11) The Book of 1st Kings

FIRST KINGS continues the history of the monarchy of Israel. It records the blessings on a nation when a king reigns properly (Esther 10:3) and the curses on a nation when a king rules as a tyrant. The behavior of government officials often depends upon the spirituality of the people (Neh. 9:36-37; 1 Tim. 2:1-4). Pure faith sows the seeds for prosperous freedom.

The book records the death of David, the reign of Solomon, and the division of the nation (1 Cor. 3:3; 11:18-19). The vital prayer for wisdom and discernment is revealed by Solomon (3:5-15). The cause of apostasy is revealed by a castaway prophet (13:1-32) and the steps to deception are revealed by King Ahab (22:6-28). Religious apostasy and deception are evident by governmental fraud and extortion (21:1-16). The solution to tyranny was the message of the prophet Elijah (18:21-24). Elijah demonstrated the pure faith of God (2 Chron. 20:20). The book contains 22 chapters and 816 verses.

King James Bible.