April 12, 2025
God provides for Elijah.
1 Kings 19-22
Ryan Plummer
Big Book Idea
There were eight good kings in Judah but zero good kings in Israel.
Key Verse | 1 Kings 19:11-13
And he said, "Go out and stand on the mount before the LORD." And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
1 Kings 19-22
Chapter 19
Elijah Flees Jezebel
1 Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.” 3 Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.
4 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” 5 And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” 6 And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. 7 And the angel of the LORD came again a second time and touched him and said, “Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.” 8 And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God.
The LORD Speaks to Elijah
9 There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 He said, “I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” 11 And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. 1 19:12 Or a sound, a thin silence 13 And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 14 He said, “I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” 15 And the LORD said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. 16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place. 17 And the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha put to death. 18 Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”
The Call of Elisha
19 So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen in front of him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah passed by him and cast his cloak upon him. 20 And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah and said, “Let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.” And he said to him, “Go back again, for what have I done to you?” 21 And he returned from following him and took the yoke of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the yokes of the oxen and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and went after Elijah and assisted him.
Chapter 20
Ahab's Wars with Syria
1 Ben-hadad the king of Syria gathered all his army together. Thirty-two kings were with him, and horses and chariots. And he went up and closed in on Samaria and fought against it. 2 And he sent messengers into the city to Ahab king of Israel and said to him, “Thus says Ben-hadad: 3 ‘Your silver and your gold are mine; your best wives and children also are mine.’” 4 And the king of Israel answered, “As you say, my lord, O king, I am yours, and all that I have.” 5 The messengers came again and said, “Thus says Ben-hadad: ‘I sent to you, saying, “Deliver to me your silver and your gold, your wives and your children.” 6 Nevertheless I will send my servants to you tomorrow about this time, and they shall search your house and the houses of your servants and lay hands on whatever pleases you and take it away.’”
7 Then the king of Israel called all the elders of the land and said, “Mark, now, and see how this man is seeking trouble, for he sent to me for my wives and my children, and for my silver and my gold, and I did not refuse him.” 8 And all the elders and all the people said to him, “Do not listen or consent.” 9 So he said to the messengers of Ben-hadad, “Tell my lord the king, ‘All that you first demanded of your servant I will do, but this thing I cannot do.’” And the messengers departed and brought him word again. 10 Ben-hadad sent to him and said, “The gods do so to me and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people who follow me.” 11 And the king of Israel answered, “Tell him, ‘Let not him who straps on his armor boast himself as he who takes it off.’” 12 When Ben-hadad heard this message as he was drinking with the kings in the booths, he said to his men, “Take your positions.” And they took their positions against the city.
Ahab Defeats Ben-hadad
13 And behold, a prophet came near to Ahab king of Israel and said, “Thus says the LORD, Have you seen all this great multitude? Behold, I will give it into your hand this day, and you shall know that I am the LORD.” 14 And Ahab said, “By whom?” He said, “Thus says the LORD, By the servants of the governors of the districts.” Then he said, “Who shall begin the battle?” He answered, “You.” 15 Then he mustered the servants of the governors of the districts, and they were 232. And after them he mustered all the people of Israel, seven thousand.
16 And they went out at noon, while Ben-hadad was drinking himself drunk in the booths, he and the thirty-two kings who helped him. 17 The servants of the governors of the districts went out first. And Ben-hadad sent out scouts, and they reported to him, “Men are coming out from Samaria.” 18 He said, “If they have come out for peace, take them alive. Or if they have come out for war, take them alive.”
19 So these went out of the city, the servants of the governors of the districts and the army that followed them. 20 And each struck down his man. The Syrians fled, and Israel pursued them, but Ben-hadad king of Syria escaped on a horse with horsemen. 21 And the king of Israel went out and struck the horses and chariots, and struck the Syrians with a great blow.
22 Then the prophet came near to the king of Israel and said to him, “Come, strengthen yourself, and consider well what you have to do, for in the spring the king of Syria will come up against you.”
23 And the servants of the king of Syria said to him, “Their gods are gods of the hills, and so they were stronger than we. But let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they. 24 And do this: remove the kings, each from his post, and put commanders in their places, 25 and muster an army like the army that you have lost, horse for horse, and chariot for chariot. Then we will fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they.” And he listened to their voice and did so.
Ahab Defeats Ben-hadad Again
26 In the spring, Ben-hadad mustered the Syrians and went up to Aphek to fight against Israel. 27 And the people of Israel were mustered and were provisioned and went against them. The people of Israel encamped before them like two little flocks of goats, but the Syrians filled the country. 28 And a man of God came near and said to the king of Israel, “Thus says the LORD, ‘Because the Syrians have said, “The LORD is a god of the hills but he is not a god of the valleys,” therefore I will give all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the LORD.’” 29 And they encamped opposite one another seven days. Then on the seventh day the battle was joined. And the people of Israel struck down of the Syrians 100,000 foot soldiers in one day. 30 And the rest fled into the city of Aphek, and the wall fell upon 27,000 men who were left.
Ben-hadad also fled and entered an inner chamber in the city. 31 And his servants said to him, “Behold now, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful kings. Let us put sackcloth around our waists and ropes on our heads and go out to the king of Israel. Perhaps he will spare your life.” 32 So they tied sackcloth around their waists and put ropes on their heads and went to the king of Israel and said, “Your servant Ben-hadad says, ‘Please, let me live.’” And he said, “Does he still live? He is my brother.” 33 Now the men were watching for a sign, and they quickly took it up from him and said, “Yes, your brother Ben-hadad.” Then he said, “Go and bring him.” Then Ben-hadad came out to him, and he caused him to come up into the chariot. 34 And Ben-hadad said to him, “The cities that my father took from your father I will restore, and you may establish bazaars for yourself in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” And Ahab said, “I will let you go on these terms.” So he made a covenant with him and let him go.
A Prophet Condemns Ben-hadad's Release
35 And a certain man of the sons of the prophets said to his fellow at the command of the LORD, “Strike me, please.” But the man refused to strike him. 36 Then he said to him, “Because you have not obeyed the voice of the LORD, behold, as soon as you have gone from me, a lion shall strike you down.” And as soon as he had departed from him, a lion met him and struck him down. 37 Then he found another man and said, “Strike me, please.” And the man struck him—struck him and wounded him. 38 So the prophet departed and waited for the king by the way, disguising himself with a bandage over his eyes. 39 And as the king passed, he cried to the king and said, “Your servant went out into the midst of the battle, and behold, a soldier turned and brought a man to me and said, ‘Guard this man; if by any means he is missing, your life shall be for his life, or else you shall pay a talent 2 20:39 A talent was about 75 pounds or 34 kilograms of silver.’ 40 And as your servant was busy here and there, he was gone.” The king of Israel said to him, “So shall your judgment be; you yourself have decided it.” 41 Then he hurried to take the bandage away from his eyes, and the king of Israel recognized him as one of the prophets. 42 And he said to him, “Thus says the LORD, ‘Because you have let go out of your hand the man whom I had devoted to destruction, 3 20:42 That is, set apart (devoted) as an offering to the Lord (for destruction) therefore your life shall be for his life, and your people for his people.’” 43 And the king of Israel went to his house vexed and sullen and came to Samaria.
Chapter 21
Naboth's Vineyard
1 Now Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard in Jezreel, beside the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. 2 And after this Ahab said to Naboth, “Give me your vineyard, that I may have it for a vegetable garden, because it is near my house, and I will give you a better vineyard for it; or, if it seems good to you, I will give you its value in money.” 3 But Naboth said to Ahab, “The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.” 4 And Ahab went into his house vexed and sullen because of what Naboth the Jezreelite had said to him, for he had said, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” And he lay down on his bed and turned away his face and would eat no food.
5 But Jezebel his wife came to him and said to him, “Why is your spirit so vexed that you eat no food?” 6 And he said to her, “Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite and said to him, ‘Give me your vineyard for money, or else, if it please you, I will give you another vineyard for it.’ And he answered, ‘I will not give you my vineyard.’” 7 And Jezebel his wife said to him, “Do you now govern Israel? Arise and eat bread and let your heart be cheerful; I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.”
8 So she wrote letters in Ahab's name and sealed them with his seal, and she sent the letters to the elders and the leaders who lived with Naboth in his city. 9 And she wrote in the letters, “Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth at the head of the people. 10 And set two worthless men opposite him, and let them bring a charge against him, saying, ‘You have cursed 4 21:10 Hebrew blessed; also verse 13 God and the king.’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” 11 And the men of his city, the elders and the leaders who lived in his city, did as Jezebel had sent word to them. As it was written in the letters that she had sent to them, 12 they proclaimed a fast and set Naboth at the head of the people. 13 And the two worthless men came in and sat opposite him. And the worthless men brought a charge against Naboth in the presence of the people, saying, “Naboth cursed God and the king.” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death with stones. 14 Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, “Naboth has been stoned; he is dead.”
15 As soon as Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned and was dead, Jezebel said to Ahab, “Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give you for money, for Naboth is not alive, but dead.” 16 And as soon as Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, Ahab arose to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it.
The LORD Condemns Ahab
17 Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, 18 “Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who is in Samaria; behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, where he has gone to take possession. 19 And you shall say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Have you killed and also taken possession?”’ And you shall say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD: “In the place where dogs licked up the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick your own blood.”’”
20 Ahab said to Elijah, “Have you found me, O my enemy?” He answered, “I have found you, because you have sold yourself to do what is evil in the sight of the LORD. 21 Behold, I will bring disaster upon you. I will utterly burn you up, and will cut off from Ahab every male, bond or free, in Israel. 22 And I will make your house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah, for the anger to which you have provoked me, and because you have made Israel to sin. 23 And of Jezebel the LORD also said, ‘The dogs shall eat Jezebel within the walls of Jezreel.’ 24 Anyone belonging to Ahab who dies in the city the dogs shall eat, and anyone of his who dies in the open country the birds of the heavens shall eat.”
Ahab's Repentance
25 (There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the LORD like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited. 26 He acted very abominably in going after idols, as the Amorites had done, whom the LORD cast out before the people of Israel.)
27 And when Ahab heard those words, he tore his clothes and put sackcloth on his flesh and fasted and lay in sackcloth and went about dejectedly. 28 And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, 29 “Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the disaster in his days; but in his son's days I will bring the disaster upon his house.”
Chapter 22
Ahab and the False Prophets
1 For three years Syria and Israel continued without war. 2 But in the third year Jehoshaphat the king of Judah came down to the king of Israel. 3 And the king of Israel said to his servants, “Do you know that Ramoth-gilead belongs to us, and we keep quiet and do not take it out of the hand of the king of Syria?” 4 And he said to Jehoshaphat, “Will you go with me to battle at Ramoth-gilead?” And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses.”
5 And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Inquire first for the word of the LORD.” 6 Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said to them, “Shall I go to battle against Ramoth-gilead, or shall I refrain?” And they said, “Go up, for the Lord will give it into the hand of the king.” 7 But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not here another prophet of the LORD of whom we may inquire?” 8 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “There is yet one man by whom we may inquire of the LORD, Micaiah the son of Imlah, but I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me, but evil.” And Jehoshaphat said, “Let not the king say so.” 9 Then the king of Israel summoned an officer and said, “Bring quickly Micaiah the son of Imlah.” 10 Now the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah were sitting on their thrones, arrayed in their robes, at the threshing floor at the entrance of the gate of Samaria, and all the prophets were prophesying before them. 11 And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made for himself horns of iron and said, “Thus says the LORD, ‘With these you shall push the Syrians until they are destroyed.’” 12 And all the prophets prophesied so and said, “Go up to Ramoth-gilead and triumph; the LORD will give it into the hand of the king.”
Micaiah Prophesies Against Ahab
13 And the messenger who went to summon Micaiah said to him, “Behold, the words of the prophets with one accord are favorable to the king. Let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak favorably.” 14 But Micaiah said, “As the LORD lives, what the LORD says to me, that I will speak.” 15 And when he had come to the king, the king said to him, “Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall we refrain?” And he answered him, “Go up and triumph; the LORD will give it into the hand of the king.” 16 But the king said to him, “How many times shall I make you swear that you speak to me nothing but the truth in the name of the LORD?” 17 And he said, “I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These have no master; let each return to his home in peace.’” 18 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “Did I not tell you that he would not prophesy good concerning me, but evil?” 19 And Micaiah said, “Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing beside him on his right hand and on his left; 20 and the LORD said, ‘Who will entice Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?’ And one said one thing, and another said another. 21 Then a spirit came forward and stood before the LORD, saying, ‘I will entice him.’ 22 And the LORD said to him, ‘By what means?’ And he said, ‘I will go out, and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ And he said, ‘You are to entice him, and you shall succeed; go out and do so.’ 23 Now therefore behold, the LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these your prophets; the LORD has declared disaster for you.”
24 Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near and struck Micaiah on the cheek and said, “How did the Spirit of the LORD go from me to speak to you?” 25 And Micaiah said, “Behold, you shall see on that day when you go into an inner chamber to hide yourself.” 26 And the king of Israel said, “Seize Micaiah, and take him back to Amon the governor of the city and to Joash the king's son, 27 and say, ‘Thus says the king, “Put this fellow in prison and feed him meager rations of bread and water, until I come in peace.”’” 28 And Micaiah said, “If you return in peace, the LORD has not spoken by me.” And he said, “Hear, all you peoples!”
Ahab Killed in Battle
29 So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth-gilead. 30 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and go into battle, but you wear your robes.” And the king of Israel disguised himself and went into battle. 31 Now the king of Syria had commanded the thirty-two captains of his chariots, “Fight with neither small nor great, but only with the king of Israel.” 32 And when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “It is surely the king of Israel.” So they turned to fight against him. And Jehoshaphat cried out. 33 And when the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him. 34 But a certain man drew his bow at random 5 22:34 Hebrew in his innocence and struck the king of Israel between the scale armor and the breastplate. Therefore he said to the driver of his chariot, “Turn around and carry me out of the battle, for I am wounded.” 35 And the battle continued that day, and the king was propped up in his chariot facing the Syrians, until at evening he died. And the blood of the wound flowed into the bottom of the chariot. 36 And about sunset a cry went through the army, “Every man to his city, and every man to his country!”
37 So the king died, and was brought to Samaria. And they buried the king in Samaria. 38 And they washed the chariot by the pool of Samaria, and the dogs licked up his blood, and the prostitutes washed themselves in it, according to the word of the LORD that he had spoken. 39 Now the rest of the acts of Ahab and all that he did, and the ivory house that he built and all the cities that he built, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel? 40 So Ahab slept with his fathers, and Ahaziah his son reigned in his place.
Jehoshaphat Reigns in Judah
41 Jehoshaphat the son of Asa began to reign over Judah in the fourth year of Ahab king of Israel. 42 Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi. 43 He walked in all the way of Asa his father. He did not turn aside from it, doing what was right in the sight of the LORD. Yet the high places were not taken away, and the people still sacrificed and made offerings on the high places. 44 Jehoshaphat also made peace with the king of Israel.
45 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, and his might that he showed, and how he warred, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? 46 And from the land he exterminated the remnant of the male cult prostitutes who remained in the days of his father Asa.
47 There was no king in Edom; a deputy was king. 48 Jehoshaphat made ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold, but they did not go, for the ships were wrecked at Ezion-geber. 49 Then Ahaziah the son of Ahab said to Jehoshaphat, “Let my servants go with your servants in the ships,” but Jehoshaphat was not willing. 50 And Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father, and Jehoram his son reigned in his place.
Ahaziah Reigns in Israel
51 Ahaziah the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria in the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and he reigned two years over Israel. 52 He did what was evil in the sight of the LORD and walked in the way of his father and in the way of his mother and in the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin. 53 He served Baal and worshiped him and provoked the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger in every way that his father had done.
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: Broom trees
Broom trees (19:5) are a type of desert shrub common in Palestine, Arabia, and Egypt. Its long branches form a bush that grows to about 12 feet (3.7 m) high. Wood from broom trees makes excellent charcoal.
Fact: Bazaar
The word bazaar (20:34) meant “place of prices” in Persian. Bazaars were permanent places designated for merchants and traders to buy and sell goods. Either a part of one street or a whole district of a city would be used as a bazaar.
Fact: Confiscation of land
Confiscation of land. Israelite law did not allow the king to confiscate the land of an executed criminal. This was, however, a common practice outside of Israel. Perhaps Jezebel, who came from Tyre, based her plan to seize Naboth’s vineyard on this practice.
Fact: Ahab’s ivory palace
Ahab’s ivory palace. Archaeologists have discovered remains of Ahab’s palace (22:39) in Samaria. Beautifully carved ivory fragments with Egyptian and Phoenician designs were found where its main floors and courtyard would have been.
Fact: Hazael
Hazael (12:17) was king of Syria from 843–796 B.C. He threatened Israel during the reigns of Jehu (1 Kings 19:17), Joram (8:28), and Jehoahaz (13:22).
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 |
Ahab
Ahab, the son and successor of King Omri, reigned over Israel for 22 years. Ahab married a Phoenician princess named Jezebel, who persuaded her husband and all of Israel to worship Baal. Ahab even built a house and altar for Baal. He was confronted by the prophet Elijah, who challenged Ahab and the prophets of Baal to a “contest” on Mount Carmel (18:20–40). The Lord repeatedly revealed himself to Ahab through prophets despite Ahab’s idolatry. When Elijah prophesied the destruction of Ahab’s family, Ahab briefly humbled himself before the Lord and found mercy, only to return to his old ways afterward. Ahab’s reign was marked by conflict with Ben-hadad of Syria, whom he defeated in battle twice. (1 Kings 21:25)
Jezebel
Jezebel was the wife of King Ahab and the daughter of Ethbaal, king of Sidon. Because she was so wicked, her name, “Jezebel,” has become synonymous with evil (Rev. 2:20). As queen of Israel, Jezebel acted with power and influenced King Ahab. She promoted the worship of Baal and ruthlessly killed many prophets of God. When she learned of the defeat of her false god on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:20–40), she tried to kill Elijah, forcing him to flee into the wilderness. When Ahab sulked because Naboth would not sell his vineyard to him, Jezebel arranged the murder of Naboth. Jezebel met a gruesome end when she was thrown from a window by her own servants and was eaten by dogs, in fulfillment of Elijah’s prophecy (2 Kings 9:30–37). (2 Kings 9:36–37)
1 Kings 19:1–2 Jezebel sent a messenger. Jezebel has already killed several prophets (see 18:4, 13). She is to be taken seriously when she threatens to take Elijah’s life.
1 Kings 19:3 he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life. The shock of Jezebel’s resistance after Mount Carmel has led Elijah to forget to trust God. He flees to Beersheba in the far south of the Promised Land—as far away from Jezebel as he can get. The distance was about 120 miles (193 km), which would have taken an ordinary single traveler around six days.
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 19:5 The broom tree is a bush with many branches and twigs, small leaves, and clusters of flowers. an angel touched him. Elijah has been responding so far only to Jezebel’s “messenger” (v. 2). Now God sends an “angel” or messenger of his own, leading Elijah back onto the path of faith.
Fact: Broom trees
Broom trees (19:5) are a type of desert shrub common in Palestine, Arabia, and Egypt. Its long branches form a bush that grows to about 12 feet (3.7 m) high. Wood from broom trees makes excellent charcoal.
1 Kings 19:7 the journey is too great. Elijah thought his journey was over; he has had “enough” (v. 4). But now he is to fortify himself for a further journey, which will otherwise be “too great” (same Hebrew word as “enough”).
1 Kings 19:8 he arose . . . and went . . . to Horeb, the mount of God. Horeb is another name for Mount Sinai, where God first spoke the Ten Commandments to the people of Israel (Exodus 19–20). The forty days and forty nights of Elijah’s travels represented a journey of about 250 miles (400 km). The last part of the journey would have taken much longer because of rugged terrain.
1 Kings 19:10 I, even I only, am left. The resistance of one person (Jezebel) has turned massive victory into overwhelming defeat in Elijah’s mind. He is certainly not the only one left, but that is how he feels.
1 Kings 19:11–12 not in the wind . . . not in the earthquake . . . not in the fire. The emphasis on Mount Carmel had been on God’s spectacular ways, particularly his use of fire. The emphasis here is on God’s quiet ways, being found in a low whisper.
1 Kings 19:13–14 What are you doing here, Elijah? The point of the demonstration on the mountain was presumably that Elijah would answer this question differently the second time (compare v. 9). His answer is, however, exactly the same as before (I have been very jealous for the LORD). There is a suggestion in the text that he does not particularly want to understand what God is saying through these events. He has always claimed to “stand before the Lord” (see 17:1; 18:15), but here on Mount Horeb, in spite of the command of 19:11 (“Go out and stand . . . before the LORD”), he apparently stays in the cave until the storm is over and he hears the “whisper” (v. 12). When he does go out, it is with his cloak over his face, which makes it difficult for him to “see.”
Fact: Hazael
Hazael (12:17) was king of Syria from 843–796 B.C. He threatened Israel during the reigns of Jehu (1 Kings 19:17), Joram (8:28), and Jehoahaz (13:22).
1 Kings 19:15–18 Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. Elijah must now return to northern Syria-Palestine and anoint Hazael, Jehu, and Elisha. This new political and religious order will bring about the final victory over Baal worship. Elijah is to prepare the way.
1 Kings 19:19 he departed from there and found Elisha. Has Elijah regained his faith as a result of his trip to Mount Horeb? The closing verses of ch. 19 suggest not. There is no mention here or later of Elijah’s ever even trying to meet Hazael and Jehu (see vv. 15–16). One never reads of Elijah anointing Hazael. Later, Elisha will arrange the anointing of Jehu (2 Kings 9:1–13). There is no mention of Elijah anointing Elisha as his prophetic successor; he merely enlists him as his assistant (1 Kings 19:21). Yet the very names of the two prophets indicate the way God’s plan is unfolding. “Elijah” means “the LORD, he is God,” and Elijah has demonstrated that truth (18:39). “Elisha” means “God saves.”
1 Kings 19:1–21 Elijah has won a mighty battle on the mountain, but a stronger opponent than Ahab awaits him: Queen Jezebel.
1 Kings 19:20–21 Let me kiss my father and my mother. Elisha immediately leaves his normal employment to follow his new mentor, pausing only briefly to cut his ties with his old life. He kisses his parents goodbye and destroys his old means of financial support (the 12 yoke of oxen and . . . the yokes of the oxen that control them), symbolizing that he has abandoned home and income for the Lord.
Ahab
Ahab, the son and successor of King Omri, reigned over Israel for 22 years. Ahab married a Phoenician princess named Jezebel, who persuaded her husband and all of Israel to worship Baal. Ahab even built a house and altar for Baal. He was confronted by the prophet Elijah, who challenged Ahab and the prophets of Baal to a “contest” on Mount Carmel (18:20–40). The Lord repeatedly revealed himself to Ahab through prophets despite Ahab’s idolatry. When Elijah prophesied the destruction of Ahab’s family, Ahab briefly humbled himself before the Lord and found mercy, only to return to his old ways afterward. Ahab’s reign was marked by conflict with Ben-hadad of Syria, whom he defeated in battle twice. (1 Kings 21:25)
1 Kings 20:2–9 Your silver and your gold are mine (v. 3). The king of Syria (Ben-hadad) tries to force Israel to serve him. Ahab accepts these terms at first (v. 4). Later he changes his mind (vv. 5–9) when a revision (v. 6) apparently makes the terms more extensive (whatever pleases you), intrusive (search your house), and immediate (tomorrow).
1 Kings 20:11 Let not him who straps on his armor boast himself as he who takes it off. It is unwise to boast about one’s exploits before the battle has even begun; there is time enough for boasting when the battle is won.
1 Kings 20:14–18 Israel is to fight according to a divine battle plan that does not make much human sense (as in the case of Gideon in Judges 7). The servants, young men unschooled in military matters, are to initiate the battle. The plan benefits from Ben-hadad’s being drunk as the Israelites approach (1 Kings 20:16). He is seemingly incapable of giving instructions (v. 18).
1 Kings 20:22–25 strengthen yourself. Both sides prepare for a continuation of warfare in the following spring, a common time for kings to go to war (compare 2 Sam. 11:1). The Syrians plan next time to fight the Israelites in the plain (1 Kings 20:23), where horse and chariot will give them an advantage that they wouldn’t have in the hills. But they fail to realize that the Lord is the only real God, and he can give victory to his people anywhere he chooses (ch. 17).
1 Kings 20:26 Aphek. The second battle is considerably farther north than the first (see Josh. 19:30), which took place near Samaria (1 Kings 20:1).
1 Kings 20:28 god of the hills . . . not a god of the valleys. God will prove that the Syrians’ notions about him are false.
1 Kings 20:31 Sackcloth signifies repentance (compare 21:27), and ropes signify submissiveness (prisoners may be led by them).
1 Kings 20:34 cities . . . bazaars. The Israelite cities previously taken by the Syrians are returned. Ahab is given trading privileges in Damascus.
Fact: Bazaar
The word bazaar (20:34) meant “place of prices” in Persian. Bazaars were permanent places designated for merchants and traders to buy and sell goods. Either a part of one street or a whole district of a city would be used as a bazaar.
1 Kings 20:35 sons of the prophets. Prophets who lived in communities together (see note on 2 Kings 2:3).
1 Kings 20:36 a lion shall strike you down. Even prophets must obey God’s word. See ch. 13, where the same point is made and the same punishment is pronounced. If disobedient prophets cannot escape God’s judgment, then disobedient kings certainly will not.
1 Kings 20:39–42 Your servant went out into the midst of the battle. In circumstances similar to 2 Sam. 12:1–4, the prophet tricks the king into pronouncing judgment on himself. Disguising himself as a soldier, the prophet tells a story implying that, because he failed in his guard duties, he is liable to pay a fine of a talent of silver (an impossible amount for an ordinary soldier to raise) or suffer death. Ahab agrees that the death sentence is just. Thus he provides the prophet with the opportunity to condemn Ahab because the king has released an enemy king whom God had devoted to destruction (compare 1 Sam. 15:17–24). For “devoted to destruction,” see note on Deut. 20:16–18.
1 Kings 20:1–43 After Elijah’s recruitment of Elisha, one expects to read of his anointing of Hazael as king over Syria and of Jehu as king over Israel (compare 19:15–18). Instead, one finds a different prophet appearing (20:13) and a different king of Syria (Ben-hadad) losing a war with Ahab. The message of ch. 19 is thus illustrated: Elijah is not the only remaining servant of God (see 19:10, 14); and, the Lord will bring about in his own good time the events spoken of in 19:17.
1 Kings 21:3 the inheritance of my fathers. The land of Israel did not belong to the families who technically “owned” it. Instead it belonged to God. He had brought the Israelites into the land in fulfillment of the Abrahamic promise and had, through Joshua, divided it among the tribes as their inheritance (e.g., Gen. 17:8; Lev. 25:23; Josh. 13:1–7). A complex set of laws kept land in the family. This prevented it from being owned by only the rich (e.g., Deut. 25:5–10). Ahab’s offer shows his disregard for Israelite law.
1 Kings 21:7 Do you now govern Israel? Jezebel is the most powerful person in Israel (see 19:1–2), not her passive husband Ahab. She despises Ahab when he is unwilling to use his power for personal gain.
1 Kings 21:8–10 Proclaim a fast. Jezebel’s plan to have Naboth executed on false charges requires the cooperation of elders and leaders who don’t care about justice for the poor (see Deut. 19:11–13; 21:1–9). It also requires the cooperation of two worthless men, who will be the two witnesses required by OT law (see Deut. 19:15–21).
1 Kings 21:15 take possession of the vineyard. This assumes that the king is entitled to confiscate the property of an executed criminal. This custom is recorded in the history of other ancient nations, but there was no such provision in Israelite law. Ahab and Jezebel were ignoring Israelite law and introducing foreign ideas.
Fact: Confiscation of land
Confiscation of land. Israelite law did not allow the king to confiscate the land of an executed criminal. This was, however, a common practice outside of Israel. Perhaps Jezebel, who came from Tyre, based her plan to seize Naboth’s vineyard on this practice.
1 Kings 21:19 In the place where dogs licked up the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick your own blood. Ahab died in battle and was buried in Samaria (22:34–37), not outside Jezreel “in the place” where Naboth was stoned (21:19; see v. 13). Yet, when dogs in Samaria lick up the blood washed from Ahab’s chariot, the text declares that it was a fulfillment of this prophecy (22:38). The prophecy was probably fulfilled in stages, first by Ahab’s death and then by the death of his son Joram, whose body was in fact thrown into Naboth’s vineyard (2 Kings 9:25–26).
1 Kings 21:23–24 The dogs shall eat . . . the birds of the heavens shall eat. Israelites considered it a terrible thing not to be given a proper burial (Deut. 28:25–26).
Ahab
Ahab, the son and successor of King Omri, reigned over Israel for 22 years. Ahab married a Phoenician princess named Jezebel, who persuaded her husband and all of Israel to worship Baal. Ahab even built a house and altar for Baal. He was confronted by the prophet Elijah, who challenged Ahab and the prophets of Baal to a “contest” on Mount Carmel (18:20–40). The Lord repeatedly revealed himself to Ahab through prophets despite Ahab’s idolatry. When Elijah prophesied the destruction of Ahab’s family, Ahab briefly humbled himself before the Lord and found mercy, only to return to his old ways afterward. Ahab’s reign was marked by conflict with Ben-hadad of Syria, whom he defeated in battle twice. (1 Kings 21:25)
1 Kings 21:1–29 An apparently reinvigorated Elijah appears again in Jezreel to denounce another sin of Ahab and to foretell the destruction of Ahab’s family for all its sins.
1 Kings 21:29 Because he has humbled himself. Ahab was the worst of kings (vv. 25–26). He added to Jeroboam’s sin the worship of Baal (16:30–33). But Ahab repents, and so avoids God’s judgment on his house in his lifetime.
Jezebel
Jezebel was the wife of King Ahab and the daughter of Ethbaal, king of Sidon. Because she was so wicked, her name, “Jezebel,” has become synonymous with evil (Rev. 2:20). As queen of Israel, Jezebel acted with power and influenced King Ahab. She promoted the worship of Baal and ruthlessly killed many prophets of God. When she learned of the defeat of her false god on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:20–40), she tried to kill Elijah, forcing him to flee into the wilderness. When Ahab sulked because Naboth would not sell his vineyard to him, Jezebel arranged the murder of Naboth. Jezebel met a gruesome end when she was thrown from a window by her own servants and was eaten by dogs, in fulfillment of Elijah’s prophecy (2 Kings 9:30–37). (2 Kings 9:36–37)
1 Kings 22:1–5 The peace that followed the battle of Aphek (20:26–34) lasted three years. Even after such a crushing defeat, the king of Syria was able to hold on to Ramoth-gilead, located on a major trade route from the Red Sea to Damascus. Jehoshaphat is apparently at peace with Ahab (see 22:44) after the long war described in 14:30; 15:6–7, 16–22. Jehoshaphat, who is a devout man (see 22:43, 46), is willing to go with Ahab to battle at Ramoth-gilead. But first he wishes to inquire . . . for the word of the LORD.
1 Kings 22:6–7 gathered the prophets together. These prophets are not truly prophets of the Lord, as events will prove. They say whatever the king wants to hear. This is further implied in Jehoshaphat’s response to their advice: Is there not here another prophet of the LORD? (See also note on 2 Chron. 18:4–14.)
1 Kings 22:8 Let not the king say so. Ahab should not ignore a prophet of the Lord simply because he never prophesies good concerning me.
Fact: Ahab’s ivory palace
Ahab’s ivory palace. Archaeologists have discovered remains of Ahab’s palace (22:39) in Samaria. Beautifully carved ivory fragments with Egyptian and Phoenician designs were found where its main floors and courtyard would have been.
1 Kings 22:10–12 The harvesting of cereal crops in Israel was followed by a threshing and winnowing process. Threshed material was thrown into the air with a fork or a shovel to allow the breeze to separate the grain, the straw, and the chaff. The grain would then be cleaned and stored in jars, grain pits, or storage houses. The location of this activity was the threshing floor, which in this case was at the city gate. Here all the prophets were prophesying before the kings, and Zedekiah acted out his message.
1 Kings 22:15–16 Go up and triumph. Ahab sees that Micaiah’s words are merely a mocking imitation of the court prophets, who tell him only what he wants to hear.
1 Kings 22:21 a spirit came forward. The imagery is that of a council of war, with the heavenly king sitting on his throne surrounded by his army, making plans to defeat Ahab in battle.
1 Kings 22:23 put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these . . . prophets. Though God himself does not do evil, he sometimes uses evil agents to accomplish his purposes (see note on 1 Sam. 16:14).
1 Kings 22:24 How did the Spirit of the LORD go from me to speak to you? Zedekiah says that he has been influenced by “the Spirit of the LORD,” who cannot give contradictory advice to him and Micaiah.
1 Kings 22:25 All will become clear, Micaiah claims, when the disaster that he is predicting comes and Zedekiah is forced to hide inside someone’s home.
1 Kings 22:26 Amon is evidently one of Ahab’s high officials, entrusted with control of city affairs in Samaria. Joash the king’s son is responsible for prisoners.
1 Kings 22:30 the king of Israel disguised himself. Ahab’s disguise is evidence of unclear thinking. If Micaiah has been lying, there is no danger. If he has been telling the truth, Ahab will die, whatever he does.
1 Kings 22:32–33 Jehoshaphat cried out. And when the captains . . . saw that it was not the king of Israel. Although only Jehoshaphat wears royal robes, he is saved from death because his shout (either its language or its accent) reveals that he is not the man Ben-hadad wants to kill (v. 31).
1 Kings 22:34 between the scale armor and the breastplate. The arrow shot at random flies to one of the few undefended spots on Ahab’s body. Micaiah is proven to be a true prophet.
1 Kings 22:35 propped up in his chariot. The king stays on the battlefield all day, presumably to encourage his troops. At sunset he dies.
1 Kings 22:38 according to the word of the LORD. See 21:19, although that verse does not mention prostitutes, but only dogs. There is already a close association between the two, however, in Deut. 23:17–18. There Moses commands Israel not to become a cult prostitute or to bring into the temple the earnings of a female prostitute or a male prostitute (literally, “dog”; see ESV footnote on Deut. 23:18).
1 Kings 22:39 Chronicles of the Kings (also v. 45). See note on 14:19. Archaeologists have uncovered a palace reminiscent of Ahab’s ivory house at Samaria.
Fact: Ahab’s ivory palace
Ahab’s ivory palace. Archaeologists have discovered remains of Ahab’s palace (22:39) in Samaria. Beautifully carved ivory fragments with Egyptian and Phoenician designs were found where its main floors and courtyard would have been.
1 Kings 17:1–22:40 Elijah and Ahab. Other prophets had addressed earlier kings (see 14:7–13; 16:1–4). Until now no one had addressed the house of Omri. But now Elijah is introduced. His first task is to tackle the problem of the Baal worship that Ahab has introduced into Israel (16:31–32). He demonstrates beyond all doubt that Baal is no more a god than are Jeroboam’s bull calves. His announcement of doom on the house of Omri will be delayed, however, until 21:21–24.
1 Kings 22:1–40 Although the house of Ahab is under a prophetic curse, the complete fulfillment of the prophecy will be delayed until the reign of Ahab’s son (see 21:27–29). However, Ahab’s own death has been foretold by two different prophets (20:41–42; 21:19). Now, after a third prophet confirms the word from the Lord, Ahab will die.
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 22:43–46 Jehoshaphat was a good king. He had nothing to do with cult prostitutes (15:12). Under his rule, however, the high places where ungodly worship occurred were not taken away (15:14).
1 Kings 22:47 There was no king in Edom; a deputy was king. The Hebrew word for “deputy” is also used to describe Solomon’s various officials (4:5, 27; 5:16; 9:23). Jehoshaphat controlled Edom so completely that its king had no more power than one of Solomon’s deputies.
1 Kings 22:48 the ships were wrecked at Ezion-geber. Because Jehoshaphat rules Edom, like Solomon he is able to build ships at Ezion-geber (see 9:26–28).
1 Kings 22:49 Jehoshaphat was not willing. The current peace between Israel and Judah (v. 44) is not strong. Whereas Solomon took Sidonians on board his ships (9:27), Jehoshaphat refuses even to have Israelites sail with his men. According to 2 Chron. 20:35–37, at first Jehoshaphat was willing to cooperate with Ahaziah. But after Eliezer prophesied against Jehoshaphat’s alliance with Ahaziah, Jehoshaphat changed his mind.
1 Kings 22:50 slept with his fathers. See note on 2:10.
1 Kings 22:41–53 Jehoshaphat and Ahaziah. Both Jehoshaphat and Ahaziah have already appeared in 1 Kings as characters in Ahab’s story. They are, respectively, his comrade-in-arms and his successor (vv. 2–4, 40).
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) |
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.
What are we to make of the Lord permitting lying spirits to deceive people?
Listen NowDive Deeper | 1 Kings 19-22
What happens when we forget who God is?
Repeatedly, we see kings of Israel abandon God, follow their desires, and ignore warnings to repent. Honestly, reading the Old Testament from my 21st-century armchair of righteous judgment, I can find myself thinking, "Wow, how could you NOT follow the Lord after all you've gone through and witnessed?"
What we find, though, is that people prove to be forgetful creatures, and our sinful nature and desire to go our own way sometimes persist despite the most powerful displays of God's power and mercy.
In today's reading, we see evil king Ahab continuing to lose his grip. Enraged by the events in chapter 18, his wife Jezebel plots evil and calls for the death of the prophet Elijah. Gripped with fear, Elijah runs for his life into the wilderness, fully abandoning his post.
It would appear that Elijah forgot whom he was serving. However, God will not let His chosen people perish quite so easily.
God comes to Elijah's rescue, sustains him with miraculous food, and leads him to Sinai where God meets him with both power AND gentleness.
Then, strangely, God asks Elijah, "What are you doing here?"
Is God unaware of Elijah's circumstances? Based on Elijah's response, you would think so! But, no, God is fully aware of Elijah's situation, and He understands Elijah's despair. God even knows the words Elijah will speak before they are formed in Elijah's mind (Psalm 139:1-5).
Again, from my armchair, I see Elijah whining to the Lord and think, "Elijah, didn't you just watch God bring rain back to a dry land, raise the dead, and bring fire from heaven?" God seems to be asking, "Don't you know who I am? Where is your faith?"
God has a plan and lays it out for Elijah right there at the foot of Sinai. God meets the human need for direction and then comforts Elijah with good news about Israel's future.
As a husband, father of three, and owner of my own business, this passage encourages me to remember how I desperately need to remember who's in charge and humble myself under the Lord.
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. When you are not prioritizing abiding with the Holy Spirit and the accountability of Christ-centered community, in what area of your life are you most prone to fall into sin?
2. How has God gotten your attention in the past? Has He smashed mountains or maybe saved you from a texting and driving accident? How has His kindness led you to repentance (Romans 2:4)?
3. Elijah worked his entire life serving the Lord. But in a moment of despair, he found his life crashing down around him. What could fall apart in your life that would cause you to jump ship in fear and doubt the Lord? Where in your life are you trusting in your desires or circumstances more than you are trusting in Jesus?