Bible Study Lecture Notes: First Kings Chapters 9-12

Introduction

• Shalom Israel, all praises to the Most High in Christ.
• Today's reading: First Kings chapters 9-12
• Schedule Update: No readings on Sundays. New schedule is Monday through Friday.
• Reminders: Importance of daily scripture reading, meditating on the Word.
• Opening Prayer to invite blessings, healings, and protection.

First Kings Chapters 9-12 Overview

• Chapter 9
  • Solomon finishes building the house of the Lord and his own house.
  • Lord's second appearance to Solomon, sets conditions for Israel’s prosperity and consequences for disobedience.
  • Solomon's covenant with Hiram, King of Tyre: Solomon gives Hiram 20 cities in Galilee in exchange for materials.
  • Solomon builds and expands his kingdom using bond service of non-Israelites and organized labor of Israelites.
• Chapter 10
  • Queen of Sheba visits, tests Solomon with hard questions, and is impressed by his wisdom and prosperity.
  • Sheba blessings upon Solomon, acknowledges God's favor upon Israel.
  • Solomon’s extreme wealth: gold, naval activities, and trade.
  • Solomon makes costly, splendid items for his kingdom, his greatness in wealth and wisdom recognized worldwide.
• Chapter 11
  • Solomon's mistake: loves many foreign women who turn his heart away from God.
  • Builds high places for foreign gods, angering God.
  • God raises adversaries against Solomon: Hadad the Edomite, Rezon of Zobah, and Jeroboam, a servant of Solomon.
    • Jeroboam's rebellion is prophesied by Ahijah; kingdom to divide as punishment.
  • Solomon's death, reigns for 40 years; kingdom continues with his son Rehoboam.
• Chapter 12
  • Rehoboam ascends to the throne, decisions led to division of the kingdom.
  • Counsel: Rehoboam rejects advice of elder men, follows peers leading to harsher policies.
  • Israel rebels under Jeroboam, establishing separate rule in Israel (northern kingdom) and leaving Rehoboam with Judah (southern kingdom).

• Golden calves setup in Dan and Bethel by Jeroboam to prevent Israelites from returning to Jerusalem for worship.

Key Topics & Lessons

Solomon’s Achievements and Downfall

• Accomplishments: Building the Temple, amassing wealth, wisdom admired globally.
• Failures: Unfaithfulness to God's commandments by marrying foreign women, idolatry.
• God’s Covenant: Conditional blessings tied to obedience and loyalty to God.

Division of the Kingdom

• Causes: Solomon's disobedience, Rehoboam's harsh policies alienating Israel.
• Jeroboam: Emerges as leader of the northern tribes, shifts Israel's religious practices away from Jerusalem.
• Prophecies: Ahijah predicts the kingdom's split due to the turning away from God.

Important Figures

• Solomon: Known for wisdom, wealth, and eventually, his failure to remain faithful to God.
• Queen of Sheba: Admirer of Solomon’s wisdom, may represent international acknowledgment of Israel's prosperity.
• Jeroboam: Appointed to rule ten tribes, leads Israel into idolatry to secure his reign.
• Rehoboam: Solomon's son whose poor leadership choices lead to the kingdom’s split.
• Adversaries: Hadad, Rezon raised by God as punishment for Solomon's idolatry.

Takeaways

• Leadership Wisdom: Importance of seeking wise counsel and avoiding reliance on peer advice alone.
• Faithfulness to God: Consequences of disobedience highlighted; collective impact of leadership decisions on national well-being.
• Prophetic Fulfillment: God’s prophecies through His servants (e.g., Ahijah) demonstrate God’s sovereignty and warnings for disobedience.

Reflection and Application

• Consider how leadership and personal choices impact one's relationship with God and community.
• Reflect on the importance of faithful obedience to God's commandments.
• Recognize the value in seeking mature, experienced counsel in decision-making.

Closing

• Encouragement to keep reading and meditating on the scriptures regularly.
• Updates on next session: Continuation from First Kings chapter 13.
• Open the floor for questions and feedback regarding the session's format and pace.
• Closing Prayer: Giving thanks and seeking ongoing blessings and understanding.

Shalom, Israel. Most High in Christ bless.