1 Kings

Solomon and the divided kingdom

1 Kings tells of Solomon’s reign, the building of the temple in Jerusalem and the split of the kingdom into Israel (north) and Judah (south). It ends with the prophet Elijah.

Historical context

With 2 Kings it covers about four centuries of monarchy and was completed during the Babylonian exile.

Explanation

Best-known passages

The wisdom of Solomon (ch. 3)
The dedication of the temple (ch. 8)
The queen of Sheba (ch. 10)
Elijah on Mount Carmel (ch. 18)