He was a king who rose to dizzying heights. An empire… renowned wisdom… breathtaking buildings… incredible wealth… Solomon had it all. And under him, God’s chosen people Israel enjoyed a golden age.

But he was also a king who fell ruinously. His reputation became tarnished… his kingdom was divided… his achievements did not last. Solomon's life and rule are a fascinating study of wealth and power—and their corrupting influence.

But his rule is not primarily a morality tale. Solomon's reign, and the blessings God’s people enjoyed under him, point us to a greater king, who will never fall. The king and his kingdom turn out to be just a shadow of the reality that is to come in Christ. Its rise shows us how wonderful it is when God’s people live in God’s land under God’s king. Its fall reminds us that the best is yet to come.

The eight studies in this Good Book Guide will help ordinary Christians get to grips with the first eleven chapters of 1 Kings. They will encourage and challenge you as you seek to live as God’s people today. And they will excite you as you look forward to the eternal glory of living under great Solomon’s greater Son—Jesus Christ.

Table of contents

Introduction

Why study 1 Kings?

Timeline

1. Solomon the king - 1 Kings 1

2. Solomon's rule - 1 Kings 1 – 2

3. Solomon's wisdom - 1 Kings 3

4. Solomon's wealth - 1 Kings 4 – 5

5. Solomon's buildings - 1 Kings 6 – 7

6. Solomon's prayer - 1 Kings 8

7. Solomon and the queen - 1 Kings 9 – 10

8. Solomon's fall - 1 Kings 11

   Leader's Guide