1 Kings Overview for tomorrow

Just like the 1st and 2nd Samuel books and  1st and 2nd Chronicles were originally one book, so were 1st and 2nd KIngs (separated during its translation).  1 Kings will pick up chronologically right where we left off (always a little overlap).  We are not sure who wrote the books of Kings but Jewish tradition credits Jeremiah as the person God used to pen these books.  The book is called Kings because we will read about 40 monarchs between the two books.

We are reading the Bible in chronological order so that we can see God’s full plan of Salvation from a historical perspective.  Therefore, we will continue to weave other books in as needed to keep the timeline of history flowing.  In the month of June, we will read:

• 1 Kings,
• 2 Chronicles,
• Song of Songs,
• Proverbs,
• and Ecclesiastes.
• (If you need a new schedule to print click here)

The historical period of 1 and 2 Kings totals about 413 years.  Look at the timeline above.  King David dies and his son Solomon will become King.   Still looking at the timeline above, focus in on year 931BC.  Rehoboam becomes king if Judah and Jeroboam become king of Israel.  We went from a Theocracy (God is King), to a Monarchy (1 human king) and now we are headed to a DIVIDED Kingdom.

Before we jump in, it is important to revisit Deuteronomy 17: The Laws concerning the Kings:

The King must:

1. He must be the one the Lord chooses
2. He must not multiply his horses for military purposes (build riches)
3. He must not acquire many wives
4. He must make a copy of the Law and have it with him at all times.  He will read it every day.

As David dies, the kingship will go to Solomon (just as the Lord chose).  How will he do on #2, #3, and #4??

Take a minute to look now at this timeline. Review each section in your head.  (I love this one and recommend you print it.  Click here)

The books of Kings and Chronicles show how each decision in Israel’s history had a corresponding effect on the nation. We will start off with a stable united kingdom and end with total collapse and mass deportation to Babylon.  Some parts of these books might seem dry at times but as far as World History these are two of the most important books we have in the world.