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Pages you visit will appear hereThe divided kingdom and the decline into exile
| Chapter | Summary | Commentary |
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| 1 |
David is old and frail. Adonijah exalts himself as king, but Nathan and Bathsheba secure Solomon’s coronation by David’s command.
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Commentary
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| 2 |
David gives Solomon final instructions to be faithful and deal with adversaries. Solomon establishes his reign by executing Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei, and affirming loyal allies.
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| 3 |
Solomon asks God for wisdom in a dream at Gibeon. God grants him wisdom and wealth. Solomon demonstrates discernment by judging between two women over a baby.
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| 4 |
Solomon’s officials and governors are listed. Israel prospers under his reign, and Solomon’s wisdom becomes renowned throughout the world.
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| 5 |
Solomon makes a treaty with Hiram of Tyre to supply cedar and laborers for building the temple. Preparations for construction begin.
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| 6 |
Solomon builds the temple with precise detail, completing it in seven years. God promises His presence if Israel obeys His commands.
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| 7 |
Solomon builds his palace and the Hall of Justice. Huram crafts bronze furnishings for the temple, including pillars, basins, and utensils.
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| 8 |
The ark is brought into the temple. God’s glory fills the house. Solomon prays a dedicatory prayer, asking God to hear prayers directed toward this temple.
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| 9 |
God reaffirms His covenant with Solomon. Solomon’s building projects expand, including cities and trade. Hiram receives towns from Solomon.
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| 10 |
The Queen of Sheba visits Solomon, marvels at his wisdom, and praises God. Solomon’s wealth and splendor surpass all kings.
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| 11 |
Solomon’s many foreign wives turn his heart to idolatry. God raises adversaries, including Jeroboam. God announces the kingdom will be torn from Solomon’s son.
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| 12 |
Rehoboam becomes king. He rejects wise counsel and increases burdens, causing ten tribes to rebel and follow Jeroboam. Jeroboam establishes idolatrous worship in Bethel and Dan.
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| 13 |
A man of God prophesies against Jeroboam’s altar. Jeroboam’s hand shrivels but is restored. The prophet disobeys God’s command and is killed by a lion.
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| 14 |
Jeroboam’s son becomes sick. A prophet foretells judgment on Jeroboam’s house. Judah also turns to idolatry under Rehoboam. Rehoboam faces Egyptian invasion.
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| 15 |
Abijam and Asa reign over Judah. Asa does what is right, removing idols, but does not eliminate high places. Nadab and Baasha reign in Israel; Baasha destroys Jeroboam’s house.
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| 16 |
Baasha’s dynasty is condemned. Elah, Zimri, Omri, and Ahab follow as kings of Israel. Ahab marries Jezebel and promotes Baal worship, provoking God’s anger.
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| 17 |
Elijah announces drought in Israel. God provides for him by ravens and a widow. Elijah raises the widow’s son from the dead, showing God’s power.
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| 18 |
Elijah confronts Ahab and challenges Baal’s prophets on Mount Carmel. God answers Elijah with fire, proving He is God. The drought ends with Elijah’s prayer.
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| 19 |
Elijah flees Jezebel in fear. God reveals Himself in a gentle whisper at Mount Horeb. Elijah is reassured and called to anoint successors, including Elisha.
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| 20 |
Ahab defeats Ben-hadad of Aram with God’s help, but spares him against God’s command. A prophet condemns Ahab for letting him go.
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| 21 |
Ahab covets Naboth’s vineyard. Jezebel arranges Naboth’s death. Elijah confronts Ahab, pronouncing doom on his house. Ahab humbles himself, delaying judgment.
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| 22 |
Micaiah prophesies Ahab’s death despite pressure to agree with false prophets. Ahab disguises himself in battle but is killed. Jehoshaphat reigns in Judah; Ahaziah in Israel.
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