All BooksOld Testament
Book of 1 KingsOverview, summary & 22 chapters
1 Kings has 22 chapters.
History
22 chapters
Overview
First Kings traces Israel's monarchy from the final days of David's reign through the division of the kingdom and subsequent history of the parallel monarchies until Jehoshaphat's rule in Judah and Ahaziah's brief reign in Israel. This theologically-oriented history evaluates each monarch according to their fidelity to the Mosaic covenant, demonstrating how leadership decisions profoundly affect national spiritual health. The narrative unfolds in three major sections: Solomon's glorious united kingdom (chapters 1-11), the kingdom's division and early parallel monarchies (chapters 12-16), and the ministries of Elijah and Elisha during Ahab's dynasty in northern Israel (chapters 17-22).
Author
Jeremiah (traditionally attributed)
Date Written
560-540 BC
Audience
Israelites during Solomon and divided kingdom
Quick Answers
How many chapters are in 1 Kings?
1 Kings has 22 chapters. You can read every chapter of 1 Kings online in TheoScriptura's Bible reader.
Who wrote 1 Kings?
Jeremiah (traditionally attributed) is the traditional author associated with 1 Kings. TheoScriptura also includes book metadata, chapter navigation, and study tools for reading the text in context.
What is 1 Kings about?
First Kings traces Israel's monarchy from the final days of David's reign through the division of the kingdom and subsequent history of the parallel monarchies until Jehoshaphat's rule in Judah and Ahaziah's brief reign in Israel. This theologically-oriented history evaluates each monarch according to their fidelity to the Mosaic covenant, demonstrating how leadership decisions profoundly affect national spiritual health. The narrative unfolds in three major sections: Solomon's glorious united kingdom (chapters 1-11), the kingdom's division and early parallel monarchies (chapters 12-16), and the ministries of Elijah and Elisha during Ahab's dynasty in northern Israel (chapters 17-22). The succession narrative begins with Adonijah's attempted usurpation and Solomon's establishment as David's legitimate heir. Solomon's reign represents both Israel's zenith—characterized by unprecedented wisdom, wealth, territory, and especially the magnificent temple—and the beginning of its decline through Solomon's religious compromise with his foreign wives, leading to idolatry and oppressive governance. Following Solomon's death, Rehoboam's harsh response to tax grievances precipitates the kingdom's division, with only Judah and Benjamin remaining loyal to David's line while Jeroboam establishes the northern kingdom (Israel) with its alternative religious system centered on golden calves at Dan and Bethel—a fateful decision that becomes the standard reference point for condemned northern kings who "walked in the way of Jeroboam." The final section focuses on the dramatic confrontation between the prophet Elijah and the Omride dynasty, particularly King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, who institutionalize Baal worship in the northern kingdom. Elijah's contest with Baal's prophets on Mount Carmel, his despair and divine encounter at Horeb, and his pronouncement of judgment on Ahab's house demonstrate YHWH's sovereignty and the prophetic word's authority during Israel's darkest spiritual period. Traditionally attributed to Jeremiah with editorial completion during the Babylonian exile (approximately 560-540 BC), the book draws on multiple sources including "the book of the acts of Solomon" and royal chronicles of both kingdoms. Its theological perspective is distinctly Deuteronomic, evaluating each king according to covenant faithfulness with special emphasis on exclusive worship of YHWH and centralized worship at the Jerusalem temple. The book powerfully demonstrates the connection between covenant fidelity and national welfare, while introducing the crucial role of prophets in confronting royal authority with divine standards. For Christians, the book foreshadows Christ as the ultimate Temple where God dwells among His people, the perfect King who embodies divine wisdom, and the Prophet greater than Elijah who definitively reveals God's word and defeats false worship. First Kings thus provides essential historical context for understanding both Israel's prophetic literature and the messianic hope that emerges from David's line despite the monarchy's overall failure.