The book of first Kings does not follow one fluid story like the books of Joshua or Ruth rather we follow a timeline of the kings of Israel with great detail given about specific moments in peoples lives while other people only have general highlights given. Why is the book written in this manner? It is consistently repeated throughout the book of 1 Kings, “are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?” What does this statement tell us about 1 Kings? The book gives us a summary of what happened to Israel as various kings took control and also the nation of Israel dividing into Israel and Judah. When details are omitted in 1 Kings it is referencing 2 Chronicles where greater detail of the actions of each king is given.
The book starts with the death of David and the rise of Solomon as king with the majority focusing on the life of Solomon, his building of the Temple of the Lord, his downfall and ending with the unfaithfulness of Ahab as king. Why are these moments emphasized? What message is relayed through the story of 1 Kings? On a completely topical level the book is a continuation of the history of Israel but there are many character examples given that give encouragement to daily living.
The greatest character trait displayed by each king is their failure apart from God. It is not the typical trait you might think about when you want to find encouragement but as you reflect on the failures made by men of renown you can see your own helplessness. Everyone listed in 1 Kings failed in one way or another to follow God. Solomon in all of his wisdom was not able to follow God wholeheartedly and was drawn away from God by his lust. Asa and Jehoshaphat were kings that feared the Lord seeking to follow Him but they didn’t drive out the idolatry of the Israelites on the high places. I think the story of 1 Kings leaves us seeing that our inherent failure is nothing new because it is a continuation of the curse of sin on the world that started with the sin of Adam and Eve.
In the midst of all of the failure seen in 1 Kings there are bright flashes of God at work to redeem His people through men such as Asa, Jehoshaphat, and Elijah. These men were raised up to be faithful to God in moments that faithfulness to God was scarce. God is always working even in the midst of moments where it seems that the world is in complete chaos and there is not one who seeks out God.
As you read 1 Kings remember back to the words Samuel spoke to all of Israel in 1 Samuel chapters 8 and 12 where the Israelites demanded to have a king reign over them. “If you will fear the Lord and serve Him, and listen to His voice and not rebel against the command of the Lord, then both you and also the king who reigns over you will follow the Lord your God. If you will not listen to the voice of the Lord, but rebel against the command of the Lord, then the hand of the Lord will be against you, as it was against your fathers.” 1 Samuel 12:15,16 All that happens in the book of 1 Kings is proof again of God’s faithfulness to do all that he says. In the midst of the consistent unfaithfulness men display in following God I find great encouragement. God is continuing to show Himself faithful bringing hope to all of the promises given to everyone who places their hope and trust Jesus Christ. I will wait expectantly knowing that God will fulfill his promises because he is faithful.
