Bible Basics

1 Kings: Wisdom, Wealth, and the Price of Idolatry

• Jacqueline Williams Adewole • Season 3 • Episode 5

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Delve into the background of the divided kingdom as we explore the grand reign of King Solomon and the subsequent fracture of Israel into two nations. Join us on the Bible Basics Podcast, where we delve into the captivating narrative of 1 Kings. We promise you'll gain insights into how Solomon's remarkable wisdom and achievements, including the construction of the iconic temple in Jerusalem, became overshadowed by his spiritual missteps and the kingdom's eventual split. Discover why the allegiance to God's law was pivotal to the prosperity of Israel and its rulers, and how the choices of one king set the course for generations.

In our exploration of 1 Kings, we trace Solomon's rise to power amidst the tension following King David’s reign, and uncover the golden era of prosperity that defined his rule. However, as Solomon's kingdom flourished, his inclination towards idolatry laid the groundwork for a divided nation. Hear about the dramatic shift as Solomon's son, Rehoboam, inherits a unified kingdom only to face secession and division into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. This episode unpacks the critical lessons from this pivotal period in Israel's history, highlighting the enduring significance of spiritual fidelity in achieving lasting peace and unity.

Related Episodes:

Ancient Israel's Monarchy: A Journey into Biblical Kingship

Obedience, Sin, and God's Sovereignty in I Samuel
Leadership, Sin and God's Promise in 2 Samuel


Sources:
·      B&H Editorial Staff, Holman Illustrated Bible Handbook (Holman Bible Publishers, 2012), 81, 107.
·      Got Questions Ministries, Got Questions? Bible Questions Answered (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2002–2013).
·      John MacArthur, The MacArthur Quick Reference Guide to the Bible, Student ed. (Nashville, TN: W Pub. Group, 2001), 53–54.
·      John MacArthur, NIV Study Bible
·      Joyce Meyer, Battlefield of the Mind Bible: Renew Your Mind Through the Power of God’s Word (New York, NY: FaithWords, 2017).
·      Kendell H. Easley, Ultimate Bible Guide, Revised & Expanded., Ultimate Guide Series (Holman Reference, 2018), 69.
·      Kendell H. Easley, Holman QuickSource Guide to Understanding the Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2002), 73.
·      Thomas, Nelson. The NIV, Open Bible: Complete Reference System (p. 3248).
·      Ryrie Study Bible

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Note: All scripture references are from the NIV translation unless otherwise indicated.

Jacqui:

Welcome. Today we're embarking on a two-part journey through the books of 1 and 2 Kings. Starting with 1 Kings, we'll explore some of the most significant events in Israel's history, from the height of King Solomon's reign and the grandeur of the temple's construction to the painful division of the kingdom. Stick around as we dive into this story of wisdom, wealth and, ultimately, tragedy. Well, welcome everyone. I'm your host, Jacqui Adewole, and this is the Bible Basics Podcast, where weekly, we break down the basics of the Bible into understandable, bite-sized chunks. The Bible into understandable, bite-sized chunks. 1 Kings is one of the historical books of the Bible picking up right after David's reign. It spans from the United Kingdom under Solomon to the split into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. This period begins around 970 BC with Solomon's reign, and concludes in 853 BC. The book's theological purpose is clear it demonstrates the importance of allegiance to God's law, demonstrating that the success of any king and the nation as a whole depended on their faithfulness to God and obedience to his commandments. Now let's do an overview of 1 Kings. We'll start with Solomon's rise to power.

Jacqui:

With Solomon's rise to power, first Kings begins with an aging King David, once a powerful ruler of Israel, now frail and nearing the end of his days. As David's strength fades, a power struggle brews within his household. His son, Adonijah, seizes the opportunity and tries to claim the throne for himself. But this isn't David's plan. Instead, david has chosen Solomon, the son of Bathsheba, to be his successor. With the help of the prophet Nathan and Bathsheba, solomon is anointed king, thwarting Adonijah's ambitions. After a final attempt to undermine Solomon's rule, Adonijah is executed, solidifying Solomon's reign With his place as king secure. Solomon begins addressing the unfinished business of his father. Solomon begins addressing the unfinished business of his father. David had long dreamed of building a temple for the Lord, but the task was left for Solomon to accomplish. The transition between father and son was marked by collaboration with David. Providing guidance and resources to help Solomon complete the work he couldn't finish. Providing guidance and resources to help Solomon complete the work he couldn't finish. Solomon wastes no time in establishing his rule, consolidating power and dealing with any remaining threats to the throne. He emerges not just as a young ruler, but as a wise and decisive leader, setting the stage for Israel's golden age.

Jacqui:

Solomon's reign is marked forever by an extraordinary moment early in his rule. Instead of asking God for riches or military might. Solomon prays to God for one thing wisdom. Solomon prays to God for one thing wisdom. Moved by this request, god grants him unparalleled wisdom, making Solomon the wisest man on earth. His newfound discernment soon becomes legendary, exemplified by one famous case brought before him. Two women came forward, both claiming to be the mother of the same baby. With no clear evidence to rely on, Solomon makes a shocking proposal he suggests cutting the baby in two, offering half to each woman. In that moment, the real mother reveals herself, pleading to give up the child to save its life. Solomon's wisdom and insight are undeniable, and his fame spreads throughout the kingdom and beyond.

Jacqui:

Under Solomon's leadership, israel experiences a period of unmatched prosperity and peace. Solomon inherits and follows the guidance of several of his father, david's advisors. His kingdom thrives, driven by successful trade routes and grand building projects that define the era. At the center of it all is Solomon's greatest achievement the construction of the temple in Jerusalem. This magnificent structure becomes the dwelling place of God's presence among his people, fulfilling the promise made to David. The temple is not just a building. It's the heart of Israel's worship and identity, a spiritual center that unites the nation For a time, it seems, Solomon's reign is the pinnacle of God's blessing on Israel.

Jacqui:

But even the wisest king is not immune to the seduction of power and temptation. As Solomon's reign progresses, his heart turns away from God, even though God had expressly warned him against this. Even though God had expressly warned him against this. Solomon's lust for foreign women leads him to marry many wives from surrounding idols, building altars to these false gods throughout the land. His decision to embrace idolatry not only damages his relationship with God, but also introduces a corrupting influence and sets a dangerous precedent for the people of Israel. Influence and sets a dangerous precedent for the people of Israel. The king's personal choices begin to ripple through the nation, drawing them away from their true God. The king also drifted from the wise counsel of his father's advisors.

Jacqui:

In response to Solomon's unfaithfulness, , God issues a solemn warning. He declares that the kingdom so carefully built under David and Solomon will be torn apart. Yet for the sake of David and, more importantly, the covenant that God made with David, god shows mercy. Solomon will not witness the division during his lifetime. The judgment looms waiting for the next generation.

Jacqui:

After Solomon's death, his son, rehoboam, takes the throne, but his reign is marked by tension and unrest. When the people plead for relief from the heavy burden Solomon had placed on them, rehoboam answers, with the encouragement of his peers, with even harsher demands. This harsh leadership sparks a rebellion. The ten northern tribes, fed up with Rehoboam's rule, break away under the leadership of Jeroboam, forming the northern kingdom of Israel. Only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin remain loyal to Rehoboam, forming the southern kingdom of Judah. This split creates deep political, spiritual, economic and social turmoil, marking the beginning of a long and troubled history for the divided nation of Israel.

Jacqui:

Now, for those of you new to the Bible or to the Old Testament, let me reiterate what has happened here. This is a major turning point in Israel's history. At this point, 1 Kings, chapter 12, the nation has divided into two separate kingdoms. In the north, we have Israel, made up of 10 tribes and a king named Jeroboam, up of 10 tribes and a king named Jeroboam. In the south, we have Judah, which includes the other two tribes, with their king named Rehoboam. Sometimes in the Bible, the names Israel and Judah are used interchangeably, but generally this is how the kingdoms are referred to going forward. The kingdoms are referred to going forward.

Jacqui:

Now we'll get to the next section of 1 Kings that focuses on the rise of idolatry. We see this in 1 Kings 12 to 14. Jerusalem, located in the southern kingdom of Judah, was home to the temple where God was to be worshipped. However, in the northern kingdom of Israel, king Jeroboam established golden calves for the people to worship in two locations Dan and Bethel. His primary motive was to maintain control over the northern kingdom and prevent his people from returning to Jerusalem. In Judah, where King Rehoboam ruled, jeroboam feared that if the Israelites continued to worship at the temple in Jerusalem, their loyalty might shift back to Rehoboam. A prophet from Judah warned against this idolatry, but Jeroboam persisted, leading to a prophecy of his family's downfall. Meanwhile, Rehoboam's reign in Judah also faltered as the people turned to idolatry and Shishak, an Egyptian pharaoh, plunders the temple and royal palace. Pharaoh plunders the temple and royal palace.

Jacqui:

Both kingdoms suffer from unfaithfulness to God, marking the beginning of a long period of decline. At chapter 15, the reigns of several subsequent kings begin to be detailed, most of whom are unfaithful to God, leading to political instability and ongoing idolatry. The author uses a clear pattern to introduce each king, noting their relationship to their predecessor, their actions and whether they followed God or not. This principle gives us a glimpse of how God views leadership, relationship to the predecessor, character of the king and, most importantly, the king's relationship to God. Continuity, character and accountability are important to God. Character and accountability are important to God.

Jacqui:

King Ahab, the eighth king of Israel, and his wife Jezebel ushered in a period of Baal worship, leading Israel astray. The dramatic confrontation on Mount Carmel, led by the prophet Elijah, demonstrates the serious consequences of idolatry. In 1 Kings 18, Elijah challenges 450 of Ahab's prophets to Baal to a contest. Long story short. Baal's prophets try all day to get their God to send fire, but nothing happens. Then Elijah prays and God sends fire from heaven, consuming not only the sacrifice, but also the stones, the water, everything. It's an epic moment that reveals the power of the one true God. After Ahab's death, baal worship declines thanks to the relentless efforts of prophets like Elijah and his protege and successor, elisha. One thing I found particularly intriguing was that, despite the horrendous idolatrous activities Ahab was involved in, he does repent after a prophetic rebuke from Elijah. We see that in 1 Kings 21: 27 through 29. But he later dies in battle because of his refusal to heed the words of Micaiah, another prophet of God.

Jacqui:

Now let's take a look at Christ in the book of 1 Kings. This book prominently features Solomon, david's son and the third king of the United Kingdom of Israel, whose wisdom and splendor were renowned beyond Israel's borders. This period in Israel's history is seen as pointing to the wisdom and glory of Christ. Jesus himself drew a parallel between Solomon and himself, noting that the queen of Sheba traveled far to hear Solomon's wisdom and Jesus declared that quote one greater than Solomon unquote was now present. We find that in Luke 11:31. The wisdom of Solomon is viewed as typifying Christ, who became wisdom from God. We see that in 1 Corinthians 1:30. However, unlike Solomon, who led his kingdom away from God through his marriages to foreign women, Christ's future kingdom is described as one that will not pass away.

Jacqui:

So, in conclusion, as we wrap up today's episode, the story of first kings serves as a reminder of the importance of allegiance to God's law, demonstrating that the success of any king and the nation as a whole depends on their faithfulness to God and obedience to his commandments. Solomon's wisdom and the rise of Israel's kingdom teach us much, but it's his downfall that offers a powerful warning even the wisest among us can falter without a heart fully committed to God. In the next episode, we'll dive into the book of 2 Kings, exploring the continued decline of the kingdoms and the role of the prophets in calling the people back to God. I invite you to reflect on how Solomon's life can teach us in our daily experiences and choices that we make. Until then, keep reading, keep seeking and keep growing in your faith.

Jacqui:

Today we're embarking on a two-part journey through the books of 1 and 2 Kings. Starting with 1 Kings, we'll explore some of the most significant events in Israel's history, from the height of King Solomon's reign and the grandeur of the temple's construction to the painful division of the kingdom. Stick around as we dive into this story of wisdom, wealth and, ultimately, tragedy. First Kings is one of the historical books of the Bible picking up right after David's reign. It spans from the United Kingdom under Solomon to the split into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. This period begins around 970 BC with Solomon's reign and concludes in 853 BC. The book's theological purpose is clear it demonstrates the importance of allegiance to God's law, demonstrating that the success of any king and the nation as a whole depended on their faithfulness to God and obedience to his accomplishments. Now let's do an overview of 1 Kings. We'll start with Solomon's rise to power. 1 Kings begins with an aging.