Foundations: The Book of 1 Kings
24 Day Devotional
1 Kings traces the history of Israel from the end of David’s reign, to Solomon’s
splendour and eventual downfall, through the division of the kingdom, to the
end of King Ahab’s reign. This book weaves together the righteousness of God
and the folly of man teaching us much about how God controls both nature and
history and how He is willing to forgive the repentant.
1 Kings 9:4-5 (ESV)
“…if you will walk before me, as David your father walked, with integrity of
heart and uprightness, doing according to all that I have commanded you, and
keeping my statutes and my rules, then I will establish your royal throne over
Israel forever…”
Introduction
Originally one book, 1 and 2 Kings follow Israel
from Solomon’s reign through the exile of the Northern and Southern kingdoms. A key theme in 1 Kings is the importance of
leadership. As we read about the kings we see a direct correlation between the
state of a king and the state of the nation. Sinful kings set the tone for the
nation to rebel against Yahweh and follow false gods. Righteous kings lead the
nation to repent and obey Him.
This period in history reveals many important
characteristics of God. We see His mercy displayed as He patiently gives Israel
the opportunity to turn back to Him. We
see His grace as He sends prophets to warn the people of the consequences of
disobedience. We see His justice and His holiness as He sends Israel and Judah
into exile for their consistent rebellion. We also see God’s faithfulness as He promises
to bring His people back from captivity (Isaiah 44:28-45:1) and, in His perfect
timing, delivers on that promise (2 Chronicles 36:22-23).
Prayer and
Journaling
1. Ask God what He wants to do in your life through
your time with Him in 1 Kings. Record what He says so you can look back on it
when you finish this devotional.
2. God is the same yesterday, today and forever
(Hebrews 13:8). He is still a holy God who requires us to submit to Him. He
will still discipline those who reject Him. Pray for Canada today. Pray that
the Church would arise and lead the nation to repent of our wicked ways and
follow Jesus.
