1 Kings 1-11 - summary

Good morning all, God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

  

I kings 1 through 11 takes us from David's death, Solomon coming to the throne and taking rule over all Israel.  This is in chapter 1-David was cold, a woman Abishag came to keep David warm and care for him (no sexual relations).  Adonijah made himself king, Bathsheba speaks to David, then Solomon was made king.

  Chapter 2-David dies, Solomon's throne established. David and his descendants would rule the house and be on the throne and there would be the LORD's peace forever, as long as they followed God.

   Chapter 3 - Solomon has alliance with Pharaoh and married his daughter.  Solomon showed love for LORD by following God's instructions given to him by his father David.  The first of his wisdom - 2 women fighting over 1 child.

   Chapter 4 - King Solomon ruled over Israel with 12 districts and 12 coordinators who provided supplies, 1 each month for Solomon.  People of Judah and Israel were happy and living in peace. Solomon had 4,000 stalls for chariot horses and 12,000 horses.  His wisdom was great.

  Chapter 5 - Solomon makes preparations for building the temple.  Has cedar of Lebanon cut by Hiram, and Solomon kept Hiram in food supplies.  There were 70,000 carriers, 80,000 stonecutters and 3300 formen - all forced labors.  Then men worked 1 month on and 2 months at home.

   Chapter 6 - In his 4th year of reign started building the temple.  60 cubits x 20 cubits wide and 30 cubits high.  Blocks were dressed at quarry and no tool was heard at the temple.  The Cherubim were 10 cubits high and the temple took 7 years to build.

   Chapter 7 - Soloman builds his palace and garners furnishings for the temple.

   Chapter 8 - the Ark was brought from Zion to the city of David.  The sacrifices were too numerous to count or record.  A cloud filled the temple and all had to leave as it was the LORD filling the temple.  From v. 22-52 is Solomon's  prayer of dedication of the temple asking God to hear the prayers of his people.  V.53-61 Solomon blesses the assembly and the dedication of the temple at v. 62.

  Chapter 9 - LORD appears to Solomon and tells him no idols or they would be cut off.  Solomon goes about other activities.

  Chapter 10- Queen of Sheba visits Solomon, she was over whelmed and gave 120 talents of god, large quantities of spices and precious stones to Solomon.  He received yearly 666 talents of gold and silver was not of great value - as common as stones.

   Chapter 11 - the OOPS of Solomon.  Solomon takes wives - mostly of foreign women.  700 wives of royal birth and 300 concubines.  The wives brought in their gods and led Solomon astray.   Solomon did evil in the eyes of the LORD.  v. 26 Jeroboam rebels against Solomon and v. 31 Solomon's kingdom is split - Jeroboam get 10 tribes, then we see Solomon's death.

   Take time to go to : www.biblegateway.com and click on I Kings and the speaker icon and you can listen to these stories.  It is well worth the time and you will gain a wealth of knowledge.

  Whew!  These 11 chapters are not covered thoroughly, but give you a glimpse of what is going on.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny