God Confronts Ahab

MEMORY VERSE: “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” —Micah 6:8

I KINGS 21:1-7, 17-20, 27

AHAB was one of the kings of the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel. All of these kings followed the example of Jeroboam, who was the first to encourage idolatry among the Israelites. Ahab was abetted in his evil ways by his wicked wife, Jezebel, who figures prominently in the narrative for this lesson, In an apparent reference to the false church this wicked queen is referred to in Revelation as “that woman Jezebel.”—Rev. 2:20

Naboth, a Jezreelite, became one of the victims of Jezebel’s murderous ambition and selfishness. Naboth had inherited from his father a vineyard which was coveted by King Ahab, Jezebel’s husband. He offered to buy the vineyard from Naboth, or exchange one of his own. It seems that Naboth’s vineyard was conveniently located for Ahab’s use, and he was very much disheartened when Naboth refused to give it up. This vineyard was a treasure to Naboth because of having been owned by his father.

Jezebel, noting Ahab’s discouragement, upbraided him for overlooking the fact that after all he was the king of Israel and should not permit anything to stand in the way of possessing that which he desired. Then she instructed him to leave the matter in her hands, which he did. Forthwith Jezebel arranged to have Naboth murdered on a false charge of blasphemy. Jezebel then notified her husband that his enemy Naboth was dead, and to go and take possession of the vineyard.

While Ahab did not himself arrange this dastardly plot to murder the innocent Naboth, he seemed quite happy to have him out of the way, and proceeded to take possession of the coveted vineyard.

However, Ahab was a king over God’s professed people, and he was called to account for his wrong course in this matter by the Prophet Elijah, whom the Lord sent to reprimand the king and to pronounce a penalty upon him. Elijah sought Ahab out in the vineyard, and made it clear to him that he, as well as Jezebel, was guilty of the murder of Naboth.

Elijah said to Ahab, “Thus saith the Lord, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine.” (vs. 19) Elijah prophesied that dogs would “eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.” (vs. 23) Ahab’s house was to be made as “the house of Jeroboam,” which was destroyed. (vs. 22) The record concerning both Ahab and Jezebel is a damaging one. We read, “There was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the Lord, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.”—vs. 25

However, in this instance, Ahab apparently displayed an attitude of genuine repentance, so the Lord explained to Elijah that he would wait until after his death before destroying the house of this wicked king. (vss. 27-29) How wonderfully this displays the compassionate aspect of God’s glorious character of justice and love! Our God is just, but he is not unyielding when circumstances warrant the exercise of mercy.

Our memory verse indicates that the Lord wants us to be like him in this respect. He wants us to be just, to do unto others as we would that others would do unto us. But there are times when loving-kindness and mercy supersede justice in dealing with others. So we are to “do justly,” and also to “love mercy,” and if we love mercy we will be quick to extend mercy under all appropriate circumstances. In the case of Ahab, his repentance created the proper climate in which mercy could function to the glory of God.

Our memory verse also indicates that God wants us to walk humbly with him. The only ones who can do this in the present age are those who are dedicated to the doing of his will, those who are presenting their bodies a living sacrifice. (Rom. 12:1) These are to study the Word to learn the Lord’s will, and then steadfastly set themselves to do it. Paul speaks of this as proving “what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” (Rom. 12:2) This is the work of a lifetime, and happy are they who resolutely continue in this holy undertaking.

QUESTIONS

Who were Ahab and Jezebel, and what is the Bible’s record concerning them?

How was God’s mercy revealed in his dealings with Ahab?

How should this aspect of the lesson apply to us today?

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