1 Kings
1 Kings, and its counterpart 2 Kings, form the sequel to 2 Samuel. In 1 and 2 Samuel, Israel receive their first king – Saul, who was succeeded by David. Here, at the beginning of 1 Kings, we meet David at the end of his reign as he passes over the throne to his son, Solomon. Initially, Solomon makes for a wise and powerful ruler who amasses large wealth and carries much influence over the surrounding regions and their leaders. However, despite ‘having it all’, Solomon falls away from God and begins worshipping other gods, pulling the nation of Israel down with him. In the second half of 1 Kings we see the consequences of this fall from grace, as Israel fractures into two waring nations, each being led by their own kings who commit their own big mistakes.
As the title suggests, 1 Kings begins with the promise of faithfulness and provision from God and the bestowing of wisdom, power, and wealth to King Solomon, but ends with an unfaithful Israel falling from God’s favour. It is a reminder that God always fulfils His promises and that when He warns us, it is for our own benefit and salvation.
Introduction
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Written in 2020
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