1 Kings 9: Group Study Handout

Overview

Solomon finishes building Yahweh’s house and his own palace (vv. 1-2). Yahweh appears to Solomon a second time. He affirms that he has heard Solomon's prayer. Yahweh makes the house holy and promises to maintain his presence there (vv. 3-5). However, Yahweh warns Solomon that if he or his children turn away and follow other gods, they will face severe consequences (vv. 6-9).

Key verse

“As for you, if you will walk before me, as David your father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded you, and will keep my statutes and my ordinances;”

1 Kings 9:4 (WEB)

Outline

1. 1 Kings 9:1–2 Completion of the Temple and Palace
2. 1 Kings 9:3–5 God's Covenant Affirmation
3. 1 Kings 9:6–9 Warning Against Disobedience
4. 1 Kings 9:10–14 The Trade with Hiram
5. 1 Kings 9:15–21 Construction and Labor
6. 1 Kings 9:22–25 Worship and Offerings
7. 1 Kings 9:26–28 Trade Ventures

Discussion questions

1. In v3, what does Yahweh declare about the house Solomon built?
2. What does Solomon do three times a year on the altar in v25?
3. Yahweh's warning in vv. 6-7: what are the specific consequences laid out for disobedience?
4. The term 'Cabul' in v13: what might it signify about Hiram's view of the cities?
5. Has there been a time in your life where a commitment to God felt especially costly or challenging?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Kings 9: 1 Kings 3, 2 Chronicles 8, 1 Kings 11.

Before next time: read 1 Kings 10.