April 10, 2025
How did the nation of Israel divide in two?
1 Kings 11-14
Celeste Pinkerton
Big Book Idea
There were eight good kings in Judah but zero good kings in Israel.
Key Verse | 1 Kings 11:4
For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.
1 Kings 11-14
Chapter 11
Solomon Turns from the LORD
1 Now King Solomon loved many foreign women, along with the daughter of Pharaoh: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women, 2 from the nations concerning which the LORD had said to the people of Israel, “You shall not enter into marriage with them, neither shall they with you, for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love. 3 He had 700 wives, who were princesses, and 300 concubines. And his wives turned away his heart. 4 For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. 5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 6 So Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the LORD and did not wholly follow the LORD, as David his father had done. 7 Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites, on the mountain east of Jerusalem. 8 And so he did for all his foreign wives, who made offerings and sacrificed to their gods.
The LORD Raises Adversaries
9 And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice 10 and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods. But he did not keep what the LORD commanded. 11 Therefore the LORD said to Solomon, “Since this has been your practice and you have not kept my covenant and my statutes that I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom from you and will give it to your servant. 12 Yet for the sake of David your father I will not do it in your days, but I will tear it out of the hand of your son. 13 However, I will not tear away all the kingdom, but I will give one tribe to your son, for the sake of David my servant and for the sake of Jerusalem that I have chosen.”
14 And the LORD raised up an adversary against Solomon, Hadad the Edomite. He was of the royal house in Edom. 15 For when David was in Edom, and Joab the commander of the army went up to bury the slain, he struck down every male in Edom 16 (for Joab and all Israel remained there six months, until he had cut off every male in Edom). 17 But Hadad fled to Egypt, together with certain Edomites of his father's servants, Hadad still being a little child. 18 They set out from Midian and came to Paran and took men with them from Paran and came to Egypt, to Pharaoh king of Egypt, who gave him a house and assigned him an allowance of food and gave him land. 19 And Hadad found great favor in the sight of Pharaoh, so that he gave him in marriage the sister of his own wife, the sister of Tahpenes the queen. 20 And the sister of Tahpenes bore him Genubath his son, whom Tahpenes weaned in Pharaoh's house. And Genubath was in Pharaoh's house among the sons of Pharaoh. 21 But when Hadad heard in Egypt that David slept with his fathers and that Joab the commander of the army was dead, Hadad said to Pharaoh, “Let me depart, that I may go to my own country.” 22 But Pharaoh said to him, “What have you lacked with me that you are now seeking to go to your own country?” And he said to him, “Only let me depart.”
23 God also raised up as an adversary to him, Rezon the son of Eliada, who had fled from his master Hadadezer king of Zobah. 24 And he gathered men about him and became leader of a marauding band, after the killing by David. And they went to Damascus and lived there and made him king in Damascus. 25 He was an adversary of Israel all the days of Solomon, doing harm as Hadad did. And he loathed Israel and reigned over Syria.
26 Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephraimite of Zeredah, a servant of Solomon, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow, also lifted up his hand against the king. 27 And this was the reason why he lifted up his hand against the king. Solomon built the Millo, and closed up the breach of the city of David his father. 28 The man Jeroboam was very able, and when Solomon saw that the young man was industrious he gave him charge over all the forced labor of the house of Joseph. 29 And at that time, when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him on the road. Now Ahijah had dressed himself in a new garment, and the two of them were alone in the open country. 30 Then Ahijah laid hold of the new garment that was on him, and tore it into twelve pieces. 31 And he said to Jeroboam, “Take for yourself ten pieces, for thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘Behold, I am about to tear the kingdom from the hand of Solomon and will give you ten tribes 32 (but he shall have one tribe, for the sake of my servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem, the city that I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel), 33 because they have 1 11:33 Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate he has; twice in this verse forsaken me and worshiped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, Chemosh the god of Moab, and Milcom the god of the Ammonites, and they have not walked in my ways, doing what is right in my sight and keeping my statutes and my rules, as David his father did. 34 Nevertheless, I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand, but I will make him ruler all the days of his life, for the sake of David my servant whom I chose, who kept my commandments and my statutes. 35 But I will take the kingdom out of his son's hand and will give it to you, ten tribes. 36 Yet to his son I will give one tribe, that David my servant may always have a lamp before me in Jerusalem, the city where I have chosen to put my name. 37 And I will take you, and you shall reign over all that your soul desires, and you shall be king over Israel. 38 And if you will listen to all that I command you, and will walk in my ways, and do what is right in my eyes by keeping my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did, I will be with you and will build you a sure house, as I built for David, and I will give Israel to you. 39 And I will afflict the offspring of David because of this, but not forever.’” 40 Solomon sought therefore to kill Jeroboam. But Jeroboam arose and fled into Egypt, to Shishak king of Egypt, and was in Egypt until the death of Solomon.
41 Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, and all that he did, and his wisdom, are they not written in the Book of the Acts of Solomon? 42 And the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years. 43 And Solomon slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David his father. And Rehoboam his son reigned in his place.
Chapter 12
Rehoboam's Folly
1 Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had come to Shechem to make him king. 2 And as soon as Jeroboam the son of Nebat heard of it (for he was still in Egypt, where he had fled from King Solomon), then Jeroboam returned from 2 12:2 Septuagint, Vulgate (compare 2 Chronicles 10:2); Hebrew lived in Egypt. 3 And they sent and called him, and Jeroboam and all the assembly of Israel came and said to Rehoboam, 4 “Your father made our yoke heavy. Now therefore lighten the hard service of your father and his heavy yoke on us, and we will serve you.” 5 He said to them, “Go away for three days, then come again to me.” So the people went away.
6 Then King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men, who had stood before Solomon his father while he was yet alive, saying, “How do you advise me to answer this people?” 7 And they said to him, “If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them, and speak good words to them when you answer them, then they will be your servants forever.” 8 But he abandoned the counsel that the old men gave him and took counsel with the young men who had grown up with him and stood before him. 9 And he said to them, “What do you advise that we answer this people who have said to me, ‘Lighten the yoke that your father put on us’?” 10 And the young men who had grown up with him said to him, “Thus shall you speak to this people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you lighten it for us,’ thus shall you say to them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father's thighs. 11 And now, whereas my father laid on you a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.’”
12 So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king said, “Come to me again the third day.” 13 And the king answered the people harshly, and forsaking the counsel that the old men had given him, 14 he spoke to them according to the counsel of the young men, saying, “My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.” 15 So the king did not listen to the people, for it was a turn of affairs brought about by the LORD that he might fulfill his word, which the LORD spoke by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.
The Kingdom Divided
16 And when all Israel saw that the king did not listen to them, the people answered the king, “What portion do we have in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, David.” So Israel went to their tents. 17 But Rehoboam reigned over the people of Israel who lived in the cities of Judah. 18 Then King Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was taskmaster over the forced labor, and all Israel stoned him to death with stones. And King Rehoboam hurried to mount his chariot to flee to Jerusalem. 19 So Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day. 20 And when all Israel heard that Jeroboam had returned, they sent and called him to the assembly and made him king over all Israel. There was none that followed the house of David but the tribe of Judah only.
21 When Rehoboam came to Jerusalem, he assembled all the house of Judah and the tribe of Benjamin, 180,000 chosen warriors, to fight against the house of Israel, to restore the kingdom to Rehoboam the son of Solomon. 22 But the word of God came to Shemaiah the man of God: 23 “Say to Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all the house of Judah and Benjamin, and to the rest of the people, 24 ‘Thus says the LORD, You shall not go up or fight against your relatives the people of Israel. Every man return to his home, for this thing is from me.’” So they listened to the word of the LORD and went home again, according to the word of the LORD.
Jeroboam's Golden Calves
25 Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim and lived there. And he went out from there and built Penuel. 26 And Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom will turn back to the house of David. 27 If this people go up to offer sacrifices in the temple of the LORD at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will turn again to their lord, to Rehoboam king of Judah, and they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.” 28 So the king took counsel and made two calves of gold. And he said to the people, “You have gone up to Jerusalem long enough. Behold your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” 29 And he set one in Bethel, and the other he put in Dan. 30 Then this thing became a sin, for the people went as far as Dan to be before one. 3 12:30 Septuagint went to the one at Bethel and to the other as far as Dan 31 He also made temples on high places and appointed priests from among all the people, who were not of the Levites. 32 And Jeroboam appointed a feast on the fifteenth day of the eighth month like the feast that was in Judah, and he offered sacrifices on the altar. So he did in Bethel, sacrificing to the calves that he made. And he placed in Bethel the priests of the high places that he had made. 33 He went up to the altar that he had made in Bethel on the fifteenth day in the eighth month, in the month that he had devised from his own heart. And he instituted a feast for the people of Israel and went up to the altar to make offerings.
Chapter 13
A Man of God Confronts Jeroboam
1 And behold, a man of God came out of Judah by the word of the LORD to Bethel. Jeroboam was standing by the altar to make offerings. 2 And the man cried against the altar by the word of the LORD and said, “O altar, altar, thus says the LORD: ‘Behold, a son shall be born to the house of David, Josiah by name, and he shall sacrifice on you the priests of the high places who make offerings on you, and human bones shall be burned on you.’” 3 And he gave a sign the same day, saying, “This is the sign that the LORD has spoken: ‘Behold, the altar shall be torn down, and the ashes that are on it shall be poured out.’” 4 And when the king heard the saying of the man of God, which he cried against the altar at Bethel, Jeroboam stretched out his hand from the altar, saying, “Seize him.” And his hand, which he stretched out against him, dried up, so that he could not draw it back to himself. 5 The altar also was torn down, and the ashes poured out from the altar, according to the sign that the man of God had given by the word of the LORD. 6 And the king said to the man of God, “Entreat now the favor of the LORD your God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored to me.” And the man of God entreated the LORD, and the king's hand was restored to him and became as it was before. 7 And the king said to the man of God, “Come home with me, and refresh yourself, and I will give you a reward.” 8 And the man of God said to the king, “If you give me half your house, I will not go in with you. And I will not eat bread or drink water in this place, 9 for so was it commanded me by the word of the LORD, saying, ‘You shall neither eat bread nor drink water nor return by the way that you came.’” 10 So he went another way and did not return by the way that he came to Bethel.
The Prophet's Disobedience
11 Now an old prophet lived in Bethel. And his sons 4 13:11 Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate; Hebrew son came and told him all that the man of God had done that day in Bethel. They also told to their father the words that he had spoken to the king. 12 And their father said to them, “Which way did he go?” And his sons showed him the way that the man of God who came from Judah had gone. 13 And he said to his sons, “Saddle the donkey for me.” So they saddled the donkey for him and he mounted it. 14 And he went after the man of God and found him sitting under an oak. And he said to him, “Are you the man of God who came from Judah?” And he said, “I am.” 15 Then he said to him, “Come home with me and eat bread.” 16 And he said, “I may not return with you, or go in with you, neither will I eat bread nor drink water with you in this place, 17 for it was said to me by the word of the LORD, ‘You shall neither eat bread nor drink water there, nor return by the way that you came.’” 18 And he said to him, “I also am a prophet as you are, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the LORD, saying, ‘Bring him back with you into your house that he may eat bread and drink water.’” But he lied to him. 19 So he went back with him and ate bread in his house and drank water.
20 And as they sat at the table, the word of the LORD came to the prophet who had brought him back. 21 And he cried to the man of God who came from Judah, “Thus says the LORD, ‘Because you have disobeyed the word of the LORD and have not kept the command that the LORD your God commanded you, 22 but have come back and have eaten bread and drunk water in the place of which he said to you, “Eat no bread and drink no water,” your body shall not come to the tomb of your fathers.’” 23 And after he had eaten bread and drunk, he saddled the donkey for the prophet whom he had brought back. 24 And as he went away a lion met him on the road and killed him. And his body was thrown in the road, and the donkey stood beside it; the lion also stood beside the body. 25 And behold, men passed by and saw the body thrown in the road and the lion standing by the body. And they came and told it in the city where the old prophet lived.
26 And when the prophet who had brought him back from the way heard of it, he said, “It is the man of God who disobeyed the word of the LORD; therefore the LORD has given him to the lion, which has torn him and killed him, according to the word that the LORD spoke to him.” 27 And he said to his sons, “Saddle the donkey for me.” And they saddled it. 28 And he went and found his body thrown in the road, and the donkey and the lion standing beside the body. The lion had not eaten the body or torn the donkey. 29 And the prophet took up the body of the man of God and laid it on the donkey and brought it back to the city 5 13:29 Septuagint; Hebrew he came to the city of the old prophet to mourn and to bury him. 30 And he laid the body in his own grave. And they mourned over him, saying, “Alas, my brother!” 31 And after he had buried him, he said to his sons, “When I die, bury me in the grave in which the man of God is buried; lay my bones beside his bones. 32 For the saying that he called out by the word of the LORD against the altar in Bethel and against all the houses of the high places that are in the cities of Samaria shall surely come to pass.”
33 After this thing Jeroboam did not turn from his evil way, but made priests for the high places again from among all the people. Any who would, he ordained to be priests of the high places. 34 And this thing became sin to the house of Jeroboam, so as to cut it off and to destroy it from the face of the earth.
Chapter 14
Prophecy Against Jeroboam
1 At that time Abijah the son of Jeroboam fell sick. 2 And Jeroboam said to his wife, “Arise, and disguise yourself, that it not be known that you are the wife of Jeroboam, and go to Shiloh. Behold, Ahijah the prophet is there, who said of me that I should be king over this people. 3 Take with you ten loaves, some cakes, and a jar of honey, and go to him. He will tell you what shall happen to the child.”
4 Jeroboam's wife did so. She arose and went to Shiloh and came to the house of Ahijah. Now Ahijah could not see, for his eyes were dim because of his age. 5 And the LORD said to Ahijah, “Behold, the wife of Jeroboam is coming to inquire of you concerning her son, for he is sick. Thus and thus shall you say to her.”
When she came, she pretended to be another woman. 6 But when Ahijah heard the sound of her feet, as she came in at the door, he said, “Come in, wife of Jeroboam. Why do you pretend to be another? For I am charged with unbearable news for you. 7 Go, tell Jeroboam, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: “Because I exalted you from among the people and made you leader over my people Israel 8 and tore the kingdom away from the house of David and gave it to you, and yet you have not been like my servant David, who kept my commandments and followed me with all his heart, doing only that which was right in my eyes, 9 but you have done evil above all who were before you and have gone and made for yourself other gods and metal images, provoking me to anger, and have cast me behind your back, 10 therefore behold, I will bring harm upon the house of Jeroboam and will cut off from Jeroboam every male, both bond and free in Israel, and will burn up the house of Jeroboam, as a man burns up dung until it is all gone. 11 Anyone belonging to Jeroboam who dies in the city the dogs shall eat, and anyone who dies in the open country the birds of the heavens shall eat, for the LORD has spoken it.”’ 12 Arise therefore, go to your house. When your feet enter the city, the child shall die. 13 And all Israel shall mourn for him and bury him, for he only of Jeroboam shall come to the grave, because in him there is found something pleasing to the LORD, the God of Israel, in the house of Jeroboam. 14 Moreover, the LORD will raise up for himself a king over Israel who shall cut off the house of Jeroboam today. And henceforth, 15 the LORD will strike Israel as a reed is shaken in the water, and root up Israel out of this good land that he gave to their fathers and scatter them beyond the Euphrates, 6 14:15 Hebrew the River because they have made their Asherim, provoking the LORD to anger. 16 And he will give Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam, which he sinned and made Israel to sin.”
17 Then Jeroboam's wife arose and departed and came to Tirzah. And as she came to the threshold of the house, the child died. 18 And all Israel buried him and mourned for him, according to the word of the LORD, which he spoke by his servant Ahijah the prophet.
The Death of Jeroboam
19 Now the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, how he warred and how he reigned, behold, they are written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel. 20 And the time that Jeroboam reigned was twenty-two years. And he slept with his fathers, and Nadab his son reigned in his place.
Rehoboam Reigns in Judah
21 Now Rehoboam the son of Solomon reigned in Judah. Rehoboam was forty-one years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city that the LORD had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there. His mother's name was Naamah the Ammonite. 22 And Judah did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, and they provoked him to jealousy with their sins that they committed, more than all that their fathers had done. 23 For they also built for themselves high places and pillars and Asherim on every high hill and under every green tree, 24 and there were also male cult prostitutes in the land. They did according to all the abominations of the nations that the LORD drove out before the people of Israel.
25 In the fifth year of King Rehoboam, Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem. 26 He took away the treasures of the house of the LORD and the treasures of the king's house. He took away everything. He also took away all the shields of gold that Solomon had made, 27 and King Rehoboam made in their place shields of bronze, and committed them to the hands of the officers of the guard, who kept the door of the king's house. 28 And as often as the king went into the house of the LORD, the guard carried them and brought them back to the guardroom.
29 Now the rest of the acts of Rehoboam and all that he did, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? 30 And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually. 31 And Rehoboam slept with his fathers and was buried with his fathers in the city of David. His mother's name was Naamah the Ammonite. And Abijam his son reigned in his place.
Footnotes
[1] 11:33 Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate he has; twice in this verse[2] 12:2 Septuagint, Vulgate (compare 2 Chronicles 10:2); Hebrew lived in
[3] 12:30 Septuagint went to the one at Bethel and to the other as far as Dan
[4] 13:11 Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate; Hebrew son
[5] 13:29 Septuagint; Hebrew he came to the city of the old prophet
[6] 14:15 Hebrew the River
Table of Contents
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
- 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).
- 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).
- 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).
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- The Reign of King Solomon (1:1–11:43)
- The Kingdom Is Divided (12:1–14:31)
- Abijam and Asa (15:1–24)
- From Nadab to Ahab (15:25–16:34)
- Elijah and Ahab (17:1–22:40)
- Jehoshaphat and Ahaziah (22:41–53)
2 Kings Outline
- The Death of Ahaziah (1:1–18)
- Elisha and Israel (2:1–10:36)
- Joash (11:1–12:21)
- Jehoahaz and Jehoash (13:1–25)
- Amaziah, Jeroboam II, and Azariah (14:1–15:7)
- Israel’s Last Days (15:8–31)
- Jotham and Ahaz (15:32–16:20)
- The End of Israel (17:1–41)
- Hezekiah (18:1–20:21)
- Manasseh and Amon (21:1–26)
- Josiah (22:1–23:30)
- 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).
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.
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.
Fact: “Man of God,”
“Man of God,” meaning “prophet,” is used 37 times in 1–2 Kings. Though God judged the Judean prophet’s disobedience (13:1–32), his prophecy against the temple in Bethel was fulfilled, and King Josiah preserved his burial place (2 Kings 23:15–20).
Fact: Damascus
From ancient times, Damascus has been a strategic location. It was a primary stopping point along the main caravan route that ran from Africa to Mesopotamia. When it became the capital of the Aramean kingdom (modern Syria), it served as a military outpost to prevent Israel from expanding northward.
Fact: How long did the United Kingdom of Israel last?
How long did the United Kingdom of Israel last? All 12 tribes of Israel were together as one nation for a total of 120 years: 40 years under Saul, 40 years under David, and 40 years under Solomon (c. 1050-930 B.C.).
Fact: Lions
Lions (13:24) were once plentiful in the ancient Near East. The last recorded sighting of a lion in this area was in the thirteenth century A.D.
Fact: What were high places?
What were high places? High places (14:23) were worship sites for local pagan gods. Before the temple was built in Jerusalem, Israelites often offered sacrifices in such places. After the temple was built, however, people were required to sacrifice there instead of at the high places.
The Kingdom Divides
931 B.C.
When Solomon’s son Rehoboam arrived at Shechem for his coronation after his father’s death, he refused to lighten his father’s heavy tax burden on the people, and the 10 northern tribes revolted and set up Jeroboam as their king. The northern kingdom would now be known as Israel and the southern kingdom as Judah. Five years later, Shishak (also called Sheshonq) king of Egypt invaded Judah and Israel and captured a number of towns. Rehoboam avoided Jerusalem’s destruction by paying off Shishak with many of the treasures Solomon had placed in the temple.
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.
*Periodically, a 13th month was added so that the lunar calendar would account for the entire solar year.
Evaluating Kings of Israel and Judah in 1–2 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.)
| 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.)
| 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
| 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 |
Jeroboam
Jeroboam, a servant of Solomon, was in charge of the forced labor doing construction work in Jerusalem. He was approached by the prophet Ahijah, who prophesied that he would one day be king over 10 of the tribes of Israel. This prophecy came true when, after Solomon’s death, his son Rehoboam refused to lighten his father’s heavy tax burden on the people. The 10 northern tribes revolted. They broke away from the two southern tribes and made Jeroboam their king. To prevent his people from returning to Jerusalem to worship, Jeroboam built competing centers of worship in Bethel and Dan. By inventing his own system of worship, he led the people of Israel astray. (1 Kings 11:29–40)
Solomon
The son of David and Bathsheba, Solomon succeeded his father as king of Israel. Rather than ask God for riches or power, Solomon asked for wisdom. His request pleased God, who granted him not only what he asked for but also what he did not ask—riches and honor such as the world had never known. Among the king’s most significant building projects were the first temple in Jerusalem and a magnificent palace. But riches and wisdom were not the only things Solomon had in abundance—he also had over 700 wives! He was a great king when he obeyed God, but sadly his marriages to women outside the people of God proved to be his downfall. Solomon’s reign ended in tragedy when “his wives turned away his heart” (11:3) by influencing him to worship pagan gods. (1 Kings 3:10–14)
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)
Solomon
The son of David and Bathsheba, Solomon succeeded his father as king of Israel. Rather than ask God for riches or power, Solomon asked for wisdom. His request pleased God, who granted him not only what he asked for but also what he did not ask—riches and honor such as the world had never known. Among the king’s most significant building projects were the first temple in Jerusalem and a magnificent palace. But riches and wisdom were not the only things Solomon had in abundance—he also had over 700 wives! He was a great king when he obeyed God, but sadly his marriages to women outside the people of God proved to be his downfall. Solomon’s reign ended in tragedy when “his wives turned away his heart” (11:3) by influencing him to worship pagan gods. (1 Kings 3:10–14)
1 Kings 11:1–4 Solomon loved many foreign women . . . clung to these in love. Solomon loved the Lord (3:3). But he also loved the daughter of Pharaoh and many other women. Solomon’s heart was divided.
1 Kings 11:5 Ashtoreth is the biblical name for Astarte. At ancient Ugarit in Syria, the planet Venus was worshiped as Astarte. Milcom was a god of the underworld.
1 Kings 11:7–8 The worship of other gods at high places is a key concern in 1–2 Kings (e.g., 1 Kings 12:25–33; 14:23; 16:31–33). Chemosh was the chief god of the Moabites. Molech may be the same as Milcom in 11:5. The Bible associates Molech with child sacrifice (e.g., Lev. 18:21; 2 Kings 16:3; Jer. 32:35).
1 Kings 11:9–13 the LORD was angry with Solomon. . . . I will surely tear the kingdom from you. This is what 2:4; 8:25; and 9:4–5 have led the reader to expect. Yet, while punishing Solomon and his kingdom, the Lord will show mercy: I will not do it in your days (11:12). . . . I will not tear away all the kingdom. And, one tribe will remain for the sake of David my servant and for the sake of Jerusalem that I have chosen (v. 13).
Fact: Damascus
From ancient times, Damascus has been a strategic location. It was a primary stopping point along the main caravan route that ran from Africa to Mesopotamia. When it became the capital of the Aramean kingdom (modern Syria), it served as a military outpost to prevent Israel from expanding northward.
1 Kings 11:14–25 Two men are raised up by God to oppose Solomon: Rezon from the north and Hadad from the south. Where the king once had peace on all sides (5:4), he now finds enemies.
1 Kings 11:26–33 Solomon’s most significant enemy was Jeroboam the son of Nebat. He was the former superintendent of the forced labor of the house of Joseph, those who had been helping with the construction work in Jerusalem (vv. 27–28). He was met outside the city by the prophet Ahijah (v. 29) with a prophecy concerning the kingship. The garment here is divided into 12 pieces, of which ten, symbolizing 10 northern tribes, are given to Jeroboam (vv. 30–31). One tribe is to remain for the sake of David and Jerusalem (that is, Judah). The tribe Benjamin is not included (see 12:21), perhaps because it was regarded as part of Judah’s territory.
1 Kings 11:34–39 a lamp before me in Jerusalem. Solomon will lose no tribes during his lifetime. His son is to have one tribe, to preserve the line of Davidic kings.
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.
Jeroboam
Jeroboam, a servant of Solomon, was in charge of the forced labor doing construction work in Jerusalem. He was approached by the prophet Ahijah, who prophesied that he would one day be king over 10 of the tribes of Israel. This prophecy came true when, after Solomon’s death, his son Rehoboam refused to lighten his father’s heavy tax burden on the people. The 10 northern tribes revolted. They broke away from the two southern tribes and made Jeroboam their king. To prevent his people from returning to Jerusalem to worship, Jeroboam built competing centers of worship in Bethel and Dan. By inventing his own system of worship, he led the people of Israel astray. (1 Kings 11:29–40)
1:1–11:43 The Reign of King Solomon. First Kings 1–11 describes the reign of David’s son Solomon. Solomon was a great king when he obeyed God and depended on God for wisdom, but his reign ended tragically as he began worshiping other gods.
1 Kings 11:1–43 Throughout chs. 1–10 there have been hints that all is not well with Solomon’s heart. Now comes the inevitable conclusion: Solomon’s sins have led him to apostasy.
1 Kings 11:43 slept with his fathers. See note on 2:10. Almost all Israelite burials were in multichambered, rock-hewn tombs carved into hillsides. They were probably used as family tombs, so that even in death family ties were emphasized.
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)
1 Kings 12:1 Shechem was where the Israelites renewed their covenant with God (Josh. 24:1–27). It was also the site of Abimelech’s attempt to make himself king (Judges 9).
The Kingdom Divides
931 B.C.
When Solomon’s son Rehoboam arrived at Shechem for his coronation after his father’s death, he refused to lighten his father’s heavy tax burden on the people, and the 10 northern tribes revolted and set up Jeroboam as their king. The northern kingdom would now be known as Israel and the southern kingdom as Judah. Five years later, Shishak (also called Sheshonq) king of Egypt invaded Judah and Israel and captured a number of towns. Rehoboam avoided Jerusalem’s destruction by paying off Shishak with many of the treasures Solomon had placed in the temple.
1 Kings 12:4 Your father made our yoke heavy. Solomon placed great financial burdens on the people. They are no longer living in freedom in the Promised Land. They are again a people under hard service, as they were in Egypt (Ex. 1:14; 2:23). They toil as oxen would under a heavy yoke.
1 Kings 12:10–11 My little finger is thicker than my father’s thighs. Rehoboam is saying that he will be much harsher than his father was. Scorpions probably refers to a particularly vicious form of whip.
Fact: How long did the United Kingdom of Israel last?
How long did the United Kingdom of Israel last? All 12 tribes of Israel were together as one nation for a total of 120 years: 40 years under Saul, 40 years under David, and 40 years under Solomon (c. 1050-930 B.C.).
1 Kings 12:14 I will add to your yoke. Rehoboam is behaving exactly as Pharaoh had behaved before him (compare Ex. 5:1–21).
1 Kings 12:15 a turn of affairs brought about by the LORD. God is in control of all events. His word is being carried out, as was the case with the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart (Ex. 4:21; 7:3–4, 13).
1 Kings 12:16 What portion do we have in David? The people do not support Rehoboam, so they leave for their tents.
1 Kings 12:18 It is not clear whether Adoram is the person mentioned in 4:6 and 5:14. He comes to impose forced labor on Israel.
1 Kings 12:24 they listened to the word of the LORD and went home. War is avoided, at least for now. But the peace does not last long.
1 Kings 12:25 Jeroboam built Shechem . . . Penuel. The first task for Jeroboam was the obvious one of defense. He built up two major cities.
1 Kings 12:27–28 two calves of gold. Jeroboam fears that the presence of the temple of the LORD at Jerusalem will lead the people of northern Israel to return to Rehoboam. To prevent this, Jeroboam sets up his own system for worship. His words to the people about the calves—Behold your gods, O Israel—are almost exactly the words with which the people greeted Aaron’s golden calf (Ex. 32:4). These bull idols were unacceptable for the worship of the Lord because they failed to show the difference between the Creator and his creation.
1 Kings 12:1–33 As Moses led the people out of slavery under the Egyptian pharaoh, Jeroboam now leads Israel out of “slavery” under the house of David. But rather than being a second Moses, Jeroboam soon begins to look like Aaron, as he fashions golden calves for Israel to worship. Such idolatrous worship will eventually result in disaster for Israel.
1 Kings 12:29–33 Jeroboam builds centers of worship within his own territory to rival Jerusalem, one in the far north (Dan) and one in the far south (Bethel). He appoints priests who had not been set apart by God for such service. He invents a central feast in the eighth month, a version of the Feast of Booths (or Tabernacles) (compare 8:2; Lev. 23:33–43).
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.
*Periodically, a 13th month was added so that the lunar calendar would account for the entire solar year.
Evaluating Kings of Israel and Judah in 1–2 Kings
1 Kings 13:2 The prophetic words about the future king Josiah point forward to a time when all the northern Israelite dynasties will have come to an end. Only the house of David will remain to take action against Bethel (2 Kings 22:1–23:30).
1 Kings 13:3–5 Since Josiah’s reign is still a long way off, a sign is also described and then acted out. This indicates that the prophecy is true.
Fact: Lions
Lions (13:24) were once plentiful in the ancient Near East. The last recorded sighting of a lion in this area was in the thirteenth century A.D.
Fact: Lions
Lions (13:24) were once plentiful in the ancient Near East. The last recorded sighting of a lion in this area was in the thirteenth century A.D.
1 Kings 13:7–32 Jeroboam’s invitation to the man of God to dine and receive a reward is an attempt to buy his loyalty, perhaps hoping for the curse on the altar to be reversed. The invitation (v. 15) from the old prophet living in Bethel is an attempt to prevent the destruction of Bethel. Disobedience leads the man of God to an unfortunate end. Even prophets cannot escape if they are disobedient. Samaria is used here for the territory of which the city of Samaria became the capital under Omri, the father of Ahab (16:24).
Fact: “Man of God,”
“Man of God,” meaning “prophet,” is used 37 times in 1–2 Kings. Though God judged the Judean prophet’s disobedience (13:1–32), his prophecy against the temple in Bethel was fulfilled, and King Josiah preserved his burial place (2 Kings 23:15–20).
1 Kings 13:1–34 Just as Solomon had stood at his altar in Jerusalem (8:22), Jeroboam now stands at the altar of his new temple in Bethel, ready to dedicate it to his gods. However, since this temple does not have God’s blessing, Jeroboam will not even get a chance to speak.
Jeroboam
Jeroboam, a servant of Solomon, was in charge of the forced labor doing construction work in Jerusalem. He was approached by the prophet Ahijah, who prophesied that he would one day be king over 10 of the tribes of Israel. This prophecy came true when, after Solomon’s death, his son Rehoboam refused to lighten his father’s heavy tax burden on the people. The 10 northern tribes revolted. They broke away from the two southern tribes and made Jeroboam their king. To prevent his people from returning to Jerusalem to worship, Jeroboam built competing centers of worship in Bethel and Dan. By inventing his own system of worship, he led the people of Israel astray. (1 Kings 11:29–40)
1 Kings 14:2 disguise yourself. In spite of the events of ch. 13, Jeroboam apparently believes that he can fool the old prophet Ahijah into giving him a positive message about his son.
1 Kings 14:10 Since Jeroboam has failed to be like David (v. 8) and has worshiped other gods as Solomon did (v. 9), his dynasty will come to an end for lack of male descendants.
1 Kings 14:11 Jeroboam’s dynasty will come to a dishonorable end, since the bodies mentioned will not be buried but will be eaten by dogs and birds. (See 1 Sam. 31:8–13 for the importance Israelites placed on having a proper burial.) Only Jeroboam’s son Abijah will escape this fate (1 Kings 14:13).
1 Kings 14:15 In the absence of a strong dynasty to rule Israel, the nation is destined to know only the instability of a reed . . . shaken (or “swaying”) in the water. Eventually the Israelites will be exiled to a land beyond the Euphrates River, Assyria (2 Kings 17:1–6, 21–23). Their idolatry includes making Asherim, or Asherah poles, connected with the worship of the goddess Asherah.
1 Kings 14:17 Jeroboam has apparently moved his royal court to Tirzah.
1 Kings 14:19 the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel. The author(s) of Kings specifically claim to have had access to written sources about the monarchic period, both for Israel and for Judah (e.g., v. 29; 22:45; 2 Kings 12:19; 20:20; 23:28). The reference here is to the Israelite royal record, preserved in palace archives and temple libraries along with foreign annals and inscriptions of various kinds. No copy of any of these chronicles remains today; they are not found in the Bible, and they are different from the books of 1–2 Chronicles. By the end of the second millennium B.C., literacy was widespread in and around Palestine, and writing was being employed in legal, business, literary, and religious texts.
1 Kings 14:1–20 Jeroboam had been promised a dynasty (“house”) just like David’s (11:38). His desire to have a temple (“house”) just like David’s, however, led him into disobedience. These verses describe the results of Jeroboam’s desire to have more than he was promised.
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.
1 Kings 14:23 High places and Asherim (see notes on 3:2; 14:15) are aspects of Judah’s idolatrous worship. Pillars are among the Canaanite cult objects which Deut. 12:3 says the people must destroy upon entering the land. These pillars were upright stones of various sizes. They were dedicated to particular deities.
Fact: What were high places?
What were high places? High places (14:23) were worship sites for local pagan gods. Before the temple was built in Jerusalem, Israelites often offered sacrifices in such places. After the temple was built, however, people were required to sacrifice there instead of at the high places.
1 Kings 14:22–24 Judah did what was evil. The whole nation has become involved in idolatrous worship.
1 Kings 14:24 male cult prostitutes. Worship under Rehoboam included prostitution. The people may have seen it as a way to persuade the gods and goddesses to deliver fertility to the land and the people.
1 Kings 14:25–26 Shishak king of Egypt has often been identified with the pharaoh Sheshonq I (945–924 B.C.), founder of the Twenty-second Dynasty in Egypt. His army apparently passed through Judah on its way to fight in northern Israel.
1 Kings 12:1–14:31 The Kingdom Is Divided. Two kingdoms emerge. Judah is made up of two tribes (Judah and Benjamin) in the south and is ruled by Rehoboam. Israel is made up of the ten northern tribes and is ruled by Jeroboam.
1 Kings 14:21–31 The text now returns to Rehoboam’s reign and what has been happening in Judah.
Is God unjust to kill someone who was deceived?
Listen NowDive Deeper | 1 Kings 11-14
Isn't it devastating that the wisest and richest man ever to live could make choices that would lead to the division of a whole nation? God desired for Solomon to walk in His ways and keep His statutes and commandments (1 Kings 3:14), yet Solomon disobeyed. We see that Solomon's heart was divided when he married Pharaoh's daughter (1 Kings 3:1), thereby disobeying God's warning to Israel in Deuteronomy 7:3-4 not to intermarry with people of other nations. God knew that this would lead the people of Israel to serve other gods, which is what we see in 1 Kings 11:3-4. Ultimately, Solomon's heart was divided and not wholly true to the Lord.
Unfortunately, this led to serious consequences for the nation of Israel. In response to Solomon's disobedience in serving other gods, the Lord told him, "I will surely tear the kingdom from you and will give it to your servant." In the following chapters, we see that God split the kingdom in two—Israel and Judah. Out of God's mercy, the kingdom of Judah kept two tribes (Benjamin and Judah). The rest of the tribes were in the kingdom of Israel.
We often convince ourselves that certain acts of disobedience are not "that big of a deal," but as we see with Solomon, even the most subtle of sins reveal the nature of our heart and will eventually be found out. Solomon's disobedience led him further from God, which is what all disobedience does. God desires an intimate relationship with us. When we are in obedience with Him, we are able to have the intimacy He desires.
Thankfully, we serve a God who loves us so much that "while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) Even though Solomon failed as a king, God sent the "better Solomon" in Jesus Christ. Unlike Solomon, Jesus is the ultimate King who reigns with perfect justice, mercy, and wisdom. When we make him the Lord of our lives, we are able to experience the fullness of joy that obedience in God offers (Psalm 16:11).
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. Solomon allowed many sins to go unchecked throughout his reign in Israel. What sins are unchecked in your life? What does this reveal about your heart? Confess these to God and to the believers in your life. (1 John 1:9; James 5:16)
2. God gave Solomon wealth and wisdom, yet Solomon used these gifts for his own gain. Has God given you any gifts in which you have believed the lie you obtained them on your own? Have you used these gifts for your glory or His? How can you change the way you view and use your gifts for His kingdom?
3. Jeroboam lacked trust in God, which led to him trying to take control and ultimately leading to his downfall. How are you holding on to control that needs to be surrendered to God?