DBG - April 24 - I Kings 20-21

In this chapter Ahab wars with Syria.

vs. 1-21 – Benhadad II assembles a coalition of Syrian/Aramean tribes and invaded Israel. He besieges the capital of Samaria and demands tribute of all the wealth and the family of Ahab. At first Ahab concedes to the request, but when a new stipulation comes in that the Syrians will not be satisfied with what would be given to them and would search and take as spoil whatever they wanted.  Ahab refuses this. An unnamed prophet tells Ahab that God will deliver the Syrians into his hands if he attacks them. He gathers an army of 7,000. The overconfident Syrians are caught off guard and are driven from the field.

vs. 22-34 – The unnamed prophet returns and warns Ahab that the Syrians would return the following year. Benhadad strengthens his kingdom, does away with the tribal kings and takes more power for himself. He prepares a new army to avenge his humiliation. God intervenes again to show His power and might. Though outnumbered, Israel takes the field and slays 100,000 of the enemy. More fled to the walled city of Aphek but were slain when walls collapsed on them. Benhadad is spared and makes a treaty with Ahab. Part of that treaty is that Ahab will have a strong presence in Damascus, possibly as a buffer from future aggression or maybe to receive tribute.

vs. 35-43 – A disguised prophet delivers a message to Ahab that he should not have let Benhadad go.  God promises judgment for Ahab’s failure.

In this chapter Ahab and Jezebel plot to take Naboth’s vineyard.

vs. 1-16 – Ahab desires to own a vineyard belonging to Naboth (“fruits”). The request made is that he would take the land perpetually, violating the Law in Leviticus 25:23 and Numbers 36:7. Naboth refuses and Jezebel plots for Naboth’s death.

vs. 17-24 – For the crime of Ahab in taking Naboth’s vineyard, God declares that his house would end. In graphic detail Elijah proclaims that the dogs would lick Ahab’s blood and eat the body of Jezebel.

vs. 25-29 - Ahab is pronounced to be the worst king yet over Israel. Both he and Solomon sank low because of their marriages to foreign and idolatrous women. Yet Solomon at least had a good start, Ahab started bad and got worse.  Often overlooked in the story of Ahab is that he repented of his evil when confronted by Elijah and hearing his doom. God honored that repentance and did not end his house until the days of his son.

If you have never heard R.G. Lee’s classic sermon, “Payday, Someday”, I would highly recommend that you do so.  He vividly retells the story of Naboth’s vineyard and the judgment that fell on Ahab and Jezebel.  Back then, just as today, it seemed the evil was unchecked.  That is never the case.  Evil may win for season but the final score has not been tallied.  Right will prevail and God will reign supreme.

Surprisingly there are no hymns with strong ties today’s reading.  Sort of surprised me since I thought at least one would talk about Ahab and Naboth.  The only song I found, which ties thematically with the idea of surrender in 20:4, is “I Have Given All To Jesus!” by Celia Kilpatrick.  It is a stretch to go from Ahab’s words of surrender to an enemy to our own surrender to Christ.  We simply do the best with the hymns available.

1 I have given all to Jesus!
Him to follow evermore;
And my blessed Lord and Master
Now is marching on before.

Refrain:
Oh! I know ’tis He who guides me,
And I follow His command;
For I feel He is so near me,
As to lead me by the hand.

2 As I trust Him every moment,
Oh! He keeps me sweetly saved!
He hath loved me, oh so dearly!
Yes, for me His life He gave. [Refrain]

3 Now my soul breaks forth in singing
Glorious songs of victory!
Jesus in my heart is reigning,
He shall have eternal sway. [Refrain]

4 O the wondrous love of Jesus!
How it thrills our souls with praise;
Through His blood He hath redeemed us,
And this precious love He gave. [Refrain]

5 Soon we’ll see our Savior coming
In the clouds, O glorious sight!
With a host of shining angels,
Power, majesty, and might. [Refrain]

6 Then we’ll all go home to glory,
And with Jesus ever dwell;
He who purchased our redemption,
Yes, He doeth all things well. [Refrain]