Free group study handout
1 Kings 1: Group Study Handout
How to use: read 1 Kings 1 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
King David was old and could not keep warm (vv. 1-4). His servants found Abishag the Shunammite to care for him.
Key verse
“Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the Tent, and anointed Solomon. They blew the trumpet; and all the people said, “Long live king Solomon!”
1 Kings 1:39 (WEB)
Outline
- 1 Kings 1:1–4 David's Old Age and Need for Succession
- 1 Kings 1:5–10 Adonijah's Ambition to Rule
- 1 Kings 1:11–20 Bathsheba and Nathan's Intervention
- 1 Kings 1:21–27 Nathan Joins Bathsheba
- 1 Kings 1:28–30 David Affirms Solomon's Kingship
- 1 Kings 1:31–40 Solomon's Anointing
- 1 Kings 1:41–53 Adonijah's Reaction and Solomon's Response
Discussion questions
- In v4, what does Abishag do for King David to keep him warm?
- What actions does Adonijah take in v5 to assert his claim to kingship?
- Nathan's words to Bathsheba in vv. 12-14: what urgency does he express regarding Solomon's future?
- David's oath in v30: how does it affirm God’s promise about Solomon's reign?
- When have you felt pressure to assert yourself like Adonijah in v5?
Go deeper
Passages that echo 1 Kings 1: 1 Kings 2, 2 Samuel 15, 1 Chronicles 29.
Before next time: read 1 Kings 2.