Three Characters Three Chariots The Contrasting Lives of Ahab, Jezebel & Elijah

Contrasting Characters What is character? In the context of this lesson, it refers to the mental, moral and spiritual qualities distinctive to an individual. In this lesson, let us consider the contrasting lives of Ahab, Jezebel and Elijah. The first illustrates weakness, the second, wickedness, and the third, conviction.

Biblical Usage In the NASB, the word “character” occurs only twice: Paul said, “And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope” (Rom. 5:3-4). The Hebrew writer says, “Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have…” (Heb. 13:5).

Ahab’s Weakness King Ahab demonstrated a passive-aggressive character. He was spiritually weak, engaging in wicked behavior, marrying a woman wholly unsuited to be queen, unwilling to restrain her shameful behavior (1 Kings 16:31-33; 21:25-26).

Ahab’s Weakness Ahab’s lack of character is seen in his dealings with Naboth: coveting his vineyard, ignoring the principle of family possession, thinking himself above the Law of God (1 Kings 21:1-7; cf. Exod. 20:17; Lev. 25:23-28; Num. 36:7).

Jezebel’s Wickedness Queen Jezebel demonstrated a domineering character, assuming leadership in religious and family affairs, exercising a corrosive and corrupting influence upon others. Jezebel destroyed the prophets of the Lord, killing whoever she could find (1 Kings 18:4, 13; 19:1- 2).

Jezebel’s Wickedness When Ahab pouted over Naboth’s refusal to sell his vineyard, Jezebel organized a criminal conspiracy, bringing false charges against an innocent man, orchestrating his death on the charge of blasphemy – a sin that she consistently committed (1 Kings 21:6-16; Mic. 2:1-2).

Jezebel’s Wickedness In the book of Revelation, Jezebel becomes an abiding symbol of corruption and compromise (Rev. 2:19-23).

Elijah’s Conviction The prophet Elijah demonstrated a godly and steadfast character, rebuking the sins of Ahab and Jezebel, correcting the king’s misconceptions, pronouncing destruction upon his house (1 Kings 21:17-29).

Elijah’s Conviction His character and conviction is also reflected in Messianic prophecies regarding John the Baptist, who would come in the spirit and power of Elijah (Mal. 4:5-6; Matt. 11:7-15). Like the prophet of old, John courageously confronted sin, calling God’s erring people to repentance (Matt. 3:1-12).

Application Do we see ourselves reflected in the lives of these three Bible characters? Are we like Ahab, weak and vacillating, wicked and covetous? Have we sold (out) ourselves to do evil (Matt. 16:24-27; Luke 12:15)?

Application Do we share a similarity with Jezebel, exercising a corrupt and corrosive influence? Through our words and deeds, do we “teach” others to compromise? Do we engage in character assassination? Do we hate our brothers and sisters (Rev. 2:20-23; Gal. 5:13-15; 1 John 3:15)?

Application Are we like Elijah, manifesting an unwavering commitment to truth? Are we willing to stand and be counted, even in the face of opposition and danger (Prov. 23:23; Eph. 6:10-13)?

Contrasting Ends God’s Word contrasts the wretched end of the wicked with the blessed end of the righteous. In the New Testament, this is illustrated by Jesus’ account of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16). In the Old Testament, this is observed in the differing outcomes of Ahab and Jezebel, compared with the glorious end of Elijah’s earthly existence.

Contrasting Ends Let us, therefore, consider the contrasting ends of each, noting Ahab’s fixed doom, Jezebel’s dreadful death and Elijah’s glorious deliverance. God is fair and equitable in His judgments, rendering to each according to his works (Rom. 2:4-11).

Ahab’s Fixed Doom Though God mercifully delayed the worst judgments that had been pronounced against the house of Ahab, disaster still awaited the wayward king.

Ahab’s Fixed Doom Despite all precautions, Ahab was mortally wounded on the battlefield, and died in his chariot, just as Micaiah had predicted (1 Kings 22:1-40).

Jezebel’s Dreadful Death Jezebel met death at the hands of Jehu, whom Elijah and Elisha anointed as the 11 th king of Israel (1 Kings 19:15-18; 2 Kings 9:1-13).

Jezebel’s Dreadful Death Returning to Jezreel, the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, Jehu overthrew Joram, King Ahab’s son and chosen successor (2 Kings 9:14- 26). Then he pursued Ahaziah, the king of Judah, overtaking and killing him at the ascent of Gur, which is at Ibleam (2 Kings 9:27-29).

Jezebel’s Dreadful Death Coming again to Jezreel, Jehu ordered that Jezebel be cast headlong from an upper palace window into the street below. Driving his chariot and horses over her broken body, he trampled her underfoot. Afterwards, the burial party found nothing remaining of the queen’s corpse except her skull, hands and feet (2 Kings 9:30-37).

Jezebel’s Dreadful Death Finally, Jehu exacted judgment upon Ahab’s house by killing all the remaining descendants of Ahab (2 Kings 10:1-17), and also the worshippers of Baal (2 Kings 10:18-31).

Elijah’s Glorious Deliverance In contrast with the inevitable death of Ahab and shameful end of Jezebel, Elijah’s departure from this life was glorious and triumphant. Crossing over Jordan with Elisha, his servant and successor, the prophet Elijah ascended to heaven in a chariot of fire drawn by horses of fire (2 Kings 2:1-14).

Application The death of Ahab is a reminder that no one can escape from the presence or the judgment of God (Psa. 139:7-12; Jer. 23:23-24). The death of Jezebel is a reminder of the shame that is associated with sin (Acts 1:18-19; 2 Pet. 2:20-22).

Application The end of Elijah’s life reminds us of blessings that God has reserved for the faithful. Recall Balaam’s discourse: “Who can count the dust of Jacob, or number the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the upright, and let my end be like his!” (Num. 23:10).

Conclusion For the righteous, the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth; yet, the same cannot be said for the wicked (Eccles. 7:1-2). Again, for those who remain faithful to the Lord, the end of a matter is better than its beginning (Eccles. 7:8). Yet, for those who fall away, the last state is worse for them than the first (2 Pet. 2:20).

Challenge Laborers in the Lord’s vineyard who sow in tears shall reap with joy (Psalm 126:4-6). Patience is needed. Avoiding complaint and conflict with one another, let us strengthen our hearts, knowing that the Judge is standing at the door. If we endure to the end, we will receive God’s manifold blessings (James 5:7-11).