Book of 1 Kings — New World Translation Study Guide

Testament: 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.

The book of 1 Kings is part of the Hebrew Scriptures and contains 22 chapters. It was written by Jeremiah (possibly) approximately c. 550 BC. The central theme running throughout 1 Kings is kingdom united & divided — a foundational message for Jehovah's people as they pursue pure worship and grow in knowledge of Jehovah's purposes.

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:

  1. What does Solomon's request for wisdom rather than wealth or fame (chapter 3) teach about right priorities in prayer?
  2. 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?
  3. What caused the division of the kingdom after Solomon's reign, and what does this teach about the spiritual dangers of following pagan customs?
  4. How did Elijah's victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (chapter 18) demonstrate that Jehovah alone is the true God?
  5. What does the 'soft, low voice' that spoke to Elijah (chapter 19) teach about how Jehovah communicates with and cares for his servants?

How to Study 1 Kings with JW Study

JW Study is a free Bible reading tracker built for Jehovah's Witnesses. Track your progress through all 22 chapters of 1 Kings in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters, take personal study notes, 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.

Consider reading 1 Kings as part of your personal study routine, family worship night, or alongside the weekly meeting schedule. Taking notes on each chapter helps you retain key points and apply the lessons in your ministry.

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 — Journey through 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 just 90 days — the ultimate reading challenge for dedicated readers. (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

Continue Reading the Hebrew Scriptures

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