DAY 178: JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR – 1 KINGS 19-22

June 25, 2024

1 KINGS 19-22
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DAY 178: JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR

Today we conclude our journey through 1 Kings.

Ask the Lord for His understanding of 1 Kings 19-22. Read 1 Kings 19-22. Let’s journey!

The books of First and Second Kings were originally written as one text that tells the story of the kings of Israel, continuing on where we left off in 2 Samuel, with King David and his son Solomon, soon to be king. Ultimately, it is a history of the decline of the kingdom of Israel, as they move away from the Lord. The author of the Book of Kings, provides a judgment on the rule of each king, based on their worship of the Lord God and the keeping of the covenant Israel made with God. Throughout the book of Kings, we also see that prophets are raised up in an attempt to steer Israel and its kings back on the path of following the Lord.

1 Kings 19-22: Today, we conclude the reign of King Ahab of Israel. It is a very sad story of rebellion (worshiping false gods) and disobedience (marrying Jezebel). Jezebel moved Ahab completely away from the Lord, and into worshiping false gods and participating in all types of sinful practices. Although Ahab walked away from the Lord, it is clear that the Lord wanted repentance and would have taken him back. Although these chapters introduce Jehoshaphat, Asa’s son, as the new King of Judah, and Ahaziah, Ahab’s son, as the new King of Israel, the concluding chapters of 1 Kings focus on Ahab’s self-destructive ways. (1 Kings 19:1-22:53)

After reading today’s reading, consider the following: What kings were present in today’s reading? Were they good or bad? How do you know? What lesson can be learned, or what warning can be taken from a study of these kings? What warnings, if any, were given by prophets? How can understanding the fall of Israel help us today in the way that we view authority figures?

Godspeace!