Book of 1 Kings — New World Translation Study Guide
Section: Hebrew Scriptures · Chapters: 22 · Written by: Jeremiah (possibly) · Approximate date: c. 550 BC · Theme: Kingdom United & Divided
Summary of the Book of 1 Kings
First Kings covers Solomon's glorious reign, the building of Jehovah's Temple, and the tragic division of the kingdom — showing that faithfulness to Jehovah brings blessing while unfaithfulness brings ruin.
Why the Book of 1 Kings Matters Today
First Kings includes Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel — one of the most cited accounts in JW literature on the courage required to stand for true worship in a hostile environment (1 Kings 18:21). The 'soft, low voice' that spoke to Elijah after Jezebel's threat (1 Kings 19:11–13) gives discouraged servants of Jehovah today a tender model of how he sustains his people. The book also documents the danger of spiritual compromise: even Solomon's wisdom did not protect him once foreign wives drew his heart toward pagan worship.
Key Verses in 1 Kings
- 1 Ki 8:23
- 1 Ki 18:21
Notable Passages in 1 Kings
1 Kings 8:23
Solomon's prayer acknowledging there is 'no God like you in the heavens above or on the earth below' celebrates Jehovah's incomparable loyalty to his covenant.
1 Kings 18:21
Elijah's challenge 'How long will you be limping between two opinions?' calls Israel to end the fatal compromise of mixing Baal worship with worship of Jehovah.
1 Kings 3:9
Solomon's request for a 'listening heart' to judge Jehovah's people wisely demonstrates the humility Jehovah honors in those who lead his people.
Study Questions for 1 Kings
As you read the book of 1 Kings, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:
- What does Solomon's request for wisdom rather than wealth or fame (chapter 3) teach about right priorities in prayer?
- How did Solomon's building of the Temple fulfill Jehovah's promise to David, and what does it represent about Jehovah dwelling with his people?
- What caused the division of the kingdom after Solomon's reign, and what does this teach about the spiritual dangers of following pagan customs?
- How did Elijah's victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (chapter 18) demonstrate that Jehovah alone is the true God?
- What does the 'soft, low voice' that spoke to Elijah (chapter 19) teach about how Jehovah communicates with and cares for his servants?
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Kings
- Who wrote the book of 1 Kings?
- Jeremiah is generally identified as the writer of 1 Kings, completing it around 580 BCE while Judah was in Babylonian exile. He drew on royal annals and prophetic records.
- When was the book of 1 Kings written?
- First Kings was completed approximately 580 BCE in Egypt or Babylon, covering 129 years of Israel's history from David's death in 1037 BCE through King Jehoshaphat's death around 911 BCE.
- What is the main theme of 1 Kings?
- First Kings covers Solomon's glorious reign, the building of Jehovah's Temple, the division of the kingdom, and the prophetic ministry of Elijah — demonstrating both the blessings of faithfulness and the spiritual ruin of compromise.
How to Study 1 Kings with JW Study
Track your progress through all 22 chapters of 1 Kings in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters as you read, save personal notes on key passages, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.
Reading Plans That Include 1 Kings
The book of 1 Kings is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.
- NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation, all 66 books, in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
- Hebrew Scriptures in 1 Year — Read all 39 books of the Hebrew Scriptures over the course of a year. (365 days, 929 chapters)
- Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in 90 days with a steady, focused schedule. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
Related Bible Study Topics
Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:
- Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
- Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
- Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
- Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
- The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
- The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
- What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
- What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
- God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
- Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
- The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today
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