The Book of 1 Kings
Wisdom, glory, and decline — Solomon's temple and a kingdom divided.
Overview
First Kings opens in glory — Solomon's God-given wisdom and the building of the temple — and then charts a sad decline as the king's heart turns and the kingdom splits in two. It shows how quickly glory fades when hearts wander from God.
Its second half introduces the prophet Elijah, who stands almost alone for God against the tide, and hears God not in wind or fire but in a still small voice.
Key themes
Wisdom from God
Solomon asks for wisdom to lead, and God grants it abundantly.
The danger of divided hearts
Even the wisest king falls when his heart turns from the Lord.
God in the quiet
Elijah learns that God often speaks in a still small voice.
Key verses from 1 Kings
How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him.
Elijah's call to undivided devotion.
and after the fire a still small voice.
LORD God of Israel, there is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath,
How to read 1 Kings
Notice how Solomon's glory fades as his heart divides.
Read the Elijah story (chapters 17–19) as a highlight.
Listen for God in the 'still small voice' rather than the spectacular.