Healing Relationships – The Kings’ Tale

Week 1: Divided Hearts

During this study, we will be doing a ‘deep dive’ into a scriptural passage. It is strongly encouraged that you study the passage and entire chapter ahead of the study. Also be prepared with your research tools, for example Google or your study Bible, as you will need to reference it during the study. Spend time answering and discussing each question with the intention to gain sufficient understanding to help your own private Bible study as you further explore these topics.

Study Chapters: 1 Kings 1-11

Pilot text

1 Kings 9:4-5
4 Now if you walk before Me as your father David walked, in integrity of heart and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and My judgments, 5 then I will establish the throne of your kingdom over Israel forever, as I promised David your father, saying, ‘You shall not fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.’

1 Kings 10:1,6-8
1 Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions.
6 Then she said to the king: “It was a true report which I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom. 7 However I did not believe the words until I came and saw with my own eyes; and indeed the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity exceed the fame of which I heard. 8 Happy are your men and happy are these your servants, who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom!”

1 Kings 11:9-10
9 So the Lord became angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned from the Lord God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice, 10 and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods; but he did not keep what the Lord had commanded.

Introduction:
This week examines how relational fracture begins at the heart level. Solomon inherits a united kingdom; yet divided loyalties, unresolved tensions and compromised devotion slowly undermine both his relationships and his calling. The text reveals how spiritual drift often begins quietly as affections become divided and priorities shift away from God. This broken relationship with God inevitably spills into Solomon’s leadership, family, and national life.

Discussion Point

• Where do we see Christ? Solomon’s wisdom and kingship point forward to Christ as the greater Son of David (Matt 12:42). How does Jesus fulfil what Solomon could not?
• Where do we see salvation? God’s covenant faithfulness continues despite Solomon’s failure. Luke 1:31-33, 2 Tim 2:13
• Where do we see ourselves? As believers in today’s world, what are those things that actively seek to challenge and undermine our relationship with God? How should we be vigilant against them?

Closing thoughts:

Solomon’s story begins with promise and ends with sorrow. Though gifted with wisdom, peace and divine favour, his heart gradually becomes divided. His failure is not rooted in ignorance but in compromise. Relationships and influences slowly draw his devotion away from God, revealing how spiritual drift often occurs incrementally rather than suddenly.
Solomon points us to Christ by contrast. Where Solomon’s heart was divided, Jesus had perfect unity with the Father (John 10:30). He is the true King whose obedience never wavered and whose love was never compromised (Phil 2:5-11). Through Solomon’s failure, scripture exposes humanity’s need for a greater King who can heal what wisdom and power alone cannot.
Salvation is foreshadowed in God’s faithfulness to His covenant. Despite Solomon’s unfaithfulness, God preserves His promise to David, pointing forward to a new covenant fulfilled in Christ (2 Cor 1:20, Rom 8:2-4). Righteousness is no longer achieved through human effort but received by grace.
Many of us recognise ourselves (past or present) in Solomon’s slow drift. Divided priorities, unresolved compromises, or unhealthy relationships quietly erode devotion. Healing relationships begins with restoring wholehearted devotion to God. Christ does not reject the drifting heart but invites it home, restoring both relationship and purpose.

Application Questions (use scriptures to support your position):

• A childhood friend has recently had some success in her business. You are however concerned that she is becoming consumed by this, because she has begun to neglect her family and faith. Over time, you can see her relationships suffer – including yours. Thinking of Solomon’s story, what advise could you offer (if you had the opportunity)?
• A fellow believer struggles to balance ambition and obedience. He tells you he can see opportunities to get ahead in the workplace but is concerned that ungodly compromises may be required. What guidance can you offer him?