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1 KINGS ‐ Chapter Outlines 1

3. ’s Prayer for Wisdom 1 KINGS [1] 4. Solomon Gets Wisdom The Book of Kings is the heritage of the Davidic Kingdom. Beginning with Solomon, kings come 5‐8. Solomon’s Temple—The Building and and go, and awaits the coming Son of Dedication and King of Whom all the speak. 9. Solomon’s Fame and Wealth As and Gad were prophets for King 10. Solomon & the Queen of Sheba David, promising the Messiah to come, the Lord 11. The Backsliding and Death of Solomon lifted up other prophets for the kings which (Rise of Jeroboam in the North) followed David. The good kings listened to 12. Split of the Kingdom (Rehoboam, these prophets, while the bad kings persecuted Solomon’s Son in the South) and killed them. 13. A Wicked Jeroboam TITLE 14. Jeroboam and Rehoboam Die The Book of Kings is one book in the Hebrew. 15. Abijam, Asa, Baasha, Nabad Like Samuel, the divided the book into two parts, and thus the 1st Kings and 16. Some of Israel’s Wicked Kings (Elah, Zimri, 2nd Kings we have in the English text today. The Tibni, Omri, Ahab) Hebrew title, Melakiym comes from the first 17. Elijah Fed by Ravens, Raising of the word of the book: King (referring to David). Widow’s Son The Septuagint renders our books of 1st & 2nd 18. Elijah vs. Baal (Mt. Carmel) st nd Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, as (Books of Kingdoms) 19. Elijah & Still, Small Voice βασιλειῶν Α, Β, Γ, ∆. 20. Ahab and Victory over Syrians AUTHOR 21. Ahab, Jezebel The text does not identify the author. The 22. Micaiah—God’s Man of Conviction Talmud credits 1st & 2nd Kings to the Jeremiah. There is good linguistic evidence for CHAPTER OUTLINES Jeremiah’s authorship when Kings is compared 1 KINGS 1 to Jeremiah & Lamentations. The phrases “to this day” found in 1st Kgs. 8:8 & 12:19 indicate 1. David’s dying days were times of physical an authorship prior to, or early in, the health testing (1st Kgs. 1:1‐4). Babylonian captivity (586BC). The final a. was provided for the King’s paragraph (2nd Kgs. 25:27‐30) is nearly comfort and warmth. identical to the ending of Jeremiah (Jer. 52:31‐ b. This “medical” prescription is 34), and appears to be an epilogue added by a historically attested by Josephus, and later scribe. Galen. 2. During David’s weakness, used CHAPTER TITLES the opportunity to claim the throne for 1. David Failing, Solomon Anointed himself (1st Kgs. 1:5‐10). 2. The Death of David a. He included and in his conspiracy (1st Kgs. 1:7). b. He excluded , , Nathan, & 1 Grace Notes is a ministry of Austin Church, David’s mighty men (1st Kgs. 1:8). Austin, Texas: http://www.austinbiblechurch.com c. He included the king’s sons For information about regular Bible studies, write (1st Kgs. 1:9), but excluded Solomon to: Warren Doud, [email protected] (1st Kgs. 1:10). Web: http://www.gracenotes.info

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3. Nathan and agree to approach David, and obtain the succession for 1. Solomon’s first recorded marriage is a Solomon that David had promised political alliance with Pharaoh, king of st (1 Kgs. 1:11‐27). Egypt (1st Kgs. 3:1). 4. David first confirms his vow to Bathsheba a. Pharaoh’s daughter will stay in st (1 Kgs. 1:28‐31). until Solomon’s palace, and 5. David then issues instructions to Zadok, Solomon’s temple are completed. st Nathan, and Benaiah (1 Kgs. 1:32‐37). b. Solomon will later build a house for 6. Zadok, Nathan, & Benaiah followed David’s Bath‐Pharaoh to live in (1st Kgs. 7:8; instructions, and anointed Solomon as King 9:24; 2nd Chr. 8:11). of Israel while David still lived 2. Prior to the construction of Solomon’s st (1 Kgs. 1:38‐40). temple, Israel had offered sacrifices on the 7. Adonijah’s party was notified of Solomon’s pagan high places (1st Kgs. 3:2). anointing, and grew quite fearful a. These high places were supposed to be st (1 Kgs. 1:41‐53). destroyed (Deut. 12:2ff.). b. Solomon participated in such worship practices as well as his participation in 1. David issued some parting instructions for the correct worship of Yahweh Solomon (1st Kgs. 2:1‐9). (1st Kgs. 3:3,4). a. Instruction #1: obey the Word of God 3. Solomon offered the greatest sacrifice on (1st Kgs. 2:1‐4). the greatest high place, and achieved the b. Instruction #2: execute Joab greatest victory through grace when the (1st Kgs. 2:5,6). Lord tested him there (1st Kgs. 3:5‐14). c. Instruction #3: be gracious to Barzillai 4. Solomon’s request was for a “hearing the Gileadite (1st Kgs. 2:7). heart.” He desired to hear God’s will in his d. Instruction #4: execute Shimei the son heart, and therefore render Divine st of Gera (1 Kgs. 2:8,9). judgment in judicial decisions 2. Upon David’s death, Solomon’s succession (1st Kgs. 3:9,11). st was initially uncontested (1 Kgs. 2:10‐12). 5. God blessed Solomon and answered the 3. Very soon after Solomon’s succession, prayer beyond all that Solomon could ask Adonijah requested to marry Abishag or think (1st Kgs. 3:10‐14; Eph. 3:20). st (1 Kgs. 2:13‐18). Solomon recognized this 6. Solomon’s Divinely provided wisdom is put as a play for the throne, and executed on immediate display (1st Kgs. 3:16‐28). Adonijah accordingly (1st Kgs. 2:19‐25). 4. Solomon also took care of the other “loose 1 KINGS 4 ends” from David’s reign. 1. Solomon imitated his father David, in a. Solomon exiled Abiathar the priest for organizing his kingdom with clear the rest of his life (1st Kgs. 2:26,27). delegated responsibilities (1st Kgs. 4:1‐6). b. Solomon ordered the death of Joab 2. The description of Solomon’s reign is an (1st Kgs. 2:28‐34). overall thumbnail sketch. Many of the c. Solomon designated Zadok and Benaiah events referred to must have happened as the replacements for Abiathar and after a number of years pass by. Joab (1st Kgs. 2:35). a. Solomon designated twelve deputies d. Solomon placed Shimei under house (district governors) to administer local arrest until such time as Shimei violated areas, and to provide for the king’s the terms of the covenant administrative expenses (1st Kgs. 2:36‐46). (1st Kgs. 4:7‐19, 26‐28).

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b. Israel enjoyed temporal‐life prosperity spring month places the beginning of (a good economy) during Solomon’s the construction in 966BC. reign (1st Kgs. 4:20,25). d. The identification of this year as the c. Solomon ruled over a vast territory 480th year after the Exodus gives us a from the Euphrates to Egypt 1446BC date for that event. (See Study (1st Kgs. 4:21,24), exacting tribute from Guide #5 for the dating of Exodus). the lands beyond the territory of Israel 2. Solomon’s temple is described (from Dan to Beersheba) (1st Kgs. 4:25). (1st Kings 6:2‐10,14‐36). 3. Solomon’s wisdom appears to be oriented a. The basic design, and furnishings were towards temporal‐life matters similar to the design and (1st Kgs. 4:29‐34). furnishings. a. His wisdom is compared to other 1) The temple had a holy place and a examples of human wisdom most holy place. (1st Kgs. 4:30,31). 2) The temple had all the furnishings b. He spoke 3,000 proverbs the tabernacle had, culminating (1st Kgs. 4:32a). The Book of Proverbs, with the Ark of the Covenant in the and the Book of Ecclesiastes only record most holy place. a few hundred of these 3,000 proverbs. b. The differences between the tabernacle c. He wrote 1,005 songs (1st Kgs. 4:32b). and the temple are differences of Psalm 72 & 127, and Song of Solomon function. are the only songs recorded in 1) The Tabernacle was designed as a Scripture. portable tent, easily broken down d. His wisdom included botany and and carried from camp to camp. zoology (1st Kgs. 4:33). 2) The Temple was designed as a e. His wisdom was esteemed by other permanent building, showing the kinds throughout the earth permanence of Israel’s occupation (1st Kgs. 4:34). of the land. 3. The Lord addresses the application of the

1 KINGS 5 Davidic Covenant to Solomon 1. Hiram, king of Tyre, continued his (1st Kings 6:11‐13). friendship with Israel by blessing Solomon a. The Davidic Covenant is an (1st Kgs. 5:1‐12; cp. 2nd Sam. 5:11). unconditional covenant, promising 2. The work for the temple was accomplished specific eternal blessings to David’s by freewill service, and forced labor Seed (the Lord Jesus Christ) (1st Kgs. 5:13‐18). This forced labor will (2nd Sam. 7:8‐16). become a divisive issue in the civil war b. Enjoyment of Davidic blessings to other (1st Kgs. 12:18). representatives of David’s seed was conditional to their imitation of David’s 1 KINGS 6 faithfulness (2nd Sam. 7:14,15; 1. 1st Kings 6:1 establishes an important time‐ 1st Kings 11:4,6,38; 15:3‐5,11; frame for chronology. 2nd Kings 14:3; 16:2; 18:3; 22:2). a. The four hundred and eightieth year 4. The summary of the temple construction is after the Exodus marks the beginning of described (1st Kings 6:37,38). Seven years the construction of Solomon’s temple. is more precisely 7 ½ years as the month of b. Solomon’s reign was from 971‐931BC. Bul is six months after the month of Ziv. c. Solomon’s fourth regnal year was the year 967‐966BC. The month Zif, as a

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1 KINGS 7 Solomon’s desire which he was pleased to do.” 1. Solomon took thirteen years to build a magnificent house for himself b. The frantic search for happiness (1st Kings 7:1‐12). described in Ecclesiastes is categorized as all Solomon’s desire which he was a. His house was called “The House of the displeased and dissatisfied with having Forest of Lebanon” (v.2). done. b. This great “house” complex contained a The multiplication of wives described in Hall of Pillars (v.6), Hall of Judgment c. Song of Solomon (Song. 6:8) is (v.7), a living house (v.8a), and a house categorized as a turning away from the for his wife (v.8b). Lord, and is explicitly placed after 2. Following the general descriptions of 1st Kings 9 (1st Kings 9:5,6; 11:4). Solomon’s temple (1st Kings 6:2‐36), and 2. The Lord appears to Solomon a second palace (1st KINGS 7:1‐12), description is time, and states His unconditional covenant made of the specific craftsmanship of Hiram to David, and David’s Seed (Jesus Christ), (1st Kings 7:13‐51). and His conditional blessings & cursing to a. Hiram the King (2nd Sam. 5:11,12; David’s seed (Solomon, Rehoboam, etc.) 1st Chr. 14:1,2; 1st Kings 5:1‐18). (1st Kings 9:1‐9). b. Hiram the Craftsman (1st Kings 7:13,14; 3. Solomon gave a gift of twenty cities to 2nd Chr. 2:14). This Hiram had a Tyrian Hiram, King of Tyre, but Hiram was not father, and a mother of Naphtali & Dan pleased with them (1st Kings 9:10‐14). descent. 4. Solomon enjoyed good relations with Egypt, 3. The work of Solomon was made possible by and exerted dominance over the Canaanite the work of his father David (1st Kings 7:51; remnant living within the land 1st Chr. 22:1‐5). (1st Kings 9:15‐24). 1 KINGS 8 5. Solomon engaged in a maritime trading 1. The Ark of the Covenant is brought into the enterprise with Hiram, King of Tyre st Temple, and the Glory of God fills the most (1 Kings 9:26‐28). holy place (1st Kings 8:1‐11). 1 KINGS 10 2. Solomon addresses the nation of Israel for 1. Solomon is visited by the Queen of Sheba, the dedication of the Temple who comes to respect his wisdom, and to (1st Kings 8:12‐21). know the LORD, the God of Israel Solomon led the nation of Israel in a 3. (1st Kings 10:1‐13). national prayer meeting (1st Kings 8:22‐53). 2. King Solomon’s vast wealth, and 4. Solomon blessed the nation of Israel in a international influence is then detailed national benediction (1st Kings 8:54‐61). (1st Kings 10:14‐29). 5. Solomon led the nation of Israel in eight days of sacrificing to the Lord, and feasting 1 KINGS 11 before the Lord (1st Kings 8:62‐66). 1. The end of Solomon’s life was characterized 1 KINGS 9 by a departure from wisdom (1st Kings 11:1‐8). st 1. 1 Kings 9:1 establishes an important time‐ a. His heart was turned away (vv.2,3,4). frame for the proper sequence of Proverbs/ b. This is a danger for every believer to be Ecclesiastes/Song of Solomon. on guard against (Heb. 3:12,13). a. The building of the House of the Lord, c. Solomon’s devotion to the Lord became and the House of the King is called “all a divided devotion (1st Kings 11:4).

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d. Solomon worshipped false gods in d. Rehoboam rejected the laborers addition to the LORD, God of Israel petition with a message of extreme (vv.4‐8). scorn (vv.12‐15). 1) Believers are warned that this 2. Rehoboam’s failure to handle contention cannot happen (1st Cor. 10:21,22; led to the secession of ten tribes under Matt. 6:24; Lk. 16:13; Jeroboam (1st Kings 12:16‐20). 1st Kings 18:21). a. The battle cry of Sheba is resurrected 2) Believers are warned that God will for another rebellion against the house not tolerate such divided hearts of David (v.16; cf. 2nd Sam. 20:1). (Ex. 20:3‐5; Isa. 42:8; 48:11). b. Rehoboam’s taskmaster was murdered, 2. The Lord pronounced judgment upon and the civil war was effectively begun Solomon for his evil, but did not (and could (vv.17‐19). not) abrogate the Davidic Covenant c. The ten northern tribes installed (1st Kings 11:9‐13). Jeroboam as their King (v.20). 3. The Lord’s judgment upon Solomon’s 3. Rehoboam mustered the armies of Judah administration came in the form of and Benjamin to go to war against the ten adversaries (1st Kings 11:14‐40). northern tribes, but the war was averted by a. Hadad the Edomite (vv.14‐22). Shemaiah the man of God (prophet) b. Rezon the Amorite (vv.23‐25). (1st Kings 12:21‐24). c. Jeroboam the Ephraimite (vv.26‐40). 4. Jeroboam established the northern nation and king, Ephraimite an as reigned Israel, of will people the #3379: yarabe‘am יָ ָר ְב ָעם (1 to system worship alternate an instituted strive, to #7378: riyb ִריב .contend contend. the Temple worship at Jerusalem 2) Jeroboam was a mighty warrior (1st Kings 12:25‐33). as Solomon served who ( ִגּבּוֹר ָחיִל) head of the forced labor of Israel 1 KINGS 13 (v.28; cf. 1st Kings 5:13‐18). 1. The LORD sent an unnamed prophet 3) The prophet Ahijah the Shilonite (Ish‐ha’elohiym) to rebuke Jeroboam for his proclaimed the coming Kingdom of evil (1st Kings 13:1‐10). Israel under King Jeroboam a. Ish‐ha’elohiym came from Judah to (vv.29‐39). Bethel (1st Kings 13:1), indicating a 4) Jeroboam fled to Egypt until the day pattern that the LORD’S blessings for all of Saul’s death (v.40). Israel stem from the place where He has 4. Solomon dies, and was succeeded by his chosen for His name to dwell— .Jerusalem ְר ַח ְב ָעם .(11:41‐43 Kings (1st Rehoboam son, rechab‘am #7346: the people have enlarged. b. Ish‐ha’elohiym prophesied about the birth of Josiah, and his work of 1 KINGS 12 destroying Jeroboam’s priesthood 1. The installation of Rehoboam was marked (1st Kings 13:2; cp. 2nd Kings 23:15,16). by contention (1st Kings 12:1‐15). 1) A short‐term prophecy was given a. Jeroboam became the spokesman for along with Ish‐ha’elohiym’s long‐ the oppressed laborers of Israel term prophecy (1st Kings 13:3,5). (vv.2‐5). 2) A miracle was given along with Ish‐ b. Rehoboam consulted the elders who ha’elohiym’s prophetic message had served Solomon (vv.6,7). (1st Kings 13:4,6). c. Rehoboam consulted the young men c. Ish‐ha’elohiym refused Jeroboam’s who were his peers (vv.8‐11). hospitality, as he was under Divine

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orders to fast during his work‐ David, & Saul (approximately 40 years assignment (1st Kings 13:7‐10). each). 2. Ish‐ha’elohiym is betrayed by an unnamed b. His mother was Naamah, one of old prophet (1st Kings 13:11‐32). This Solomon’s Ammonite wives prophet is simply called “the old prophet” (1st Kings 14:21; cf. 11:1). (vv.11,29) or “the prophet who brought him c. The spiritual condition of Judah under back” (v.26). Rehoboam was even worse than the 3. Jeroboam failed to repent at the message of final days of Solomon Ish‐ha’elohiym (1st Kings 13:33,34). (1st Kings 14:22‐24). a. Jeroboam’s ways became known as the d. Rehoboam suffered humiliation at the way of Jeroboam (1st Kings 15:26), and hands of Egypt (1st Kings 14:25‐28). the LORD determined to remove the e. Rehoboam experienced continual war house of Jeroboam from history. with Jeroboam to the north b. Baasha will be the LORD’S instrument to (1st Kings 14:30). Rehoboam’s son, bring about the end of the house of Abijam, will continue Rehoboam’s war Jeroboam (1st Kings 15:28‐30), but with Jeroboam (1st Kings 15:6). Baasha himself will rule according to the way of Jeroboam (v.34). c. The way of Jeroboam will become the 1. Abijam succeeded his father, Rehoboam, to characteristic trait for many (if not all) the throne of Judah (1st Kings 15:1‐7). of Israel’s subsequent kings a. He reigned a meager three years (c. (1st Kings 16:19,26,31; 22:52; called the 913‐911BC) (1st Kings 15:2a). sins of Jeroboam 2nd Kings 3:3; 10:31; b. His mother was Maacah, a (grand) 13:2,6,11; 14:24; 15:9,18,24,28; daughter of (1st Kings 15:2b). 17:21‐23). c. He followed Rehoboam’s spiritual apostasy (1st Kings 15:3‐5). 1 KINGS 14 d. He continued his father’s war against 1. Jeroboam’s son became sick, and Jeroboam Jeroboam (1st Kings 15:6,7; sent his wife to inquire of Ahijah the 2nd Chr. 13:2b‐20). prophet for Divine guidance 2. Asa succeeded his father Abijam to the st (1 Kings 14:1‐3). throne of Judah (1st Kings 15:9‐24). 2. The blind prophet saw quite clearly a. Asa had a 41 year reign st (1 Kings 14:4‐6). (1st Kings 15:10a), comparable to the 3. The LORD pronounced Divine judgment reigns of Saul, David, & Solomon. He upon the house of Jeroboam, promising to reigned during the last two years of lift up a king to destroy them, and Jeroboam’s reign, throughout the reigns promising to disperse Israel beyond the of Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri, & Omri, Euphrates (1st Kings 14:7‐16). and into the early years of Ahab’s rule. 4. Abijah dies, as promised b. His (grand) mother Maacah was a (1st Kings 14:17,18), and so too does terrible influence early in his reign, and Jeroboam, after a twenty‐two year reign Asa made right decisions in removing (1st Kings 14:19,20). her influence from the throne 5. The reign of Rehoboam in Judah is then (1st Kings 15:10b,13). detailed (1st Kings 14:21‐31). c. Asa led a national revival, and a return a. He will reign for 17 years to the worship of the LORD (1st KINGS 14:21) (1st Kings 15:11‐15; 2nd Chr. 14:2‐5). —five less than Jeroboam in the north, and less than half the reigns of Solomon,

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d. The end of Asa’s life was marked by two 3. Zimri’s reign is formally introduced, and his negative observations seven day rule is described (1st Kings 11:16‐24). (1st Kings 16:15‐20). 1) Asa responded to an invasion by a. Zimri’s tribe is unknown. Baasha, King of Israel, by bribing a b. Zimri’s reign ended by suicide gentile king to fight his battle (1st Kings 16:18). (1st Kings 15:16‐22; 4. Omri’s reign is formally introduced, 2nd Chr. 16:1‐10). including Tibni’s claim to the throne, and 2) Asa died of venereal disease, as Omni’s achievements during twelve years Divine discipline for his sin of rule are described (1st Kings 16:21‐28). (1st Kings 15:23,24; a. For four years, Tibni’s claim to the 2nd Chr. 16:11‐14). throne divided the kingdom of Israel 3. Back to the northern kingdom—Nadab (1st Kings 16:15,21‐23). succeeds his father Jeroboam as King of 1) Tibni’s father is known. Israel (1st Kings 15:25‐31). 2) Omri’s father is not known, and a. He reigned for only two years (v.25). some have even questioned his b. He continued Jeroboam’s sin (v.26). Jewish lineage. c. He was assassinated by Baasha, as the b. Omri moved the capital from Tirzah to outworking of Ahijah’s prophecy Samaria (1st Kings 16:24). (vv.27‐31; 1st Kings 14:7‐14). c. Omri committed great evil, greater than 4. Baasha’s reign is formally introduced all who came before (1st Kings 15:32‐34). (1st Kings 16:25‐28). a. Baasha’s reign is a twenty‐four year d. The Omride dynasty is the longest of reign, entirely within the reign of Asa, Israel’s history (Omri 12 yrs., Ahab 22 King of Judah, to the south (v.33). yrs., Ahazia 2 yrs., Jehoram 12 yrs.). b. Baasha became the first of only two 5. Ahab’s reign is introduced kings of Israel from the tribe of Issachar (1st Kings 16:29‐34). (1st Kings 15:27). a. Ahab married the Phoenician princess c. Baasha was the Divine replacement for Jezebel. the house of Jeroboam, but he walked in b. Ahab added Baal & Asherah worship to the way of Jeroboam (v.34). the way of Jeroboam. 1 KINGS 16 c. Under the influence of Ahab’s evil, Hiel the Bethelite rebuilt Jericho under the 1. The LORD designated the prophet Jehu to circumstances of Joshua’s curse rebuke Baasha for his evil, and to (1st Kings 16:34; Josh. 6:26). pronounce the judgment upon Baasha’s house (1st Kings 16:1‐7). 1 KINGS 17 2. Elah succeeded his father as the second 1. The LORD lifted up Elijah the Tishbite to be Issacharian king of Israel the primary prophetic antagonist to Ahab & (1st Kings 16:8‐14). Jezebel (1st Kings 17:1). a. He reigned for only two years (v.8). a. Elijah pronounced the Divine judgment b. He continued Baasha’s (Jeroboam’s) sin upon Ahab, and initiated a three year (v.13). drought upon the Kingdom of Israel c. He was assassinated by Zimri, as the (1st Kings 17:1; 18:1; Jms. 5:17). outworking of Jehu’s prophecy b. Elijah went into hiding by the word of (1st Kings 16:9‐13; cf. 16:1‐4,7). the Lord, and entrusted himself to the Lord’s provision (1st Kings 17:2‐7).

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2. Elijah is sent to the Sidonian village of of Jezebel, and her minions of evil Zarephath, where the Lord had designated (1st Kings 19:1‐3). a gentile widow to bless and be blessed by 3. The LORD is patient, and patiently instructs Elijah (1st Kings 17:8‐24; Lk. 4:25,26). believers in the Truth of His Word a. Elijah foreshadows Jesus Christ as he (1st KINGS 19:4‐8). asks a gentile woman for a drink a. He provides for believers’ physical (1st Kings 17:10; Jn. 4:7). needs. b. Elijah foreshadows Jesus Christ as he b. He directs believers to their appropriate multiplies bread (1st Kings 17:11‐16). & needed place of instruction. c. Elijah foreshadows Jesus Christ as he 4. The LORD taught Elijah through the still raises the widow’s son from the dead small voice (1st Kings 19:9‐18). (1st Kings 17:17‐24; Lk. 7:11‐17). a. The LORD gave instructions regarding Hazael, Jehu, and Elisha. 1 KINGS 18 b. The LORD intends for Ben‐hadad, Ahab, 1. Elijah is commissioned to confront Ahab, and Elijah to be replaced according to and bring an end to the three year drought His will. st & famine (1 Kings 18:1,2). 5. The chapter closes with the call of Elisha to 2. Ahab & Obadiah were scouting the land of be the spiritual heir of Elijah Israel for any possible water (1st (1st Kings 19:19‐21). Kings 18:3‐6). a. Obadiah was the house steward of 1 KINGS 20 Ahab, and a God‐fearing believer 1. Ben‐hadad invaded Israel with a coalition of (vv.3,4). 32 other Aramean kings (1st Kings 20:1‐12). b. Elijah reveals himself to Obadiah, and a. Ben‐hadad demanded a ransom from assured Obadiah that he had a message Ahab to spare Samaria (vv.2‐6). for Ahab (vv.7‐16). b. Ahab consulted the elders of Israel, and 3. Elijah summoned Ahab to Mt. Carmel, and explained his dilemma, and determined challenged the false prophets of Baal and to defy Ben‐hadad’s demands (vv.7‐12). Asherah (1st Kings 18:17‐45). 2. The LORD sent an unnamed prophet to a. Elijah summoned the 450 prophets of Ahab, and directed for Ahab’s victory over Baal and 400 prophets of Aherah, but Ben‐hadad (1st Kings 20:13‐43). only the former attended. a. The first campaign (vv.13‐21). b. Elijah accepts the 450:1 odds, and b. The second campaign (vv.22‐30). allows the Baal worshipers to go first. c. Ahab spared Ben‐hadad’s life c. Elijah made certain that the witness to (vv.31‐34), and the unnamed prophet the Lord’s power is undeniable rebuked him for it (vv.35‐43). (vv.30‐39). d. Following the contest, Elijah has the 1 KINGS 21 450 false prophets executed (v.40). 1. Naboth the Jezreelite is a God‐fearing e. While Ahab partook in the sacrificial believer, with the misfortune of owning a feast, Elijah prayed for rain (vv.41‐45). vineyard next to Ahab’s palace (1st Kings 21:1). 1 KINGS 19 2. Ahab makes a generous offer, but Naboth is 1. A believer’s greatest victory may be humble and obedient to the LORD’S followed immediately by their greatest instructions concerning tribal land defeat (1st Kings 19:3ff.; cf. Matt. 16:17,23). allotments and inheritance 2. Although he was victorious over Ahab, and (1st Kings 21:1‐3). the prophets of Baal, Elijah became fearful

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3. Jezebel engineers the “legal” execution of e. Micaiah spoke for a third time, and Naboth, and the “legal” theft of Naboth’s delivered the Divine viewpoint for how property (1st Kings 21:4‐16). the angelic conflict was playing out in 4. The LORD dispatched Elijah with the the kingdom of Israel message of judgment against Ahab and (1st Kings 22:19‐23). Jezebel for the murder and theft f. The faithful prophet is mistreated, and (1st Kings 21:17‐26). the false prophets are exalted 5. The chapter closes with Ahab’s humble (1st Kings 22:24‐28). repentance, and the LORD’S pleasure with it 3. Ahab and Jehoshaphat led the attack for the (1st Kings 21:27‐29). liberation of Ramoth‐gilead a. The LORD had already promised to (1st Kings 22:29‐33). replace Ahab with Jehu 4. Ahab dies in battle, despite his meager (1st Kings 19:16). attempt to hide his identity b. The LORD had already promised to take (1st Kings 22:34‐40). Ahab’s life for his sparing of Ben‐ 5. The reign of Jehoshaphat is then detailed hadad’s life (1st Kings 20:42). (1st Kings 22:41‐50). c. The LORD promised to destroy the a. Jehoshaphat was a good king, like his house of Ahab, as He had destroyed the father Asa (v.43a). house of Jeroboam, and the house of b. He fell short of maximum fruit by failing Baashan (1st Kings 21:20‐26). to have the high places removed d. The LORD deferred His judgments, (v.43b). however, until such time as Ahab c. He also fell short of maximum fruit by repented of his evil (Ezek. 18:23; 33:11; forming an alliance with wicked king 2nd Pet. 3:9). Ahab (v.44). 1 KINGS 22 d. He expelled the remainder of the sodomites that Asa had started to expel 1. After three years, Ahab determined to (v.46; cf. 15:12). liberate Ramoth‐gilead from Aramean e. He also attempted a shipping venture to hands, and invited Jehosphaphat, King of exploit the lack of leadership within Judah, to join him (1st Kings 22:1‐4). Edom (vv.48,49). 2. Jehoshaphat suggests that they begin their The chapter concludes with a summary campaign by consulting the LORD description of the reign of Ahaziah, son of Ahab (1st Kings 22:5‐28). (1st Kings 22:51‐53). a. Ahab begins by consulting his four hundred prophets, who encourage him to go ahead with his plan (vv.5,6). b. Jehoshaphat insists on finding a faithful prophet to the LORD, rather than this crew of liars (vv.7‐9). c. Micaiah’s first message (1st Kings 22:13‐15) was same flattery the false prophets had been feeding Ahab (1st Kings 22:6,10‐12), until he is placed under oath in the name of YHWH (1st Kings 22:16). d. Micaiah’s second message was the accurate prophetic account of Ahab’s coming battle (1st Kings 22:17,18).