April 9, 2025

God's Presence and His Desire to Dwell

1 Kings 8-10

Michael Banks
Wednesday's Devo

April 9, 2025

Wednesday's Devo

April 9, 2025

Big Book Idea

Since the beginning of time, God's desire has been to dwell among His people. This desire for God to dwell among His people culminates in the person of Christ, who took on flesh and made His dwelling among us.

Key Verse | 1 Kings 8:13

"I have indeed built you an exalted house, a place for you to dwell in forever."

1 Kings 8-10

Chapter 8

The Ark Brought into the Temple

Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the leaders of the fathers' houses of the people of Israel, before King Solomon in Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which is Zion. And all the men of Israel assembled to King Solomon at the feast in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month. And all the elders of Israel came, and the priests took up the ark. And they brought up the ark of the LORD, the tent of meeting, and all the holy vessels that were in the tent; the priests and the Levites brought them up. And King Solomon and all the congregation of Israel, who had assembled before him, were with him before the ark, sacrificing so many sheep and oxen that they could not be counted or numbered. Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place in the inner sanctuary of the house, in the Most Holy Place, underneath the wings of the cherubim. For the cherubim spread out their wings over the place of the ark, so that the cherubim overshadowed the ark and its poles. And the poles were so long that the ends of the poles were seen from the Holy Place before the inner sanctuary; but they could not be seen from outside. And they are there to this day. There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets of stone that Moses put there at Horeb, where the LORD made a covenant with the people of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt. 10 And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, a cloud filled the house of the LORD, 11 so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD.

Solomon Blesses the LORD

12 Then Solomon said, “The LORD 1 8:12 Septuagint The LORD has set the sun in the heavens, but has said that he would dwell in thick darkness. 13 I have indeed built you an exalted house, a place for you to dwell in forever.” 14 Then the king turned around and blessed all the assembly of Israel, while all the assembly of Israel stood. 15 And he said, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who with his hand has fulfilled what he promised with his mouth to David my father, saying, 16 ‘Since the day that I brought my people Israel out of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel in which to build a house, that my name might be there. But I chose David to be over my people Israel.’ 17 Now it was in the heart of David my father to build a house for the name of the LORD, the God of Israel. 18 But the LORD said to David my father, ‘Whereas it was in your heart to build a house for my name, you did well that it was in your heart. 19 Nevertheless, you shall not build the house, but your son who shall be born to you shall build the house for my name.’ 20 Now the LORD has fulfilled his promise that he made. For I have risen in the place of David my father, and sit on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised, and I have built the house for the name of the LORD, the God of Israel. 21 And there I have provided a place for the ark, in which is the covenant of the LORD that he made with our fathers, when he brought them out of the land of Egypt.”

Solomon's Prayer of Dedication

22 Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven, 23 and said, “O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart; 24 you have kept with your servant David my father what you declared to him. You spoke with your mouth, and with your hand have fulfilled it this day. 25 Now therefore, O LORD, God of Israel, keep for your servant David my father what you have promised him, saying, ‘You shall not lack a man to sit before me on the throne of Israel, if only your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me as you have walked before me.’ 26 Now therefore, O God of Israel, let your word be confirmed, which you have spoken to your servant David my father.

27 But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built! 28 Yet have regard to the prayer of your servant and to his plea, O LORD my God, listening to the cry and to the prayer that your servant prays before you this day, 29 that your eyes may be open night and day toward this house, the place of which you have said, ‘My name shall be there,’ that you may listen to the prayer that your servant offers toward this place. 30 And listen to the plea of your servant and of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. And listen in heaven your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.

31 If a man sins against his neighbor and is made to take an oath and comes and swears his oath before your altar in this house, 32 then hear in heaven and act and judge your servants, condemning the guilty by bringing his conduct on his own head, and vindicating the righteous by rewarding him according to his righteousness.

33 When your people Israel are defeated before the enemy because they have sinned against you, and if they turn again to you and acknowledge your name and pray and plead with you in this house, 34 then hear in heaven and forgive the sin of your people Israel and bring them again to the land that you gave to their fathers.

35 When heaven is shut up and there is no rain because they have sinned against you, if they pray toward this place and acknowledge your name and turn from their sin, when you afflict them, 36 then hear in heaven and forgive the sin of your servants, your people Israel, when you teach them the good way in which they should walk, and grant rain upon your land, which you have given to your people as an inheritance.

37 If there is famine in the land, if there is pestilence or blight or mildew or locust or caterpillar, if their enemy besieges them in the land at their gates, 2 8:37 Septuagint, Syriac in any of their cities whatever plague, whatever sickness there is, 38 whatever prayer, whatever plea is made by any man or by all your people Israel, each knowing the affliction of his own heart and stretching out his hands toward this house, 39 then hear in heaven your dwelling place and forgive and act and render to each whose heart you know, according to all his ways (for you, you only, know the hearts of all the children of mankind), 40 that they may fear you all the days that they live in the land that you gave to our fathers.

41 Likewise, when a foreigner, who is not of your people Israel, comes from a far country for your name's sake 42 (for they shall hear of your great name and your mighty hand, and of your outstretched arm), when he comes and prays toward this house, 43 hear in heaven your dwelling place and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to you, in order that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your people Israel, and that they may know that this house that I have built is called by your name.

44 If your people go out to battle against their enemy, by whatever way you shall send them, and they pray to the LORD toward the city that you have chosen and the house that I have built for your name, 45 then hear in heaven their prayer and their plea, and maintain their cause.

46 If they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin—and you are angry with them and give them to an enemy, so that they are carried away captive to the land of the enemy, far off or near, 47 yet if they turn their heart in the land to which they have been carried captive, and repent and plead with you in the land of their captors, saying, ‘We have sinned and have acted perversely and wickedly,’ 48 if they repent with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their enemies, who carried them captive, and pray to you toward their land, which you gave to their fathers, the city that you have chosen, and the house that I have built for your name, 49 then hear in heaven your dwelling place their prayer and their plea, and maintain their cause 50 and forgive your people who have sinned against you, and all their transgressions that they have committed against you, and grant them compassion in the sight of those who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them 51 (for they are your people, and your heritage, which you brought out of Egypt, from the midst of the iron furnace). 52 Let your eyes be open to the plea of your servant and to the plea of your people Israel, giving ear to them whenever they call to you. 53 For you separated them from among all the peoples of the earth to be your heritage, as you declared through Moses your servant, when you brought our fathers out of Egypt, O Lord God.”

Solomon's Benediction

54 Now as Solomon finished offering all this prayer and plea to the LORD, he arose from before the altar of the LORD, where he had knelt with hands outstretched toward heaven. 55 And he stood and blessed all the assembly of Israel with a loud voice, saying, 56 “Blessed be the LORD who has given rest to his people Israel, according to all that he promised. Not one word has failed of all his good promise, which he spoke by Moses his servant. 57 The LORD our God be with us, as he was with our fathers. May he not leave us or forsake us, 58 that he may incline our hearts to him, to walk in all his ways and to keep his commandments, his statutes, and his rules, which he commanded our fathers. 59 Let these words of mine, with which I have pleaded before the LORD, be near to the LORD our God day and night, and may he maintain the cause of his servant and the cause of his people Israel, as each day requires, 60 that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God; there is no other. 61 Let your heart therefore be wholly true to the LORD our God, walking in his statutes and keeping his commandments, as at this day.”

Solomon's Sacrifices

62 Then the king, and all Israel with him, offered sacrifice before the LORD. 63 Solomon offered as peace offerings to the LORD 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. So the king and all the people of Israel dedicated the house of the LORD. 64 The same day the king consecrated the middle of the court that was before the house of the LORD, for there he offered the burnt offering and the grain offering and the fat pieces of the peace offerings, because the bronze altar that was before the LORD was too small to receive the burnt offering and the grain offering and the fat pieces of the peace offerings.

65 So Solomon held the feast at that time, and all Israel with him, a great assembly, from Lebo-hamath to the Brook of Egypt, before the LORD our God, seven days. 3 8:65 Septuagint; Hebrew seven days and seven days, fourteen days 66 On the eighth day he sent the people away, and they blessed the king and went to their homes joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that the LORD had shown to David his servant and to Israel his people.

Chapter 9

The LORD Appears to Solomon

As soon as Solomon had finished building the house of the LORD and the king's house and all that Solomon desired to build, the LORD appeared to Solomon a second time, as he had appeared to him at Gibeon. And the LORD said to him, “I have heard your prayer and your plea, which you have made before me. I have consecrated this house that you have built, by putting my name there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time. And as for you, if you will walk before me, as David your father walked, with integrity of heart and uprightness, doing according to all that I have commanded you, and keeping my statutes and my rules, then I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father, saying, ‘You shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’ But if you turn aside from following me, you or your children, and do not keep my commandments and my statutes that I have set before you, but go and serve other gods and worship them, then I will cut off Israel from the land that I have given them, and the house that I have consecrated for my name I will cast out of my sight, and Israel will become a proverb and a byword among all peoples. And this house will become a heap of ruins. 4 9:8 Syriac, Old Latin; Hebrew will become high Everyone passing by it will be astonished and will hiss, and they will say, ‘Why has the LORD done thus to this land and to this house?’ Then they will say, ‘Because they abandoned the LORD their God who brought their fathers out of the land of Egypt and laid hold on other gods and worshiped them and served them. Therefore the LORD has brought all this disaster on them.’”

Solomon's Other Acts

10 At the end of twenty years, in which Solomon had built the two houses, the house of the LORD and the king's house, 11 and Hiram king of Tyre had supplied Solomon with cedar and cypress timber and gold, as much as he desired, King Solomon gave to Hiram twenty cities in the land of Galilee. 12 But when Hiram came from Tyre to see the cities that Solomon had given him, they did not please him. 13 Therefore he said, “What kind of cities are these that you have given me, my brother?” So they are called the land of Cabul to this day. 14 Hiram had sent to the king 120 talents 5 9:14 A talent was about 75 pounds or 34 kilograms of gold.

15 And this is the account of the forced labor that King Solomon drafted to build the house of the LORD and his own house and the Millo and the wall of Jerusalem and Hazor and Megiddo and Gezer 16 (Pharaoh king of Egypt had gone up and captured Gezer and burned it with fire, and had killed the Canaanites who lived in the city, and had given it as dowry to his daughter, Solomon's wife; 17 so Solomon rebuilt Gezer) and Lower Beth-horon 18 and Baalath and Tamar in the wilderness, in the land of Judah, 6 9:18 Hebrew lacks of Judah 19 and all the store cities that Solomon had, and the cities for his chariots, and the cities for his horsemen, and whatever Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, in Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion. 20 All the people who were left of the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, who were not of the people of Israel— 21 their descendants who were left after them in the land, whom the people of Israel were unable to devote to destruction 7 9:21 That is, set apart (devote) as an offering to the Lord (for destruction) —these Solomon drafted to be slaves, and so they are to this day. 22 But of the people of Israel Solomon made no slaves. They were the soldiers, they were his officials, his commanders, his captains, his chariot commanders and his horsemen.

23 These were the chief officers who were over Solomon's work: 550 who had charge of the people who carried on the work.

24 But Pharaoh's daughter went up from the city of David to her own house that Solomon had built for her. Then he built the Millo.

25 Three times a year Solomon used to offer up burnt offerings and peace offerings on the altar that he built to the LORD, making offerings with it 8 9:25 Septuagint lacks with it before the LORD. So he finished the house.

26 King Solomon built a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, which is near Eloth on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom. 27 And Hiram sent with the fleet his servants, seamen who were familiar with the sea, together with the servants of Solomon. 28 And they went to Ophir and brought from there gold, 420 talents, and they brought it to King Solomon.

Chapter 10

The Queen of Sheba

Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to test him with hard questions. She came to Jerusalem with a very great retinue, with camels bearing spices and very much gold and precious stones. And when she came to Solomon, she told him all that was on her mind. And Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing hidden from the king that he could not explain to her. And when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, their clothing, his cupbearers, and his burnt offerings that he offered at the house of the LORD, there was no more breath in her.

And she said to the king, “The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom, but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity surpass the report that I heard. Happy are your men! Happy are your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel! Because the LORD loved Israel forever, he has made you king, that you may execute justice and righteousness.” 10 Then she gave the king 120 talents 9 10:10 A talent was about 75 pounds or 34 kilograms of gold, and a very great quantity of spices and precious stones. Never again came such an abundance of spices as these that the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.

11 Moreover, the fleet of Hiram, which brought gold from Ophir, brought from Ophir a very great amount of almug wood and precious stones. 12 And the king made of the almug wood supports for the house of the LORD and for the king's house, also lyres and harps for the singers. No such almug wood has come or been seen to this day.

13 And King Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all that she desired, whatever she asked besides what was given her by the bounty of King Solomon. So she turned and went back to her own land with her servants.

Solomon's Great Wealth

14 Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was 666 talents of gold, 15 besides that which came from the explorers and from the business of the merchants, and from all the kings of the west and from the governors of the land. 16 King Solomon made 200 large shields of beaten gold; 600 shekels 10 10:16 A shekel was about 2/5 ounce or 11 grams of gold went into each shield. 17 And he made 300 shields of beaten gold; three minas 11 10:17 A mina was about 1 1/4 pounds or 0.6 kilogram of gold went into each shield. And the king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon. 18 The king also made a great ivory throne and overlaid it with the finest gold. 19 The throne had six steps, and the throne had a round top, 12 10:19 Or and at the back of the throne was a calf's head and on each side of the seat were armrests and two lions standing beside the armrests, 20 while twelve lions stood there, one on each end of a step on the six steps. The like of it was never made in any kingdom. 21 All King Solomon's drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were of pure gold. None were of silver; silver was not considered as anything in the days of Solomon. 22 For the king had a fleet of ships of Tarshish at sea with the fleet of Hiram. Once every three years the fleet of ships of Tarshish used to come bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks. 13 10:22 Or baboons

23 Thus King Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. 24 And the whole earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put into his mind. 25 Every one of them brought his present, articles of silver and gold, garments, myrrh, 14 10:25 Or armor spices, horses, and mules, so much year by year.

26 And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen. He had 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horsemen, whom he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem. 27 And the king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stone, and he made cedar as plentiful as the sycamore of the Shephelah. 28 And Solomon's import of horses was from Egypt and Kue, and the king's traders received them from Kue at a price. 29 A chariot could be imported from Egypt for 600 shekels of silver and a horse for 150, and so through the king's traders they were exported to all the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Syria.

Footnotes

[1] 8:12 Septuagint The LORD has set the sun in the heavens, but
[2] 8:37 Septuagint, Syriac in any of their cities
[3] 8:65 Septuagint; Hebrew seven days and seven days, fourteen days
[4] 9:8 Syriac, Old Latin; Hebrew will become high
[5] 9:14 A talent was about 75 pounds or 34 kilograms
[6] 9:18 Hebrew lacks of Judah
[7] 9:21 That is, set apart (devote) as an offering to the Lord (for destruction)
[8] 9:25 Septuagint lacks with it
[9] 10:10 A talent was about 75 pounds or 34 kilograms
[10] 10:16 A shekel was about 2/5 ounce or 11 grams
[11] 10:17 A mina was about 1 1/4 pounds or 0.6 kilogram
[12] 10:19 Or and at the back of the throne was a calf's head
[13] 10:22 Or baboons
[14] 10:25 Or armor
Table of Contents
The Global Message of 1 Kings

The Global Message of 1 Kings

The books of 1 and 2 Kings record Israel’s prolonged struggle between true and false worship. From the reign of King Solomon until the exile to Babylon—a period of nearly 400 years—the prophets of God clash with the kings of Israel and Judah regarding their idolatrous behavior. Since God’s predictions about exile are eventually fulfilled, the prophets prove to have the last word over those kings who follow other gods. In this way the Lord shows himself superior over all other spiritual powers, including the false gods that so many of Israel’s faithless kings follow.

Amid the chorus of idols beckoning for the attention of God’s people both in ancient times and today, only the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ reigns supreme and deserves our trust.

Spiritual Warfare on Mount Carmel

In 1 Kings, the sovereignty of the Lord over other powers is expressed most powerfully in the confrontation between the prophet Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18). This story is frequently cited as an example of a “power encounter”—that is, a procedure for triumphing over the powers of darkness. Advocates of such approaches to spiritual warfare typically claim that power encounters are necessary to bring breakthroughs for the gospel, especially in animistic and tribal contexts. But the broader context of 1 Kings 17–18 indicates that “truth encounters” and “power encounters” always work together in proving that the Lord is superior to all false gods.

God Usurps Baal’s Power in Sidon

God’s fickle people. The prophet Elijah appears on the scene (1 Kings 17:1) shortly after we read that King Ahab has built a temple in Israel for Baal, the Canaanite god of fertility (16:32). This happens only a few decades after Solomon built the temple in Jerusalem and confessed, “O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth beneath” (8:23). Yet Israel’s king now chooses to worship a pagan deity who must die every year in the autumn season and be resurrected to life in the spring so that the rains may come. Since the land of Israel lacked a constant water supply, each planting season brought the annual temptation for God’s people to put their hope in fertility gods like Baal.

God’s powerful word. Elijah’s opening words to Ahab pose a direct challenge to Baal and his supposed power: “As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word” (1 Kings 17:1). Elijah declares that his God, not Baal, always lives and controls the rain. This truth will be proven through the powerful “word” that Elijah receives from God. This divine word tells Elijah to hide east of the Jordan, where he will receive miraculous sustenance from ravens by a brook (17:3–4). Once this brook dries up from drought, the “word” tells Elijah to go and stay in Zarephath, a town in Sidon (17:7–9).

God’s surprising ways. The land of Sidon is Baal’s home territory. But God does not call Elijah to confront Baal directly at this point, choosing instead to send him to the most unlikely person to give him food in a famine—a widow whose own supplies are about to run out. When Elijah asks her for food and water, her reply is an implicit challenge to see whether the Lord can do better than Baal: “As the Lord your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. And now I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die” (1 Kings 17:12). Elijah reassures her that the Lord will be faithful to his “word” in providing for her (17:14–16), and later he raises her son from the dead—something Baal cannot do (17:17–24). It is amazing that Elijah’s ministry begins here in a destitute widow’s home, far from Israel, but it is in such surprising places that God’s word is proven faithful. By first defeating Baal in Sidon, the God of Israel proves that he rules over the whole earth.

God Defeats Baal’s Prophets in Israel

Elijah’s proposal. In chapter 18, Elijah’s return to Israel begins with the now-familiar refrain, “the word of the LORD came to Elijah,” telling him to go to King Ahab (1 Kings 18:1). Ahab resents Elijah’s return and refuses to acknowledge the prophet by name (18:17) since pronouncing his name in Hebrew would undermine Ahab’s loyalty to Baal (in Hebrew, “Elijah” means “the LORD is my God”). So Elijah suggests having a contest to settle this theological dispute once and for all: “Now therefore send and gather all Israel to me at Mount Carmel, and the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table” (18:19). A single prophet of the Lord will confront 850 pagan prophets! Yet Elijah’s concern is more for the faith of the people, whom he challenges to make up their minds: “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him” (18:21). Elijah declares that the god who answers by fire is the true God (18:24).

God’s victory. The people soon learn that their loyalty to Baal is misguided. After preparing the bull to be consumed by Baal’s fire from heaven, the prophets repeatedly call out, “O Baal, answer us!” (1 Kings 18:26). Nobody responds, so Elijah taunts the people (18:27). Baal’s prophets respond by trying harder, shouting louder, and slashing themselves in an effort to compel Baal to answer (18:28). But Baal is not there: “There was no voice. No one answered; no one paid attention” (18:29). Baal is silent and nowhere to be found because the Lord alone is supreme over all pagan powers.

Prayer in Spiritual Warfare

Dignified faith. Many people think that prayer in spiritual warfare must be aggressive and loud. Though Elijah has mocked the prophets of Baal, his final prayer to the Lord is simple and dignified rather than obnoxious: “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word” (1 Kings 18:36). No gyrating and ritual are found here, just Elijah’s straightforward request that God would show his power. This is the quiet trust in the Lord that is called for as God’s people today all around the world engage in battling “the cosmic powers over this present darkness” (Eph. 6:12).

Confidence in God’s word. Such trust is generated as we hold fast to God’s word. The divine word that sustained Elijah in chapter 17 accomplished its victory in chapter 18. The Lord answered Elijah with fire, and the people confessed, “The LORD, he is God; the LORD, he is God” (1 Kings 18:39). A steady downpour then began to fall in response to Elijah’s silent prayers for rain (18:42). In 1 Kings 17–18, confronting and subduing pagan powers is more about faithful prayer than frenetic ritual. Spiritual warfare according to the Bible is not a confrontation of escalating, frantic chaos but rather a firm trust in the Lord who is sovereign over all the powers. His divine word is our anchor and confidence. Indeed, he “upholds the universe by the word of his power” (Heb. 1:3).

Introduction to 1–2 Kings

Introduction to 1–2 Kings

Timeline

Author and Date

The author or authors of these two books is unknown. As the titles of the books indicate, 1–2 Kings describe the period of the monarchy in ancient Israel (970–586 B.C.), concentrating on the kings who ruled after David.

Theme

The books show that Israel suffers again and again because of its great sinfulness (2 Kings 17:7–23; 24:1–4). Yet there is still hope for the nation, because God’s chosen family of kings has not come to an end (2 Kings 25:27–30), and God remains ready to forgive those who repent (1 Kings 8:22–61).

Purpose, Occasion, and Background

The fall of Jerusalem to Babylon in 586 B.C. raised several questions: Was Israel’s God not in fact in control of history, as Moses had claimed? If the God of Moses did exist, and was good and all-powerful, how was it that God’s chosen city and temple had been destroyed, and his chosen royal family had all but come to its end?

The books of Kings respond to such questions, explaining why Israel was defeated. Israel’s God is indeed in control of nature and history. There are no other true gods anywhere. It is this good and all-powerful God who has overseen the destruction of his chosen city and his temple, and Israel’s exile to Babylon. Israel’s sin has caused these punishments.

After the division of the kingdom, the northern kingdom of Israel lasted slightly more than 200 years (931–722 B.C.), with 19 different kings, all of whom were wicked. The southern kingdom of Judah had the same number of kings, but many of them were good, and Judah lasted almost 150 years longer (931–586 B.C.). Toward the end of Judah’s monarchy came two of its best kings: Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:1–20:21) and Josiah (2 Kings 22:1–23:30). Yet the people still rebelled against the Lord, and Judah, like Israel, eventually went into exile as punishment for its sin. But hope remained, for God’s chosen royal line had not come to a complete end (2 Kings 25:27–30), and God remained ready to forgive those who repented.

Key Themes

  1. Yahweh is the only true God, and he controls nature. There is only one living God, and he is the Lord. He alone controls the natural order (1 Kings 17–19; 2 Kings 1:2–17; 4:8–37; 5:1–18; 6:1–7, 27).
  2. Yahweh controls history. The Lord rules over the past, present, and future. He alone controls the historical process (1 Kings 11:14, 23; 14:1–18; 22:1–38; 2 Kings 5:1–18; 10:32–33; 18:17–19:37).
  3. Yahweh demands exclusive worship. As the only God, the Lord demands exclusive worship. He alone will be worshiped, by Israelite and foreigner alike (1 Kings 8:41–43, 60; 2 Kings 5:15–18; 17:24–41).
  4. The content and place of true worship. Much of 1–2 Kings is concerned with exposing false religion. It speaks out against the content of false worship (1 Kings 11:1–40; 12:25–13:34; 14:22–24; 16:29–33; 2 Kings 16:1–4; 17:7–23; 21:1–9). It also exposes the wrongful place of such false worship (1 Kings 3:2; 5:1–9:9; 15:14; 22:43; 2 Kings 18:4; 23:1–20).
  5. The consequences of false worship. True worship of God includes obedience to the law of God. The worship of something other than God always leads to mistreating other people.
  6. Yahweh is the just and gracious Lawgiver. The Lord gave the law, which defines true worship, right thinking, and correct behavior. The Lord is also the one who punishes wrongdoers.
  7. Yahweh is the promise-giver. Israel’s God is a promise-giver. The divine promises given to the patriarchs and to David are an important theme in 1–2 Kings.

1 Kings Outline

  1. The Reign of King Solomon (1:1–11:43)
  2. The Kingdom Is Divided (12:1–14:31)
  3. Abijam and Asa (15:1–24)
  4. From Nadab to Ahab (15:25–16:34)
  5. Elijah and Ahab (17:1–22:40)
  6. Jehoshaphat and Ahaziah (22:41–53)

2 Kings Outline

  1. The Death of Ahaziah (1:1–18)
  2. Elisha and Israel (2:1–10:36)
  3. Joash (11:1–12:21)
  4. Jehoahaz and Jehoash (13:1–25)
  5. Amaziah, Jeroboam II, and Azariah (14:1–15:7)
  6. Israel’s Last Days (15:8–31)
  7. Jotham and Ahaz (15:32–16:20)
  8. The End of Israel (17:1–41)
  9. Hezekiah (18:1–20:21)
  10. Manasseh and Amon (21:1–26)
  11. Josiah (22:1–23:30)
  12. The End of Judah (23:31–25:30)

The Extent of Solomon’s Kingdom

c. 971–931 B.C.

Solomon’s reign marked the high point of Israel’s power and wealth in biblical times. Solomon’s father, David, had given him a kingdom that included Edom, Moab, Ammon, Syria, and Zobah. Solomon would later rule over the kingdom of Hamath as well, and his marriage to Pharaoh’s daughter resulted in an alliance with Egypt. Solomon controlled important trade routes between several major world powers, including Egypt, Arabia, Mesopotamia, and Anatolia (Asia Minor).

The Extent of Solomon’s Kingdom

Israel and Judah in 2 Kings

c. 853 B.C.

The book of 2 Kings tells of events in Israel and Judah from the death of Ahab to the exile of Israel and Judah. The story involves Israel, Judah, Syria, Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia, as well as Egypt, Assyria, Babylonia, and other kingdoms far beyond Israel’s borders.

Israel and Judah in 2 Kings

2 Kings Fact #1: Israel and Judah’s sins continue

Fact: Israel and Judah’s sins continue

Israel and Judah’s sins continue. Picking up where 1 Kings left off, Israel and Judah continued to decline through false worship and disobedience. They were led into sin by their kings, most of whom failed to follow the Lord.

1 Kings Fact #9: Praying toward Jerusalem

Fact: Praying toward Jerusalem

Praying toward Jerusalem (8:29) was a practice started by Solomon that many Jews around the world still follow today. It comes from Solomon’s prayer of dedication, where he stated that God is too great to dwell in a temple. However, the Lord stated himself that his name would dwell in the temple forever (9:3), thus providing a symbolic place to which people could direct their prayers.

1 Kings Fact #10: Temple

Fact: Temple

The building and dedication of the temple was perhaps the most significant event of King Solomon’s reign. The temple replaced the Tent of Meeting and became the place of worship for Israel. It was a grand monument to God’s glory for all to see.

1 Kings Fact #11: Megiddo

Fact: Megiddo

The city of Megiddo was located on one of the most important trade routes of the ancient Near East. In fact, it was so important that when Egypt’s Pharaoh Thutmose III conquered the city in 1482 B.C. he said that capturing it was like capturing a thousand cities. It was so strategic that Israel’s King Ahab (869-850 B.C.) dug a 120-foot (37-m) deep shaft and a 215-foot-long tunnel to provide water for the city in case it came under siege.

1 Kings Fact #12: 666 talents

Fact: 666 talents

666 talents of gold (10:14) was a lot of gold—nearly 25 tons! Solomon accumulated lots of gold and other valuable resources through his extensive trading with nations all over the known world.

Isaiah Fact #35: Ships of Tarshish

Fact: Ships of Tarshish

The phrase ships of Tarshish (60:9) describes huge ships, able to go on voyages as long as three years (1 Kings 10:22). Isaiah says that ships like these will someday bring the nations to Israel to worship the Lord.

The Hebrew Calendar

The Hebrew Calendar

The Hebrew calendar was composed of 12 lunar months, each of which began when the thin crescent moon was first visible at sunset. They were composed of approximately 29/30 days and were built around the agricultural seasons. Apparently some of the names of the months were changed after the time of Israel’s exile in Babylon (e.g., the first month of Abib changed to Nisan; for dates of the exile, see p. 31). The months of the Hebrew calendar (left column) are compared to the corresponding months of the modern (Gregorian) calendar shown in the center column. Biblical references (in the third column) indicate references to the Hebrew calendar cited in the Bible.

Hebrew Month Gregorian (Modern) Month Biblical References
First Month:
Abib (Preexile)
Nisan (Postexile)
March–April Ex. 13:4; 23:15; 34:18; Deut. 16:1; Neh. 2:1; Est. 3:7 (compare Gen. 8:13; Ex. 12:2, 18; 40:2, 17; Lev. 23:5; Num. 9:1; 20:1; 28:16; 33:3; Josh. 4:19; 1 Chron. 12:15; 27:2, 3; 2 Chron. 29:3, 17; 35:1; Ezra 6:19; 7:9; 8:31; 10:17; Est. 3:7, 12; Ezek. 29:17; 30:20; 45:18, 21; Dan. 10:4)
Festivals:
14th/15th: Passover (Ex. 12:18; Lev. 23:5)
15th–21st: Unleavened Bread (Ex. 12:14–20; Lev. 23:6)
16th: First Fruits (Lev. 23:9–11)
Second Month:
Ziv (Preexile)
Iyyar (Postexile)
April–May 1 Kings 6:1, 37 (compare Gen. 7:11; 8:14; Ex. 16:1; Num. 1:1, 18; 9:11; 10:11; 1 Chron. 27:4; 2 Chron. 3:2; 30:2, 13, 15; Ezra 3:8)
Festival:
14th: Later Passover (Num. 9:10–11)
Third Month: Sivan May–June Est. 8:9 (compare Ex. 19:1; 1 Chron. 27:5; 2 Chron. 15:10; 31:7; Ezek. 31:1)
Festivals:
4th: Pentecost [Feast of Weeks] (Lev. 23:15–16)
Fourth Month: Tammuz June–July Ezek. 8:14 (compare 2 Kings 25:3; 1 Chron. 27:7; Jer. 39:2; 52:6; Ezek. 1:1; Zech. 8:19)
Fifth Month: Ab July–August Not mentioned by name in the Bible (compare Num. 33:38; 2 Kings 25:8; 1 Chron. 27:8; Ezra 7:8, 9; Jer. 1:3; 28:1; 52:12; Ezek. 20:1; Zech. 7:3, 5; 8:19)
Sixth Month: Elul August–September Neh. 6:15 (compare 1 Chron. 27:9; Ezek. 8:1; Hag. 1:1, 15)
Seventh Month:
Ethanim (Preexile)
Tishri (Postexile)
September–October 1 Kings 8:2 (compare Gen. 8:4; Lev. 16:29; 23:24, 27, 34, 39, 41; 25:9; Num. 29:1, 7, 12; 2 Kings 25:25; 1 Chron. 27:10; 2 Chron. 5:3; 7:10; 31:7; Ezra 3:1, 6; Neh. 7:73; 8:2, 14; Jer. 28:17; 41:1; Ezek. 45:25; Hag. 2:1; Zech. 7:5; 8:19)
Festivals:
1st: Trumpets (Lev. 23:24; Num. 29:1)
10th: Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:29–34; 23:27–32)
15th–21st: Booths (Lev. 23:34–40)
22nd: Solemn assembly (Lev. 23:36)
Eighth Month:
Bul (Preexile)
Marchesvan (Postexile)
October–November 1 Kings 6:38 (compare 1 Kings 12:32, 33; 1 Chron. 27:11; Zech. 1:1)
Ninth Month: Chislev (Kislev) November–December Neh. 1:1; Zech. 7:1 (compare 1 Chron. 27:12; Ezra 10:9; Jer. 36:9, 22; Hag. 2:10, 18)
Festival:
25th: Dedication (John 10:22)
Tenth Month: Tebeth December–January Est. 2:16 (compare Gen. 8:5; 2 Kings 25:1; 1 Chron. 27:13; Ezra 10:16; Jer. 39:1; 52:4; Ezek. 24:1; 29:1; 33:21; Zech. 8:19)
Eleventh Month: Shebat January–February Zech. 1:7 (compare Deut. 1:3; 1 Chron. 27:14)
Twelfth Month: Adar* February–March Ezra 6:15; Est. 3:7, 13; 8:12; 9:1, 15, 17, 19, 21 (compare 2 Kings 25:27; 1 Chron. 27:15; Jer. 52:31; Ezek. 32:1; 32:17)

*Periodically, a 13th month was added so that the lunar calendar would account for the entire solar year.

Solomon’s Tainted Glory in 1 Kings

Solomon’s Tainted Glory in 1 Kings

Positives Negatives
David’s chosen heir (ch. 1) Gained power in bloody coup (ch. 2)
Nathan’s early support (ch. 1) Prophetic voice disappears
Prayer for wisdom to rule righteously (chs. 3–4) Rules with forced labor; accumulates wealth unjustly (9:15–22; 10:26–29)
Completion and dedication of temple (chs. 5–8) Foreign wives lead him to idolatry (11:1–8)
The Lord supports Solomon (9:1–9) The Lord rejects Solomon (11:9–12)
The Divided Kingdom: Kings of Judah (all dates B.C.)

The Divided Kingdom: Kings of Judah (all dates B.C.)

King Years of Reign Total Years Accession Year* Possible Co-Reigns References in 1–2 Kings** Notes
Rehoboam 931/930–915/914 17     1 Kings 12:1–24; 14:21–31  
Abijah/Abijam 915/914–912/911 3 18 of Jeroboam I 1 Kings 15:1–8
Asa 912/911–871/870 41 20 of Jeroboam I 1 Kings 15:9–24
Jehoshaphat 871/870–849/848 25 4 of Ahab with Asa from 873 1 Kings 22:41–50
Jehoram/Joram 849/848–842 7 (8) 5 of Joram with Jehoshaphat from 853 2 Kings 8:16–24 Married Athaliah, a daughter of Ahab (Israel)
Ahaziah 842–841 1 (2) 11 of Joram 2 Kings 8:25–29; 9:21–28 Killed by Jehu (Israel) in 841
Athaliah (Q.) 841–835 6 2 Kings 11:1–20 Killed by Jehoiada the priest
Joash/Jehoash 835–796/795 39 (40) 7 of Jehu 2 Kings 12:1–21 Hidden from Athaliah for 6 years (841–835) by Jehosheba, the sister of Ahaziah; protected by Jehoiada the priest
Amaziah 796/795–767 29 2 of Joash/Jehoash 2 Kings 14:1–22
Uzziah/Azariah 767–740/739 52 27 of Jeroboam II with Amaziah from 791 2 Kings 15:1–7
Jotham 750–735/730 16 (20) 2 of Pekah Uzziah is alive in 750 but inactive in rule (see 2 Kings 15:5) 2 Kings 15:32–38
Ahaz 735/730–715 16 (20) 17 of Pekah 2 Kings 16:1–20
Hezekiah 715–687/686 29 3 of Hoshea with Ahaz from 728 2 Kings 18:1–20:21
Manasseh 687/686–642 55 No further accession dates after fall of Israel in 722 with Hezekiah from 697/696 2 Kings 21:1–18
Amon 642–640 2 2 Kings 21:19–26
Josiah 640–609 31 2 Kings 22:1–23:30 Killed by Pharaoh Neco of Egypt
Jehoahaz 609 3 months 2 Kings 23:31–34 Taken by Pharaoh Neco to Egypt
Jehoiakim 609–598 11 2 Kings 23:35–24:7 Set on the throne by Pharaoh Neco of Egypt
Jehoiachin/Jeconiah 598–597 3 months 2 Kings 24:8–17; 25:27–30 Exiled to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar in 597; released and honored by Evil-merodach of Babylon in 562
Zedekiah 597–586 11 2 Kings 24:18–20 Zedekiah is Jehoiachin’s uncle; Jerusalem and Judah fall to Babylon in 586

*This chart follows the dating method found in both Kings and Chronicles: For Judah, accession to the throne is marked by a year within the reign of a king of Israel. Parentheses—e.g., 39 (40)—indicate non-accession year dating (year of accession is counted in the totals of both the predecessor and the new king). The actual number of years in a reign can be determined by subtracting 1 from the number given (40 – 1 = 39 actual years).

**The verses cited in 1–2 Kings do not include the initial mention of a ruler, which occurs in reference to the death of his father (e.g., Abijam in 1 Kings 14:31).

The Divided Kingdom: Kings of Israel (all dates B.C.)

The Divided Kingdom: Kings of Israel (all dates B.C.)

King Years of Reign Total Years Accession Year* Possible Co-Reigns References in 1–2 Kings** Notes
Jeroboam I 931/930–911/910 21 (22) 1 Kings 11:26–40;12:1–14:20
Nadab 911/910–910/909 1 (2) 2 of Asa 1 Kings 15:25–32 Killed by Baasha
Baasha 910/909–887/886 23 (24) 3 of Asa 1 Kings 15:27–16:7
Elah 887/886–886/885 1 (2) 26 of Asa 1 Kings 16:8–14 Killed by Zimri
Zimri 886/885 7 days 26 of Asa 1 Kings 16:9–20 Killed himself by burning the king’s house down while he was in it
Omri 886/885–875/874 11 (12) 31 of Asa Tibni reigns after Zimri for 5 years as rival to Omri 1 Kings 16:16–17, 21–28
Ahab 875/874–853 21 (22) 38 of Asa 1 Kings 16:29–17:1; 18:1–19:3; 20:1–22:40
Ahaziah 853–852 1 (2) 17 of Jehoshaphat 1 Kings 22:51–53; 2 Kings 1:1–18
Joram/Jehoram 852–841 11 (12) 18 of Jehoshaphat 2 Kings 3:1–27; (“king of Israel” in 6:8–7:20); 9:14–26 Killed by Jehu in 841
Jehu 841–814/813 27 (28) 2 Kings 9:1–10:36
Jehoahaz 814/813–798/797 16 (17) 23 of Joash/Jehoash 2 Kings 13:1–9
Joash/Jehoash 798/797–782/781 15 (16) 37 of Joash/Jehoash 2 Kings 13:10–25; 14:8–16
Jeroboam II 782/781–753 41 15 of Amaziah with Joash/Jehoash from 793/792 2 Kings 14:23–29
Zechariah 753–752 6 months 38 of Uzziah 2 Kings 15:8–12 Killed by Shallum
Shallum 752 1 month 39 of Uzziah 2 Kings 15:10, 13–16 Killed by Menahem
Menahem 752–742/741 10 39 of Uzziah 2 Kings 15:14–22
Pekahiah 742/741–740/739 2 50 of Uzziah 2 Kings 15:23–26 Killed by Pekah
Pekah 740/739–732/731 20*** 52 of Uzziah 20 years counted from 752 to include the reigns of rivals Menahem and Pekahiah 2 Kings 15:25, 27–31 Killed by Hoshea
Hoshea 732/731–722 9 12 of Ahaz 2 Kings 15:30; 17:1–6 Samaria and Israel fall to Assyria in 722

* This chart follows the dating method found in both Kings and Chronicles: For Israel, accession to the throne is marked by a year within the reign of a king of Judah. Parentheses—e.g., 21 (22)—indicate non-accession year dating (year of accession is counted in the totals of both the predecessor and the new king). The actual number of years in a reign can be determined by subtracting 1 from the number given (22 – 1 = 21 actual years).

**The verses cited in 1–2 Kings do not include the initial mention of a ruler when it occurs in reference to the death of his father (e.g., Nadab in 1 Kings 14:20).

***See note on 2 Kings 15:27–31.

Comparison of 1–2 Chronicles with 2 Samuel and 1–2 Kings

Comparison of 1–2 Chronicles with 2 Samuel and 1–2 Kings

1 Chronicles 2 Samuel
Genealogies 1:1–9:44
Death of Saul and sons 10:1–14 1 Sam. 31:1–2 Sam. 1:16
Lament for Saul 1:17–27
David king of Judah 2:1–7
War between house of Saul and David; Ish-bosheth made king 2:8–3:1
David’s sons in Hebron 3:2–5
Abner helps David 3:6–21
Joab kills Abner 3:22–39
Ish-bosheth killed 4:1–12
David king of Judah and Israel 11:1–3 5:1–5
Conquest of Jerusalem 11:4–9 5:6–10
David’s mighty men 11:10–47 23:8–39
David’s men at Ziklag 12:1–22
Celebration at Hebron 12:23–40
Attempted return of ark; death of Uzzah 13:1–14 6:1–11
David’s house built 14:1–2 5:11–12
David’s children in Jerusalem 14:3–7 5:13–16
David defeats Philistines 14:8–17 5:17–25
Spiritual preparation for the ark’s return 15:1–24
Ark brought to Jerusalem 15:25–16:6 6:12–19
David and Michal 6:20–23
David’s psalm of praise 16:7–43
David’s desire to build the temple 17:1–2 7:1–3
Davidic covenant 17:3–15 7:4–17
David’s prayer of praise 17:16–27 7:18–29
David’s victories 18:1–13 8:1–14
David’s officials 18:14–17 8:15–18
David helps Mephibosheth 9:1–13
Ammonites defeated 19:1–15 10:1–14
Syrians defeated 19:16–19 10:15–19
Ammonites defeated 20:1–3 11:1; 12:26–31
David and Bathsheba 11:2–12:25
Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom 13:1–14:33
Absalom’s rebellion 15:1–19:43
Sheba’s rebellion 20:1–26
Famine; death of Saul’s sons 21:1–14
War with Philistines; the Philistine giants 20:4–8 21:15–22
David’s psalm of deliverance 22:1–51
David’s last words 23:1–7
David’s census 21:1–27 24:1–25
David plans for the temple 21:28–22:5
David’s charge to Solomon and the leaders 22:6–19
David organizes temple personnel 23:1–26:32
Israel’s military 27:1–15
Israel’s leaders 27:16–34
David’s charge to Israel; affirmation of Solomon 28:1–10
Pattern for the temple 28:11–21
Offerings for the temple 29:1–9
David’s prayer of thanks for the temple 29:10–19
1 Kings
David and Abishag 1:1–4
Adonijah claims the throne 1:5–27
Solomon’s coronation 29:20–25 1:28–40
David instructs Solomon 2:1–9
Death of David 29:26–30 2:10–11
Solomon establishes his kingdom 2:12–46
2 Chronicles
Solomon marries Pharaoh’s daughter 3:1–3
Solomon at Gibeon 1:1–6 3:4
God gives Solomon wisdom 1:7–12 3:5–14
Solomon’s wise judgment 3:16–28
Solomon’s prosperity 1:14–17 4:20–34
Preparations for the temple 2:1–18 5:1–18
Temple built 3:1–5:1 6:1–38;7:13–51
Solomon’s palace 7:1–12
Ark brought to the temple 5:2–12 8:1–9
God’s glory fills the temple 5:13–14 8:10–11
Solomon blesses the people 6:1–11 8:12–21
Solomon consecrates the temple 6:12–42 8:22–61
Fire from the Lord consumes the sacrifices 7:1–3
Solomon and the people offer sacrifices 7:4–7 8:62–64
Feast of Tabernacles 7:8–10 8:65–66
The covenant confirmed 7:11–22 9:1–9
Solomon’s territory increases 8:1–6 9:10–19
Solomon’s enemies defeated 8:7–10 9:20–23
Solomon’s religious practices 8:11–16 9:24–25
Solomon’s economic operations 8:17–18 9:26–28
Queen of Sheba visits 9:1–12 10:1–13
Solomon’s wealth 9:13–28 10:14–29
Solomon’s apostasy and adversaries 11:1–40
Death of Solomon 9:29–31 11:41–43
Division of the kingdom 10:1–11:23 12:1–33
Man of God from Judah warns Jeroboam (Israel) 13:1–34
Ahijah’s prophecy against Jeroboam 14:1–18
Death of Jeroboam 14:19–20
Shishak invades Judah 12:1–12 14:25–28
Reign of Rehoboam (Judah) 12:13–16 14:21–24,29–31
War between Judah and Israel 13:1–22 15:1–8
Evaluation of Asa (Judah) 14:1–8 15:9–12
Ethiopians defeated 14:9–15
Azariah the prophet 15:1–7
Asa’s reforms 15:8–19 15:13–15
Asa defeats Syria 16:1–10 15:16–22
Death of Asa 16:11–14 15:23–24
Reigns of Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Omri (Israel) 15:25–16:28
Ahab becomes king (Israel) 16:29–34
Elijah 17:1–19:18;21:17–29
Call of Elisha 19:19–21
Ahab conquers Syria, acquires Naboth’s vineyard 20:1–21:29
Evaluation of Jehoshaphat (Judah) 17:1–9
Expansion of Judah 17:10–19
Jehoshaphat’s alliance with Ahab; death of Ahab 18:1–34 22:1–40
Jehoshaphat’s reforms, crisis, and deliverance 19:1–20:30
Reign of Jehoshaphat 20:31–37 22:41–50
Reign of Ahaziah (Israel) 22:51–53
2 Kings
Death of Ahaziah; Elijah’s prophecy 1:1–18
Elijah and Elisha 2:1–25
Evaluation of Jehoram (Israel) 3:1–3
Moab rebels 3:4–27
The widow’s oil 4:1–7
The Shunammite woman 4:8–37
Miracles for the prophets 4:38–44
Naaman healed 5:1–27
The axe head recovered 6:1–7
Chariots of fire 6:8–23
Siege of Samaria 6:24–7:20
Shunammite’s land restored 8:1–6
Hazael kills Ben-hadad 8:7–15
Evaluation of Jehoram (Judah) 21:1–7 8:16–19
Edom and Libnah rebel 21:8–11 8:20–22
Warning of Elijah 21:12–15
Invasion of Philistia and Arabia 21:16–17
Death of Jehoram 21:18–20 8:23–24
Reign of Ahaziah (Judah) 22:1–9 8:25–29; 9:15–16, 27–28; 10:12–14
Reign of Jehu (Israel) 22:7–9 9:1–10:36
Reign of Athaliah (Judah) 22:10–23:15 11:1–16
Jehoiada’s reforms (Judah) 23:16–21 11:17–20
Evaluation of Joash (Judah) 24:1–3 11:21–12:3
Joash repairs the temple 24:4–14 12:4–16
Death of Jehoiada 24:15–16
Jehoiada’s son killed 24:17–22
Syria invades Judah 24:23–24 12:17–18
Death of Joash 24:25–27 12:19–21
Reign of Jehoahaz (Israel) 13:1–9
Reign of Jehoash (Israel) 13:10–13
Elisha’s final prophecy and death 13:14–25
Reign of Amaziah (Judah) 25:1–16 14:1–20
Israel defeats Judah 25:17–24 14:8–14
Death of Amaziah 25:25–28 14:17–20
Evaluation of Uzziah (Judah) 26:1–5 14:21–22; 15:1–5
Reign of Jeroboam II (Israel) 14:23–29
Victories of Uzziah 26:6–15
Sinful offering of Uzziah 26:16–21
Death of Uzziah 26:22–23 15:6–7
Reign of Zechariah (Israel) 15:8–12
Reign of Shallum (Israel) 15:13–16
Reign of Menahem (Israel) 15:17–22
Reign of Pekahiah (Israel) 15:23–26
Reign of Pekah (Israel) 15:27–31
Reign of Jotham (Judah) 27:1–9 15:32–38
Evaluation of Ahaz (Judah) 28:1–4 16:1–4
Israel defeats Judah 28:5–21 16:5–9
Ahaz’s idolatry and death 28:22–27 16:10–12
Fall of Israel 17:1–23
Resettlement of Israel 17:24–41
Evaluation of Hezekiah (Judah) 29:1–2 18:1–8
Hezekiah cleanses the temple 29:3–19
Hezekiah restores temple worship 29:20–36
Hezekiah restores Passover 30:1–27
Hezekiah destroys idols, organizes priests 31:1–21
Fall of Israel (restated) 18:9–12
Assyria invades Judah 32:1–23 18:13–19:37
Hezekiah’s illness and restoration 32:24–26 20:1–11
Hezekiah’s wealth and foolish pride 32:27–31 20:12–19
Death of Hezekiah 32:32–33 20:20–21
Reign of Manasseh (Judah) 33:1–9 21:1–18
Manasseh’s repentance 33:10–20
Reign of Amon (Judah) 33:21–25 21:19–26
Evaluation of Josiah (Judah) 34:1–2 22:1–2
Josiah’s early reforms 34:3–7
Josiah repairs the temple 34:8–13 22:3–7
Book of Law discovered; Josiah’s reforms 34:14–33 22:8–23:20
Passover celebrated 35:1–19 23:21–27
Death of Josiah 35:20–27 23:28–30
Reign of Jehoahaz (Judah) 36:1–3 23:31–33
Reign of Jehoiakim (Judah) 36:4–8 23:34–24:7
Reign of Jehoiachin (Judah); Babylonian captivity 36:9–10 24:8–17
Evaluation of Zedekiah (Judah) 36:11–12 24:18–20
Destruction of Jerusalem 36:13–21 25:1–21
Remnant flees to Egypt 25:22–26
Jehoiachin released 25:27–30
Proclamation by Cyrus 36:22–23
Psalms Based on Incidents in David’s Life

Psalms Based on Incidents in David’s Life

Psalm Incident in David’s Life References
3 David flees from and battles Absalom 2 Samuel 15–17
7 The words of Cush, a Benjaminite (persecution by Saul?) Unknown
18 David delivered from enemies and from Saul 2 Samuel 22
30 Dedication of the temple Nothing in David’s lifetime; see 1 Kings 8:63
34 David delivered from danger by feigning madness in the presence of King Achish of Gath 1 Sam. 21:12–22:1
51 Nathan confronts David about his adultery with Bathsheba 2 Samuel 11–12
52 Doeg the Edomite tells Saul that David went to the house of Ahimelech 1 Sam. 22:9–19
54 The Ziphites tell Saul that David is hiding among them 1 Sam. 23:19
56 The Philistines seize David in Gath 1 Sam. 21:10–11
57 David flees from Saul into a cave 1 Sam. 22:1 or 24:3
59 Saul sends men to watch David’s house in order to kill him 1 Sam. 19:11
60 David’s victory over Transjordan 2 Sam. 8:1–14
63 David in the desert of Judah 2 Samuel 15–17?; 1 Sam. 23:14–15?
142 David flees from Saul into a cave Same as Psalm 57
The Queen of Sheba

The Queen of Sheba

When word of Solomon’s extraordinary wisdom reached the ears of the queen of Sheba, she traveled from Arabia to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions. She came to Jerusalem with a remarkable entourage, including camels bearing spices and gold and precious stones. The queen was deeply impressed by Solomon’s wisdom and wealth. This Gentile queen recognized that Solomon’s greatness was from the true God of Israel, and that God himself had put Solomon on his throne. Although the queen gave Solomon a tremendous gift—about 9,000 pounds (4 kg) of gold—it paled in comparison to the riches that he presented to her. Solomon gave the queen all she desired and more, after which she returned to her own land. (1 Kings 10:1–13)

Study Notes

1 Kings 8:2 The feast in . . . the seventh month is the Feast of Booths (see vv. 65–66; Lev. 23:33–43), during which the Israelites were to live in temporary shelters as a reminder of the exodus. It was observed in September/October.

See chart See chart
The Hebrew Calendar

The Hebrew Calendar

The Hebrew calendar was composed of 12 lunar months, each of which began when the thin crescent moon was first visible at sunset. They were composed of approximately 29/30 days and were built around the agricultural seasons. Apparently some of the names of the months were changed after the time of Israel’s exile in Babylon (e.g., the first month of Abib changed to Nisan; for dates of the exile, see p. 31). The months of the Hebrew calendar (left column) are compared to the corresponding months of the modern (Gregorian) calendar shown in the center column. Biblical references (in the third column) indicate references to the Hebrew calendar cited in the Bible.

Hebrew Month Gregorian (Modern) Month Biblical References
First Month:
Abib (Preexile)
Nisan (Postexile)
March–April Ex. 13:4; 23:15; 34:18; Deut. 16:1; Neh. 2:1; Est. 3:7 (compare Gen. 8:13; Ex. 12:2, 18; 40:2, 17; Lev. 23:5; Num. 9:1; 20:1; 28:16; 33:3; Josh. 4:19; 1 Chron. 12:15; 27:2, 3; 2 Chron. 29:3, 17; 35:1; Ezra 6:19; 7:9; 8:31; 10:17; Est. 3:7, 12; Ezek. 29:17; 30:20; 45:18, 21; Dan. 10:4)
Festivals:
14th/15th: Passover (Ex. 12:18; Lev. 23:5)
15th–21st: Unleavened Bread (Ex. 12:14–20; Lev. 23:6)
16th: First Fruits (Lev. 23:9–11)
Second Month:
Ziv (Preexile)
Iyyar (Postexile)
April–May 1 Kings 6:1, 37 (compare Gen. 7:11; 8:14; Ex. 16:1; Num. 1:1, 18; 9:11; 10:11; 1 Chron. 27:4; 2 Chron. 3:2; 30:2, 13, 15; Ezra 3:8)
Festival:
14th: Later Passover (Num. 9:10–11)
Third Month: Sivan May–June Est. 8:9 (compare Ex. 19:1; 1 Chron. 27:5; 2 Chron. 15:10; 31:7; Ezek. 31:1)
Festivals:
4th: Pentecost [Feast of Weeks] (Lev. 23:15–16)
Fourth Month: Tammuz June–July Ezek. 8:14 (compare 2 Kings 25:3; 1 Chron. 27:7; Jer. 39:2; 52:6; Ezek. 1:1; Zech. 8:19)
Fifth Month: Ab July–August Not mentioned by name in the Bible (compare Num. 33:38; 2 Kings 25:8; 1 Chron. 27:8; Ezra 7:8, 9; Jer. 1:3; 28:1; 52:12; Ezek. 20:1; Zech. 7:3, 5; 8:19)
Sixth Month: Elul August–September Neh. 6:15 (compare 1 Chron. 27:9; Ezek. 8:1; Hag. 1:1, 15)
Seventh Month:
Ethanim (Preexile)
Tishri (Postexile)
September–October 1 Kings 8:2 (compare Gen. 8:4; Lev. 16:29; 23:24, 27, 34, 39, 41; 25:9; Num. 29:1, 7, 12; 2 Kings 25:25; 1 Chron. 27:10; 2 Chron. 5:3; 7:10; 31:7; Ezra 3:1, 6; Neh. 7:73; 8:2, 14; Jer. 28:17; 41:1; Ezek. 45:25; Hag. 2:1; Zech. 7:5; 8:19)
Festivals:
1st: Trumpets (Lev. 23:24; Num. 29:1)
10th: Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:29–34; 23:27–32)
15th–21st: Booths (Lev. 23:34–40)
22nd: Solemn assembly (Lev. 23:36)
Eighth Month:
Bul (Preexile)
Marchesvan (Postexile)
October–November 1 Kings 6:38 (compare 1 Kings 12:32, 33; 1 Chron. 27:11; Zech. 1:1)
Ninth Month: Chislev (Kislev) November–December Neh. 1:1; Zech. 7:1 (compare 1 Chron. 27:12; Ezra 10:9; Jer. 36:9, 22; Hag. 2:10, 18)
Festival:
25th: Dedication (John 10:22)
Tenth Month: Tebeth December–January Est. 2:16 (compare Gen. 8:5; 2 Kings 25:1; 1 Chron. 27:13; Ezra 10:16; Jer. 39:1; 52:4; Ezek. 24:1; 29:1; 33:21; Zech. 8:19)
Eleventh Month: Shebat January–February Zech. 1:7 (compare Deut. 1:3; 1 Chron. 27:14)
Twelfth Month: Adar* February–March Ezra 6:15; Est. 3:7, 13; 8:12; 9:1, 15, 17, 19, 21 (compare 2 Kings 25:27; 1 Chron. 27:15; Jer. 52:31; Ezek. 32:1; 32:17)

*Periodically, a 13th month was added so that the lunar calendar would account for the entire solar year.

Study Notes

1 Kings 8:3–4 the priests took up the ark. The ark had remained in a tent sanctuary somewhere in the old city of David (2 Sam. 6:16–17; 7:2; 1 Kings 3:15). Only priests could have taken it right into the inner sanctuary of the temple. Moving the ark, along with the tent of meeting (that is, the tabernacle), symbolized moving the “name” of the Lord to a more permanent dwelling (see 2 Sam. 7:6).

Study Notes

1 Kings 8:9 Though the ark had once contained the jar of manna and Aaron’s rod (Heb. 9:4; see Ex. 16:32–34; Num. 17:10–11), there was now nothing in the ark except the two tablets of stone on which were written the Ten Commandments.

Study Notes

1 Kings 8:10 A cloud was often associated with God’s appearing in the OT (e.g., Ex. 13:21–22; 16:10; 19:9). A cloud also covered the tabernacle upon its completion in Ex. 40:34–38.

Study Notes

1 Kings 8:12–13 thick darkness. Compare Ex. 20:21; Deut. 4:11.

Study Notes

1 Kings 8:17 a house for the name of the LORD. The word “name” is used in vv. 16–20 and in vv. 22–53 to avoid saying that God himself actually dwells in the temple (see also 3:2; 5:3, 5). God’s presence in the temple was real, for God’s “name” represents all that he is (see note on Acts 10:48). But he was not to be thought of as actually “living” in the temple, as other nations imagined concerning their false gods.

Study Notes

1 Kings 8:1–21 The ark of the covenant of God was the great symbol of the Lord’s presence with his people and the place where the tablets of the law were kept (Ex. 25:10–22; Deut. 10:1–5; Joshua 3–6). It had remained for some time in a tent sanctuary somewhere in the old city of David (2 Sam. 6:16–17; 7:2; 1 Kings 3:15). The temple was now ready to receive it.

Study Notes
1 Kings Fact #9: Praying toward Jerusalem

Fact: Praying toward Jerusalem

Praying toward Jerusalem (8:29) was a practice started by Solomon that many Jews around the world still follow today. It comes from Solomon’s prayer of dedication, where he stated that God is too great to dwell in a temple. However, the Lord stated himself that his name would dwell in the temple forever (9:3), thus providing a symbolic place to which people could direct their prayers.

1 Kings Fact #10: Temple

Fact: Temple

The building and dedication of the temple was perhaps the most significant event of King Solomon’s reign. The temple replaced the Tent of Meeting and became the place of worship for Israel. It was a grand monument to God’s glory for all to see.

Study Notes

1 Kings 8:27–30 will God indeed dwell on the earth? The temple is a special place where God’s name is, a place toward which his eyes are open (see Isa. 66:1–3). Though God will dwell in the temple (1 Kings 8:10, 13; see note on 1 Sam. 4:3–4), it is not to be thought of as the only place where God is. God hears prayers in heaven (1 Kings 8:30), which is his dwelling place. Even then, however, God cannot be limited to any one place. He does not, strictly speaking, dwell in even the highest heaven (v. 27). God cannot be confined by space.

Study Notes

1 Kings 8:31–32 If a man sins against his neighbor. This is the first of seven specific petitions in Solomon’s prayer. It concerns a legal case that is impossible to resolve in any normal way because of difficulty with evidence or witnesses (see 3:16–28). A priestly ritual is involved here (compare Num. 5:11–31). Solomon calls upon God himself as judge to condemn the guilty and clear the righteous individual.

Study Notes

1 Kings 8:33–40 When your people Israel are defeated. The second, third, and fourth petitions concern defeat in battle, followed by exile from the land (vv. 33–34), drought (vv. 35–36), and other difficulties. In each case the cause of the problem is sin. The people need to seek God’s forgiveness and his instruction (vv. 35–36).

Study Notes

1 Kings 8:46–51 carried away captive. The seventh petition returns to defeat and exile, the major concern of the prayer. In exile, if the people should repent and pray toward land, city, and temple (v. 48; see Dan. 6:10 for the practice), then God is asked to take them back once more as his people and maintain their cause (1 Kings 8:49; see v. 45).

Study Notes

1 Kings 8:22–53 The ark of the covenant has arrived in the temple (vv. 1–13), and Solomon has addressed the people about the meaning of the event (vv. 14–21). He now prays to the Lord, reflecting on how God “dwells” in the temple. Each of the seven sections of the prayer includes a plea that God would “hear” his people “from heaven” (vv. 32, 34, 36, 39, 43, 45, 49).

Study Notes

1 Kings 8:54–61 rest to his people Israel. Solomon recalls the promises given through Moses. “Rest” refers to the establishment of Israel within the land of Canaan. The ultimate purpose of Israel’s walking in God’s ways is that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God; there is no other (see Deut. 4:35). Israel’s calling is to be a light for the Gentiles (Isa. 49:6), bringing God’s salvation to the ends of the earth.

Study Notes
See chart See chart
Psalms Based on Incidents in David’s Life

Psalms Based on Incidents in David’s Life

Psalm Incident in David’s Life References
3 David flees from and battles Absalom 2 Samuel 15–17
7 The words of Cush, a Benjaminite (persecution by Saul?) Unknown
18 David delivered from enemies and from Saul 2 Samuel 22
30 Dedication of the temple Nothing in David’s lifetime; see 1 Kings 8:63
34 David delivered from danger by feigning madness in the presence of King Achish of Gath 1 Sam. 21:12–22:1
51 Nathan confronts David about his adultery with Bathsheba 2 Samuel 11–12
52 Doeg the Edomite tells Saul that David went to the house of Ahimelech 1 Sam. 22:9–19
54 The Ziphites tell Saul that David is hiding among them 1 Sam. 23:19
56 The Philistines seize David in Gath 1 Sam. 21:10–11
57 David flees from Saul into a cave 1 Sam. 22:1 or 24:3
59 Saul sends men to watch David’s house in order to kill him 1 Sam. 19:11
60 David’s victory over Transjordan 2 Sam. 8:1–14
63 David in the desert of Judah 2 Samuel 15–17?; 1 Sam. 23:14–15?
142 David flees from Saul into a cave Same as Psalm 57
Study Notes

1 Kings 8:65–66 from Lebo-hamath to the Brook of Egypt. This phrase designates the whole Solomonic empire. It is similar to phrases in 4:21, 24.

Study Notes

1 Kings 9:2 a second time. The first occasion was in 3:4–15.

Study Notes
1 Kings Fact #9: Praying toward Jerusalem

Fact: Praying toward Jerusalem

Praying toward Jerusalem (8:29) was a practice started by Solomon that many Jews around the world still follow today. It comes from Solomon’s prayer of dedication, where he stated that God is too great to dwell in a temple. However, the Lord stated himself that his name would dwell in the temple forever (9:3), thus providing a symbolic place to which people could direct their prayers.

Study Notes

1 Kings 9:4–5 You shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel. See note on 2 Chron. 7:17–18.

Study Notes

1 Kings 9:6 if you turn aside from following me, you or your children. The future of the temple and the dynasty depends on the obedience of Solomon and of future generations of Israelites. The particular focus here is idolatry. The people must not go and serve other gods and worship them.

Study Notes

1 Kings 9:7–8 Disobedience will lead to loss of the Promised Land (see Deut. 29:22–28). The magnificent temple will become a heap of ruins to be scoffed at by those passing by. Israel will be transformed from a nation known for its wisdom (1 Kings 4:21–34) into a nation that is itself a proverb and a byword (see Deut. 28:37).

Study Notes

1 Kings 8:54–9:9 These verses tell of Solomon’s second address to the people (8:54–61), of the conclusion of the temple’s dedication (8:62–66), and of God’s second appearance to Solomon. The Lord responds to Solomon’s prayer with some solemn words about dynasty and temple, people and land (9:1–9).

Study Notes

1 Kings 9:10 At the end of twenty years would be c. 946 B.C.

Study Notes

1 Kings 9:11 Hiram king of Tyre. The gold mentioned in v. 11 was not part of the agreement struck between the two kings in 5:1–18, but Hiram supplied Solomon with as much as he desired. Solomon in turn “rewards” him with twenty cities that may not have been worth much.

Study Notes

1 Kings 9:13 The name Cabul probably comes from the noun “fetters” that is found in Ps. 149:8, a psalm that celebrates the supremacy of Israel over the nations. Hiram calls the land “fettered” to describe his relationship with Solomon.

Study Notes

1 Kings 9:14 Solomon accumulates huge amounts of gold. Biblical texts associate the accumulation of kingly wealth with spiritual unfaithfulness (e.g., Deut. 17:17). As will be seen, Solomon’s riches lead him astray.

Study Notes

1 Kings 9:15 the Millo. See note on 2 Sam. 5:9.

1 Kings Fact #11: Megiddo

Fact: Megiddo

The city of Megiddo was located on one of the most important trade routes of the ancient Near East. In fact, it was so important that when Egypt’s Pharaoh Thutmose III conquered the city in 1482 B.C. he said that capturing it was like capturing a thousand cities. It was so strategic that Israel’s King Ahab (869-850 B.C.) dug a 120-foot (37-m) deep shaft and a 215-foot-long tunnel to provide water for the city in case it came under siege.

Study Notes

1 Kings 9:15–25 the account of the forced labor. The author clarifies that Solomon used his task force of 30,000 Canaanite laborers (5:1–18) for the temple and his other building projects. Israelite workers did other tasks. Pharaoh’s daughter (9:24) was introduced in 3:1, using language similar to Moses’ warnings about intermarriage with foreigners (Deut. 7:1–6). Such marriages could lead to spiritual unfaithfulness. Mentioning the Canaanites (Amorites, Hittites, etc.) in connection with Pharaoh’s daughter serves to prepare the reader for Solomon’s worship of other gods (1 Kings 11:3–4).

Study Notes
See chart See chart
The Divided Kingdom: Kings of Israel (all dates B.C.)

The Divided Kingdom: Kings of Israel (all dates B.C.)

King Years of Reign Total Years Accession Year* Possible Co-Reigns References in 1–2 Kings** Notes
Jeroboam I 931/930–911/910 21 (22) 1 Kings 11:26–40;12:1–14:20
Nadab 911/910–910/909 1 (2) 2 of Asa 1 Kings 15:25–32 Killed by Baasha
Baasha 910/909–887/886 23 (24) 3 of Asa 1 Kings 15:27–16:7
Elah 887/886–886/885 1 (2) 26 of Asa 1 Kings 16:8–14 Killed by Zimri
Zimri 886/885 7 days 26 of Asa 1 Kings 16:9–20 Killed himself by burning the king’s house down while he was in it
Omri 886/885–875/874 11 (12) 31 of Asa Tibni reigns after Zimri for 5 years as rival to Omri 1 Kings 16:16–17, 21–28
Ahab 875/874–853 21 (22) 38 of Asa 1 Kings 16:29–17:1; 18:1–19:3; 20:1–22:40
Ahaziah 853–852 1 (2) 17 of Jehoshaphat 1 Kings 22:51–53; 2 Kings 1:1–18
Joram/Jehoram 852–841 11 (12) 18 of Jehoshaphat 2 Kings 3:1–27; (“king of Israel” in 6:8–7:20); 9:14–26 Killed by Jehu in 841
Jehu 841–814/813 27 (28) 2 Kings 9:1–10:36
Jehoahaz 814/813–798/797 16 (17) 23 of Joash/Jehoash 2 Kings 13:1–9
Joash/Jehoash 798/797–782/781 15 (16) 37 of Joash/Jehoash 2 Kings 13:10–25; 14:8–16
Jeroboam II 782/781–753 41 15 of Amaziah with Joash/Jehoash from 793/792 2 Kings 14:23–29
Zechariah 753–752 6 months 38 of Uzziah 2 Kings 15:8–12 Killed by Shallum
Shallum 752 1 month 39 of Uzziah 2 Kings 15:10, 13–16 Killed by Menahem
Menahem 752–742/741 10 39 of Uzziah 2 Kings 15:14–22
Pekahiah 742/741–740/739 2 50 of Uzziah 2 Kings 15:23–26 Killed by Pekah
Pekah 740/739–732/731 20*** 52 of Uzziah 20 years counted from 752 to include the reigns of rivals Menahem and Pekahiah 2 Kings 15:25, 27–31 Killed by Hoshea
Hoshea 732/731–722 9 12 of Ahaz 2 Kings 15:30; 17:1–6 Samaria and Israel fall to Assyria in 722

* This chart follows the dating method found in both Kings and Chronicles: For Israel, accession to the throne is marked by a year within the reign of a king of Judah. Parentheses—e.g., 21 (22)—indicate non-accession year dating (year of accession is counted in the totals of both the predecessor and the new king). The actual number of years in a reign can be determined by subtracting 1 from the number given (22 – 1 = 21 actual years).

**The verses cited in 1–2 Kings do not include the initial mention of a ruler when it occurs in reference to the death of his father (e.g., Nadab in 1 Kings 14:20).

***See note on 2 Kings 15:27–31.

Study Notes

1 Kings 10:1–3 The queen of Sheba (see note on 2 Chron. 9:1–9, 12) arrives from Arabia (“Ophir” in 1 Kings 9:28) to test Solomon. there was nothing hidden. Solomon’s wisdom, given by God, was unprecedented. This foreign queen is amazed (10:4).

Study Notes

1 Kings 10:8 Happy are your men! Happy are your servants. Chapter 10 as a whole focuses on the benefit that wisdom brings to the royal court, and particularly to Solomon himself.

Study Notes

1 Kings 10:10–13 The queen’s gift of 120 talents of gold (9,000 pounds/4,080 kg) is a remarkably large amount, yet Solomon was already receiving much more gold than this (notice that her gift is exactly the same size as Hiram’s first installment in 9:14). Solomon was a much wealthier person than the queen. What she gives him is tiny compared to what he gives her.

The Queen of Sheba

The Queen of Sheba

When word of Solomon’s extraordinary wisdom reached the ears of the queen of Sheba, she traveled from Arabia to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions. She came to Jerusalem with a remarkable entourage, including camels bearing spices and gold and precious stones. The queen was deeply impressed by Solomon’s wisdom and wealth. This Gentile queen recognized that Solomon’s greatness was from the true God of Israel, and that God himself had put Solomon on his throne. Although the queen gave Solomon a tremendous gift—about 9,000 pounds (4 kg) of gold—it paled in comparison to the riches that he presented to her. Solomon gave the queen all she desired and more, after which she returned to her own land. (1 Kings 10:1–13)

Study Notes
1 Kings Fact #12: 666 talents

Fact: 666 talents

666 talents of gold (10:14) was a lot of gold—nearly 25 tons! Solomon accumulated lots of gold and other valuable resources through his extensive trading with nations all over the known world.

Study Notes
Isaiah Fact #35: Ships of Tarshish

Fact: Ships of Tarshish

The phrase ships of Tarshish (60:9) describes huge ships, able to go on voyages as long as three years (1 Kings 10:22). Isaiah says that ships like these will someday bring the nations to Israel to worship the Lord.

Study Notes

1 Kings 10:14–25 weight of gold. The accumulation of gold continues. It is mentioned no fewer than 11 times in vv. 14, 16–18, 21–22, 25. It arrives in Israel by various means, including ships of Tarshish (v. 22), that is, ships capable of a journey to such a distant western port (see Isa. 66:19; Ezek. 27:12–15; Jonah 1:3). These ships are said to have sailed to lands so distant that it took three years to return with their extraordinary cargo.

Study Notes

1 Kings 9:10–10:29 Solomon’s rule over the surrounding kingdoms, combined with his status in the world in general (4:21–34), put him in a position to build and dedicate the temple (5:1–8:66). This passage now considers the glory of Solomon’s empire in the light of 8:22–53 and 9:1–9.

1 Kings 10:26–29 chariots and horsemen . . . silver. The accumulation of silver and horses, as well as gold, is forbidden by Deut. 17:16–17. Solomon has violated all but one of the instructions in that passage. His violation of that one remaining instruction will be the subject of 1 Kings 11:1–6.

Why is the temple so important to the people of Israel and to God?

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | 1 Kings 8-10

As I read Solomon's prayers and petitions in 1 Kings 8 (and the subsequent chapters), I was struck by God's unwavering desire to dwell with His people throughout history.

From the very beginning, this has been God's heart. In Genesis before the Fall, God dwelled with Adam and Eve in the Garden in perfect fellowship. Later, through the Tabernacle—a makeshift, mobile tent—God again dwelled among His people, finding a habitation among them and revealing His presence (Exodus 25:8, 22). On a grander scale, the Temple became a dwelling place for the very presence of God, reflecting His desire to be with those He had set apart as His people (1 Kings 8:10-13; 2 Chronicles 7:1-3, 12-16).

In 1 Kings 8, we see a profound juxtaposition of God's transcendence and His immanence. God is transcendent—holy, majestic, and superior (Isaiah 6). His ways are far above ours, and His thinking infinitely higher (Isaiah 55:8-9). As the Creator, He stands outside of space and time, exalted above all creation (Psalm 113).

Yet, despite His transcendence, God is also immanent. He is near to us, choosing to locate Himself among His people. He is Immanuel, God with us (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23). He dwells in the highest heavens but also cares deeply about our burdens, taking up residence right next to our frail humanity.

This beautiful duality is fulfilled in Jesus. The eternal Son of God found a local habitation by dwelling among humankind. As John 1:14 declares, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." The word dwelt in Greek is rich with meaning, literally translating to "to dwell as in a tent." In Christ, God "tabernacled" among us—the eternal God taking up residence in human flesh!

By dwelling among us, Christ not only shared in our humanity but also provided the way to salvation. Through Him, we find true, eternal relationship with God and forgiveness of sin. How marvelous!

This month's memory verse

"God's way is perfect. All the Lord's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock?" (NLT)

– 2 Samuel 22:31-32

Discussion Questions

1. What is the significance of God's desire to dwell among His people?

2. How does Christ provide the ultimate ability of humanity to dwell with God?

3. As you consider God's presence in the temple, how can you cultivate an awareness of God's presence in your own life?

4. What does it mean for God to be holy and other, yet at the same time near to our humanity?

5. Like Solomon, who prays and petitions God for the everyday circumstances facing the Israelites, how can you pray and petition God on behalf of others in your community?