Bible Outline - 1 Kings - True Words Baptist Church

The Book of 1 Kings: The Rise and Fall of Israel’s Kings

Introduction

The Book of 1 Kings chronicles the reigns of Solomon, the last king of a united Israel, and his successors, particularly the division of the kingdom into Israel (the northern kingdom) and Judah (the southern kingdom). The book highlights themes of wisdom, obedience, idolatry, prophecy, and the struggles for power. It also features the prophet Elijah, who stands as a bold witness to God’s truth amidst a corrupt and idolatrous society. From the glory of Solomon’s reign to the ultimate downfall of Israel’s kings due to disobedience, 1 Kings serves as a critical narrative of Israel’s history and God’s dealings with His people.

SECTION OUTLINE ONE (1 Kings 1) 👑

David’s Declining Health, the Conspiracy of Adonijah, and the Coronation of Solomon

I. The Coldness of David (1:1-4) 🛏️

David grows old and weak. His advisors find a young woman, Abishag, to keep him warm, but he does not have relations with her.

II. The Conspiracy by Adonijah (1:5-10) ⚡

Adonijah, David’s son, attempts to take the throne for himself with the support of Joab and Abiathar the priest, but David had already promised the kingdom to Solomon.

III. The Counterplot by Nathan (1:11-27) 🕵️‍♂️

Nathan the prophet intervenes by having Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother, remind David of his promise. Nathan then confirms Solomon’s kingship to David.

IV. The Command by David (1:28-37) 🗣️

David commands that Solomon be anointed as king by Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet.

V. The Crowning by Zadok (1:38-40) 🎉

Solomon is crowned king, and a great celebration ensues, signaling a new era.

VI. The Compassion of Solomon (1:41-53) 🤝

After hearing of Solomon’s coronation, Adonijah seeks refuge at the altar, asking for mercy. Solomon grants it, on the condition that Adonijah remains loyal.

SECTION OUTLINE TWO (1 Kings 2) ⚖️

David’s Final Words to Solomon, Solomon’s Consolidation of Power, and the Execution of His Enemies

I. Solomon and His Father (2:1-11) 👑

David, on his deathbed, gives Solomon a charge to remain faithful to God’s law.

II. Solomon and His Foes (2:13-46) ⚔️

A. Adonijah (2:13-25)

Adonijah asks Solomon for the hand of Abishag, David’s former attendant. Solomon sees this as a challenge to his throne and orders his execution.

B. Abiathar (2:26-27)

Abiathar, the priest who supported Adonijah, is deposed but not killed, fulfilling the prophecy of Eli’s family line being cut off.

C. Joab (2:28-35)

Joab, David’s former military commander, is executed for his role in murders and his support for Adonijah.

D. Shimei (2:36-46)

Shimei, who had cursed David, is ordered to stay in Jerusalem but disobeys. He is put to death for breaking his oath.

SECTION OUTLINE THREE (1 Kings 3-4) 🌟

Solomon’s Wisdom and Prosperity

I. The Rise of Solomon (3:1)

Solomon marries Pharaoh’s daughter, strengthening political alliances.

II. The Revelation to Solomon (3:2-28) 🧠

Solomon sacrifices 1,000 offerings, and in a dream, God offers him anything he desires. Solomon asks for wisdom to govern, and God grants him wisdom, wealth, and honor.
The famous wisdom of Solomon is demonstrated when he resolves a dispute between two prostitutes, each claiming a child.

III. The Reign of Solomon (4:1-34) 📊

A. His People (4:1-19)

Solomon’s officials and district governors are listed.

B. His Prosperity (4:20)

Israel experiences peace and prosperity under Solomon’s reign.

C. His Wisdom (4:29-34)

Solomon’s wisdom surpasses all other nations, as he writes proverbs, songs, and gains vast knowledge.

SECTION OUTLINE FOUR (1 Kings 5-7) 🏛️

Solomon Builds the Temple and His Own Palace

I. A House for the King of Kings (5:1-18; 6:1-38; 7:13-51) 🏰

A. The Preparations (5:1-18)

Solomon makes an alliance with Hiram, king of Tyre, to acquire materials for building the Temple.

B. The Particulars (6:1-38; 7:13-51)

The Temple is completed in seven years, built with great detail and beauty, including gold and bronze furnishings.

II. A House for the King of Israel (7:1-12)

Solomon constructs a lavish palace for himself, including the Hall of Pillars and the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon.

SECTION OUTLINE FIVE (1 Kings 8) 🕍

The Dedication of the Temple

I. The Summons (8:1-11)

Solomon gathers the people to bring the Ark of the Covenant into the Temple. The glory of God fills the Temple.

II. The Sermon (8:12-21)

Solomon blesses the people and reminds them of David’s desire to build the Temple and God’s purpose in choosing Solomon to fulfill it.

III. The Supplication (8:22-53)

Solomon prays for God’s blessing, justice, forgiveness, and mercy upon Israel and foreigners who come to the Temple.

IV. The Sound of Praise (8:54-61)

Solomon leads the people in worship, praising God and urging obedience to His laws.

V. The Sacrifices (8:62-66)

The dedication is completed with massive sacrifices, including 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep.

SECTION OUTLINE SIX (1 Kings 9-10) 💰

God’s Warning to Solomon, His Wealth, and the Queen of Sheba

I. The Warning to Solomon (9:1-9) ⚠️

God warns Solomon to remain obedient, or the kingdom will be destroyed.

II. The Work Projects of Solomon (9:10-19) 🔨

Solomon undertakes large building projects, including the Temple, the royal palace, and other cities.

III. The Worship of Solomon (9:25)

Solomon maintains regular sacrifices in the Temple.

IV. The Wisdom of Solomon (10:1-9) 🧠

The Queen of Sheba visits Solomon, impressed by his wisdom and wealth. She acknowledges that his wisdom is a gift from God.

V. The Wealth of Solomon (9:26-28; 10:10-29) 💎

Solomon’s wealth is legendary, with treasures flowing in from foreign tribute and trade, including gold, spices, and precious stones.

SECTION OUTLINE SEVEN (1 Kings 11) ⚡

Solomon’s Disobedience, the Division of the Kingdom, and His Death

I. Solomon’s Disobedience (11:1-40) 🚨

A. The Causes (11:1-8)

Solomon’s many wives and concubines lead him into idolatry.

B. The Consequences (11:9-40)

God raises up enemies against Solomon due to his idolatry, and Jeroboam is prophesied to receive 10 tribes of Israel.

II. Solomon’s Death (11:41-43)

Solomon dies after a 40-year reign, and Rehoboam succeeds him as king of Judah.

SECTION OUTLINE EIGHT (1 Kings 12-13) ⚔️

Rehoboam’s Arrogance, Jeroboam’s Rebellion, and the Prophecy of the Altar

I. Rehoboam (12:1-24) 💥

Rehoboam rejects the advice of the older leaders and decides to rule harshly, leading to the rebellion of the northern tribes.

II. Jeroboam (12:25-13:34) 🛑

A. His Apostasy (12:25-33)

Jeroboam creates golden calves in Dan and Bethel to prevent the people from going to Jerusalem to worship.

B. His Altar (13:1-32)

A prophet foretells the destruction of Jeroboam’s altar, and it is split apart as a sign.

SECTION OUTLINE NINE (1 Kings 14-15) 📜

The Decline of Jeroboam and Rehoboam’s Reign

I. Jeroboam, Israel’s First Ruler (14:1-20)

Jeroboam receives a prophecy of doom for his family due to his wickedness. His son dies, and Israel is destined for captivity.

II. Rehoboam, Judah’s First Ruler (14:21-31)

Rehoboam allows idolatry, and Shishak of Egypt defeats him, taking treasures from the Temple.

III. Abijam, Judah’s Second Ruler (15:1-8)

Abijam continues the sins of his father, Rehoboam, but is at war with Israel.

IV. Asa, Judah’s Third Ruler (15:9-24)

Asa removes idols and reforms Judah, defeating Baasha of Israel.

V. Nadab, Israel’s Second Ruler (15:25-28)

Nadab, son of Jeroboam, continues his father’s idolatrous ways and is assassinated by Baasha.

VI. Baasha, Israel’s Third Ruler (15:29-34)

Baasha destroys the house of Jeroboam, fulfilling the prophecy, and wages war with Judah.

SECTION OUTLINE TEN (1 Kings 16-17) 💔

The Reigns of Israel’s Wicked Kings and Elijah’s Prophetic Ministry

I. Five Godless Potentates (16:1-34)

Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Omri, and Ahab are all wicked rulers, leading Israel further into idolatry.

II. One Godly Prophet (17:1-24)

Elijah prophesies a drought, is sustained by ravens, and raises the widow of Zarephath’s son from the dead.

SECTION OUTLINE ELEVEN (1 Kings 18-19) ⚡

Elijah’s Victory Over the Prophets of Baal and His Flight from Jezebel

I. Elijah on a Road (18:1-16)

Elijah meets Obadiah and arranges a showdown with King Ahab.

II. Elijah Atop a Mountain (18:17-46)

Elijah challenges Ahab and the prophets of Baal, calling down fire from heaven to consume his sacrifice. Rain ends the drought.

III. Elijah Under a Tree (19:1-7)

Jezebel threatens Elijah, and he flees to the desert where an angel comforts him.

IV. Elijah in a Cave (19:8-18)

Elijah hears the voice of God in a gentle whisper and is instructed to anoint Hazael, Jehu, and Elisha.

SECTION OUTLINE TWELVE (1 Kings 20-21) 💔

Ahab’s Battles, His Wickedness, and Naboth’s Murder

I. Ahab’s Conquest (20:1-43)

Ahab defeats Ben-hadad twice but disobeys God by sparing him, leading to condemnation.

II. Ahab’s Conspiracy (21:1-16)

Jezebel orchestrates the murder of Naboth to take his vineyard for Ahab.

III. Ahab’s Condemnation (21:17-24)

Elijah condemns Ahab and Jezebel for their wickedness.

IV. Ahab’s Contrition (21:25-29)

Ahab repents, and God delays judgment until after his death.

SECTION OUTLINE THIRTEEN (1 Kings 22) ⚔️

Ahab’s Death and Jehoshaphat’s Reign

I. The End of Ahab’s Reign (22:1-40)

Ahab is killed in battle after ignoring the prophetic warning of Micaiah.

II. The Events of Jehoshaphat’s Reign (22:41-50)

Jehoshaphat reigns in Judah, with some reforms but also failures.

III. The Evilness of Ahaziah’s Reign (22:51-53)

Ahaziah, the son of Ahab, continues his father’s idolatrous ways.

Conclusion: The Rise and Fall of Kings 👑

The Book of 1 Kings illustrates the dangers of idolatry, the need for obedience to God’s commands, and the contrast between wise leadership and foolishness. While Solomon starts strong, the seeds of disobedience planted during his reign lead to a divided kingdom, bringing calamity upon Israel. The prophets, especially Elijah, remain God’s voice in the wilderness, calling for repentance and faithfulness.

Bible Outline – 1 Kings