Covering the transition from David to Solomon and the early years of the divided monarchy, 1 Kings traces Israel’s political shifts and spiritual decline—from Solomon’s wisdom to Ahab’s reign in the north and Jehoshaphat’s in the south.

In this volume of the Anchor Bible Commentary series, biblical scholar Mordechai Cogan offers a fresh translation and a detailed, historically grounded interpretation of the text. Known for its clarity and depth, Cogan’s work brings renewed immediacy to iconic moments like Solomon’s judgment between two women claiming the same child.

With a bibliography that spans nearly a thousand sources, this commentary reflects deep engagement with the historical, political, and theological dimensions of 1 Kings, making it a trusted resource for both Christian and Jewish readers.