First Kings takes us deeper into the story we left at the close of 2 Samuel. David comes to the end of his life, and he transfers the throne to Solomon his son. From there, 1 & 2 Kings together move through four centuries of Israel's history, from Solomon to the fall of Samaria (722 B.C.) and Jerusalem (587 B.C.).
In 1 Kings we experience the golden era of Solomon's reign, read about the breakup between Israel and Judah (the northern and southern kingdoms) that occurred when Solomon died, and learn about the first group of kings over the newly divided kingdoms and the rather dramatic life of Elijah, the prophet God assigned to confront one of the very worst of them.
