Judgment & Mercy on King Ahab

Introduction Ahab and Jezebel were two of Israel’s most wicked rulers (1 Kings 16:29-33; 21:25-26; cf. Rev. 2:18-29).

Introduction On a national scale, the Queen destroyed the prophets of the Lord (1 Kings 18:1-16, esp. vs. 4 & 13). On a personal level, she arranged for the murder of Naboth, so that her husband might seize his vineyard (1 Kings 21:1-14).

Introduction In this lesson, let us consider the rest of the story (1 Kings 21:15-29).

Arise and Take Possession Queen Jezebel said, “Arise and take possession” (1 Kings 21:15).

Sinful Conduct We must not, like Ahab, take possession of objects that have been stolen from another (Exod. 20:15; Prov. 9:13-18; Eph. 4:28). Furthermore, let us recognize that we have no claim on that which properly belongs to God (Mal. 3:8-12; Prov. 3:9-10; Matt. 6:33).

Righteous Conduct In contrast, let us take ownership of our assigned duties and responsibilities, as well as our failures and shortcomings. In this regard, compare the sin and subsequent reactions of King Saul (1 Sam. 15:13-35) and King David (2 Sam. 12:13; 24:10).

Have you found me, O my enemy? King Ahab said, “Have you found me, O my enemy?” (1 Kings 21:20).

Sinful Conduct Ahab hated God’s faithful prophets, viewing them as troublemakers and enemies (1 Kings 18:17-18; 21:20; 2 Chron. 18:6-7).

Righteous Conduct We must, like Elijah, faithfully serve God, standing in opposition to sin and error (Amos 5:10-15; John 15:18- 25; Gal. 4:12-20).

The dogs will lick up your blood The Prophet Elijah said, “The dogs will lick up your blood” (1 Kings 21:19). Jehovah is a God of wrath. Divine judgment is reserved for those who transgress God’s will (Psa. 7:12-17).

The dogs will lick up your blood Depending upon the nature of man’s transgression, His wrath may indeed be severe (Psa. 11:4-7). Doom fell upon Ahab just as Elijah had prophesied (1 Kings 22:1-40); judgment fell upon Jezebel and Jehoram/Joram (the son of Ahab) through the agency of Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat (2 Kings 9).

Do you see how Ahab has humbled himself before Me? The Lord God said, “Do you see how Ahab has humbled himself before Me?” Accordingly, the Lord decreed, “I will not bring the evil in his days, but I will bring the evil upon his house in his son’s days” (1 Kings 21:29).

Do you see how Ahab has humbled himself before Me? Jehovah is a God of mercy (Psa. 86:5, 15; Ezek. 33:10-11). Yet, He demands that we humble ourselves before Him (Isa. 57:15; James 4:6-10; 1 Pet. 5:6-11).

Conclusion In this lesson, we are reminded of the goodness and the severity of God (Rom. 11:22). May we learn from the examples of those who have gone before, leaving behind a legacy of faith and obedience (Rom. 15:4-6).