If you are looking for 1 Kings 1 Bible study questions, this page gives you a full set for a small group, a Sunday class or personal reading. The questions move from what the chapter says, to what it means, to how it shapes daily life. Each one comes with a leader’s note, so you can lead a discussion without preparing a separate summary.
1 Kings 1 at a Glance
The chapter opens with King David old and cold, so his servants seek a young woman named Abishag to attend him. Meanwhile his son Adonijah declares himself king, gathering allies such as Joab and Abiathar while leaving out Nathan, Zadok, Benaiah and his brother Solomon.
Nathan and Bathsheba act quickly, reminding David of his oath that Solomon would reign. David orders Solomon anointed at Gihon, the crowd celebrates, Adonijah’s guests scatter, and Adonijah clings to the altar until Solomon spares him on the condition of his loyalty.
Observation Questions
Use these first to make sure everyone has the facts of the chapter straight before anyone offers an opinion. Ask people to point to the words in the text that support each answer.
1 Kings 1:17
She said to him, “My lord, you swore by the LORD your God to your servant, ‘Assuredly Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne.’
(WEB)
Read this to recall Bathsheba’s appeal to David’s oath. It sets up the whole chapter and helps the group see that the story turns on a promise.
1 Kings 1:29-30
29 The king swore, and said, “As the LORD lives, who has redeemed my soul out of all adversity, 30 most certainly as I swore to you by the LORD, the God of Israel, saying, ‘Assuredly Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne in my place;’ I will most certainly do this today.”
(WEB)
David’s oath before the LORD is the moment the decision is sealed. Reading it aloud lets the group hear the weight of his words.
1 Kings 1:36-37
36 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king, and said, “Amen. May the LORD, the God of my lord the king, say so. 37 As the LORD has been with my lord the king, even so may he be with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord king David.”
(WEB)
Benaiah’s response blends loyalty and prayer. It gives the group a model for supporting leaders with words that seek God’s blessing.
1 Kings 1:48
Also thus said the king, ‘Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who has given one to sit on my throne today, my eyes even seeing it.’”
(WEB)
David’s blessing of the LORD shows gratitude for a promise fulfilled. Reading it helps the group end the discussion on thankfulness.
1 Kings 1:52
Solomon said, “If he shows himself a worthy man, not a hair of his shall fall to the earth; but if wickedness is found in him, he shall die.”
(WEB)
Solomon’s condition on Adonijah captures the balance of mercy and accountability. This verse opens a useful conversation about justice and grace.
Memory Verse for 1 Kings 1
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we thank You that You keep Your promises even when our plans and our hopes take unexpected turns. Help us to trust Your timing and not to grasp for what You have not given us. Teach us to speak wisely to those in authority and to honor the leaders You place over us. Give us hearts that can extend mercy while holding fast to what is right, as Solomon did. We bless You for every promise we have seen fulfilled, and we ask You to strengthen our faith for the ones still ahead. Amen.
