1 Kings (Reformed Expository Commentary | REC)

by Philip Graham Ryken

Publisher:

P&R

, 2011

Overview

Dynasties, fractured kingdoms, prophecies of coming hardships—the book of 1 Kings is a grand, sweeping narrative of the beginning of the downfall of God’s people. Its size and scope may seem intimidating, but Phil Ryken shows us in this biblical, doctrinal, practical, and Christological commentary how this imposing book can be divided into three key sections.

First, the stories of Solomon focus on the themes of money, sex, and power, inviting us to learn from Solomon’s example. Will we use these things wisely for kingdom purposes, or foolishly abuse them for selfish gain? Then the middle of the story, on the divided kingdom, shows the destructive consequences of sin among the people of God—especially the sin of idolatry. The final section demonstrates the power of prayer to the true and living God, as exemplified in the life and ministry of God’s prophet Elijah.

Phil Ryken brings out the key themes of these three sections and illustrates how they come together in their focus on the gospel of Jesus Christ, especially his kingly and prophetic offices. This is an excellent resource for those who want a devotional aid and will help Bible expositors reliably teach a redemptive-historical view of this important Old Testament book.

In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.

Key Features

• Explores the themes of three key sections of 1 Kings
• Illustrates how the themes of 1 Kings focus on the gospel of Jesus Christ
• Presents a reliable resource for teaching a redemptive-historical view of 1 Kings

Contents

• King Solomon: Money, Sex, and Power
• Divided Kingdom: The Wages of Sin
• Prophet Elijah: The Power of Prayer

Top Highlights

“Jesus is wiser than Solomon in every way. His wisdom in creation and redemption ought to be enough to take our breath away. How happy we should be to serve this all-wise King, and to hear his words of wisdom! We honor his wisdom by praising him for everything we see in creation. We honor his wisdom by listening to what he says, and then doing it. We honor his wisdom by trusting his plan of salvation, fully believing in the cross and the empty tomb.” (Page 268)

“The historian Edward Gibbon said that in the last days of Rome, ‘all religions were regarded by the people as equally true, by the philosophers as equally false, and by the politicians as equally useful.’” (Page 349)

“Faithful service to God often requires obedience to the same instructions over and over again” (Page 445)

“The prophet Elijah had faith in the providence of God.” (Page 517)

“The answer is that the gifts of God never operate independently or automatically, but always according to the affection of our hearts.” (Page 298)

Praise for the Print Edition

Sadly for many North American Christians the Old Testament is a dead book, often treated merely as a foil against which to interpret the New Testament. Phil Ryken’s work goes much work goes much farther. . . . This volume is a model of exposition, combining thorough and responsible exegesis with a passion to communicate the life-giving power of Old Testament Scriptures for the church.

—Daniel I. Block, Gunther H. Knoedler Professor of Old Testament, Wheaton College

Ryken finds himself on the short list of highly-gifted expositors in this generation. . . . Dr. Ryken has done the church an enormous service by providing this excellent resource for pastors and teachers to aid in their sermon and lesson preparation. . . . clear, compelling, scholarly, pastoral, challenging, heart-searching, and life-changing. I, myself, cannot imagine preaching through 1 Kings without first consulting this important work.

—Steven J. Lawson, senior pastor, Christ Fellowship Baptist Church, Mobile, AL

With his usual deft touch, Ryken makes the narrative live; and with rare pastoral skill, he applies its truth with vigor. Be prepared to find yourself troubled by the perversity of human nature and frustrated by the cycles of human foolishness. But be prepared, also, to find yourself amazed by the grace of God who in every age and stage leaves a witness to himself.

—Liam Goligher, senior minister, Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, PA

Ryken’s historical, literary, theological, and pastoral gifts combine to make him an excellent guide to the riches of 1 Kings. This lively and reverent treatment of this book will aid pastors and small group leaders who wish to share this neglected book in engaging ways.

—Paul R. House, professor of divinity, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University

Product Details

• Title: 1 Kings
• Author: Philip Graham Ryken
• Series: Reformed Expository Commentary
• Publisher: P&R
• Print Publication Date: 2011
• Logos Release Date: 2014
• Pages: 619
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible. O.T. 1 Kings › Commentaries
• Resource ID: LLS:REC11KI1
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-08-30T23:44:02Z

About Philip Graham Ryken

Dr. Philip G. Ryken (1966–) has served as the president of Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, since 2010. He earned degrees from Wheaton College, Westminster Theological Seminary, and a doctorate from the University of Oxford.

Ryken was the senior minister of Philadelphia’s Tenth Presbyterian Church (where and served previously) for about 15 years before he became the president of Wheaton College. He has been ordained as a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America.

Ryken has authored over 30 books, including several volumes in the Reformed Expository Commentary, the Crossway Spiritual Growth Collection, and Saved for God's Glory.