(1) Book Information

1.1 Title and Definition
• Title: 1 Kings – originally part of a unified scroll with 2 Kings in Hebrew tradition, later divided in the Septuagint. The title refers to the succession of kings over Israel and Judah.
• Definition: A historical-theological account beginning with Solomon’s reign and the construction of the Temple, followed by the division of the united monarchy and the decline of the northern and southern kingdoms due to covenant unfaithfulness.

1.2 Authorship and Context
• Author: Anonymous; traditionally attributed to the prophetic historians, likely including figures from the school of the prophets. It is part of the Deuteronomistic History compiled during the exilic period.
• When: Events span from approximately 970 to 850 BC. Final compilation likely occurred in the 6th century BC during or after the Babylonian exile.
• Audience: Exilic or post-exilic Israelites reflecting on their history of leadership, idolatry, and covenant failure.
• Purpose: To demonstrate how the covenant blessings and curses (Deut. 28) are fulfilled in history through the rise and fall of kings, showing the consequences of obedience and apostasy.

1.3 Literary and Thematic Features
• Literary and Rhetorical Features: Royal annals, prophetic narratives, speeches, architectural descriptions, genealogical records, and miracle stories.
• Key Themes: Kingship, covenant faithfulness, temple worship, prophetic authority, idolatry, judgement, divine sovereignty.
• Themes of Redemption and Christology
○ Solomon’s temple prefigures Christ as the true Temple (John 2:19–21).
○ The anointed kings anticipate Christ, the ultimate King whose reign is eternal.
○ Elijah’s prophetic ministry foreshadows John the Baptist (Matt. 11:14) and Christ’s confrontation with idolatry.
• Symbolism and Imagery
○ The temple symbolises God’s dwelling and covenant presence.
○ The divided kingdom reflects spiritual division.
○ Fire from heaven (1 Kgs. 18:38) signifies divine acceptance and judgement.

1.4 Canonical and Interconnected Significance
• Structure: Three major divisions – (1) Solomon’s reign (1 Kgs. 1–11), (2) the kingdom’s division and political instability (1 Kgs. 12–16), (3) Elijah’s prophetic ministry (1 Kgs. 17–22).
• Canonical Significance: Continues the historical narrative from 2 Samuel, setting the trajectory for the downfall of both kingdoms in 2 Kings.
• Interconnections
○ Related Books: Builds directly upon 2 Samuel and precedes 2 Kings; complements 1 and 2 Chronicles in parallel accounts.
○ Connections to the Old Testament: Develops Deuteronomic theology; draws heavily on themes from the law and the covenant.
○ Connections to the New Testament: Solomon’s wisdom and Elijah’s miracles are referenced by Jesus (Matt. 12:42; Luke 4:25).
○ Prophetic and Messianic References: Elijah’s return is prophesied in Malachi 4:5 and fulfilled typologically in John the Baptist.
○ Connections with Judaism: Central to the theology of the First Temple period, kingship, and prophetic identity.
○ Connections with Islam: Solomon (Sulayman) is a major Qur’anic figure, revered for wisdom and miraculous power. Elijah (Ilyas) is also honoured as a prophet.
• Key Passages or Verses: 1 Kgs. 3:9 – “Give your servant a discerning heart.” 1 Kgs. 8:27 – “Will God really dwell on earth?” 1 Kgs. 11:4 – “His heart was not fully devoted to the LORD.” 1 Kgs. 18:21 – “How long will you waver between two opinions?”

(2) Characters

2.1 Main Figures and Their Roles
• Role of Authors: The historian-theologian presents the kings’ reigns through the lens of covenant obedience, with divine approval or disapproval shaping the narrative.
• Who are the Main Characters: Solomon, Rehoboam, Jeroboam, Elijah, Ahab, Jezebel, Asa, Jehoshaphat, the prophets, the people of Israel and Judah.

2.2 Roles in Theological Framework
• The Role of God
○ The Father – Sovereign over kingdoms, covenant keeper, judge of kings.
○ The Son – Foreshadowed in Solomon’s anointing and wisdom, and in Elijah’s prophetic confrontation with evil.
○ The Holy Spirit – Implicit in wisdom (1 Kgs. 3), prophetic power (1 Kgs. 18), and divine presence in worship.
• The Role of Priests, Prophets, and Kings: Priests serve in temple rites; prophets like Elijah confront kings and call Israel back to covenant faithfulness. Kings vary between righteousness and rebellion.
• Role of the Church: The prophetic witness and call to covenant loyalty foreshadow the Church’s mission and spiritual leadership.
• Role of Men and Women: Women such as the Queen of Sheba and the widow of Zarephath demonstrate insight and faith, while Jezebel exemplifies spiritual corruption and opposition.

(3) Background

3.1 Geographical, Historical, and Cultural Context
• Geographical Context: Jerusalem (temple location), Samaria (northern capital), Bethel, Dan, Mount Carmel, Zarephath, and Tyre.
• Historical Context: Solomon’s reign (970–930 BC), the kingdom’s division under Rehoboam, and subsequent dynastic shifts in both Israel and Judah.
• Cultural Context: The rise of temple-based worship, political alliances with surrounding nations, and increasing syncretism and Baal worship.

3.2 Broader Context and Practices

1. Broader Context of the Ancient Near East: Kingship, temple-building, and diplomatic marriages were common practices, but Israel’s covenant framework made its monarchy unique.
2. Influence of Israel’s Neighbours: Phoenician influence through Jezebel introduced widespread Baal worship; Egyptian and Aramean politics affected regional stability.
3. Cultural and Ethical Influences: The temptation to adopt Canaanite religious practices led to prophetic opposition and divine judgement.
4. Cultural Practices
   ○ Temple construction and dedication rituals,
   ○ Royal succession and court politics,
   ○ Prophetic confrontation of political power,
   ○ Sacrificial worship and festival observance.

(4) Theological and Historical Significance

1. The Book as a Theological Bridge: Bridges the glory of Israel’s united monarchy with its spiritual and political decline, setting the stage for prophetic intervention and exile.
2. Theological Significance: Highlights the consequences of disobedience, the importance of prophetic leadership, and the centrality of true worship.
3. Spiritual Themes: Covenant loyalty, the dangers of idolatry, divine justice, prophetic courage, and the sovereignty of God over rulers and nations.
4. Key Lessons for Faith and Practice: Prosperity without faithfulness leads to downfall. True wisdom is rooted in the fear of the Lord. Prophetic voices must not be silenced. Worship must remain pure.
5. The Book in Christian Theology: Elijah’s ministry prefigures Christ’s role as prophet and restorer. Solomon’s temple and kingship anticipate Christ’s spiritual kingdom.
6. Historical Reception: Esteemed in Jewish tradition for temple theology and prophetic authority; valued in Christian tradition for typological richness and moral instruction.

(5) Interfaith and Cultural Perspectives

1. Literary Unity with the Torah (or Canon): Extends Deuteronomy’s theology of covenant blessings and curses through the monarchy; connected to the Former Prophets.
2. The Book in Jewish Tradition: Central to the theology of exile, the role of prophets, and reflection on the failure of national leadership.
3. Connections with Islam: Solomon is a prominent prophet and ruler; Elijah is venerated for his opposition to idol worship.
4. Influence on Western Civilisation: Influences political philosophy on kingship and divine accountability; Elijah has inspired art, literature, and reform movements.
5. Scientific Perspectives: Archaeological evidence of temple architecture, inscriptions, and dynastic shifts are studied alongside biblical accounts.
6. Global Perspective: Offers universal insights into governance, spiritual compromise, prophetic courage, and religious reform.

(6) Ethical, Practical, and Philosophical Insights

1. Mystical and Esoteric Interpretations: Solomon’s temple is seen as a symbol of cosmic and spiritual order; Elijah’s ascent symbolises divine union and prophetic transfiguration.
2. Comparative Mythology: While other ANE traditions glorify kings, 1 Kings critiques their moral and spiritual failures in light of covenantal expectations.
3. Ethical and Philosophical Reflections: Raises questions of justice, spiritual leadership, the corrupting nature of power, and the call to repentance.
4. Ethical Teachings and Practical Applications
   ○ Pursue wisdom with humility and obedience,
   ○ Guard against idolatry and syncretism,
   ○ Heed prophetic warnings and moral accountability,
   ○ Uphold integrity in leadership and worship.
5. Relevance to Contemporary Issues and Ongoing Relevance: Speaks into modern concerns about political corruption, religious compromise, prophetic integrity, and spiritual renewal.

(7) Interpretative and Theological Challenges

1. Interpretative Challenges: Reconciling the grandeur of Solomon’s reign with his spiritual failure, the historical reliability of royal chronologies, and the role of miracles.
2. Theological Debates: The nature of the Davidic covenant in light of Solomon’s apostasy, the function of temple worship, and divine justice in national judgement.
3. Key Questions Addressed: What makes a wise and faithful ruler? How does God respond to idolatry? What is the role of prophecy in confronting power? How is the presence of God preserved among a disobedient people?