Overview
The book records the last days of David, the accession and reign of Solomon, and the building of the temple in Jerusalem. It then describes the division of the kingdom into Israel in the north and Judah in the south after Solomon's death, the early history of the two kingdoms, and the ministry of Elijah in the days of Ahab.
Theme Kings judged by their faithfulness to the covenant
Historical background
Solomon's reign is dated to about 970–931 BC, and the division of the kingdom to about 931 BC. Jeroboam of the northern kingdom set up golden calves at Bethel and Dan, separating his people from worship at the Jerusalem temple. Kings evaluates each ruler by faithfulness to the Torah, especially the purity of worship. In the Hebrew Bible, 1 and 2 Kings originally formed a single book.