1 Kings 3:1-5:18
View this week’s worship guide
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
In the opening chapters of Kings, we saw how Solomon’s reign was established. The right king was appointed to the throne, even though some questionable actions were taken. In chapter 3, we see more about the leadership of Solomon, some positive and negative acts, and we are told of the reason of Solomon’s greatness: God gave him wisdom.
1 Kings 1-2:46
View this week’s worship guide
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
The story of Kings in a word is this: decline. Seeds of decline appear in the beginning part of the story, then that decline takes on different appearances throughout the book. The book opens like many books actually end, with the leading figure dying. This is fitting since Kings is about the decline of the kingdom. This decline ends in a judgment. We will make a number of applications throughout, but let me just introduce three broad applications in light of this story of decline. Kings is about worship, the Word, and weakness. So Kings is a story that involves the sinfulness of kings and the people they represent; their persistent idolatry and associated injustice. It is a story of a sad reversal, and the need for another King, the ultimate Son of David. In Genesis, a promise was made to Abraham saying, “Kings will come from you”. God kept his promise, and sent forth the king to end all kings, Jesus.