1 Kings

Author: Unknown
Date of Writing: 6th Century BC
Type of Book: Historical
Theme: Israel united and divided

Tradition tells us that Jeremiah wrote the book of 1 Kings. We don't know for sure, but Jeremiah certainly had the qualifications to do so. As both a priest and a prophet, he had access to official government records of these events in the history of Israel.

It is thought that the books of 1 and 2 Kings were compiled from information contained in several other documents, including The Book of the Acts of Solomon (1 Kgs 11:41), The Book of the Chrionicles of the Kings of Israel, and the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah. These last two books were the official records of the two kingdoms, when Israel was divided into the northern and southern kingdoms. They are cited throughout this book.

The book of 1 Kings begins with the end of David's kingdom, at his death, and it tells of the reign of Solomon. Following the death of Solomon, it records the division of Israel into two separate kingdoms.

The book follows the reign of a succession of kings in both kingdoms, some good and some bad. The kings are often compared to David, who set the standard for Jewish kings. We see the blessings that come from following and serving God and the trouble that arises when we ignore or disobey God.

The prophet Elijah also figures prominently in this book as he speaks boldly for the Lord and confronts the idolatry in the land, as well as the corruption of its leaders.

-from Pastor Chuck Smith: The Word for Today Bible