1 Kings

The book of 1 Kings, written by an unknown author to the people of Israel around 550 BC, depicts the kings of Israel and Judah such as Solomon, who builds the Temple of Jerusalem. Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom, leads Israel into idolatry and rebellion against God. Ahab, one of the infamous kings of Israel, and his wife Jezebel play a central role in the narrative, showcasing the moral and spiritual challenges faced by the northern kingdom. The prophet Elijah also emerges during this period, confronting the king and challenging the people to remain faithful to the God of Israel. In the southern kingdom of Judah, the line of kings includes notable figures such as Rehoboam, Asa, Jehoshaphat, and Hezekiah.

Adonijah Sets Himself Up As A King - Chapter 1

As David ages, his servants suggest finding a young virgin to attend to him. Abishag is chosen and cares for David. Meanwhile, David's son, Adonijah, declared himself king with support from Joab and Abiathar. Unaware, loyalists like Nathan, Benaiah, and Zadok stood by Solomon. Adonijah hosted a feast, excluding Solomon. Nathan informed Bathsheba, who confronted David about the situation. Together, they reminded him of the promise to make Solomon king. Nathan advised Bathsheba on how to appeal to David. As Bathsheba presented her case, Nathan supported her plea, exposing Adonijah's rebellion and his exclusion of Solomon from the feast.

David Makes Solomon King

King David summoned Bathsheba to reaffirm his oath to make Solomon king. David then called Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah, instructing them to anoint Solomon as king. They took Solomon on David's mule, anointed him at Gihon, and proclaimed, "Long live King Solomon!" The people celebrated, causing a joyful uproar. Adonijah and the guests heard the commotion and grew uneasy. Jonathan, son of Abiathar, informed Adonijah of Solomon's coronation. Fearing repercussions, Adonijah sought refuge at the altar. Solomon assured his safety, as long as he behaved honorably. Adonijah, brought before Solomon, pledged allegiance, and Solomon spared him.

David's Charge To Solomon - Chapter 2

As David neared death, he tells Solomon to be strong, obey God, and follow the Law of Moses for prosperity. David reminded Solomon of Joab's unjust killings and urged appropriate action. David advised kindness to Barzillai's sons for their loyalty and cautioned about Shimei's past curses. David's final words instructed Solomon to use wisdom in dealing with Shimei. After David's death, he was buried in the City of David, having reigned for 40 years. Solomon, his son, ascended the throne, solidifying his rule.

David Makes Solomon King

Adonijah sought Bathsheba, requesting Abishag as his wife. Bathsheba relayed the message to Solomon who saw it as a scheme to claim the throne. Solomon commanded Benaiah to execute Adonijah, who carried out the command. Solomon spared Abiathar's life but removed him from the priesthood. Joab fled to the tent of the Lord, clinging to the altar. Solomon ordered Joab's death, thus eliminating the guilt for Joab's innocent bloodshed. Shimei, confined to Jerusalem, later violated his oath by pursuing escaped slaves, leading to his execution. Solomon declared his reign, having solidified control by eliminating potential threats, and ensuring the kingdom's establishment under his rule.

Solomon Asks For Wisdom - Chapter 3

Solomon formed an alliance with the Pharaoh of Egypt and married the Pharaoh's daughter. During the construction of his palace, the temple, and Jerusalem's wall, people continued sacrificing at high places. Despite this, Solomon displayed love for God, following David's instructions but sacrificing on high places. At Gibeon, the most significant high place, Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings. God appeared to him in a dream, granting a request. Solomon asked for a discerning heart to govern justly, pleasing God. God not only granted wisdom but also promised wealth and honor. Solomon, awakening, returned to Jerusalem, offering sacrifices before the ark and hosting a feast, signaling the beginning of his prosperous and wise reign.

A Wise Ruling

Two women appeared before King Solomon, both claiming to be the mother of a living child. The first woman explained that her baby had died because the second woman had accidentally smothered him at night. The second woman disputed this, asserting that the living child was hers and accusing the first woman of falsehood. Solomon proposed to divide the living child in two, giving each woman half. The true mother, driven by maternal love, begged Solomon to spare the child's life and give him to the other woman. The second woman callously agreed to the division. Solomon, perceiving the genuine mother's selflessness, declared her the rightful parent and awarded her custody. The people recognized Solomon's divine wisdom, respecting his ability to administer just and discerning rulings.

Solomon's Officials And Governors - Chapter 4

King Solomon's rule over Israel featured a well-organized administration, with key officials like high priest Azariah, secretaries Elihoreph and Ahijah, and commander Benaiah. Twelve district governors, including Ben-Hur, Ben-Deker, and Baana, provided provisions for the royal household. Azariah oversaw district governors, while Zabud advised the king. Solomon's appointees, such as Ahishar and Adoniram, ensured efficient governance and managed forced labor. Geber governed Gilead exclusively. This structured leadership showcased Solomon's strategic rule over a united Israel.

Solomon's Daily Provisions

Solomon's reign brought prosperity to Judah and Israel, their people thriving in abundance. From the Euphrates to the Philistine border, nations paid tribute. Solomon's daily provisions were ample, ensuring peace from Tiphsah to Gaza. Under Solomon's governance, safety prevailed from Dan to Beersheba with each dwelling peacefully. Solomon maintained a powerful cavalry and skilled district governors who diligently provided provisions to the satisfaction of all who came to the king's table.

Solomon's Wisdom

God granted Solomon unparalleled wisdom, surpassing all in the East and Egypt. His wisdom exceeded renowned figures like Ethan the Ezrahite, Heman, Kalkol, and Darda. Solomon's fame reached surrounding nations, and his wisdom attracted people from all corners. Solomon composed three thousand proverbs and a thousand and five songs, addressing topics from plant life to animals. Solomon's wisdom drew emissaries from every nation, sent by kings worldwide who had heard of his extraordinary insight.

Preparations For Building The Temple - Chapter 5

Hiram, king of Tyre, sent envoys to Solomon in recognition of his past alliance with David. Solomon requested cedar from Lebanon to build a temple to God. Hiram agreed to supply the logs and have them transported to the designated location, with Solomon reciprocating by providing food for Hiram's household. This arrangement continued annually, fostering peaceful relations and a treaty between them. Solomon enlisted thirty thousand laborers for the project, working in shifts and overseen by Adoniram. Additionally, there were seventy thousand carriers, eighty thousand stonecutters, and thirty-three hundred foremen. The craftsmen from Solomon and Hiram, along with workers from Byblos, collaborated on quarrying stone and preparing timber that was used to lay the foundation for the construction of the temple.

Solomon Builds The Temple - Chapter 6

In the 480th year post-exodus from Egypt, Solomon initiated the construction of the Lord's temple, completing it in seven years. The temple was 60 cubits long, 20 wide, and 30 high. Solomon built an inner sanctuary, covered in gold, to house the ark. Solomon crafted ten-cubit olive wood cherubim, adorning the inner room's walls with carved cherubim, palm trees, and flowers. The entrance featured doors with olive wood carvings overlaid with gold. For the main hall, he made juniper wood doors with similar embellishments. Solomon covered both rooms' floors with gold and built an inner courtyard. The temple's foundation was laid in the fourth year, and it was finished in the eleventh year.

Solomon Builds His Palace - Chapter 7

Solomon spent thirteen years constructing his palace, including the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon and additional structures. The main palace featured cedar columns, beams, and rows, with rectangular-framed windows and doorways. Solomon built a colonnade, portico, and a throne hall covered in cedar. The entire complex, from the outer walls to the great courtyard, was crafted from high-grade stone and trimmed cedar beams. The foundations were laid with large stones, and the courtyards were enclosed by walls of dressed stone and trimmed cedar beams.

The Temple's Furnishings

King Solomon commissioned Huram, a skilled craftsman in bronze, to create various items for the temple. Huram cast two bronze pillars, each adorned with capitals, chains, and pomegranates. Huram also crafted the Sea, supported by twelve bulls, and ten movable stands with basins. The intricate work included depictions of lions, bulls, cherubim, palm trees, and engraved details. Additionally, Huram made ten bronze basins, pots, shovels, and sprinkling bowls. All these items, including the golden furnishings, were meticulously crafted in burnished bronze. Solomon placed them in the temple alongside the dedicated treasures from his father David.

The Ark Brought To The Temple - Chapter 8

King Solomon gathered the elders and leaders of Israel to bring the ark of the Lord's covenant to Jerusalem. During the festival in the seventh month, the priests and Levites carried the ark and sacred furnishings to the newly built temple. The assembly sacrificed an abundance of sheep and cattle. The priests placed the ark in the Most Holy Place beneath the cherubim's wings. When the priests left, a cloud filled the temple, and the glory of the Lord hindered their service. Solomon acknowledged God's fulfillment of the promise to David and expressed gratitude for building the temple to house the covenant. Solomon highlighted the ark's significance, containing the tablets from Horeb's covenant.

Solomon's Prayer Of Dedication

Solomon, at the Lord's altar, prayed for the fulfillment of divine promises. Solomon acknowledged God's unparalleled greatness and remembered the covenant made with David. Seeking forgiveness, guidance, and mercy, Solomon appealed to God to hear the cries of the people. Solomon asked for justice, restoration, and relief from various adversities. Solomon emphasized the significance of the temple as God's dwelling place, urging divine attention to the prayers offered there. Solomon prayed for foreign worshippers, asking God to answer their prayers, making the temple a beacon for all nations. During times of war, captivity, and repentance, Solomon interceded for the people, seeking forgiveness and divine mercy. Solomon concluded by blessing the assembly, praising God for His faithfulness to promises, and urging unwavering commitment to divine obedience, emphasizing that all the nations might recognize the Lord's sovereignty. Solomon's prayer was another showing of Solomon's divinely provided wisdom in understanding that the Israelites would fall short of God's commands and asking for God to forgive them when they return to God.

The Dedication Of The Temple

After dedicating the temple, Solomon and all of Israel made sacrifices to the Lord—22,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep and goats. Solomon consecrated the courtyard and celebrated a festival for 14 days, with people from Lebo Hamath to the Wadi of Egypt. Solomon, recognizing God's blessings, sent the people away, and they departed joyful and grateful for the Lord's goodness to David and Israel.

The Lord Appears To Solomon - Chapter 9

After completing the temple and palace, the Lord appeared to Solomon, assuring His perpetual presence in the consecrated temple. God pledged a lasting throne for Solomon if he remained faithful like David. However, turning from God to other gods would lead to dire consequences—Israel's expulsion, the temple's ruin, and becoming a source of mockery among nations.

Solomon's Other Activities

In twenty years, Solomon completed the construction of the Lord's temple, his palace, and other projects. Solomon gave Hiram twenty towns in Galilee as repayment for materials. Hiram, displeased, called them the Land of Kabul meaning good-for-nothing. Solomon used forced labor for various construction projects, including rebuilding Gezer. Solomon conscripted non-Israelites for slave labor but didn't enslave Israelites. Solomon appointed officials for supervision. Solomon's wife received Gezer as a gift. Solomon constructed terraces, made offerings in the temple, and built ships at Ezion Geber. Hiram's sailors, along with Solomon's, brought back 420 talents of gold from Ophir.

The Queen Of Sheba Visits Solomon - Chapter 10

The queen of Sheba tested Solomon with tough questions. The queen of Sheba was impressed by his wisdom, palace, table, officials, servants, and temple offerings. Acknowledging that Solomon was more impressive than the reports, she praised Solomon's prosperity and attributed it to the Lord. In admiration, she presented 120 talents of gold, spices, and precious stones. Hiram's ships brought additional wealth. Solomon reciprocated by fulfilling the queen's requests generously. Grateful, she returned to her land.

Solomon's Splendor

Solomon received an annual tribute of 666 talents of gold, excluding additional revenues. Solomon crafted 200 large gold shields and 300 small ones, placing them in the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon. Solomon made a remarkable ivory and gold throne adorned with lions. All his goblets and household items were of gold, deeming silver as inferior. His trading fleet, sent every three years, brought wealth and exotic items. Solomon surpassed all kings in riches and wisdom. People sought his wisdom, presenting gifts. Solomon also amassed chariots, horses, and silver, making Jerusalem prosperous. His horses were imported and exported, which strengthened diplomatic ties.

Solomon's Wives - Chapter 11

Despite God's warnings, Solomon loved many foreign women, marrying Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites. He had 700 royal wives and 300 concubines, leading him astray. As Solomon aged, his heart turned to other gods, displeasing the Lord. Solomon followed foreign deities like Ashtoreth and Molek, committing evil. Solomon built high places for detestable gods, which angered the Lord. Due to Solomon's disobedience, God vowed to tear the kingdom away, though not during his lifetime, sparing it for David's sake but leaving one tribe for Solomon's son and Jerusalem.

Solomon's Adversaries

The Lord raised adversaries against Solomon including Hadad the Edomite who fled to Egypt, receiving favor from Pharaoh, while Rezon, fleeing from Hadadezer, became a leader in Damascus, causing trouble for Solomon. Hadad returned to Edom after Solomon's death, and Rezon ruled in Aram, remaining hostile to Israel. These adversaries were consequences of Solomon's disobedience, fulfilling God's warning about foreign alliances leading to strife and turning hearts away from Him.

Jeroboam Rebels Against Solomon

Jeroboam rebelled against Solomon. The prophet Ahijah met Jeroboam, tearing his cloak into twelve pieces, symbolizing the division of the kingdom. God promised Jeroboam ten tribes, leaving one for Solomon's line, due to Solomon's disobedience. Solomon sought to kill Jeroboam, who fled to Egypt.

Solomon's Death

Solomon's reign, wisdom, and actions are detailed in the annals of Solomon. Solomon ruled over Israel for forty years in Jerusalem, then passed away and was buried in his father David's city. Rehoboam, his son, ascended to the throne after him.

Israel Rebels Against Rehoboam - Chapter 12

Rehoboam faced a request to lighten the heavy yoke his father imposed. Seeking counsel, he rejected wise advice of easing the heavy yoke and listened to his peers who suggested harshness. When the people protested, Rehoboam persisted, leading to a rebellion. The northern tribes, except Judah, followed Jeroboam, making him king. Rehoboam prepared for war, but a prophet, Shemaiah, conveyed God's message to avoid conflict among the brothers. The fighting headed and the divided kingdoms emerged — Israel under Jeroboam and Judah under Rehoboam — in fulfillment of God's plan. Adoniram was stoned, symbolizing the tension between the two kingdoms.

Golden Calves At Bethel And Dan

Jeroboam, fearing the people's loyalty to Judah, set up golden calves in Bethel and Dan, diverting worship from Jerusalem. Jeroboam established alternative religious practices with unauthorized priests and a festival, leading Israel into sin. Despite this deviation, Jeroboam retained control over the northern tribes and perpetuated idolatrous worship.

The Man Of God From Judah - Chapter 13

A man of God from Judah confronted Jeroboam at the altar, prophesying Josiah's future actions against the altar. As a sign, the altar split, and ashes poured out. Jeroboam's hand withered, but after the man of God's intercession, it was restored. Jeroboam invited the man to dine, but the man refused since he had instruction from God not to return from where he came. An old prophet deceived the man into returning with him, leading to God's judgment. After dining, the old prophet proclaimed the consequences of defying God's command. On his journey, the man was killed by a lion. The old prophet mourned and requested burial beside the man. Jeroboam persisted in sin, appointing priests for the high places, leading to the downfall of his house.

Ahijah's Prophecy Against Jeroboam - Chapter 14

Abijah, Jeroboam's son, became ill, so Jeroboam sent his disguised wife to the prophet Ahijah in Shiloh for guidance. Despite Ahijah's blindness, the Lord revealed Jeroboam's wife's identity and the impending disaster. The prophecy foretold the downfall of Jeroboam's house, with every male cut off, dogs eating those dying in the city, and birds feeding on those in the country. The king appointed by the Lord would arise and cut off Jeroboam's family. Israel would face divine punishment, scattered beyond the Euphrates due to idolatry. When Jeroboam's wife returned, the boy died as predicted. Jeroboam reigned for twenty-two years, and Nadab succeeded him.

Rehoboam King Of Judah

Rehoboam, son of Solomon, reigned for 17 years in Judah but did evil in the eyes of the Lord. Judah's sins surpassed those before, with the establishment of high places, sacred stones, Asherah poles, and male shrine prostitutes. In Rehoboam's fifth year, Egypt's King Shishak attacked Jerusalem, plundering the temple and royal treasures. Rehoboam replaced the gold shields with bronze ones. Wars persisted between Rehoboam and Jeroboam. After Rehoboam's death, he was buried in the City of David, and his son Abijah succeeded him as king. The details of Rehoboam's reign are recorded in the annals of the kings of Judah.

Abijah King Of Judah - Chapter 15

In the eighteenth year of Jeroboam's reign, Abijah became king of Judah, reigning for three years in Jerusalem. Despite following his father's sins, the Lord granted Abijah a strong reign for David's sake. War persisted between Abijah and Jeroboam throughout his life. Details of Abijah's reign are recorded in the annals of the kings of Judah. Abijah rested with his ancestors and was buried in the City of David, with his son Asa succeeding him as king.

Asa King Of Judah

In the twentieth year of Jeroboam's reign, Asa became king of Judah, reigning for forty-one years in Jerusalem. Asa followed the ways of David, removing idols and shrine prostitutes, even deposing his grandmother for her idolatry. Although he didn't eliminate all high places, Asa remained devoted to the Lord. Throughout his reign, there was a war with Baasha, the king of Israel. Asa sought an alliance with Ben-Hadad of Aram, diverting him from aiding Baasha. Asa's accomplishments, including building projects and the treaty with Aram, are detailed in the annals of the kings of Judah. Asa died and was succeeded by his son Jehoshaphat.

Nadab King Of Israel

In the second year of Asa's reign in Judah, Nadab, Jeroboam's son, became king of Israel, reigning for two years. Like his father, Nadab committed evil, which provoked the Lord's anger. Baasha, from the tribe of Issachar, conspired against Nadab and killed him during the siege of Gibbethon. Baasha then exterminated Jeroboam's entire family, fulfilling the prophecy of Ahijah.

Baasha King Of Israel

In the third year of Asa's rule in Judah, Baasha, son of Ahijah, became king over all Israel in Tirzah, reigning for twenty-four years. However, Baasha continued the sinful ways of Jeroboam, leading Israel into the same transgressions.

Baasha King Of Israel (cont.) - Chapter 16

The word of the Lord came to Jehu son of Hanani, condemning Baasha for following Jeroboam's sinful ways and leading Israel into transgression. God pronounced judgment and foretold the demise of Baasha and the fate of his house, resembling the downfall of Jeroboam's lineage. Baasha's reign, deeds, and fate are recorded in the annals of the kings of Israel. Baasha was buried in Tirzah, and Elah, his son, succeeded him as king. The prophet Jehu conveyed the Lord's rebuke to Baasha and his house for their wickedness and the destruction they brought upon themselves.

Elah King Of Israel

In the twenty-sixth year of Asa's reign, Elah became king of Israel and ruled for two years. Zimri, one of his officials, assassinated Elah while he was drunk in Tirzah, to fulfill the word of the Lord. Zimri then killed Baasha's entire family upon ascending the throne. These events transpired due to the sins of Baasha and Elah, provoking the Lord's anger. Records of Elah's reign and deeds are documented in the annals of the kings of Israel.

Zimri King Of Israel

In the twenty-seventh year of Asa's reign, Zimri ruled over Israel for seven days before the army that was stationed near Gibbethon learned of his murder of the king. In response, they proclaimed Omri as king. Omri and the Israelites then besieged Tirzah. To escape capture, Zimri set the royal palace on fire and died in the fire. Zimri's reign and rebellion against the rightful king are chronicled in the annals of the kings of Israel. Zimri's downfall resulted from his evil deeds that mirrored Jeroboam's sins.

Omri King Of Israel

After the death of Zimri, Israel was divided, with factions supporting Tibni and Omri for king. Omri's faction proved stronger, leading to Tibni's death, and Omri ascended as king in the thirty-first year of Asa's reign. Omri ruled for twelve years, six of them in Tirzah. Omri purchased the hill of Samaria, built a city there, and committed greater sins than his predecessors, following the ways of Jeroboam. Details of Omri's reign are recorded in the annals of the kings of Israel. Omri died and was buried in Samaria, succeeded by his son Ahab.

Ahab Becomes King Of Israel

In the thirty-eighth year of Asa's reign in Judah, Ahab became king of Israel and ruled in Samaria for twenty-two years. Ahab surpassed his predecessors in evil, not only continuing the sins of Jeroboam but also marrying Jezebel, daughter of Ethbaal the Sidonian king, and promoting the worship of Baal. Ahab constructed a temple and altar for Baal in Samaria and an Asherah pole. Ahab's actions angered the Lord more than any previous kings. Additionally, during Ahab's time, Hiel of Bethel rebuilt Jericho, fulfilling the prophecy of Joshua regarding the tragic cost of its reconstruction.

Micaiah Prophesies Against Ahab - Chapter 22

In the third year of peace between Aram and Israel, king Jehoshaphat of Judah visits King Ahab of Israel. Ahab seeks Jehoshaphat's alliance to recapture Ramoth Gilead from Aram. Jehoshaphat advises consulting the Lord before going to war. Ahab gathers about four hundred prophets who unanimously predict victory. However, Jehoshaphat asks for a prophet of the Lord, and Micaiah is summoned. Initially, Micaiah aligns with the positive prophecy, but when pressed, he reveals a vision of Israel scattered without a leader and discloses a heavenly council where a deceiving spirit plans Ahab's downfall. Zedekiah, a false prophet, strikes Micaiah, who predicts Ahab's fate.

Ahab Killed At Ramoth Gilead

Ahab and Jehoshaphat, go to war against Aram to reclaim Ramoth Gilead. Ahab disguises himself, while Jehoshaphat wears royal robes. The king of Aram instructs his chariot commanders to target the king of Israel specifically. Mistakenly, they focus on Jehoshaphat until he cries out, revealing his true identity. Nevertheless, a random arrow mortally wounds Ahab, prompting him to withdraw from the battle. Ahab dies that evening. Ahab's blood-stained chariot is washed at a pool in Samaria, fulfilling the prophecy that dogs would lick up his blood. Ahab is buried in Samaria, and the account of his reign is recorded in the annals of the kings of Israel. Ahaziah, his son, succeeds him as king.

Jehoshaphat King of Judah

Jehoshaphat reigns for 25 years, following his father's ways but retains the high places. He maintains peace with Israel's king, accomplishes various feats, and removes male shrine prostitutes. Attempting a trade venture to Ophir, his ships are wrecked. Jehoshaphat dies, buried in the city of David, succeeded by his son Jehoram.

Ahaziah King Of Israel

Ahaziah reigns over Israel for two years. Ahazziah does evil, following his family's sinful ways, serving Baal and provoking the Lord's anger, as his father Ahab and Jeroboam had done.

Elijah Announces A Great Drought - Chapter 17

Elijah, a prophet, warned King Ahab that there would be a drought in Israel, stating that there would be no dew or rain for the next few years except at Elijah's command, as directed by the God of Israel.

Elijah Fed By Ravens

The Lord instructed Elijah to go to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, where he would find sustenance. Elijah obeyed and stayed there, receiving food from ravens each morning and evening, and drinking water from the brook (small stream), as directed by the Lord.

Elijah And The Widow At Zarephath

When the brook dried up, God guided Elijah to Zarephath. God told Elijah that he would find a widow there who would provide for him. Upon arrival, he encountered a destitute widow, and despite her scarcity of resources, Elijah requested water and bread. Remarkably, he assured her that her flour and oil wouldn't run out until the drought ended. This divine provision unfolded as promised. Tragically, the widow's son later fell seriously ill, ultimately dying. Elijah, demonstrating profound faith and compassion, prayed for the boy's revival. Due to Elijah's faith, God brought the child back to life, and the widow's belief in Elijah as a man of God was affirmed.

Elijah And Obadiah - Chapter 18

In the third year of drought, God instructed Elijah to confront King Ahab and promised rain. As the famine gripped Samaria, Ahab sought grass for his animals. Obadiah, Ahab's administrator, had hidden a hundred prophets and supplied them. Elijah, meeting Obadiah, instructed him to inform Ahab of his presence. Fearful for his life, Obadiah hesitated, but Elijah assured him. Despite concerns, Elijah resolved to face Ahab that day, emphasizing his commitment to God.

Elijah On Mount Carmel

Elijah confronts King Ahab over Israel's faithlessness and challenges the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. Elijah urges the people to choose between the Lord and Baal with a test to see which faith could produce fire upon calling on their God/god. The prophets of Baal fail to invoke their god, but after preparing an altar, Elijah calls upon the Lord. God answers with fire, vindicating Elijah. The people proclaim, "The Lord—he is God!" - 1 Kings 18:39. Elijah orders the execution of the prophets of Baal. Elijah, praying atop Carmel, sees a small cloud, signaling rain. Ahab rushes to escape the impending storm, while Elijah, empowered by the Lord, outruns Ahab to Jezreel.

Elijah Flees To Horeb - Chapter 19

Ahab informs Jezebel of Elijah's actions, and she threatens his life. Elijah flees to Beersheba in Judah, leaving his servant behind. In the wilderness, exhausted and distressed, Elijah prays for death. An angel provides him with bread and water, urging him to eat and rest. Strengthened, Elijah travels for forty days to Horeb, the mountain of God.

The Lord Appears To Elijah

The Lord questions Elijah's presence on Mount Horeb. Elijah, feeling alone and threatened, recounts his zealous loyalty amid Israel's apostasy (abandonment or not following their faith). God instructs Elijah to stand on the mountain, signaling His imminent presence. Despite dramatic natural phenomena—an intense wind, earthquake, and fire—God's voice comes as a gentle whisper. Again, Elijah voices his concerns, and God commissions him to anoint Hazael as king over Aram, Jehu as king over Israel, and Elisha as Elijah's successor as prophet. God reveals a remnant of seven thousand faithful in Israel, dispelling Elijah's sense of isolation.

The Call Of Elisha

Elijah encounters Elisha plowing with twelve yoke of oxen. Symbolically, Elijah throws his cloak onto Elisha, signifying his call as a prophet. Elisha joins Elijah as his devoted servant and embarks as Elijah's apprentice and successor in prophethood.

Ben-Hadad Attaks Samaria - Chapter 20

Ben-Hadad of Aram, along with thirty-two kings, besieges Samaria and demands silver, gold, wives, and children from Ahab who was the current king of Israel. Ahab initially agrees, but Ben-Hadad increases his demands. Ahab gathers the elders, and they refuse to comply. Ahab defiantly replies, prompting Ben-Hadad to threaten the city's destruction. Ben-Hadad, incensed by Ahab's retort, orders an immediate attack on Samaria.

Ahab Defeats Ben-Hadad

A prophet delivers a message to Ahab, promising victory against the vast Aramean army. Ahab gathers his forces led by junior officers, and they surprise the Arameans while they are drunk. The Israelites prevail and the prophet warns Ahab of a future attack. The Aramean officials suggest changing their strategy, believing the Israelite God is stronger in the hills instead of the plains. The Israelites defeat the Arameans in the second battle. Ben-Hadad's officials seek mercy from Ahab. Ahab makes a treaty with Ben-Hadad and releases him in exchange for promises and territorial concessions.

A Prophet Condemns Ahab

A prophet instructs his companion to strike him but the companion refuses. The prophet predicts that a lion will kill the companion for disobedience, and it happens as foretold. The prophet then finds another man who agrees to strike him. Disguising himself, the prophet waits for the king by the road. When the king passes, the prophet claims that he was entrusted with a captive, but the captive disappeared while he was occupied. The king unknowingly pronounces his own sentence, and the prophet reveals his true identity, conveying a message from the Lord: because the king spared a man destined to die, the consequences will be the king's life for the man's life and his people for the man's people. Sullen and angry, the king returns to his palace in Samaria.

Naboth's Vineyard - Chapter 21

King Ahab covets Naboth's vineyard, but Naboth refuses to sell it since it is his ancestral inheritance. Jezebel, Ahab's wife, schemes to acquire the vineyard deceitfully. She arranges false accusations against Naboth that lead to his stoning and Ahab's acquisition of the vineyard. Elijah receives a message from the Lord, condemning Ahab for murder and prophesying dire consequences for him and Jezebel. Ahab humbles himself upon hearing the prophecy, prompting a divine decision to delay disaster to the days of his son as a response to Ahab's repentance.