NOTES ON I KINGS

I Kings 2:5-6 This scene in which David advises Solomon to kill Joab was copied in the movie "The 

Godfather."

I Kings 3:6 This is a good model for prayer. Note that praise precedes petition.

3:8 This shows the proper attitude for a ruler – The people belong to God, and the “ruler” is 

God’s servant.

3:11 There is the possible implication that other requests would not be granted.

3:15  This is the first example of Solomon's new spiritual discernment -- He realizes the proper 

location for worship. 

I Kings 4:12 Excavations at Beth Shean show a major administrative complex, in agreement with this 

verse.

I Kings 6 Although no trace of Solomon's Temple has been found, the description in this chapter 

matches closely in numerous details a temple found in Northern Syria ('Ain Dara Temple) dating to 

about 1300 BC and lasting until 740 BC. This indicates that the details described in I Kings are 

probable for a temple of this time frame and are not anachronistic, as commonly believed.

I Kings 6:31-7:5 Inner shrine of temple had five mezuzot. But what is a mezuzah? An ancient 

limestone building model found in Israel pictures an elaborate door frame with interlocking frames. 

The next outer gate had four of them (I Kings 6:33) and the other entrances had three (I Kings 7:5). “In 

our view, enhancing door frames with recesses was meant to signify the sanctity of important buildings 

– to convey the message that this is God's house; do not trespass.” (BAR, July/August 2015, p. 34-41.)

I Kings 7:9 “Saw” is a mistranslation. The word actually refers to a smoothing process with an iron 

tool to remove chisel marks.

I Kings 9:15-19 The gates were first dated to Solomon's time, then re-assigned to later period, Iron Age

IIA, and ascribed to King Ahab. But now it is felt that there were two Iron IIA periods, one early 

enough to fit Solomon's time. This evidence is based on clay potsherds. (BAR Sept/Oct 2017, p. 6.)

I Kings 10:1 There is archeological evidence for a wealthy kingdom called Saba at that time in 

southern Arabia, now Yemen (Bible Review). A newly discovered bronze tablet circa 600 BC confirms 

trade between Saba and Judah at that time.

The historian Herodotus confirms the same relative price of a horse and a chariot.

I Kings 12 One of the few inscriptions identifying by name a geographical location was found at the

remains of 3rd-2nd cent. BC Dan. It said "to God who is in Dan" in Greek and Aramaic.

Archeologists have discovered a number of items associated with the temple at Dan. From a count of 

the various animal bones found there, they conclude that sacrificial worship was observed strictly 

according to levitical laws (Leviticus 7:8, 32-33; Exodus 29:27-28). This may indicate that God's 

displeasure with the temple was not due to how they worshiped, but where.

I Kings 16:34  See Joshua 6:26.

1 Kings 18:19 Mt. Carmel means "fertile field." Elijah meets the fertility gods on their own turf.

This is like Joshua's challenge to the people earlier, but with a different response.

18:21 The word translated "wavering" is closer to “limping” in the Hebrew. “Their indecision was 

crippling them.” (Barry Cooper in CT)  Today we have so many options, it keeps us from firmly 

committing to anything.

18:30-35 Possible meaning of the twelve jars of water: futile attempts by Israel to quench God's Spirit 

or blessings of God vs. fire (curses).

I Kings 19:9-13 See Matthew 17.

19:10 Earlier, Elijah was alone but used the opportunity to serve. Now he is just plain lonely. (J. Rose)

19:11 Are we expecting miraculous answers to our situation and not listening to the still voice 

of God?

19:18 This verse reminds those in depression that they are not alone in their situation.

19:20 Parallel in Luke 9:61-61 but difference in motives. Elijah has burned his bridges and will not 

turn back to plowing.

I Kings 21:1-2 The vineyard was located next to a heikal, translated wrongly as "palace." It was more 

likely a military barracks. A 2002 excavation of Jezreel may have uncovered remains of the very 

vineyard. Indications are that it was very impressive, not a small plot of ground. (BAR Nov/Dec. 2017, 

p. 52.)

21:5  The seal of Jezebel has been found by archeologists.