Reading the Bible Daily with Dave – Overview of 1 Kings – Faithfulness, Failure, and the Coming Kingdom

July 26, 2025

Welcome to Reading the Bible Daily with Dave. I’m Dave Jenkins, and today we’re stepping back to look at the big picture of 1 Kings. Before we begin our daily verse-by-verse exposition, this overview will help set the theological and redemptive context for this rich Old Testament book.

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Authorship and Setting

Jewish tradition attributes 1 Kings to the prophet Jeremiah. While the book itself is anonymous, it draws from royal records, prophetic writings, and temple archives. It covers about 120 years—from Solomon’s reign (c. 971 B.C.) to Ahab’s death (c. 852 B.C.)—moving from united monarchy to divided kingdom.

Purpose of the Book

1 Kings shows that covenant faithfulness leads to blessing while disobedience invites judgment. It calls us to remember that leadership matters, God reigns over kings, and His Word never fails. It also anticipates the righteous King—Jesus Christ.

Structure of the Book

• Ch. 1–11: Solomon’s reign—wisdom, temple, and compromise
• Ch. 12–16: Kingdom division and rising apostasy
• Ch. 17–22: Elijah’s ministry—prophetic boldness in a rebellious nation

 Key Themes

• Covenant Loyalty vs. Apostasy
• The Need for a Righteous King
• Prophetic Authority and God’s Word
• Idolatry and National Decline
• God’s Sovereignty in Chaos

Biblical Theology Connection

1 Kings develops the Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7) and anticipates its fulfillment in Christ. Though kings fail and the kingdom divides, God’s promises remain. Luke 1 and Acts 2 confirm Jesus as the greater Son of David.

Historical and Church Use

• Church Fathers: Saw the temple as typological of Christ
• Reformers: Drew wisdom from Solomon and warnings from his fall
• Preachers: Find boldness and conviction in Elijah’s stand

Practical Encouragements

• Pastors: Lead like Elijah, not Ahab
• Families: Learn from Solomon’s divided heart
• Christians: Watch out for idolatry—cling to Christ
• Everyone: God’s Word stands when kings and cultures fall

Christ-Centered Focus

• Solomon built a temple—Jesus is the true temple
• Elijah called down fire—Jesus baptizes with the Spirit and fire
• The prophets pointed to the Word—Jesus is the Word made flesh

Defending the Book Today

1 Kings isn’t just political or moral—it’s covenant theology in narrative. Critics dismiss miracles like fire from heaven, but these events reveal the living God who speaks and acts in history.

Building Worldview and Biblical Literacy

• Teaches God’s justice, holiness, and patience
• Reveals the cost of idolatry and the call to repentance
• Upholds the authority of God’s Word
• Equips readers to recognize false worship and true devotion

Global and Missional Relevance

• God is still King
• His Word still speaks
• His Kingdom is coming

This message resonates around the globe—especially where churches face pressure or persecution.

Memory Verse

“That all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God; there is no other.” – 1 Kings 8:60

Reformed Reflection and Gospel Response

Scripture: 1 Kings 8:60

Quote: John Owen once wrote, “Without Christ, we have no access to God; with Him, we have all we need.”

To Unbelievers: Earthly kings will fail you—but Christ never will.

To Believers: You are a citizen of a heavenly Kingdom. Live as a loyal subject of King Jesus.

Westminster Shorter Catechism Q.26: How does Christ execute the office of a king?

Summary

• Main Theme: The failure of earthly kings and the faithfulness of Christ
• Key Doctrine: Covenant continuity and the Davidic promise
• Main Takeaway: Only Christ rules with perfect righteousness

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Until next time, keep your eyes fixed on the King who reigns forever.