Bible Glide

Bible book guide

Book of 1 Kings

1 Kings follows Israel from David's final days through Solomon's rise, the building of the temple, and the kingdom's split. It then turns to the prophets, especially Elijah, as the northern and southern kingdoms move farther apart. This book is a clear place to see how power, worship, and obedience affect a nation.

Chapters in 1 Kings

1 Kings has 22 chapters. Start at chapter one or jump to the chapter you want to read.

  1. Chapter 11 Kings 153 verses with a quick summary and full chapter text
  2. Chapter 21 Kings 246 verses with a quick summary and full chapter text
  3. Chapter 31 Kings 328 verses with a quick summary and full chapter text
  4. Chapter 41 Kings 434 verses with a quick summary and full chapter text
  5. Chapter 51 Kings 518 verses with a quick summary and full chapter text
  6. Chapter 61 Kings 638 verses with a quick summary and full chapter text
  7. Chapter 71 Kings 751 verses with a quick summary and full chapter text
  8. Chapter 81 Kings 866 verses with a quick summary and full chapter text
  9. Chapter 91 Kings 928 verses with a quick summary and full chapter text
  10. Chapter 101 Kings 1029 verses with a quick summary and full chapter text
  11. Chapter 111 Kings 1143 verses with a quick summary and full chapter text
  12. Chapter 121 Kings 1233 verses with a quick summary and full chapter text
  13. Chapter 131 Kings 1334 verses with a quick summary and full chapter text
  14. Chapter 141 Kings 1431 verses with a quick summary and full chapter text
  15. Chapter 151 Kings 1534 verses with a quick summary and full chapter text
  16. Chapter 161 Kings 1634 verses with a quick summary and full chapter text
  17. Chapter 171 Kings 1724 verses with a quick summary and full chapter text
  18. Chapter 181 Kings 1846 verses with a quick summary and full chapter text
  19. Chapter 191 Kings 1921 verses with a quick summary and full chapter text
  20. Chapter 201 Kings 2043 verses with a quick summary and full chapter text
  21. Chapter 211 Kings 2129 verses with a quick summary and full chapter text
  22. Chapter 221 Kings 2253 verses with a quick summary and full chapter text

What is 1 Kings about?

1 Kings begins with Solomon asking for wisdom, planning the temple, and ruling over a period of peace and wealth. The tone changes as Solomon's heart turns from the LORD, leading to judgment and the division of the kingdom under Rehoboam and Jeroboam. The rest of the book shows both kingdoms under weak kings, prophetic warnings, and mounting conflict. Elijah stands out as God's voice during national crisis, confronting idolatry, injustice, and false religion. If you want a book that joins royal history with direct calls to faithfulness, this is a strong place to read.

Themes to watch

  • Wisdom and leadershipSolomon's early reign shows the value of asking God for wisdom before making major decisions.
  • Covenant faithfulnessThe kingdom's decline shows how turning from the LORD brings lasting trouble to leaders and people alike.
  • Prophetic warningElijah and other prophets speak God's truth when kings drift into idolatry and injustice.

Good questions

  • What kind of wisdom does Solomon seek, and how does it shape his rule?
  • Why does the kingdom split, and what does that division reveal about the people's hearts?
  • How do Elijah and the other prophets challenge kings to return to the LORD?