done all these things at your command.” Elijah knew God’s will, and he obeyed, even down to what he prayed.
The key is praying according to God’s will. We should never demand from God, or bargain with God, or attempt to manipulate Him with our prayers. Find out what God’s will is (much of His will becomes apparent as we study God’s Word), and then pray in agreement with it. If you don’t know exactly what His will is, pray the prayer that never fails, “Your will be done” (Matthew 6:10).
Study Questions
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Before you begin your study this week:
❖ Pray and ask God to speak to you through His Holy Spirit.
❖ Use only the Bible for your answers.
❖ Write down your answers and the verses you used.
❖ Answer the “Challenge” questions if you have the time and want to do them.
❖ Share your answers to the “Personal” questions with the class only if you want to share them.
First Day: Read the Commentary on 1 Kings 18.
1. What meaningful or new thought did you find in the commentary on 1 Kings 18 or from your teacher’s lecture?
2. Look for a verse in the lesson to memorize this week. Write it down and post it in a prominent place. Make a real effort to learn the verse and its “address” (reference of where it is found in the Bible).
Second Day: Read 1 Kings 19, concentrating on verses 1-3a.
1. When Ahab arrived at Jezreel, what did he do? (1 Kings 19:1)
2. What was Jezebel’s response? (1 Kings 19:2)
3. Challenge: God’s power had been revealed to Jezebel through the famine, the consuming of the sacrifice, and the sending of the rain, yet she chose to blame and threaten God’s messenger, Elijah. Review 1 Kings 16:31; 18:4,19. Why do you think Jezebel attacked Elijah rather than turning from her false gods to worship the Lord?
4. How did Elijah respond to Jezebel’s threat? (1 Kings 19:3a)
5. Elijah had seen God work in spectacular ways, and he may have expected that these miracles would immediately bring an end to pagan worship in Israel. When Jezebel threatened him, he became discouraged. Yet even though events were not moving in the way Elijah expected, God had not lost control. Read Psalm 9:7-10. What do you learn about this, and what comfort is given to those who seek the Lord?
6. Personal: When you face unexpected setbacks and problems, how do you respond? What will you remember from today’s Bible passages for the times that you face problems in the future?
Third Day: Review 1 Kings 19, concentrating on verses 3b-9a.
1. a. Where did Elijah travel after leaving Mount Carmel? Find this on the map. This was a journey of about ninety miles. (1 Kings 19:3b)
b. Whom did Elijah leave behind in that place, and where did he then go? (1 Kings 19:3b-4a)
2. What was Elijah’s state of mind as he took refuge in the shade of a broom bush out in the wilderness? (1 Kings 19:4b)
3. How did God provide for Elijah during this time? (1 Kings 19:5-7)
4. Where did Elijah next travel, sustained by the provision from the Lord? [56] Find this on the map. (1 Kings 19:8-9a)
5. Challenge: The Expositor’s Bible Commentary says, Elijah “may have been in a spot more sacred then he realized. The Hebrew text says, ‘He came there to the cave,’ possibly the very ‘cleft of the rock’ where God had placed Moses as his glory passed by.”[57] Read Exodus 33:15-23. How did the Lord graciously reveal Himself to Moses?
6. Personal: God was gracious to Elijah, and provided nourishment for His weary prophet. Have you ever been discouraged? How did the Lord encourage you?
Fourth Day: Review 1 Kings 19, concentrating on verses 9b-14.
1. a. What did the Lord ask Elijah? (1 Kings 19:9b)
b. Challenge: God, who is all knowing, already knew the answer to His question, but He wanted Elijah to evaluate his situation. How did the Lord use a similar tactic with Adam in Genesis 3:9-10?
2. What was Elijah’s reply? (1 Kings 19:10)
3. God did not comment on Elijah’s evaluation of the situation. What did He do instead? (1 Kings 19:11a)
4. What spectacular physical phenomena occurred? Had the Lord come in these manifestations? (1 Kings 19:11b-12a)
5. In what way did the Lord reveal Himself to Elijah? Did he know it was God? (1 Kings 19:12b-14)
6. Personal: God, who is infinite, holy and righteous, has chosen to reveal Himself to us—finite, sinful people—through His Word, the Bible, and through His Son, Jesus Christ (see Matthew 11:27; John 1:14). Do you realize what an astonishing thing that is? Write down what it means to you that He has done this.
Fifth Day: Review 1 Kings 19, concentrating on verses 15-18.
1. Even though Elijah had been discouraged, what work did the Lord still have for him to do? (1 Kings 19:15-16)
2. a. Challenge: Elijah was to anoint a new king over Aram. Review 1 Kings 15:9,16-20. Who was a recent king of Aram mentioned in this passage, and how had he acted towards the northern kingdom of Israel, whose capital was Samaria?
b. Challenge: Tomorrow we will read of Elijah’s anointing of Elisha as his successor. Look ahead to 2 Kings 9:1-3. How was Elijah’s commission to anoint a new king over Israel eventually fulfilled?
3. How would the Lord’s plan be carried out by the three men that God instructed Elijah to anoint? (1 Kings 19:17)
4. Review Elijah’s despairing words in 1 Kings 19:14. What did the Lord reveal about the true situation in Israel to Elijah in verse 18?
5. In spite of obstacles to faith and persecution by unbelievers, the Lord always “reserves” people who are faithful to Him. What did Jesus say about this in John 6:37-40 and 10:27-29?
6. Personal: Have you come to Jesus Christ in faith? Do you trust that He will do for you what He has promised? Write down your thoughts about this.
Sixth Day: Review 1 Kings 19, concentrating on verses 19-21.
1. Which of the three commissions from the Lord did Elijah pursue first? (1 Kings 19:16b and 19a)
2. How did Elijah symbolically call Elisha to the office of prophet? (1 King 19:19b)
3. a. What did Elisha want to do before going with Elijah? (1 Kings 19:20a)
b. How did Elijah’s reply indicate that it was God, not Elijah himself, who had called Elisha? (1 Kings 19:20b)
4. How did Elisha’s actions show that he was leaving his past life to serve God? (1 Kings 19:21a)
5. How would Elisha learn more about God and about serving Him as a prophet? (1 Kings 19:21b)
6. Personal: In the above passage, the word “servant” in Hebrew has the same designation as used for Joshua’s relationship to Moses.[58] Is there a more mature Christian that you regard as a mentor, or as an example in the faith? If you have matured in serving the Lord, are you making yourself available to teach newer believers, whether in words or by your example?
1 Kings Lesson 9
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1 Kings 19
Setting: The Northern Kingdom of Israel
When Ahab arrived at his palace in Jezreel, after witnessing the mighty power of God on Mount Carmel in direct response to Elijah’s prayer, he informed his wife, Jezebel, about everything Elijah had done and about how he had caused the prophets of Baal to be killed.
Jezebel’s heart was hard. The mighty display of God’s power that had taken place on Mount Carmel didn’t make her fear or respect the Lord. The fact that there had been no rain for three years because Elijah said there wouldn’t be, and that now because Elijah had prayed a torrential rain had fallen, meant nothing to her. She was furious, and she sent a message to Elijah swearing that he would be dead by the same time the next day.
Consider the emotional and physical exhaustion Elijah must have felt after witnessing all that God had done on Mount Carmel and then running for sixteen miles before the chariot of Ahab. He had probably expected all the people of Israel, including Jezebel, to turn to the Lord in repentance, but instead of a joyous welcome in Jezreel he received a death threat.
Jezebel had already killed many of God’s prophets, so Elijah knew this was not an idle threat, and he fled for his life. He went south, through the southern kingdom of Judah. When he came to the southernmost town in Judah, he left his servant and kept going into the wilderness. He didn’t stop until he had traveled a day’s journey into the wilderness, where he collapsed under a broom bush.[59] Tired and discouraged, he just wanted to die. “‘I have had enough, Lord,’ he said. ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors’” (1 Kings 19:4). Then he lay down and went to sleep.
Have you ever labored for the Lord, believing that you would have certain results, and it didn’t turn out the way you expected? It might have been a short term project or something that you spent years laboring on. Were you discouraged? Perhaps you spent years trying to be a good and godly mate, but your marriage still ended in divorce. Perhaps you truly endeavored to raise your children to know and love the Lord, but their lifestyle is far from showing it. Perhaps you’ve tried to be a good and godly friend, but your friendship has been rejected, or you labored as a pastor or Bible teacher and you’ve been rejected. All of these can cause us to feel discouraged or defeated—we feel as if we just want to die.
Elijah had not been a failure. He had obeyed God, and that was all that was required of him. The outcome was up to God, and God accomplished just what He intended. He had given the people an opportunity to see that He is real and to repent. When we are obedient to what God has given us to do, we are not responsible for the outcome; we are responsible only to obey, and to leave the rest to the Lord.
God Reveals Himself to Elijah
God did not put Elijah aside because of his discouragement. Instead, God graciously and supernaturally provided bread and water to strengthen him as he traveled forty days and nights deeper into the wilderness until he reached Mount Horeb, the mountain of God.[60]
There, in a cave, God asked him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (1 King 19:9). Instead of giving a direct answer, Elijah poured out the discouragement that was in his heart. Although he had been zealous for the Lord, all the other Israelites had rejected the Lord’s covenant (the covenant that God had established with them on that very mountain hundreds of years before), and had torn down all His altars. Not only that, God’s prophets had been killed, and he was the only prophet left.
The Lord instructed Elijah to go outside and stand on the mountain in His presence, because He was about to pass by. First, the mountain was torn apart and rocks were shattered by a powerful wind, and then there was an earthquake and fire, but God was not in them. Then there came a gentle whisper. At that, Elijah went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
We stand in awe of God and of His mighty power, but isn’t it wonderful that we don’t have to look for Him in displays of His power? He will speak to us in a gentle whisper, reminding us of what He has said in His Word. Do you spend time alone with the Lord, allowing Him to speak to you through His Word?
God’s Plan
Once again God asked Elijah, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (1 Kings 19:13). In reply, Elijah repeated his previous complaint, that although he had been zealous for the Lord, all the other Israelites had rejected the Lord’s covenant[61] and torn down all His altars. Not only that, but God’s prophets had been killed, he was the only prophet left, and they were trying to kill him.
God didn’t answer Elijah directly; instead He directed him to go back the way he had come, to anoint two new kings—one over Israel and one over Aram—and to anoint Elisha to succeed him. Then God said, “I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal” (1 Kings 19:18).
It is comforting to know that God didn’t rebuke Elijah for looking at things from a human point of view and becoming discouraged. Instead, God answered Elijah in such a way that he would see things from God’s perspective:
• God is in charge.
• No one was really getting away with sin. God would deal with it in His time and His way.
• God had 7,000 people in Israel who did not worship other gods, even if Elijah didn’t know who they were.
Let us look at God’s words and His instructions to Elijah:
“Go back the way you came…” (1 Kings 19:15).
The circumstances had not changed; the situation for Elijah would still be dangerous. What had changed was Elijah. He had rested and had been strengthened by God’s provision, but most importantly, he had heard from God and once again had received God’s direction.
When we are overwhelmed and run from difficulties (or feel as if we want to run), we need to take time to rest and to be refreshed by spending time with the Lord. Seek His comfort and wisdom in His Word. He will give us grace for the task or situation we must face.
“…and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel…Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael” (1 Kings 19:15-17).
Although Elijah had been discouraged and had fled for his life, God sent him back and gave him authority and direction to anoint kings—one for Israel and one for Israel’s enemy, Aram. God would use these two kings to execute His judgment on those who had rejected Him and His covenant.
God can still use us, even if at some point we have felt like giving up. According to Ephesians 2:8-10, He has saved us by His grace, and He has work for us to do. So spend time with Him in His Word, and then live your life in a way that glorifies Him, being ready to share His love and truth with others.
We may feel that those who do evil get away with it, that nothing happens to them, but God knows when and how His judgment will come upon them. If you are feeling the unfairness of life, take a few moments alone with the Lord today and read Psalm 73.
“…and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet…Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu” (1 Kings 19:16-17).
Elijah would not have to continue the work alone. Elisha would be to Elijah what Joshua had been to Moses. He would assist him, learn from him, and then take his place and continue the work when Elijah was gone.
“Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel--all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him” (1 Kings 19:18).
God’s judgment would come on those who had rejected him, but Elijah had been wrong—he was not the only one who worshiped the Lord.
Sometimes we may feel that we (our church, our family, our community, or even we ourselves) are the only ones trying to truly walk with the Lord—but God always has His people, even if we don’t know who they are.
God knows us and loves us. He knows that we are sinful and imperfect—that is why Jesus came and died for our sin.[62] God is forever encouraging us to trust Him and to walk with Him, so that we may experience the abundant life He has promised us.
Psalm 103:13-17a says, “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him.”
Elijah Calls Elisha
After receiving God’s direction, Elijah did not delay. He found Elisha, who was plowing with a pair of oxen, the last of twelve teams. Elijah walked up to him, threw his cloak over Elisha’s shoulders and walked away. Elisha must have recognized Elijah and knew what this meant, because he left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and requested permission to say goodbye to his parents before coming with Elijah. Elijah’s reply was, in essence, that it wasn’t Elijah who had called him, but God—what Elisha did was between God and him.
Elisha took the call seriously. He completely severed from his previous way of life by killing the oxen he was plowing with, using the plowing equipment to cook the meat, and sharing it with the people. Then he left and became Elijah’s attendant, just as Joshua had been Moses’ attendant and eventual replacement.
When we answer God’s call and come to Jesus Christ (see John 6:44), accepting Him as Savior, we too give up our previous way of life. Oh, we may work at the same job, live in the same house, go to the same school, but instead of living our life for ourselves, by His grace, we live our life for the Lord.
Whom are you living your life for?
Study Questions
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Before you begin your study this week:
❖ Pray and ask God to speak to you through His Holy Spirit.
❖ Use only the Bible for your answers.
❖ Write down your answers and the verses you used.
❖ Answer the “Challenge” questions if you have the time and want to do them.
❖ Share your answers to the “Personal” questions with the class only if you want to share them.
First Day: Read the Commentary on 1 Kings 19.
1. What meaningful or new thought did you find in the commentary on 1 Kings 19 or from your teacher’s lecture?
2. Look for a verse in the lesson to memorize this week. Write it down and post it in a prominent place. Make a real effort to learn the verse and its “address” (reference of where it is found in the Bible).
Second Day: Read 1 Kings 20-21, concentrating on 20:1-12.
1. a. In Lesson 8, Fifth Day, question 2a, we looked at how a recent king of Aram, Ben-Hadad, had acted toward the northern kingdom of Israel, whose capital was Samaria, as related in 1 Kings 15:9,16-20. How did Ben-Hadad now threaten Israel?[63] (1 Kings 20:1)
b. Review 1 Kings 18:2b. Why might Ben-Hadad have thought Israel would be weakened and easily conquered?
2. a. While besieging Samaria, what did Ben-Hadad demand of King Ahab, and how did Ahab respond? (1 Kings 20:2-4)
b. How did Ben-Hadad then expand his demands? (1 Kings 20:5-6)
3. After conferring with the elders of Israel, how did Ahab respond? (1 Kings 20:7-9)
4. a. After hearing this response, what was Ben-Hadad’s final threat? (1 Kings 20:10)
b. Challenge: How did Ahab answer him in 1 Kings 20:11? What do you think this means?
5. What did Ben-Hadad then order? (1 Kings 20:12)
6. Personal: Over 100 years earlier, King David had subdued the Arameans and made them pay tribute to Israel (see 2 Samuel 8:5-6), but now that the northern kingdom of Israel had forsaken worship of the Lord, God allowed the Arameans to become a threat to Israel again. When we stop walking daily with the Lord, we also may find that temptations or evil influences that God had previously helped us conquer come back to trouble us again. Have you experienced this? What did you do about it?
Third Day: Review 1 Kings 20-21, concentrating on 20:13-30a.
1. a. A prophet of God told Ahab something astounding would happen. What would that be? (1 Kings 20:13a)
b. Why was God going to do this? (1 Kings 20:13b)
c. From Ahab’s actions, did he believe the prophet? (1 Kings 20:14-15)
2. a. What was the outcome of the battle? (1 Kings 20:16-21)
b. What did the prophet warn the king of Israel after this victory? (1 Kings 20:22)
3. To what did the officials of Aram attribute their loss? (1 Kings 20:23-25)
4. a. How did the armies of the Arameans and the Israelites compare in size? (1 Kings 20:26-27)
b. Why did God promise to defeat the Aramean army at the hands of Israel? (1 Kings 20:28)
5. a. What was the outcome of the battle, and how did God complete the annihilation of Ben-Hadad’s army? (1 Kings 20:29-30a)
b. Challenge: God acted to show the reality of His omnipotence, both to the unbelieving Arameans and to apostate King Ahab of Israel. Read Revelation 11:15-18. How will He someday demonstrate this fact to all of humanity?
6. Personal: Many people today think there is no God, or if they believe in some kind of god, it is not the omnipotent and holy God of the Bible. Do you acknowledge God’s mighty power, and His right to rule over you and over all things? Do you honor Him with your actions and words in ways that the unbelievers around you can witness?
Fourth Day: Review 1 Kings 20-21, concentrating on 20:30b-43.
1. What plan did Ben-Hadad’s officials devise in order to spare their king’s life? (1 Kings 20:30b-31)
2. How did their plan work out? (1 Kings 20:32-34)
3. Ahab trusted in his own understanding of the situation, rather than consulting the Lord who had given him the victory. How did the Lord confront Ahab with his sin? (1 Kings 20:35-42; summarize briefly)
4. How did Ahab react to the prophet’s words? (1 Kings 20:43)
5. Personal: Ahab was happy to accept the Lord’s gift of victory over the Arameans, but he did not humble himself before God and acknowledge Him as his Lord. He went right on doing things as he had before, in total disregard of God’s desires and commands. God, for His own reasons, may choose to give us many blessings, but we cannot assume that He will continue to do so if we choose to ignore Him and refuse to acknowledge His authority. How has He blessed you? Do you thank Him for these blessings, and do you desire to follow His commands?
Fifth Day: Review 1 Kings 20-21, concentrating on 21:1-16.
1. a. What did Ahab decide he wanted to possess, and how did he try to get it? (1 Kings 21:1-2)
b. How did the owner respond to Ahab? (1 Kings 21:3)
2. How did Ahab act after his offer was rejected? (1 Kings 21:4-6)
3. a. What did Jezebel do to fulfill Ahab’s desire? (1 Kings 21:7-13; summarize briefly)
b. Challenge: Although Naboth had not actually “cursed both God and the king” (1 Kings 21:10), Jezebel’s conspiracy against him unjustly invoked a penalty from Leviticus 24:14-16. What punishment was commanded for someone who actually cursed God?
4. What did Ahab do when he heard that Naboth was dead? (1 Kings 21:14-16)
5. a. Challenge: Jezebel was willing to go to any length to grant Ahab’s covetous desire, and Ahab apparently wasn’t concerned enough to even ask how Naboth had died or why his property was suddenly available. How does James explain the workings of our sinful nature in James 1:14-15 and 4:1-2?
b. Challenge: Read Romans 8:5-10. How can we escape the control of our sinful natures?
6. Personal: Have you believed in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and therefore received the gift of His Spirit? Do you live in accordance with the Spirit by setting your mind on what He desires? Why not pray about this now?
Sixth Day: Review 1 Kings 20-21, concentrating on 21:17-29.
1. What did the Lord command Elijah to go and do? (1 Kings 21:17-19)
2. What did Ahab call Elijah this time? Compare 1 Kings 21:20a with his previous words in 18:17.
3. a. Why did Elijah say he had been sent to Ahab? (1 Kings 21:20b)
b. What message did Elijah give Ahab from the Lord? (1 Kings 21:21-24)
c. How did the writer of this book summarize the sin of Ahab? (1 Kings 21:25-26)
4. a. How did Ahab react to the Lord’s rebuke? (1 Kings 21:27)
b. How did the Lord respond to Ahab’s remorse? (1 Kings 21:28-29)
5. a. God in His patience put His judgment of Ahab on hold yet again. Read 2 Peter 3:9. What is God’s attitude toward every human being?
b. Read 1 Timothy 1:13-16. How did Paul’s life demonstrate God’s patience towards us?
6. Personal: Have you thanked God for His patience toward you, both before you believed on Jesus Christ, and since then as well? Why not do it now?
1 Kings Lesson 10
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1 Kings 20-21
Setting: The Northern Kingdom of Israel
Israel’s military strength had been weakened by three years of drought and famine, and was just beginning to recover. Ben-Hadad, the king of Aram, decided to take advantage of this. He gathered his army, along with thirty-two other kings and their military strength, and besieged Samaria, Israel’s capital city.
Ben-Hadad sent this message to Ahab, “Your silver and gold are mine, and the best of your wives and children are mine” (1 Kings 20:3). Rather than risk the loss of everything, Ahab quickly acquiesced to his demands; however, Ben-Hadad was looking for complete conquest. Upon hearing how quickly Ahab gave into his demands, he demanded even more.
This time Ahab consulted the elders (leaders) of Israel. They were ready to fight rather than allow Ben-Hadad to take everything. So Ahab sent back another message. He would meet Ben-Hadad’s first demand, but he could not and would not comply with the second demand. Ben-Hadad sent this final message to Ahab, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if enough dust remains in Samaria to give each of my men a handful” (1 Kings 20:10). He planned to take what he wanted and utterly destroy Samaria.
To this Ahab replied, “One who puts on his armor should not boast like one who takes it off” (1 Kings 20:11). In other words, “Don’t count your chickens before they’ve hatched.” The battle had not been fought, so the outcome was not certain.
Ben-Hadad received this message, this insult, while he and the kings with him were relaxed and drinking. This made him furious, and he commanded the army to prepare to attack.
Victory by God’s Power
In the meantime, God once again reached out to Ahab and the people of Israel by sending a prophet to Ahab with the promise of deliverance. Although Ben-Hadad’s army was vast, if Ahab would lead the two hundred thirty-two junior officers under the provincial commanders out first, God would give them victory, and they would know that He is the Lord.
Ahab must have believed God, because he led the two hundred thirty-two junior officers, followed by a mere seven thousand additional troops, against the vast army of Ben-Hadad plus the thirty-two kings with their added military might.
Ben-Hadad was so confident in his military might and certain of victory that when he learned that men were approaching from Samaria, he gave instructions to take them alive, whether they came in peace or in battle. However, God had a surprise for him!
As the junior officers and Ahab’s small army marched forward, they struck down each opponent. The Aramean army fled, and Ben-Hadad escaped on horseback. God gave Israel a huge victory as they pursued the army of Aram and inflicted heavy losses.
After the battle, the prophet of the Lord came to Ahab once again, this time to warn him to prepare for battle, because Ben-Hadad and his army would return the following spring.
Ben-Hadad’s officials believed the defeat was because Israel’s “gods” were “gods” of the hills. Their suggestion was to raise another army of the exact same size and plan the next battle with Israel to take place on the plains, believing that Israel’s “gods” would be less powerful in that location. They certainly had a faulty view of the true God of Israel. Ben-Hadad agreed to their plan.
Just as the prophet had foretold, the next spring the Aramean army again marched against Israel, camping at Aphek and covering the countryside. The Israelite army marched out to meet them and camped opposite them, appearing like two small herds of goats, they were so small in number. The odds of Israel’s success seemed impossible.
Once again, God’s prophet went to Ahab with a message from the Lord, “Because the Arameans think the Lord is a god of the hills and not a god of the valleys, I will deliver this vast army into your hands, and you will know that I am the Lord” (1 Kings 20:28). Not only were the Arameans about to find out whom they were dealing with, there would be no room for doubt left for Ahab—he would know who is Lord!
So often we think, “If God would just do this, or that, then people would believe.” But that is not necessarily true. Think of the multiple times Ahab had seen the Lord’s power demonstrated, yet had evidently not fully believed. God was eliminating Ahab’s doubts and excuses.
When, after seven days, the armies joined in battle, Israel inflicted so many casualties on the Arameans that the remaining army escaped by running into the city of Aphek. They were not, however, safe from God’s mighty hand. A wall collapsed and killed twenty-seven thousand of them. Ben-Hadad was hiding elsewhere in the city when his officials suggested they surrender, in hope that their lives would be spared, since the kings of Israel were known to be merciful.
When Ahab learned that Ben-Hadad was alive, he did not seek direction from the Lord, who had given him the victory—he just let Ben-Hadad live. Ahab not only spared Ben-Hadad’s life, he made a treaty with him and formed a lucrative trade agreement. Based on our culture’s mindset, that sounds wonderful; however, God was not pleased.
Ahab’s Continued Disobedience
At God’s direction, an unnamed prophet, dressed as a wounded soldier, stood by the roadside waiting for Ahab. As he passed by, the prophet called out to Ahab, asking for his judgment in a matter. He said that, in the midst of a battle, he had been given guard duty over a captured man. He had been told to guard the man carefully; otherwise, if the man escaped, he would exchange his life for the man’s life. He had failed in his duty, and the captive had escaped.
Ahab said that the man himself had already pronounced the judgment. He was worthy of death for failing in his duty. It would be his life for the captive’s life. At that, the prophet revealed himself to Ahab and accused him of doing that very thing. He then pronounced God’s judgment, “You have set free a man I had determined should die. Therefore it is your life for his life, your people for his people” (1 Kings 20:42). Ahab was not pleased with this. Angry and sullen, he returned to his palace in Samaria.
Ahab had been happy to accept the Lord’s gift of victory over the Arameans, but he had not humbled himself before God and acknowledged Him as his Lord. He went right on doing things as he had before, in total disregard of God, His desires, and His commands.
God’s judgments may at times seem harsh, but if we remember that God is an all-wise, all-knowing and all-loving God, we can trust that His judgments are always right. We also should remember to seek God and obey Him in all that we do.
Naboth’s Vineyard
Although Israel was not walking in complete obedience to the Lord, we will soon see that much of their culture and many of their laws were still rooted in what had been established hundreds of years previously by God on Mount Sinai. Because of this, Ahab’s authority as king was limited.
Ahab maintained a palace in Jezreel even though he had a palace in Samaria, which was the primary capital of Israel. Near to the palace in Jezreel was a vineyard that belonged to Naboth, a native of Jezreel. Ahab wanted that land for a vegetable garden, and he approached Naboth, offering to either purchase the land for what it was worth, or to give him a better vineyard in exchange.
Naboth refused. The land was his inheritance—not just an inheritance such as we have in our culture, but a permanent inheritance given by the Lord and passed down through the generations of his family (see Leviticus 25:23, Numbers 36:7).
Ahab was not pleased. He returned to the palace, angry and sullen. Acting like a spoiled child rather than the adult king of Israel, he went to bed and refused to eat. When Jezebel learned why he was behaving in such a manner, she told Ahab to let her take care of the matter—she would get the vineyard for him.
Jezebel was an evil and crafty woman. She manipulated the law that God intended for good, and used it for her own evil purposes.
If there were troubles in the Israelites’ lives, such as drought, or if there was impending disaster, they were to gather, fast and pray, and seek God. They were to confess their sin and remove any person or persons among them who were guilty of wrongdoing. If a charge was brought against someone, in order to protect the innocent, there had to be more than one witness for a person to be convicted of the crime (see Deuteronomy 19:15). Finally, if the person was guilty, stoning was established by God as the means of capital punishment. This was to discourage people from doing wrong, and to cleanse Israel of sin.
This is how Jezebel carried out her plan, while maintaining her distance and giving an appearance that everything was done according to the law. She sent letters, in Ahab’s name, sealed with his seal, to the nobles and elders in Jezreel. She instructed them to gather the people of Jezreel together for a day of fasting. They were to make certain that Naboth was sitting in a prominent place where many people could see him. They were also to seat two liars, two evil men, across from him. These men were to lie, saying they had overheard Naboth curse both God and the king. After the accusation had been made and confirmed by these two lying witnesses, the leaders were to pronounce judgment, and Naboth was to be stoned to death.
And this is just what transpired. Naboth and his sons[64] were stoned to death. This left no heirs for Naboth’s property, and the way had been cleared for Ahab to take possession on the vineyard.
God’s Judgment on Ahab
When Jezebel was informed that her plan had succeeded, she told Ahab that Naboth, the man who refused to sell to him, was dead, and the way was clear for Ahab to take the vineyard. Without asking questions, Ahab got up and took possession of Naboth’s vineyard. He may not have known the details of how Jezebel had arranged for Naboth to die, but he didn’t care. The vineyard was his, and he could pretend that he was not complicit in the crime. However, God knew what had transpired and the part Ahab had played, and He sent Elijah to confront him in Naboth’s vineyard.
Ahab had previously addressed Elijah as “the troubler of Israel” (1 Kings 18:17), but this time, when he laid eyes on Elijah he said, “So you have found me, my enemy!” (1 Kings 21:20). Ahab knew he was guilty. If only Ahab had recognized that Elijah was merely God’s representative, and that neither God nor Elijah was the problem—Ahab was. God had made Himself known to Ahab time and time again, yet Ahab continued on his own way, doing evil in the eyes of the Lord. Up to that time, there had never been anyone like Ahab. At his wife’s urging, he gave himself up to behave in despicable ways and to go after idols—in the same way the Amorites, whom God had thrown out of the land, had done. Ahab also led Israel to do the same. Proverbs 29:1 tells us, “Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.” And so, Elijah pronounced God’s judgment on Ahab:
• Because Ahab had murdered Naboth and taken his property, dogs would lap up Ahab’s blood in the very place where they had lapped up Naboth’s blood.
• God would bring disaster on Ahab. Because Ahab had provoked God to anger and caused Israel to sin, Ahab’s entire family line would be wiped out, just as the entire family lines of Jeroboam son of Nebat and Baasha son of Ahijah had been wiped from the face of the earth. Dogs would eat those of his family who died in the city, and birds would feed on those who died in the country.
• Jezebel, Ahab’s wife, would not escape judgment. Dogs would eat her by the wall in Jezreel.
When Ahab heard what Elijah said, he humbled himself, fasted, and dressed in mourning clothes. However, Ahab had waited too long to avert disaster to himself and his family. Judgment had been pronounced and would come to pass; however, because he humbled himself, God would not bring the disaster in his lifetime, but in his son’s.
Repent and Receive Forgiveness
We should never wait to repent and to make things right with God. Hebrews 3:7 says, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.” Child of God, have you fallen into some sinful practice, or do you hold a sinful attitude in your heart, such as hatred or envy? Maybe your sin is just that of going your own way rather than God’s. We are told in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Stop right now and confess that sin to the Lord, turn from it, and ask Him to forgive you and to change you. He loves you, and longs to have a right relationship with you.
Perhaps you’ve never trusted Jesus Christ to forgive you and to take away your sin. Second Corinthians 6:2 says, “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” Please don’t wait. If you want a right relationship with God, you can stop right now and pray a prayer something like this:
Lord Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner. Please forgive my sins. Thank You for dying on the cross for me, and for coming alive again. I accept Your gifts of forgiveness and eternal life. I place my life in Your hands. I want to be Yours forever. Thank You for loving me so much.
In Your Name I pray. Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, tell someone—perhaps your Bible study teacher or leader, your pastor, or a Christian friend. Turn to “Do You KNOW You Have Eternal Life?” for additional Scripture passages regarding this.
Study Questions
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Before you begin your study this week:
❖ Pray and ask God to speak to you through His Holy Spirit.
❖ Use only the Bible for your answers.
❖ Write down your answers and the verses you used.
❖ Answer the “Challenge” questions if you have the time and want to do them.
❖ Share your answers to the “Personal” questions with the class only if you want to share them.
First Day: Read the Commentary on 1 Kings 20-21.
1. What meaningful or new thought did you find in the commentary on 1 Kings 20-21 or from your teacher’s lecture?
2. Look for a verse in the lesson to memorize this week. Write it down and post it in a prominent place. Make a real effort to learn the verse and its “address” (reference of where it is found in the Bible).
Second Day: Read 1 Kings 22, concentrating on verses 1-8.
1. a. What is the relationship between the kingdoms of Aram and Israel as 1 Kings 22 begins? (1 Kings 22:1)
b. Review 1 Kings 20:28-29,34 to see what had happened between them three years earlier.
2. a. Who went to see Ahab, king of Israel? (1 Kings 22:2)
b. Challenge: Read 2 Chronicles 18:1. In addition to the fact that both kings were descended from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, how was Jehoshaphat closely related to Ahab?
3. a. What was Ahab’s concern, and what assistance did he request of Jehoshaphat? (1 Kings 22:3-4a)
b. What was Jehoshaphat’s reply? (1 Kings 22:4b)
c. What condition did Jehoshaphat set? (1 Kings 22:5)
4. What did Ahab do in response to Jehoshaphat’s request, and what did these men say? (1 Kings 22:6)
5. a. Did Jehoshaphat recognize that Ahab’s prophets were not of the Lord? (1 Kings 22:7)
b. What did Ahab admit to Jehoshaphat? (1 Kings 22:8)
6. Personal: Jeroboam, and the kings after him down through Ahab, all tried to fool themselves that they could worship the Lord in their own way, not according to the way the Lord had commanded. Their so-called prophets had no connection to the Lord, and nothing that they prophesied meant anything at all. Have you ever tried to live your own way, to be a “Christian” the way you chose, and disregarded what God has revealed to us in Scripture? What was the result?
Third Day: Review 1 Kings 22, concentrating on verses 9-28.
1. a. When the king of Israel called for Micaiah, a true prophet of the Lord, what did the messenger urge Micaiah to do? (1 Kings 22:13)
b. What was Micaiah’s response? (1 Kings 22:14)
2. Micaiah at first gave a sarcastic positive response to the king’s inquiry. When the king insisted on the truth, what did Micaiah prophesy? (1 Kings 22:17,19-23)
3. When one of Ahab’s false prophets challenged Micaiah, what answer did Micaiah give him? (1 Kings 22:24-25)
4. a. How did King Ahab respond to Micaiah and his prophecy? (1 Kings 22:26-27)
b. What were Micaiah’s parting words? (1 Kings 22:28)
5. Challenge: From 1 Kings 21:21-29, review what the Lord had told Ahab through Elijah three years earlier, Ahab’s response, and God’s forbearance towards him. From Ahab’s actions and words in 1 Kings 22, did his remorse in chapter 21 lead to godly repentance and genuine faith?
6. Personal: Remorse is not the same as repentance. Have you ever felt guilty about something you did wrong and sorry that you did it, or sorry that you were in trouble for doing it, yet you didn’t change your ways and act differently from then on? Is there something in your life today from which you need to truly repent, rather than just feeling remorse? Read James 4:7-10. What will the Lord do for you when you repent and humble yourself before Him?
Fourth Day: Review 1 Kings 22, concentrating on verses 29-40.
1. In spite of Micaiah’s warning to Ahab, what did Jehoshaphat king of Judah do? (1 Kings 22:29)
2. a. How did Ahab try to protect himself from the outcome Micaiah had prophesied? (1 Kings 22:30)
b. What almost happened because of Jehoshaphat’s compliance with Ahab’s plan? (1 Kings 22:31-33)
3. Compare 1 Kings 22:17,23b,28a with 1 Kings 22:34-37. How was Micaiah’s prophecy fulfilled in spite of Ahab’s plan to disguise himself?
4. Compare 1 Kings 21:17-19 with 1 Kings 22:38. How was Elijah’s prophecy fulfilled?
5. Who succeeded Ahab as king of Israel? (1 Kings 22:40)
6. Personal: God’s word spoken through His prophets was fulfilled, despite Ahab’s unbelief and his plans to escape his punishment. God’s Word, the Bible, contains His truth, and every word of it will be fulfilled according to God’s plan, no matter whether an individual believes it or not. Do you accept His Word as truth? Do you want to live according to His truth instead of trying futilely to escape from it?
Fifth Day: Review 1 Kings 22, concentrating on verses 41-50.
1. How long did Jehoshaphat rule over Judah? (1 Kings 22:41-42)
2. a. How did Jehoshaphat lead Judah spiritually? (1 Kings 22:43a,46)
b. In what way did Jehoshaphat fall short of God’s plan? (1 Kings 22:43b)
3. a. Challenge: More details of Jehoshaphat’s reign are given in the book of 2 Chronicles. Read 2 Chronicles 18:1-3 with 19:1-2. In what additional way did Jehoshaphat fall short of God’s plan?
b. Challenge: Read 2 Chronicles 17:5,10-11; 20:29-30. In spite of his shortcomings, how were Jehoshaphat and Judah blessed because he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord?
4. a. What venture of Jehoshaphat’s did not succeed? (1 Kings 22:48)
b. Challenge: Read 2 Chronicles 20:35-37, which speaks of this same event. Why had this venture failed?
5. Who succeeded Jehoshaphat as king of Judah? (1 Kings 22:50)
6. Personal: Although Jehoshaphat was not perfect, God commended him for walking in His ways, and his kingdom experienced peace. What blessings have you experienced when you walk in God’s ways?
Sixth Day: Review 1 Kings 22, concentrating on verses 51-53.
1. How long did Ahab’s son Ahaziah reign as king of Israel? (1 Kings 22:51)
2. How did the Lord evaluate Ahaziah’s reign? (1 Kings 22:52-53)
3. First Kings ends abruptly here, and the account of Ahaziah is continued in 2 Kings chapter 1.[65] It is easy to get bogged down in the descriptions of the kings, and to feel discouraged by their continual failure to serve the Lord wholeheartedly, or in the case of the northern kings, failure to serve Him at all. We must remember, however, that the purpose of the Bible’s history books is to relate events in light of God’s covenants. We have seen that the welfare of the people of Israel, both in the north and the south, depended on their obedience to the Law of Moses and their dependence on the Lord to guide and protect them. Read Hebrews 8:7-12. What was God’s plan for His people?
4. Read Hebrews 9:13-15. How did God carry out this plan?
5. Personal: Have you accepted God’s gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, who paid for your sin by His death on the cross? See “Do You KNOW You Have Eternal Life?” for more information about this.
1 Kings Lesson 11
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1 Kings 22
Setting: The Northern Kingdom of Israel
For about three years there had been no war between Ben-Hadad of Aram and Ahab of Israel (the northern kingdom). “No war” is quite different from “peace.” As part of the treaty that had been made when Ben-Hadad surrendered to Ahab, certain Israelite towns that Ben-Hadad had captured were to be returned to Israel. Three years had passed, and Ramoth Gilead was still in the possession of the Arameans.[66] Ahab wanted it back.
About 18 years prior to this, in the fourth year of Ahab’s reign, Jehoshaphat, a good and godly man, had become king of Judah, the southern kingdom. Sometime after that, an alliance was established between Judah and Israel through the marriage of Jehoshaphat’s son Jehoram to Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel (see 2 Kings 8:16-18, 24-26; 2 Chronicles 18:1). Marriages for political purposes were not uncommon.
At this time, Jehoshaphat, who had great wealth and honor, decided to visit Ahab.[67] Many animals were slaughtered, and they had a great feast. During this visit, Ahab approached Jehoshaphat, requesting that he join with him to fight Ben-Hadad and retake Ramoth Gilead.
Jehoshaphat was willing to help, but with one condition. He wanted them to seek God’s counsel before making any major moves or decisions. Ahab agreed; however, the four hundred prophets he brought together to prophesy were not prophets of the Lord. When asked if they should go to battle, these false prophets encouraged them to go, saying that God would give them victory.
Jehoshaphat was not fooled. Again, he asked Ahab if there was a prophet of the Lord whom they could consult. Ahab came right to the point—there was a prophet of the Lord, but he didn’t want to consult him, because God never gave him good news through him. When Jehoshaphat rebuked him, Ahab immediately sent for Micaiah.
Now Ahab and Jehoshaphat were seated on their royal thrones, which had been set up on the threshing floor at the entrance to the city of Samaria. They were quite a spectacle, dressed in their royal garb, with the 400 false prophets prophesying before them, and the false prophet Zedekiah taking the lead with iron horns that he had made. With these horns, he prophesied, the Arameans would be gored until they were destroyed.
As Micaiah approached the gathering, the messenger that had been sent to bring him back said to Micaiah, “Look, the other prophets without exception are predicting success for the king. Let your word agree with theirs…” (1 Kings 22:13). But Micaiah replied that he could only speak what God gave him to say.
When Ahab saw him and asked whether they should go to battle, Micaiah responded sarcastically, saying they should attack and be victorious—that God would give the battle into Ahab’s hand.
Ahab perceived his sarcasm, and demanded that Micaiah speak the truth. Ahab had not wanted to consult the Lord’s prophet, and yet when faced with him, Ahab wanted the truth. And the truth he received. It was not good.
Israel would be scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd. The Lord said, “These people have no master. Let each one go home in peace” (1 Kings 22:17). Micaiah continued, explaining that the Lord had allowed a deceiving spirit to speak through the false prophets in order to entice Ahab to attack Ramoth Gilead and go to his death.
In anger, the false prophet Zedekiah slapped Micaiah, demanding to know when “the spirit from the Lord” left him and went to Micaiah. Micaiah calmly responded that when Zedekiah was hiding for his life, he would know that Micaiah had spoken the truth.
Ahab had demanded the truth, but when he heard it, he demanded that Micaiah be put in prison until he, Ahab, returned from battle safely—as though it was Micaiah who would bring about Ahab’s death, and that somehow imprisoning him would avert it. Micaiah, however, stood firm on the judgment. God had spoken, and it would come to pass. His final words warned the people to mark what he had said.
Trying to Hide from God
In an attempt to keep what God had decreed from coming to pass, Ahab decided to enter the battle in disguise, while Jehoshaphat would continue to wear his royal robes. Ahab continually underestimated God. Although he had previously trusted Him to give Israel victory in battle (see 1 Kings 20), he now attempted to hide himself from God and from His judgment against him.
Psalm 139:1-12 has some very revealing truths about how intimately God knows us. For those who are His, it is comforting, but for those like Ahab, who live in rebellion, it should be a warning.
You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.
You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
How do you feel about this? Does it bring you comfort or peace to know how intimately God is concerned about you? If you are still trying to hide portions of your life from God because of sin and shame, it is time to realize that He loves you and will forgive you and heal the brokenness that is the result of sin and shame. Please take time right now to talk to Him about whatever you have attempted to hide. If you have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, won’t you do that now? (See “Do You KNOW You Have Eternal Life?” for additional information about this.) If you are a believer in Christ and are attempting to hide something, remember His promise in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Ahab and the Battle
God’s hand of judgment was on Ahab, and the day of natural reckoning had come. Although Ahab was disguised, God caused an arrow, which an archer had shot at random, to strike Ahab between the sections of his armor. The battle raged all day while Ahab gradually bled to death, propped up in his chariot. Then, in accordance with the prophecies, as evening came and Ahab’s death became known, the army of Israel dispersed and each man returned to his home. Ahab’s body was taken to Samaria to be buried. While his chariot was washed at a pool where prostitutes bathed, dogs lapped the water that was mixed with his blood, just as God had decreed through Elijah, the prophet (see 1 Kings 21:19).
And so Ahaziah, Ahab’s son, became king of the northern kingdom of Israel. He, too, was wicked. He served and worshiped Baal.
Jehoshaphat and the Battle
Ben-Hadad had ordered his men to focus on finding and killing Ahab. At first, when they saw Jehoshaphat’s royal attire, they went after him, but when they realized that he was not Ahab, they quit pursuing him.
Since their focus had been on killing the king of Israel, Jehoshaphat in his royal robes was the likely target. As you can see, God’s hand of protection was on Jehoshaphat. Scripture commends Jehoshaphat as being a good king. He did not stray from the ways of his father, Asa, and did what was right in the eyes of the Lord (see 1 Kings 22:43). However, Jehoshaphat should not have made any type of alliance with the wicked and ungodly Ahab, nor should he have helped him in battle. After this battle, God’s prophet said to Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord?” (2 Chronicles 19:2).
Believers and Non-believers
Second Corinthians 6:14 says, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” Those who are choosing to walk with the Lord cannot find a point of deep fellowship with those who don’t know Him. Every aspect of the life of a Christian who is truly walking with the Lord will be focused on Him—their favorite places and pastimes, their choice of movies or television shows, their business practices, their attitude toward others, their use of time and money, and their priorities.
A Christian can love and care about non-believers—they can talk with them about general things that transpire in life, and share the Gospel with them—but it is impossible for the unbeliever to understand the life of a Christian. First Corinthians 2:14 tells us, “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.” The desires and choices of the person who is truly following Christ seem foolish to the non-believer. There can be no deep fellowship.
However, this warning involves more than a lack of fellowship. First Corinthians 15:33 warns the Christian, “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” The northern kingdom of Israel had compromised its worship from its beginning; now, under the reign of Ahab, it had gone further from the Lord and had begun worshiping Baal. Through the alliance between the families of Ahab and Jehoshaphat, Baal worship would eventually be introduced into the southern kingdom of Judah.[68]
In the same manner, if a believer constantly associates with non-believers, they will be negatively affected. For example, if a Christian is constantly with people who gossip and speak evil of others, it is easy to begin to do the same thing. If a Christian goes with “friends” to a bar, it is easy to begin to compromise. If a Christian is constantly being bombarded with “worldly” ideas and practices by those they regularly associate with, it is easy to take on those ideas and attitudes. For that reason, the one who wants to follow Christ should seek the regular fellowship of those who will encourage them in righteousness. Hebrews 3:13 reminds us, “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” And Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.”
Evidently, Jehoshaphat did not learn. When Ahaziah, Ahab’s wicked son, became king of Israel, Jehoshaphat made an agreement with him to build a fleet of trading ships. God sent a prophet to Jehoshaphat saying, “Because you have made an alliance with Ahaziah, the Lord will destroy what you have made” (2 Chronicles 20:37). The entire fleet was wrecked before it could even set sail.
After that, Jehoshaphat died and was buried in the City of David. His son, Jehoram, became king after him.
Ecclesiastes 10:1 says, “As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.” Jehoshaphat’s life had generally been a godly one; however, it was marred by his alliances with Ahab and his family. The wickedness that would spring from that alliance was greater than anything Jehoshaphat could have imagined.[69]
God gives us laws and principles in His Word, not to withhold good things from us, but to protect us, and others, from evil and evil results. We cannot allow our society, our culture, or even our own thoughts to dictate to us the right way to live; we must study God’s Word and live by it, in fellowship with Him. Then our lives will be filled with His peace, joy, and love.
This is the end of the study. There are no questions for Lesson 11.
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[1] Challenge questions are optional for those who want to dig deeper or write their personal opinion. The Personal questions are between the individual doing the study and God. Those answers may be shared in class only if the individual would like to.
[2]. Merrill C. Tenney, general editor. The New International Dictionary of the Bible (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1987).
[3]. Frank E. Gaebelein, editor. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1990)
[4]. See chart of David’s family.
[5]. “Chronicles is a summary of Hebrew history that duplicates much of the books of Samuel and of Kings, but it focuses more on the spiritual deeds and misdeeds of the kings and on the importance of worshiping the Lord properly through the ministry of the priests and the Temple.” (Henrietta C. Mears. What the Bible Is All About Bible Handbook, Revised and Updated (Ventura: Regal, 2011) p168.
[6]. Those who did not accept Adonijah’s invitation.
[7]. The horns were projections on the four corners of the altar. By grabbing hold of these, Adonijah was symbolically seeking the protection of God—the very God whose will he went against when he declared himself king.
[8]. Because of the disobedience of future kings, there came a time when the people were carried into captivity and there was no king on the throne, but God’s promise to David was fulfilled through David’s descendant, Jesus Christ, who will rule and reign forever.
[9]. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary. From note on 1 Kings 2:36.
[10]. Ibid. From note on 1 Kings 2:41-43.
[11]. First Kings does not address polygamy; it merely acknowledges that it exists—it treats it as a fact of life. Although polygamy was not explicitly condemned in the Old Testament Scriptures, it was not God’s intention for humanity (see Matthew 19:4-6).
[12]. The horns of the altar of burnt offering were projections of the four corner posts, but of one piece with the altar. They symbolized power, help, and sanctuary. The tent of the Lord, where the altar was located, was a commonly accepted place of sanctuary. (The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, see notes on Exodus 27:1-2; 1 Kings 2:28-29.)
[13]. Shimei’s relatives, the men of Benjamin, led the revolt against David under Sheba (see 2 Samuel 20).
[14]. When the Israelites first entered the Promised Land, nearly 500 years prior to this, God had forbidden them to intermarry with the pagan Canaanite people that had occupied that land, but Egypt was not among those tribes.
[15]. Because there was no designated central place to worship, and because Samuel the prophet had offered sacrifices at various high places and was not reprimanded by God for this, it may have not have been a negative statement regarding Solomon, just a note that this differed from his father’s pattern.
[16]. Eternal life can only be obtained by faith in what Christ did on the cross to take away our sins (see Ephesians 2:8-9).
[17]. God used Solomon to record this very proverb.
[18]. Cedar wood’s high quality, pleasant scent, and resistance to both rot and insects made it a popular building material for temples, palaces, and seagoing vessels.
[19]. Over one thousand years prior to this time, when God tested the patriarch Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac, God directed him to a specific mountain in the region of Moriah, believed to be this mountain (see Genesis 22:2). It was also on Mount Moriah that the Angel of the Lord had appeared to David on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite (see 2 Chronicles 3:1).
[20]. The height of the tabernacle is not clearly indicated in Scripture.
[21]. If you would like to know more about the places within and surrounding the temple, and the use and meaning of various temple furnishings, you may want to study the Joy of Living course on Exodus, which covers the corresponding areas and furnishings of the tabernacle.
[22]. For a description of actual cherubim, see Ezekiel 1:5-14 and Ezekiel 10.
[23]. See 2 Chronicles 4:1-6 for a description of these items.
[24]. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, see notes on 1 Kings 7:9-12.
[25]. Kenneth Barker, editor. The NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1985). See text notes on 1 Kings 7:21.
[26]. Here, the City of David refers to the southernmost hill of the city of Jerusalem. It is located just south of the Temple Mount.
[27]. First John 1:5 tells us, “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all,” but for the sake of Israel, He covered Himself in the dark cloud to shield them when He revealed His glory to them. (See Exodus 20:21; 40:33-35; Psalm 18:6-12; 97:2.)
[28]. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary. See notes on 1 Kings 10:26.
[29]. NIV Study Bible, from text note on 1 Kings 9:13.
[30]. The prayer in 1 Kings 8 when the temple was dedicated.
[31]. In the ancient Semitic world, “name” often stood for the essence of the thing named. God’s “Name” is equivalent to “His presence.” See NIV Study Bible note on Deuteronomy 12:5.
[32]. Even when there was an ungodly king, a few among the people chose to serve the Lord, but as a whole, the nation followed the example of the king.
[33]. Archaeological studies support the view that the biblical kingdom of Sheba was the ancient civilization of Saba in Southern Arabia; however, the Jewish-Roman historian Josephus describes a place called Saba as a walled, royal city of Ethiopia.
[34]. Contrary to some opinions, there is no biblical or historical proof that she conceived a child by Solomon.
[35]. Concubines in ancient Near Eastern societies were slave women who were the legal property of their master, but who could have legitimate sexual relations with their master. A concubine’s status was more elevated than a mere servant, but she was not free and did not have the legal rights of a free wife. The children of a concubine could, in some instances, become equal heirs with the children of the free wife. (NET Bible, note on 1 Kings 11:3, )
[36]. “The ‘one tribe’ refers to the area dominated by Judah (but including Simeon; see Joshua 19:1-9), and the ‘ten tribes’ refers to the region that came under David’s rule at [a] later date.” (NIV Study Bible note on 1 Kings 11:31-32.)
[37]. Solomon’s marriage alliance was with the previous pharaoh. (See NIV Study Bible note on 1 Kings 11:40.)
[38]. Hosea prophesied during the time of the last six kings of Israel (NIV Study Bible, “Hosea: Background”). The eagle or vulture in this prophecy is symbolic of Assryia (NIV Study Bible, notes on Hosea 8:1). The territory occupied by the ten tribes led by Jeroboam was called Samaria [Merrill C. Tenney, general editor. The New International Dictionary of the Bible (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1987) p887].
[39]. Very likely the tribe of Simeon was also involved. The tribe of Judah had more or less absorbed it, since Simeon’s territory lay within Judah’s territory (see Joshua 19:1). (See NIV Study Bible note on 2 Samuel 2:4.)
[40]. That is, king of the 10 northern tribes. “The fact that David became king over the northern tribes on the basis of a covenant (see 2 Samuel 5:3) suggests that their act of submission was to be renewed with each new king and that it was subject to negotiation.” (NIV Study Bible, note on 2 Kings 12:1)
[41]. The “house of David” refers to the lineage or dynasty of King David.
[42]. Although most of Benjamin was aligned with the northern tribes, the Benjamites that lived within Judah’s borders joined Rehoboam’s army.
[43]. The priests were from the common people, not from the Levites, as God had instructed.
[44] This king is called “Abijam” in many other Bible versions.
[45] This king is called “Abijam” in many other Bible versions.
[46]. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary.
[47] This king is called “Abijam” in many other Bible versions.
[48] This king is called “Abijam” in many other Bible versions.
[49]. This is not the Jehu who would later become king of Israel.
[50]. It is not known if Tibni died of natural causes, or if he was killed.
[51]. J.D. Douglas, Merrill C Tenney, Editors. The New International Dictionary of the Bible Pictorial Edition (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1987) p. 99.
[52]. This is the first instance of raising the dead recorded in Scripture (NIV Study Bible, notes on 1 Kings 17:22).
[53]. Mount Carmel is a coastal mountain range in northern Israel, stretching from the Mediterranean Sea towards the southeast.
[54]. Second Kings 1:8 describes Elijah: “He had a garment of hair and had a leather belt around his waist.”
[55]. God was the God of all twelve tribes. When He divided the kingdom, He did not intend their worship to be divided.
[56]. The names Horeb and Sinai are both used to designate “the mountain of God” in Scripture. [The NIV Study Bible. See study note on Exodus 3:1.]
[57]. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary. See note on 1 Kings 19:9.
[58]. Joshua is called Moses’ “aide” in Exodus 24:13 and 33:11. (The NIV Study Bible. See study note on 1 Kings 19:21.)
[59]. A broom bush is a desert shrub, which sometimes grows large enough to offer shade. (The NIV Study Bible. See study note on 1 Kings 19:4.)
[60]. Mount Horeb is believed to be another name for Mount Sinai, where God had given His law to the Israelites. It is about 250 miles south of Judah. (Ibid. See study note on 1 Kings 19:8.)
[61]. The covenant that God had established with all Israel on that very mountain hundreds of years before (see Exodus 19-24).
[62]. If you want to know more about Jesus, His death, and the forgiveness of our sin, see “Do You KNOW You Have Eternal Life?”.
[63]. From 1 Kings 20:34, the Ben-Hadad of chapter 20 was the son or grandson of the king by that name in chapter 15. He gathered a coalition of kings to help carry out his threat.
[64]. Second Kings 9:26 says, “Yesterday I saw the blood of Naboth and the blood of his sons, declares the Lord, and I will surely make you pay for it on this plot of ground, declares the Lord.” Apparently Naboth’s sons were also killed by Jezebel’s wicked plan.
[65]. Second Kings is covered in a separate Joy of Living study.
[66]. See 1 Kings 15:20; 20:34. Ramoth Gilead, to the east of the Jordan, was part of the territory ceded over to Israel by Ben-Hadad in his submission to Ahab. (The Expositor’s Bible Commentary. See note on 1 Kings 22:1.)
[67]. This visit is also described in 2 Chronicles 18.
[68]. Second Kings explores this in more detail.
[69]. You may read of these results in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles.
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