1 Kings 16: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Kings 16 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Yahweh's word came to Jehu against Baasha, declaring judgment for leading Israel to sin (vv. 1-4). Baasha's reign ended when his son Elah took over for two years before being killed by Zimri, who then reigned for seven days before his downfall (vv. 5-20). The people of Israel divided between Omri and Tibni, but Omri prevailed and established his reign (vv. 21-22). Omri reigned for twelve years and built the city of Samaria, continuing in the evil practices of his predecessors (vv. 23-28). Ahab, son of Omri, ascended the throne and committed greater sins by marrying Jezebel and worshiping Baal, provoking Yahweh to anger (vv. 29-34). During Ahab's reign, Hiel rebuilt Jericho, suffering the loss of his sons as prophesied by Joshua (vv. 34).

Key verse

“In the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, Ahab the son of Omri began to reign over Israel. Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty-two years.”
1 Kings 16:29 (WEB)

Outline

1 Kings 16:1–7 Prophecy Against Baasha
1 Kings 16:8–14 Elah's Brief Reign and Downfall
1 Kings 16:15–20 Zimri's Reign and Self-Destruction
1 Kings 16:21–22 Division Among the People
1 Kings 16:23–28 Omri's Reign Established
1 Kings 16:29–34 Ahab's Ascendance and Idolatry

Discussion questions

In v3, what does Yahweh say He will do to Baasha's house?
In v31, what significant act does Ahab take that provokes Yahweh's anger?
Zimri's brief reign in v15: what does this say about the stability of Israel's leadership?
Omri's actions in v25: how do they compare to those of the kings before him?
When have you witnessed a leader make decisions that led a group away from their core values?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Kings 16: Joshua 6, 1 Kings 14, 1 Kings 15.

Before next time: read 1 Kings 17.