Ahab
“Father's brother”
Summary
The seventh king of Israel who did more evil than all who were before him, introducing Baal worship through his wife Jezebel and becoming the adversary of Elijah the prophet.
☩Marriage and Apostasy
Ahab, son of Omri, became king of Israel and reigned twenty-two years in Samaria. Scripture declares that he 'did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that were before him.' His marriage to Jezebel, daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, proved catastrophic for Israel. Jezebel was an aggressive promoter of Baal worship who killed the Lord's prophets and supported 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah. Ahab built a temple and altar for Baal in Samaria and 'did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him.'
☩Conflict with Elijah
God sent the prophet Elijah to confront Ahab and the worship of Baal. Elijah announced a drought that lasted three years, then challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest on Mount Carmel. When fire fell from heaven and consumed Elijah's sacrifice, the people acknowledged 'The LORD, He is God!' and the prophets of Baal were executed. Though Ahab witnessed this demonstration of God's power, Jezebel's threat forced Elijah to flee for his life.
☩Naboth's Vineyard
Ahab's covetousness and Jezebel's ruthlessness are seen in the murder of Naboth. When Naboth refused to sell or trade his ancestral vineyard, Jezebel arranged his death through false accusation. Ahab took possession of the vineyard, only to be met by Elijah with God's judgment: 'In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood.' When Ahab humbled himself at this message, God delayed the full judgment until the days of his son.
☩Death in Battle
Ahab died in battle against Syria at Ramoth-gilead. Though he disguised himself, a random arrow struck him between the joints of his armor. He was propped up in his chariot until evening when he died, his blood running into the chariot floor. When they washed the chariot by the pool of Samaria, the dogs licked his blood—fulfilling Elijah's prophecy.
Related Verses93 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Ahab," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Ahab," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).