Old Testament
Book of 1 Kings
Solomon builds the temple, then turns from God, and the kingdom splits in two. Elijah confronts king Ahab and the prophets of Baal as both kingdoms struggle to stay faithful.
At a glance
1 Kings key facts
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Chapters
- 22
- Author
- Not named in the text; Jewish tradition credits Jeremiah
- When it was written
- Compiled during or after the exile, around 560 BC
- Main theme
- Solomon's wisdom, a divided kingdom, and the call to be loyal to God
- Key verse
- 1 Kings 18:21
Summary
What is 1 Kings about?
Solomon builds the temple, then turns from God, and the kingdom splits in two. Elijah confronts king Ahab and the prophets of Baal as both kingdoms struggle to stay faithful.
Key verse
A key verse in 1 Kings
“And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt all of you between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.”
22 chapters
1 Kings chapters
Read any chapter of 1 Kings in full, with verse-by-verse links.
Questions
1 Kings: common questions
Who wrote the book of 1 Kings?
Not named in the text; Jewish tradition credits Jeremiah.
When was 1 Kings written?
Compiled during or after the exile, around 560 BC.
What is the book of 1 Kings about?
Solomon builds the temple, then turns from God, and the kingdom splits in two. Elijah confronts king Ahab and the prophets of Baal as both kingdoms struggle to stay faithful.
How many chapters are in 1 Kings?
1 Kings has 22 chapters, in the Old Testament.
What is a key verse in 1 Kings?
1 Kings 18:21: “And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt all of you between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.” (KJV).
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