A Divided Kingdom: The Books of I & II Kings War with Syria 1 Kings Chapter 20-21 1 Kings 20 Ben-Hadad Attacks Samaria  1 Now Ben-Hadad king of Aram mustered his entire army. Accompanied by thirty-two kings with their horses and chariots, he went up and besieged Samaria and attacked it. 2 He sent messengers into the city to Ahab king of Israel, saying, "This is what Ben-Hadad says: 3 'Your silver and gold are mine, and the best of your wives and children are mine.' "  4 The king of Israel answered, "Just as you say, my lord the king. I and all I have are yours."  5 The messengers came again and said, "This is what Ben-Hadad says: 'I sent to demand your silver and gold, your wives and your children. 6 But about this time tomorrow I am going to send my officials to search your palace and the houses of your officials. They will seize everything you value and carry it away.' "  7 The king of Israel summoned all the elders of the land and said to them, "See how this man is looking for trouble! When he sent for my wives and my children, my silver and my gold, I did not refuse him."  8 The elders and the people all answered, "Don't listen to him or agree to his demands."  9 So he replied to Ben-Hadad's messengers, "Tell my lord the king, 'Your servant will do all you demanded the first time, but this demand I cannot meet.' " They left and took the answer back to Ben-Hadad.  10 Then Ben-Hadad sent another message to Ahab: "May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if enough dust remains in Samaria to give each of my men a handful."  11 The king of Israel answered, "Tell him: 'One who puts on his armor should not boast like one who takes it off.' "  12 Ben-Hadad heard this message while he and the kings were drinking in their tents, [a] and he ordered his men: "Prepare to attack." So they prepared to attack the city. Ahab Defeats Ben-Hadad  13 Meanwhile a prophet came to Ahab king of Israel and announced, "This is what the LORD says: 'Do you see this vast army? I will give it into your hand today, and then you will know that I am the LORD.' "  14 "But who will do this?" asked Ahab.       The prophet replied, "This is what the LORD says: 'The young officers of the provincial commanders will do it.' "       "And who will start the battle?" he asked.       The prophet answered, "You will."  15 So Ahab summoned the young officers of the provincial commanders, 232 men. Then he assembled the rest of the Israelites, 7,000 in all. 16 They set out at noon while Ben-Hadad and the 32 kings allied with him were in their tents getting drunk. 17 The young officers of the provincial commanders went out first.       Now Ben-Hadad had dispatched scouts, who reported, "Men are advancing from Samaria."  18 He said, "If they have come out for peace, take them alive; if they have come out for war, take them alive."  19 The young officers of the provincial commanders marched out of the city with the army behind them 20 and each one struck down his opponent. At that, the Arameans fled, with the Israelites in pursuit. But Ben-Hadad king of Aram escaped on horseback with some of his horsemen. 21 The king of Israel advanced and overpowered the horses and chariots and inflicted heavy losses on the Arameans.  22 Afterward, the prophet came to the king of Israel and said, "Strengthen your position and see what must be done, because next spring the king of Aram will attack you again."  23 Meanwhile, the officials of the king of Aram advised him, "Their gods are gods of the hills. That is why they were too strong for us. But if we fight them on the plains, surely we will be stronger than they. 24 Do this: Remove all the kings from their commands and replace them with other officers. 25 You must also raise an army like the one you lost—horse for horse and chariot for chariot—so we can fight Israel on the plains. Then surely we will be stronger than they." He agreed with them and acted accordingly.  26 The next spring Ben-Hadad mustered the Arameans and went up to Aphek to fight against Israel. 27 When the Israelites were also mustered and given provisions, they marched out to meet them. The Israelites camped opposite them like two small flocks of goats, while the Arameans covered the countryside.  28 The man of God came up and told the king of Israel, "This is what the LORD says: 'Because the Arameans think the LORD is a god of the hills and not a god of the valleys, I will deliver this vast army into your hands, and you will know that I am the LORD.' "  29 For seven days they camped opposite each other, and on the seventh day the battle was joined. The Israelites inflicted a hundred thousand casualties on the Aramean foot soldiers in one day. 30 The rest of them escaped to the city of Aphek, where the wall collapsed on twenty-seven thousand of them. And Ben-Hadad fled to the city and hid in an inner room.  31 His officials said to him, "Look, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful. Let us go to the king of Israel with sackcloth around our waists and ropes around our heads. Perhaps he will spare your life."  32 Wearing sackcloth around their waists and ropes around their heads, they went to the king of Israel and said, "Your servant Ben-Hadad says: 'Please let me live.' "       The king answered, "Is he still alive? He is my brother."  33 The men took this as a good sign and were quick to pick up his word. "Yes, your brother Ben-Hadad!" they said.       "Go and get him," the king said. When Ben-Hadad came out, Ahab had him come up into his chariot.  34 "I will return the cities my father took from your father," Ben-Hadad offered. "You may set up your own market areas in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria."        Ahab said, "On the basis of a treaty I will set you free." So he made a treaty with him, and let him go. A Prophet Condemns Ahab  35 By the word of the LORD one of the sons of the prophets said to his companion, "Strike me with your weapon," but the man refused.  36 So the prophet said, "Because you have not obeyed the LORD, as soon as you leave me a lion will kill you." And after the man went away, a lion found him and killed him.  37 The prophet found another man and said, "Strike me, please." So the man struck him and wounded him. 38 Then the prophet went and stood by the road waiting for the king. He disguised himself with his headband down over his eyes. 39 As the king passed by, the prophet called out to him, "Your servant went into the thick of the battle, and someone came to me with a captive and said, 'Guard this man. If he is missing, it will be your life for his life, or you must pay a talent [b] of silver.' 40 While your servant was busy here and there, the man disappeared."       "That is your sentence," the king of Israel said. "You have pronounced it yourself."  41 Then the prophet quickly removed the headband from his eyes, and the king of Israel recognized him as one of the prophets. 42 He said to the king, "This is what the LORD says: 'You have set free a man I had determined should die. [c] Therefore it is your life for his life, your people for his people.' " 43 Sullen and angry, the king of Israel went to his palace in Samaria. 1 Kings 21 Naboth's Vineyard  1 Some time later there was an incident involving a vineyard belonging to Naboth the Jezreelite. The vineyard was in Jezreel, close to the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. 2 Ahab said to Naboth, "Let me have your vineyard to use for a vegetable garden, since it is close to my palace. In exchange I will give you a better vineyard or, if you prefer, I will pay you whatever it is worth."  3 But Naboth replied, "The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers."  4 So Ahab went home, sullen and angry because Naboth the Jezreelite had said, "I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers." He lay on his bed sulking and refused to eat.  5 His wife Jezebel came in and asked him, "Why are you so sullen? Why won't you eat?"  6 He answered her, "Because I said to Naboth the Jezreelite, 'Sell me your vineyard; or if you prefer, I will give you another vineyard in its place.' But he said, 'I will not give you my vineyard.' "  7 Jezebel his wife said, "Is this how you act as king over Israel? Get up and eat! Cheer up. I'll get you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite."  8 So she wrote letters in Ahab's name, placed his seal on them, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth's city with him. 9 In those letters she wrote:        "Proclaim a day of fasting and seat Naboth in a prominent place among the people. 10 But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify that he has cursed both God and the king. Then take him out and stone him to death."  11 So the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth's city did as Jezebel directed in the letters she had written to them. 12 They proclaimed a fast and seated Naboth in a prominent place among the people. 13 Then two scoundrels came and sat opposite him and brought charges against Naboth before the people, saying, "Naboth has cursed both God and the king." So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death. 14 Then they sent word to Jezebel: "Naboth has been stoned and is dead."  15 As soon as Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned to death, she said to Ahab, "Get up and take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite that he refused to sell you. He is no longer alive, but dead." 16 When Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, he got up and went down to take possession of Naboth's vineyard.  17 Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite: 18 "Go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who rules in Samaria. He is now in Naboth's vineyard, where he has gone to take possession of it. 19 Say to him, 'This is what the LORD says: Have you not murdered a man and seized his property?' Then say to him, 'This is what the LORD says: In the place where dogs licked up Naboth's blood, dogs will lick up your blood—yes, yours!' "  20 Ahab said to Elijah, "So you have found me, my enemy!"       "I have found you," he answered, "because you have sold yourself to do evil in the eyes of the LORD. 21 'I am going to bring disaster on you. I will consume your descendants and cut off from Ahab every last male in Israel—slave or free. 22 I will make your house like that of Jeroboam son of Nebat and that of Baasha son of Ahijah, because you have provoked me to anger and have caused Israel to sin.'  23 "And also concerning Jezebel the LORD says: 'Dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of [d] Jezreel.'  24 "Dogs will eat those belonging to Ahab who die in the city, and the birds of the air will feed on those who die in the country."  25 (There was never a man like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the LORD, urged on by Jezebel his wife. 26 He behaved in the vilest manner by going after idols, like the Amorites the LORD drove out before Israel.)  27 When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and fasted. He lay in sackcloth and went around meekly.  28 Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite: 29 "Have you noticed how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself, I will not bring this disaster in his day, but I will bring it on his house in the days of his son." Footnotes: 1 Kings 20:12 Or in Succoth ; also in verse 16 1 Kings 20:39 That is, about 75 pounds (about 34 kilograms) 1 Kings 20:42 The Hebrew term refers to the irrevocable giving over of things or persons to the LORD, often by totally destroying them. 1 Kings 21:23 Most Hebrew manuscripts; a few Hebrew manuscripts, Vulgate and Syriac (see also 2 Kings 9:26) the plot of ground at

Announcements

I Kings Week Date Topic 1 05 Sep 12 Introduction 2 12 Sep 12 Fight For the Kingdom: I Ki 1-2 3 19 Sep 12 Solomon Begins His Reign: I Ki 3-5 4 26 Sep 12 Solomon Builds The Temple: I Ki 6-8 5 03 Oct 12 Splendor of Solomon’s Kingdom: I Ki 9-10 6 10 Oct 12 Solomon’s Demise: I Ki 11 7 17 Oct 12 Division of the Kingdom: I Ki:12 8 24 Oct 12 Early History of the Kingdoms, Pt 1: I Ki 12:25-16:34 9 31 Oct 12 Early History of the Kingdoms, Pt 2: I Ki 12:25-16:34 10 07 Nov 12 Stories of Elijah: I Ki 17:1-19:21 11 14 Nov 12 War with Syria: I Ki 20:1-43 12 21 Nov 12 More Stories of Elijah: I Ki 21:1-21:29 13 27 Nov 12 Ahab’s Final Battle: I Ki 22:1-53

Today’s Objectives Review last weeks lesson (about Elijah) Review historical maps of Israel and the region Learn how God gives Israel a victory over Ben-Hadad and Syria in two different battles Learn how Ahab, with Jezebel’s help, obtains Naboth’s property Learn about God’s message to Ahab delivered by Elijah Learn what God does when Ahab repents

Last Week’s Lesson Reviewed previous weeks lesson (early history) Reviewed historical maps of Israel and the region Learned about the lessons of Elijah Learned how Elijah confronts the king of Israel and the god Baal Learned how God displays his powers in front of the prophets of Baal Learned why Elijah runs away and ends up at Mount Horeb Learned about God’s commission to Elijah at Mount Horeb

Overview of I and II Kings Originally one book Early Greek manuscripts of the OT combined the books of Samuel and Kings under the title of "kingdoms," or "reigns" Kings was broken into two books for convenience sake because of its length (Greek translation) Authorship Some portions of the book identical to the book of Jeremiah Jeremiah would have personal knowledge of some contents Evidence that Ezra was the author after the Babylonian captivity Timeline Approximately 400 years, written between 560 B.C. and 538 B.C. Start: Death of David in 971 B.C. End: Jehoiachin's release from a Babylonian prison in 562 B.C. First and Second Kings were originally one book, called in the Hebrew text, “Kings,” from the first word in 1:1. The Greek translation of the OT, the Septuagint (LXX), divided the book in two, and this was followed by the Latin Vulgate (Vg.) version and English translations. The division was for the convenience of copying this lengthy book on scrolls and codexes and was not based on features of content. John MacArthur, The MacArthur Bible Handbook The LXX and Vg. connected Kings with the books of Samuel, so that the titles in the LXX are “The Third and Fourth Books of Kingdoms” and in the Vg. “Third and Fourth Kings.” The books of 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings combined are a chronicle of the entire history of Judah’s and Israel’s kingship from Saul to Zedekiah. First and Second Chronicles provides only the history of Judah’s monarchy. John MacArthur, The MacArthur Bible Handbook Jewish tradition proposed that Jeremiah wrote Kings, though this is unlikely because the final event recorded in the book (see 2 King 25:27–30) occurred in Babylon in 561 b.c. Jeremiah never went to Babylon, but to Egypt (Jer. 43:1–7), and would have been at least 86 years old by 561 b.c. Actually, the identity of the unnamed author remains unknown. Since the ministry of prophets is emphasized in Kings, it seems that the author was most likely an unnamed prophet of the Lord who lived in exile with Israel in Babylon. John MacArthur, The MacArthur Bible Handbook For similarities between Kings and Jeremiah - see 2 Ki 24:18-25 and Jer 52; 39:1-10, and 40:7-41:10

Overview of I and II Kings Books of Samuel and Kings cover Israel's period as a nation under a king: I Samuel: Life of Saul II Samuel: Life of David I Kings: Solomon and the divided kingdom II Kings: The fall of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah Content of I and II Kings 47 chapters (I Ki – 22 chapters, II Ki – 25 chapters) History of the Jewish commonwealth Death of David to subjugation to Babylonians

Overview of I and II Kings Purpose Imparting of great moral lessons backed up by well-known illustrations Religious history Focused upon kings rather than prophets Key Lesson God does not fail His people; His people, led by their kings, have failed God God’s covenant has the contingency of Israel’s faithfulness Covenant also promises a return from exile those that return to God The book of Kings is ultimately answering the question, “In light of God’s covenant with Abraham (the land) and with David (an everlasting throne), how did all of this happen to us?” The answer: “God has not failed his people; his people, led by their kings, have failed their God. The covenants, after all, have the contingency of Israel’s faithfulness written into them. But the covenant also promises return from exile for those who return to Yahweh (Deut 30:1-10).

Main Characters of Chapters 20-21 Elijah – Prophet of God from Gilead Ahab – King of Israel (Northern Kingdom0 Baal – God of rain, fertility, agriculture Jezebel – Daughter of King of Sidon, and wife of Ahab Obadiah – Ran the house of Ahab, 1 of 13 Ben Hadad – King of Syria Jehu – Followed Ahab as king of Israel Ben Hadad or Benhadad I 1. The Kingdom of Syria Founded Benhadad I was the son of Tabrimmon, who is called (1Ki_15:18) “the son of Hezion, king of Syria, that dwelt at Damascus.” Hezion has been with some plausibility identified with Rezon (1Ki_11:23, 1Ki_11:25) who founded the kingdom of Damascus and imparted to Syria that temper of hostility to Israel which became hereditary. Meanwhile the Arameans had shaken themselves free from the rule of the Hittites, and with Damascus for a center had planted strong settlements in the plains westward from the Euphrates. By the time that Benhadad entered into this succession, Syria was the strongest power in this region of Western Asia, and ready to take advantage of every opportunity of increasing her dominions. 2. Syria and Judah Such an opportunity presented itself in the appeal of Asa, king of Judah, for help against Baasha king of Israel. The two Hebrew kingdoms had been at feud ever since their disruption. Baasha had pushed his frontier southward to Ramah, within 5 miles of Jerusalem, and this commanding eminence he proceeded to fortify. The danger of a hostile fortress overlooking his capital, and the humiliation of his rival's presence so near, were more than Asa could bear. It was at this juncture that he bethought him of Benhadad. Taking all the silver and the gold that were left in the treasury of the house of the Lord, and the treasury of the king's house, he sent them to Benhadad with a request for an alliance begging him at the same time to break off the league he had with Baasha and Thus enable Asa to dislodge his enemy. Benhadad saw an opening for the aggrandizement of his kingdom and broke off the alliance he had had with Jeroboam and Baasha. By an invasion of Northern Israel he obliged Baasha to withdraw from Ramah and confine himself to the neighborhood of his own capital (1Ki_15:16). Judah obtained relief, but the price paid for it was too great. Asa had surrendered his treasures, and very likely some of his independence. 3. Shortsightedness of Asa For his shortsightedness in laying himself under obligation to Benhadad and relying upon the help of Syria rather than upon the Lord his God, Asa was rebuked by the prophet Hanani (2Ch_16:1). Benhadad had extended his territories by the transaction and seems to have exercised henceforward some sort of sovereignty over both the Hebrew kingdoms. Literature McCurdy HPM, I, 256; H. P. Smith, Old Testament History, 186.

Places of Chapters 20-21 Samaria – capital of the Israel (Northern Kingdom), scene of the first battle with Syria Aphek – city where the second battle with Syria took place Jezreel – city where King Ahab’s palace was located Samaria A watch-mountain or a watch-tower. In the heart of the mountains of Israel, a few miles north-west of Shechem, stands the “hill of Shomeron,” a solitary mountain, a great “mamelon.” It is an oblong hill, with steep but not inaccessible sides, and a long flat top. Omri, the king of Israel, purchased this hill from Shemer its owner for two talents of silver, and built on its broad summit the city to which he gave the name of “Shomeron”, i.e., Samaria, as the new capital of his kingdom instead of Tirzah (1Ki_16:24). As such it possessed many advantages. Here Omri resided during the last six years of his reign. As the result of an unsuccessful war with Syria, he appears to have been obliged to grant to the Syrians the right to “make streets in Samaria”, i.e., probably permission to the Syrian merchants to carry on their trade in the Israelite capital. This would imply the existence of a considerable Syrian population. “It was the only great city of Palestine created by the sovereign. All the others had been already consecrated by patriarchal tradition or previous possession. But Samaria was the choice of Omri alone. He, indeed, gave to the city which he had built the name of its former owner, but its especial connection with himself as its founder is proved by the designation which it seems Samaria bears in Assyrian inscriptions, Beth-khumri ('the house or palace of Omri').” Stanley. Samaria was frequently besieged. In the days of Ahab, Benhadad II. came up against it with thirty-two vassal kings, but was defeated with a great slaughter (1 Kings 20:1-21). A second time, next year, he assailed it; but was again utterly routed, and was compelled to surrender to Ahab (1Ki_20:28-34), whose army, as compared with that of Benhadad, was no more than “two little flocks of kids.” In the days of Jehoram this Benhadad again laid siege to Samaria, during which the city was reduced to the direst extremities. But just when success seemed to be within their reach, they suddenly broke up the siege, alarmed by a mysterious noise of chariots and horses and a great army, and fled, leaving their camp with all its contents behind them. The famishing inhabitants of the city were soon relieved with the abundance of the spoil of the Syrian camp; and it came to pass, according to the word of Elisha, that “a measure of fine flour was sold for a shekel, and two measures of barely for a shekel, in the gates of Samaria” (2 Kings 7:1-20). Shalmaneser invaded Israel in the days of Hoshea, and reduced it to vassalage. He laid siege to Samaria (723 B.C.), which held out for three years, and was at length captured by Sargon, who completed the conquest Shalmaneser had begun (2Ki_18:9-12; 2Ki_17:3), and removed vast numbers of the tribes into captivity. (See SARGON.) The city, after passing through various vicissitudes, was given by the emperor Augustus to Herod the Great, who rebuilt it, and called it Sebaste (Gr. form of Augustus) in honour of the emperor. In the New Testament the only mention of it is in Act_8:5-14, where it is recorded that Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached there. It is now represented by the hamlet of Sebustieh, containing about three hundred inhabitants. The ruins of the ancient town are all scattered over the hill, down the sides of which they have rolled. The shafts of about one hundred of what must have been grand Corinthian columns are still standing, and attract much attention, although nothing definite is known regarding them. (Compare Mic_1:6.) In the time of Christ, Western Palestine was divided into three provinces, Judea, Samaria, and Galilee. Samaria occupied the centre of Palestine (Joh_4:4). It is called in the Talmud the “land of the Cuthim,” and is not regarded as a part of the Holy Land at all. It may be noticed that the distance between Samaria and Jerusalem, the respective capitals of the two kingdoms, is only 35 miles in a direct line. Aphek A city on the plateau east of the Jordan, where disaster befell Benhadad (1Ki_20:26, 1Ki_20:30). The same place may be intended in 2Ki_13:17. The modern Fīḳ or Afīḳ (for both forms are heard) on the brow of the hill beyond Ḳal‛at el- Ḥuṣn, east of the Sea of Galilee, probably represents this ancient city. Jezreel The city plays no important part in the history till the time of Ahab. Attracted, doubtless, by the fine position and natural charms of the place, he made it one of his royal residences, building here a palace (1Ki_21:1). This was evidently on the eastern wall; and the gate by which Jehu entered was over-looked by the quarters of Queen Jezebel (2Ki_9:30 f). The royal favor naturally enhanced the dignity of the city, and “elders” and “nobles” of Jezreel are mentioned (1Ki_21:8, etc.). Under the influence of Jezebel, an institution for the worship of Baal was founded here, from which, probably, the men were drawn who figured in the memorable contest with Elijah on Carmel (2Ki_10:11). “The tower in Jezreel” was part of the defenses of the city. It commanded a view of the approach up the valley from Beth-shean - the way followed by the hordes of the East, who, from time immemorial, came westward for the rich pasture of the plain (2Ki_9:17). It was necessary also to keep constant watch, as the district East of the Jordan was always more unsettled than that on the West; and danger thence might appear at any moment. The garden of Naboth seems to have lain to the East of the city (2Ki_9:21 ), near the royal domain, to which Ahab desired to add it as a garden of herbs (1Ki_21:1 ff). See NABOTH. This was the scene of the tragic meetings between Elijah and Ahab (1Ki_21:17 ff), and between Jehu and Joram and Ahaziah (2Ki_9:21). Joram had returned to Jezreel from Ramoth- gilead to be healed of his wounds (2Ki_9:15). By the gateway the dogs devoured Jezebel's body (2Ki_9:31 ff). Naboth had been stoned to death outside the city (1Ki_21:13). Josephus lays the scene by the fountain of Jezreel, and here, he says, the dogs licked the blood washed from the chariot of Ahab (Ant., VIII, xv, 6). This accords with 1Ki_21:19; but 1Ki_22:38 points to the pool at Samaria.

Ben-Hadad Comes Against Israel (1 Kings 20:1-12) Demands of Ben-Hadad (20:1-6) Raises Syrian forces of 32 subordinate kings against Samaria and king Ahab Demands silver, gold, finest wives and children Ahab states “I and all that I have are yours.” Then Ben-Hadad demands a search to for more items Ahab seeks the advice of elders (20:7-9) Elders advise not to give in to this much control Ahab tells Ben-Hadad that he will not give in To deny a tyrant on one point is to deny him on every point (Guzik) Upset, Ben-Hadad gets his army ready (20:10-12) Let not the one who put on his armor boast like the one who takes it off Read 1 Kings

Victory for Israel (1 Kings 20:13-22) The prophet promises victory (20:13-15) Most likely one of the 7000 who remained God will delivery victory Battle will be won by young leaders, 232, 7000 others Victory for Israel (20:16-21) Ben-Hadad along with 32 kings were getting drunk Shows Ben-Hadad’s weak character Wants the Israelites taken alive Israel wins the battle, Syria flees Prophet advises Israel to prepare for a counter-attack (20:22) Attack would come in the spring of the year

A Second Victory over Syria (1 Kings 20:23-43) Syrians try again in the spring (20:23-25) Calls Yahweh the “god of the hills” Ben-Hadad wants to draw them into the valley The armies gather (20:26-28) Syria arrives with an over-whelming force Didn’t want to risk humiliation again However, God resents the blasphemy of the Syrians God, through a prophet, promises victory A second victory for Israel against Syria (20:29-30) 100,000 foot soldiers fall, a well fell on 27,000 All in Aphek are killed Note: Syrian’s try to make Yahweh into an image that they could relate to and fit the mold of their gods, i.e. he was a god of a certain place or thing. Spurgeon says that many in his day thought that God was a god of the past and not the present. That he is the God of a few special people.

Aphek ruins from Turkish rule

Aphek

A Second Victory over Syria (1 Kings 20:23-43) Ahab’s wants to make peace with God (20:31-34) Ben-Hadad surrenders, Ahab calls him his brother Ahab decides to make a treaty with Ben-Hadad A prophet confronts Ahab (20:35-38) Prophet needed an injury to confront the king Then disguises himself and waits for the king Prophet gives a lesson (20:39-40) States that he let a prisoner get away, faces death “If this man goes missing, your life for his life.” Rebuke from God (20:41-43) Ahab recognizes the man as a prophet Because he let Ben-Hadad get away, it would cost him his life

Naboth is Killed (1 Kings 21:1-16) Naboth refuses to give up his land (21:1-3) Ahab wants Naboth’s vineyard for his own Agrees to pay for it or trade Naboth refuses, why? Ahab pouts like a small child (21:4-7) Characteristic of Ahab, depressed, doesn’t get his way Jezebel steps in an promises she will get it for him Jezebel plots to have Naboth murdered (21:8-14) Wrote letters in Ahab’s name, proclaims a fast Seats Naboth with high honor Two “sons of Belial” tells lies on Naboth, he is stoned Very symbolic of NT actions against Jesus (Matt 26) Ahab takes possession of Naboth’s land (20:15-16) Belial bē´li-al, bēl´yal (בּליּעל, belīya‛al; Βελίαρ, Belíar): This name, occurring very frequently in the Old Testament, has the sense of “worthlessness” (compare 2Sa_23:6 margin); accordingly in such phrases as “sons of Belial” (Jdg_20:13; 1Sa_10:27, etc.), “men of Belial” (1Sa_30:22; 1Ki_21:13, etc.), which the English Revised Version usually retains, the American Standard Revised Version more correctly renders, “base fellows” (so “daughter of Belial” 1Sa_1:16, “wicked woman”). There is here no suggestion a proper name. Afterward, however, “Belial” became a proper name for Satan, or for Antichrist (Thus frequently in the Jewish Apocalyptic writings, e.g. in XII the Priestly Code (P), Book Jubilees, Asc Isa, Sib Or). In this sense Paul used the word in 2Co_6:15, “What concord hath Christ with Belial?” (Beliar). Bousset thinks that Paul's “man of sin” in 2Th_2:3, where some authorities read “man of lawlessness,” is a translation of this term. The sense at least is similar. See ANTICHRIST; MAN OF SIN.

Elijah Confronts Ahab (1 Kings 21:17-29) God pronounces judgment upon Ahab (21:17-24) God tells Elijah to deliver a message to Ahab Ahab is in Naboth’s vineyard Ahab still refers to Elijah as his “enemy” Delivers God’s message, will make his house like the house of Jeroboam Also, of Jezebel, “the dogs shall eat Jezebel in Jezreel” Ahab’s great wickedness (21:25-26) No one like Ahab Sold himself into wickedness because of Jezebel Followed idols like the Amorites Ahab humbles himself and God relents (21:27-29) God will not bring disaster in his days

Review Reviewed last weeks lesson (about Elijah) Reviewed historical maps of Israel and the region Learned how God gives Israel a victory over Ben-Hadad and Syria in two different battles Learned how Ahab, with Jezebel’s help, obtains Naboth’s property Learned about God’s message to Ahab delivered by Elijah Learned what God does when Ahab repents Next week, 1 Kings Chapter 22 ( Death of Ahab)