1 Kings 15 Chapter Introduction

Structure and Formatting

This chapter alternately tells the stories of the kings of the two kingdoms into which the kingdom of David and Solomon was split, Israel in the north and Judah in the south.

1. Abijam, king of Judah (15:1–8)
2. Asa, king of Judah (15:9–24)
3. Nadab, king of Israel (15:25–32)
4. Baasha, king of Israel (15:33–34)

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Further phrases that the author uses to introduce accounts of kings’ reigns

In 15:1–2, the author uses some the same phrases to introduce his account of Abijam’s reign that he used to introduce his account of Rehoboam’s reign in 14:21. For example, he says for how many years Abijam ruled as king, where he reigned, and who his mother was. However, he begins by making an additional statement, that Abijam began to reign “in year 18 of King Jeroboam.” This is the first instance of this kind of reference to a year in the reign of another king, but after this the author will make such a reference regularly as he introduces his accounts of kings’ reigns. So that your readers will appreciate the role of this reference, be careful to translate it consistently in each of its occurrences.