Kings I (“Melakhim Aleph”) is the fourth book of the Prophets, which begins with the death of David. David is succeeded by his son Solomon, who receives wisdom from God and builds the Temple. When Solomon begins worshipping other gods in his old age, God promises that the kingdom will split. Following Solomon’s death, his son Rehoboam becomes king over Judah in Jerusalem, while the northern tribes appoint Jeroboam as king of Israel. Elijah the Prophet features prominently at the book’s end, performing miracles and demonstrating God’s power.
