Ralph Porter

© 2002

AUTHOR

    The two books of the kings were originally part of one larger book.

    No logical reason presents itself for the division of the book in the middle of Ahaziah's

        reign.

            The scribes may have run out of room on a scroll and started a new paragraph on a

                new one!

    The Talmud presents the traditional Jewish view that Jeremiah was the author of the

        book.

    While the author isn't identified, there is justification for the Jewish point of view.

        The author was a contemporary of Jeremiah.

        The style and emphases of the book are parallel to those of Jeremiah.

DATE

    It was written during a period beginning slightly before and ending slightly after the

        destruction of Jerusalem in 586 B.C.

    Events described in 1 Kings begin with the death of David and the accession of Solomon

        in 971 B.C.

    They conclude at the beginning of the reign of Ahaziah, king of Israel, in 853 B.C.

    2 Kings does not end until sometime during the captivity.

BACKGROUND

    Although 2 Samuel ends at the conclusion of a period of affliction and degeneration in

        the life of David and his people, Israel was still at a high point in its historical-political

        career.

            Their enemies have been silenced.

            The powers of Mesopotamia are occupied closer to home.

            Israel's boundaries have expanded greatly.

            The nation is basically united, peaceful and prosperous.

    As Solomon assumes the throne, the nation is again carried forward.

        His initial dependence on God and request for wisdom produce increased wealth and

            fame for the king and his people.

        As Solomon's power increases, so does the temptation to fall into the traps which

            cause a decline.

    Lack of national loyalty, added to oppression and corruption, brought increased tribal

        loyalty.

            The tribes returned to their traditional loyalties and the north separated from the

                south.

            In the north, the decline continued until its captivity in 722 B.C. by Assyria.

            The south likewise experienced repeated periods of degeneration.

                A few good kings delayed total destruction until 586 B.C.

PURPOSE AND THEME

    1 & 2 Kings trace Israel's history from its peak under David and Solomon, down the

        road of depravity.

            They trace the cause of its division and its downward history afterwards.

    Although it does summarize the period's history, it is not its primary purpose to teach

        history. The summary of each king's reign is too short for that.

    They attempt to demonstrate the principle of God's dealings with His covenant people.

    The author's purpose is to cause God's people to trust Him and obey His commands.

    His message is that God blesses the nation when its king and its people follow Him.

    When they turn from Him, the results are decline and destruction.

    The theme is taught by the positive example of Solomon at the beginning of his reign.

    When he turns from God to idols, his example presents a warning of the danger of

        idolatry and disobedience.

    The lesson is taught from the division of the kingdom through the history of both

        kingdoms.

    The positive example of the good kings of Judah teaches that even in the midst of

        judgment for unfaithfulness to God, if His people will repent and turn back to Him,

        He will restore them and bless them.

ORGANIZATION

    Similar to 2 Samuel in its structure, 1 Kings turns on the pivotal chapter 11.

        The first 10 chapters describe Solomon's wisdom, fame, and glory, during the years

            when he is seeking to follow God.

        Chapter 11 describes how polygamy leads to idolatry.

        Idolatry leads to spiritual decline and, finally, to the division of the kingdom.

    The remainder of both books describes the decline of the northern kingdom and the

        roller coaster spirituality of the southern kingdom.

    The history of the divided kingdom is developed chronologically, presenting the kings of

        both Israel and Judah, alternating between them according to their date of accession.

    Each king is described using an introductory and summary formula.

    A theological verdict of each king's reign is given, using the reign of God's king, David,

        as a standard.

    Following 722 B.C., only the history of Judah continues, since it alone exists.

    Their temporary reforms caused a delay in God's judgment on them.

    As God's people move closer to destruction, the role of the prophet assumes increasing

        importance.

    The prophets seek to prevent their destruction.

    The concluding commentary concerning Jehoiachin (25:27-30), leads to the

        unmistakable conclusion that God is in control of history.

            He was not defeated at Jerusalem in 586 B.C.

            The fall of Jerusalem was in conformity with God's revealed method of dealing with

                His people.

            Disobedience brings destruction and dispersion.

    The conclusion introduces hope.

        Though God had to discipline His people for their unfaithfulness, He has not

            disowned them.

        Jehoiachin has been preserved and protected by a pagan emperor because God is

            preparing for the restoration of the Davidic house in the future.

        He will restore His people and His king at His established time.

God blesses Israel when its king and its people follow Him                         Ralph Porter

Ralph Porter

Saul was the king after man's heart-a king like the nations seek to lead them.

David was the king after God's heart-a king who seeks to please God.

Aren't you glad the WE have learned our lesson . . .

    . . . that God blesses those who pursue His will with a whole heart?

    . . . that we never turn our backs on His direction and go the opposite way?

The book of Kings is a book of object lessons, to teach us . . .

    . . . the value of whole-hearted commitment to God.

    . . . the danger of playing games with God and going our own way.

AUTHOR

    The two books of the kings were originally part of one larger book.

    No logical reason presents itself for the division of the book in the middle of Ahaziah's

        reign.

    It's possible that the scribes may have run out of space on their scroll and started the

        next paragraph on a new one!

    The Talmud presents the traditional Jewish view that Jeremiah was the author of the

        book.

    While the author is not identified in the book itself, and thus remains unknown, there is

        some justification for the Jewish point of view.

            The author was certainly a contemporary of Jeremiah.

            Parts of the book were written previous to the captivity (8:8; 12:19)

            The last 2 chapters were written after the fall of Jerusalem.

            The style and emphases of the book are parallel to those of Jeremiah.

    These facts don't require Jeremian authorship, but they at least leave open the

        possibility.

    The book probably represents a compilation of historical information based on general

        knowledge and historical records.

    The theological interpretation of those events was then added by the author.

DATE

    The books were written during a period beginning slightly before, and ending slightly

        after the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 B.C.

    1 Kings may have been completed previous to 586 B.C.

    The events described in 1 Kings

        -begin with the death of David and accession of Solomon in 971 B.C.

        -conclude at the beginning of the reign of Ahaziah, king of Israel, in 853 B.C.

    2 Kings does not end until sometime during the captivity (586 B.C.).

BACKGROUND

    Although 2 Samuel ends at the conclusion of a period of affliction and degeneration in

        the life of David and his people, it should be noted that Israel was still at a high point

        in its historical-political career.

            Results of David's career:

                Their enemies have been silenced.

                The powers of Mesopotamia (Iraq) are kept busy closer to home.

                Israel's boundaries have expanded greatly.

                The nation is basically united, peaceful and prosperous.

    As Solomon assumes the throne, the nation is again carried forward.

    His initial dependence on God and request for wisdom, produce increased wealth and

        fame for the king and for his people.

    However, as Solomon's power increases, so also does the temptation to fall into the traps

        which cause a decline.

    The prosperity cycle:

        Success opens the door which leads to . . .

               Solomon is attracted by women . . .

                   His many wives from different nations lead him into idolatry.

                        Due to his idolatry, Solomon's effectiveness decreases and his people begin to

                        descend, both spiritually and politically.

                             The degeneration continues until the nation loses respect for its leadership.

                                  Lack of national loyalty, added to oppression and corruption, bring increased tribal

                                  loyalty.

                                       The tribes returned to their traditional loyalties and the north separated from the

                                       south.

                                            In the north, the decline continued to increase until its captivity in 722 B.C. by

                                                 Assyria.

                                            The south likewise experienced repeated periods of degeneration.

                                                 A few good kings, such as Asa and Jehoshaphat, in 1 Kings, delayed total

                                                 destruction until much later.

    As 1 Kings ends, the fall of both nations is still distant.

        The north is well along the road to depravity under one of its most wicked dynasties.

        The southern kingdom is experiencing a temporary calm under Jehoshaphat.

PURPOSE AND THEME

    Kings traces the history of Israel from its peak under David and Solomon, down the

        road of depravity.

    It traces the cause of its division and the downward history of the divided nations

        following the division.

    Although the book contains a summary of the history of the period, it is not its primary

        purpose to teach history. The summary of each king's reign is far too short for that.

    The book is primarily theocratic and prophetic in its emphasis.

    Purpose:

        To demonstrate the principle of God's dealings with His covenant people.

        To cause God's people to trust Him and to obey to His commands.

    Message:

        God blesses the nation when its king and its people follow Him.

        When they turn from Him, the results are decline and destruction.

    The theme is taught by the positive example of Solomon at the beginning of his reign.

    When he turns from God to idols, his negative example presents a warning of the danger

        of idolatry and disobedience.

    The same lesson is taught from the division of the kingdom throughout the history of

        both kingdoms.

    The positive example of the two good kings of Judah at the end, Hezekiah and Josiah,

        also teaches that even in the midst of judgment for unfaithfulness to God, if His

        people will repent and turn back to Him, He will restore them and bless them.

ORGANIZATION

    Similar to 2 Samuel in its structure, 1 Kings turns on the pivotal chapter 11.

        The first 10 chapters describe Solomon's wisdom, fame, and glory, during the years

            when he is seeking to follow God.

        Chapter 11 describes how prosperity leads to polygamy, which leads to idolatry.

        Idolatry leads to spiritual decline and, finally, to the division of the kingdom

            (11:1-4, 6, 9-13).

        The remainder of the book describes the decline of the northern kingdom and the

            roller coaster spirituality of the southern kingdom.

    The history of the divided kingdom is developed chronologically, presenting the kings of

        both Israel and Judah, alternating in order, according to the date of accession of each

        king.

    Each king is described using an introductory and summary formula.

              11:41-43a          Conclusion:    Solomon

              11:43b; 14:21    Introduction:    Rehoboam

              14:29-31            Conclusion:    Rehoboam

              15:1-2               Introduction:    Abijah

              15:6-8               Conclusion:    Abijah

    A theological verdict of each king's reign is given, using the reign of God's king, David,

        as a standard.

            Rehoboam     14:22

              Abijah            15:3

    2 KingsIntroduction

        Due to the nature of the relationship between 1 Kings and 2 Kings, it is best to note

            that the introductory considerations of 1 Kings remain unchanged.

        The structure continues to follow the list of the kings of the two kingdoms, alternating

            according to the year of accession of each, until the fall of Israel.

        The book demonstrates how the two kingdoms continue their spiritual decline until

            each is finally taken captive.

        Following 722 B.C., only the history of Judah continues, since it alone exists.

        Their temporary reforms caused a delay in God's judgment on them.

         As God's people move closer to destruction, the role of the prophet assumes increasing

            importance. He is seeking to prevent their destruction.

        The conclusion of 2 Kings indicates that it was not finished until sometime during the

            captivity.

        The commentary concerning Jehoiachin (25:27-30), leads to two observations which

            should be considered by way of introduction to the book:

            First, its similarity to the conclusion of Jeremiah indicates at least a common

                purpose, and most likely a common author (Jer. 52:31-34).

            Second, the conclusion points to an additional purpose the author has in writing

                the book.

                Throughout the book God has repeatedly demonstrated that He is in control of

                    history.

                God was not defeated at Jerusalem in 586 B.C.

                The fall of Jerusalem was in conformity with God's revealed method of dealing

                    with His people.

                Disobedience brings destruction and dispersion.

        The conclusion introduces hope.

        Though God has had to discipline His people for their unfaithfulness, He has not

            disowned them. There is still a future.

        Jehoiachin has been preserved and protected by a pagan emperor because God is

            preparing for the restoration of the Davidic house in the future.

        He will restore His people and His king at His established time.

KINGDOM UNITED   1-11

    David's reign is concluding and Solomon's reign over the united kingdom beginning.

    ACCESSION OF SOLOMON   1-2:12

        Weakening of David   1:1-4

            David's health began to decline from old age.

            Abishag, a young Shunamite girl, was brought in to keep him warm.

            He was too weak to take advantage of her presence.

        Usurpation of Adonijah   1:5-37

            Adonijah's strategy   1:5-10

                When Adonijah realized the condition of his father's health, he developed a plan

                    to make himself king.

                He enlisted some of David's key men to help him.

            Nathan's intervention   1:11-27

                    However, Nathan the prophet and Zadok the priest didn't back him.

                    They knew that God and David had chosen Solomon as the successor to the

                        throne.

                    Nathan developed a plan to let David know what Adonijah was doing.

                Nathan's operation   1:11-14

                Bathsheba's petition   1:15-21

                Nathan's information   1:22-27

            David's proclamation   1:28-37

                David declared his intention and proclaimed the inauguration of Solomon as

                    king over Israel.

        Inauguration of Solomon   1:38-53

            Solomon installed   1:38-48

                David, Zadok and Nathan anointed Solomon and delivered the throne to him.

            Adonijah abandoned   1:49

                When Adonijah and his guests realized what was happening, the guests fled.

            Forgiveness requested   1:50-51

                Adonijah went to take hold of the horns of the altar as he appealed to Solomon

                    for mercy.

            Protection promised   1:52-53

                Solomon assured him that as long as he caused no problems there would be no

                    action taken against him.

        Final charge of David   2:1-9

                Just before his death, David delivered a final charge to Solomon.

            To be a man   2:1-2

                Recognizing Solomon's soft nature, he urged him to be a man.

            To obey God's law   2:3-4

                In order to receive God's blessing on his kingdom, he would need to obey God's

                    laws.

                If he follows God, he will enjoy an eternal kingdom.

            To recompense David's associates   2:5-9

                    Finally, there were some old debts David wanted to settle.

                    He urged Solomon to settle his accounts for him.

                To kill Joab   2:5-6

                    Joab, as the commander of David's army, had killed two others David named

                        in his place, out of jealousy.

                    Solomon should avenge these deaths.

                To show kindness to Barzillai and sons   2:7

                    Barzillai had identified with David when he fled before Absalom.

                    Therefore, Solomon should care for his sons.

                To kill Shimei   2:8-9

                    Finally, Shimei who had cursed David should be eliminated.

        Death of David   2:10-11

            After delivering this last charge to Solomon, David died.

        Establishment of Solomon   2:12

            Solomon's rule was then firmly established on the throne of Israel.

    SOLIDIFICATION UNDER SOLOMON   2:13-3:1

            Solomon follows in his father's footsteps:

                Dependence on God.

                Zeal for the temple.

                Savors success.

                Follows the "success syndrome" spiral ("Prosperity Cycle").

            Solomon proceeded to solidify his hold over the empire.

        Death of Adonijah   2:13-25

            Adonijah requested that he be given Abishag, the Shunamite girl who had been

                with David prior to his death.

            This was a disguised attempt to lay claim to the throne.

            Solomon recognized Adonijah's intent immediately and ordered his execution.

        Removal of Abiathar the priest   2:26-27

            Solomon also stripped Abiathar the priest of his authority.

            He was undoubtedly motivated by the fact that Abiathar had supported Adonijah.

            God was removing him because he was a descendant of Eli.

        Death of Joab   2:28-35

            Solomon had sufficient motive of his own to eliminate Joab.

                He had conspired with Adonijah against Solomon as king of Israel.

            Therefore, he was delighted to fulfill his father's request and to order Joab's death

                as a repayment for the murder of Abner and Amasa.

            His appeal at the horns of the altar was useless because his crime against the other

                two men was intentional.

        Death of Shimei   2:36-46

            Finally, Solomon took action against Shimei as he had promised David he would.

            He prohibited Shimei from leaving Jerusalem.

            Shimei vowed to obey the king's rule.

            After three years, he left to chase some escaped slaves.

            Therefore, Shimei was killed for not keeping his oath.

            The book uses this case to demonstrate that God punishes those who refuse to

                submit to the authority which God has established.

        Alliance with Egypt   3:1

            Once Solomon had firm control over a powerful kingdom, even Egypt wanted to

                assure good relations with him.

            They made a marriage alliance as a symbol of their covenant to maintain peace

                between them.

    WISDOM OF SOLOMON   3:2-4:34

        His submission to God's authority   3:2-4

            As Solomon became aware of the size of his task as king of Israel and of his need

                for God's help, he worshiped God and walked with Him.

            God gave him the opportunity to ask for anything he wanted.

        His request for wisdom   3:5-15

            Aware of his inadequacy, Solomon asked for wisdom from God to rule His people

                properly.

            God responded by giving him wisdom, as well as riches and fame.

        His demonstration of wisdom   3:16-28

        His administration in wisdom   4:1-19

        His riches accompany wisdom   4:20-28

        His fame for wisdom   4:29-34

    BUILDING OF SOLOMON   5-9:9

            One of the major accomplishments of Solomon's reign was the construction of the

                temple.

            It was a beautiful center for worshiping Yahweh.

        Preparation for building the temple   5

        Construction of the temple   6

            Its surrounding structure   6:1-10

            Its promise   6:11-13

            Its completion   6:14-38

        Construction of other houses   7:1-12

            He also built several palace buildings.

        Furnishings for the temple   7:13-51

        Dedication of the temple   8-9:9

            Delivery of the ark   8:1-11

            Message of dedication   8:12-21

            Prayer of dedication   8:22-53

            Blessing on the people   8:54-61

            Sacrifices and feasting   8:62-66

            Promise from Yahweh   9:1-9

                Following the dedication of the temple, God revealed Himself to Solomon and

                    promised him the throne forever.

    GLORY OF SOLOMON   9:10-10:29

            Additional evidences of Solomon's wealth and greatness are presented by several

                other events and activities.

        His gift to Hiram   9:10-14

            Solomon wished to repay Hiram for cooperating with him in building the temple

                and palace.

            He presented twenty towns to him.

            Hiram was dissatisfied with Solomon's gift.

            Apparently Solomon could have afforded a much more expensive gift than the

                twenty towns he gave him.

            Hiram had given him a gift of more than four tons of gold.

            His gift is a testimony to his awareness of the greatness of Solomon's kingdom.

        His building projects   9:15-25

            In addition to his two master projects, Solomon had sufficient resources to

                accomplish numerous other building projects.

        His ships launched   9:26-28

            He launched a huge ship operation also.

        His visit by the queen of Sheba   10:1-13

            His fame became so wide spread that the queen of Sheba came to see for herself.

            She recognized his greatness and brought a generous gift.

            He likewise gave her generous gifts.

        His wealth increased   10:14-29

            The wealth of Solomon's kingdom continued to increase enormously.

            The author seems overwhelmed by the task of describing the wealth of his empire.

            Words weren't adequate to describe it, except to say that his riches and wisdom far

                surpassed those of any other king in the world.

    FAILURE OF SOLOMON   11

            Solomon's great wealth, wisdom, and power brought the consequences that

                eventually resulted in his downfall.

        His wives   11:1-3

            His power caused other kings to wish to make alliances with him.

            Many marital alliances were made.

        His idolatry   11:4-8

            The wives brought their gods with them.

            Solomon was influenced through his wives to follow other gods besides Yahweh.

        His kingdom divided   11:9-13

            As a result of his unfaithfulness, Yahweh became angry with him and promised to

                remove the kingdom, except one tribe, from his kingdom after his death.

        His adversaries   11:14-40

                During Solomon's lifetime there were additional consequences.

                Numerous adversaries afflicted his kingdom.

            Hadad the Edomite   11:14-22

                Hadad returned from Egypt where he had gone to escape David's armies earlier.

                He returned to re-establish his kingdom.

            Rezon of Aram   11:23-25

                Rezon established his rule in Aram and was hostile to Israel.

            Jeroboam in northern tribes   11:26-40

                The most significant opponent Solomon had to face was within Israel.

                God had commissioned Ahijah to anoint Jeroboam as king over the ten tribes

                    that were going to split off from Solomon's kingdom.

                God promised Jeroboam a dynasty as permanent as David's, if he would follow

                     God's ways.

                Solomon tried to stop Jeroboam by killing him but was unable to do it.

                Jeroboam managed to escape to Egypt until after Solomon's death.

        His death   11:41-43

KINGDOM DIVIDED   12-22

    When Solomon died, His son Rehoboam became king in his place.

    In fulfillment of the judgment of God against Solomon, the kingdom was divided

        according to the old north-south tribal loyalties.

    DIVISION BY JEROBOAM I   12-14:20

        Kingdom divided by Jeroboam   12:1-24

                The division occurred when the people of Israel met together with Rehoboam to

                    talk about his plans for the kingdom.

            Request   12:1-5

                They asked him to demonstrate a kinder attitude toward them.

            Response   12:6-15

                After consultation with his advisers, Rehoboam promised greater severity.

            Revolt   12:16-24

                The people then revolted against him and ten tribes seceded.

                The king over God's people was not given his authority to be a slave driver.

                Only God had the right to that kind of demand.

                Thus Rehoboam suffered for his own foolishness, but thereby fulfilled God's

                    judgment against Solomon for his idolatry.

        Religion established by Jeroboam   12:25-33

            When God told Jeroboam that he would become king over the ten tribes of Israel,

                He promised to establish his throne forever as He had done for David.

            The only condition was that he be faithful to God and follow His commands

                (11:29-31, 37-38).

            Jeroboam quickly departed from that path as he established a new religion in Israel

                to keep his people from returning to their previous loyalty to Jerusalem.

        Warning delivered to Jeroboam   13-14:18

                God made three attempts to warn Jeroboam of the danger of the path he chose to

                    follow.

            Prophecy of the man of God   13:1-10

                His prophecy against the altar   13:1-3

                His judgment against Jeroboam   13:4-5

                His intercession for Jeroboam   13:6

                His rejection of invitation   13:7-10

            Example of the man of God   13:11-34

                    The second warning to Jeroboam used the man of God as an object lesson.