The Divided Kingdom

Here are the references for materials used in the study of I Kings 12-22:

1. Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible:

• This classic work provides deep theological insights into the entire book of I Kings, focusing particularly on the themes of leadership, wisdom, and the consequences of disobedience to God. In the context of I Kings 1-11, Henry discusses the reign of Solomon, his wisdom, the building of the Temple, and ultimately his failure due to idolatry. For I Kings 12-22, it offers a detailed commentary on the division of the kingdom, the reigns of the various kings, and the ministry of Elijah.
• Source: Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible.

2. The Expositor's Bible Commentary:

• This comprehensive commentary gives historical, cultural, and theological insights into I Kings. For chapters 1-11, it examines Solomon's rise to power, the Temple's construction, and his decline. The commentary on I Kings 12-22 focuses on the divided kingdom, the reigns of Jeroboam and Rehoboam, the rise of Ahab, and Elijah's prophetic ministry.
• Source: Frank E. Gaebelein, The Expositor's Bible Commentary, Zondervan.

3. New International Commentary on the Old Testament (NICOT):

• This scholarly resource provides verse-by-verse exegesis of I Kings with attention to the literary structure, historical context, and theological themes. It delves into the wisdom and building achievements of Solomon (ch. 1-11) and explores the political and religious shifts in the divided kingdom (ch. 12-22), emphasizing the prophetic role of Elijah.
• Source: Iain Provan, 1 and 2 Kings, New International Commentary on the Old Testament (NICOT), Eerdmans.

4. The Bible Knowledge Commentary:

• This accessible yet detailed commentary offers an evangelical perspective on I Kings, addressing key theological themes such as the significance of Solomon's wisdom, the Temple, the divided kingdom, and the prophetic ministry of Elijah. It highlights the importance of obedience to God's covenant and the consequences of idolatry throughout the chapters.
• Source: John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary: Old Testament, Victor Books.

5. Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries:

• This commentary provides insights into the spiritual and moral lessons in I Kings, exploring the leadership of Solomon, the significance of temple worship, and the prophetic challenges Elijah faced during Ahab's reign. The book emphasizes the consequences of turning away from God, as seen in the divided kingdom and the northern kings' descent into idolatry.
• Source: Donald J. Wiseman, 1 and 2 Kings, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, InterVarsity Press.

6. The New Bible Commentary:

• This resource provides concise yet detailed commentary on each chapter of I Kings. It discusses Solomon's wisdom, his building of the Temple, the eventual decline due to his wives leading him into idolatry, and the division of the kingdom. It also covers the prophetic ministry of Elijah and the moral and spiritual corruption during Ahab's reign.
• Source: D. A. Carson, R. T. France, J. A. Motyer, and G. J. Wenham, The New Bible Commentary, IVP Academic.

These resources are valuable for deeper study and understanding of the spiritual, moral, and theological lessons found in 1 Kings chapters 1-22. They provide historical background, exegetical insights, and practical applications for both scholarly and devotional study.