at a glance
author: Unknown.
date: Originally, 1 and 2 Kings were one book, probably written during the Babylonian exile of the Israelites, sometime between 560 and 550 BC.
setting: Israel divides into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah.
verses to remember: “If you walk before me faithfully with integrity of heart and uprightness, as David your father did, and do all I command and observe my decrees and laws, I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever” (9:4–5).
theme to consider: When we obey him and keep his laws, God will honor us. When we don’t, we will suffer the consequences, as did the people of Israel.
unchanging truth
Has anyone ever told you to “remember who you are”? Even if those weren’t the exact words, the implication was the same. Be sure to say and do what you were taught. Be true to yourself.
Your actions not only affect you; they also have an impact on your whole family. When you act in an honorable way, it brings honor to your family. Unfortunately, the flip side is also true. Your whole family may feel the consequences of your bad choices. But that’s nothing compared to the consequences that occur when you disobey and dishonor your heavenly Father. God expects us to honor and obey only him, and when that doesn’t happen, we will suffer the consequences.
King Solomon was the wisest person who had ever lived. God was with him in everything he did. Under Solomon’s rule, Israel grew into a mighty nation. But then the Israelites and Solomon forgot who they were and whose they were. They worshiped idols. God’s anger was fierce, and the consequences were terrible. The kingdom of Israel was divided into two kingdoms that constantly fought. When they repented, God forgave them and they prospered. Unfortunately, they soon slipped back into their old ways again. It was a vicious cycle of obedience and dishonor.
Ask God to help you to always remember who you are—God’s child—and to live up to that.
1. Wisdom is a gift from God, free for the taking. All we have to do is seek it (3:4–14).
2. We need to speak up when those around us dishonor God—even if it puts us at odds with others (18:16–45).
3. The Lord doesn’t normally speak to us with lightning bolts and storms; more often we have to get quiet and listen for his gentle whisper (19:11–13).