The Bible OverBrew - Bible in a YearSample

Week 14. Day 1. 1 Kings 1-3

Introduction to 1 Kings

Note: 1&2 Kings were originally 1 book. We’ll read 1-2 Kings in 3 sections, with the first section focussing mainly on Solomon. It’s worth spending extra time in chapters 8 and 10, as they represent the high points for the temple, and for the kingdom as a whole.

As 1&2 Kings opens, reflect on where we have got to in relation to God’s promises to

• Adam
• Abraham
• David

What are we expecting as 1 Kings opens?

1 Kings 1-3

1 Kings opens with David in his old age, and something of a power struggle for who will become king next: Adonijah (David’s eldest surviving son) or the younger son Solomon, who is David’s choice as his successor (1:30).

Ch 2:2-4 David’s final words to Solomon. Which other scriptures do these remind you of?

[Here are some ideas: Deu 17:14-20; Josh 1:6-9; 2 Sam 7:12-16; Ps 1.]

These verses also contain the standard by which all future kings will be judged: faithfulness to Yahweh.

2:23-25 Solomon has Adonijah put to death, who tried to usurp the kingship (and thereby oppose God himself). Hamilton sees the link to what Adam should have done in Eden: ‘Solomon purges the land of serpents’. (God's Glory in Salvation through Judgment, 176.)

Ch 3 - Solomon’s request for wisdom. The following chapters will show just how wide ranging this ‘wisdom’ is: wise government, biology, architecture, music, poetry, trade etc.

NOTE: Days 1-5 of each week contain the scripture reading for that week. Day 6 has just the 'key chapters'. If you want a briefer version of this plan that still takes you through the whole Bible, you could just read the key chapters featured on day 6. Day 7 has the podcast video where we discuss the week's reading.