The trajectory of the life of Ahab, king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, is described in 1 Kings 16:29 – 22:39.
“He did more to provoke the anger of the LORD, the God of Israel, than any of the other kings of Israel before him.” 1 Kings 16:33b
He is challenged by Elijah.
But in Chapters 20-21, he briefly puts his reliance on God and receives the LORD’s favor and blessing. He and Israel are twice threatened with and then delivered from annihilation.
Ahab falters by not finishing the job and destroying Ben-hadad, who God had said must be destroyed.
Ahab falls into the sin of Jezebel of murdering Naboth, and stealing Naboth’ vineyard, the supposed origin of the practice of eminent domain.
“His worst outrage was worshipping idols [“round things,” dung?] just as the Amorites had done.” 21:26a.
In the end Ahab humbles himself, and God partially relents His judgment.
A curious life. Mostly idolatrous. But capable of trusting and humility. Only these characteristics are fleeting in comparison to a lifetime of idolatry.
Ahab had his chances. He had multiple contacts with prophets, including no less than Elijah. And he responds, temporarily.
One wonders, if Ahab had turned completely, and permanently, at any point, how would the trajectory of his life been different?
Ahab can sing with Frank Sinatra, I did it my way. And he paid for it, dearly, along with his family and nation.
Ahab is a cautionary tale: don’t live like Ahab, compromised, idolatrous, and less than complete and uniform devotion.
LORD, may I walk fully and only in Your ways, obeying You in every way, worshipping only you.
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Amen! Lord, may we follow You wholeheartedly!
Well he made at least two fatal mistakes, which one can deduce from the attitude of the Deuteronomistic historian. Despite Solomon’s wicked treatment of the northern part of the (briefly) united kingdom, the split was never justified, and the commentator makes it clear that true religion is based in Jerusalem, under the leadership of the Davidic dynasty. If the Omri family had made efforts to reunite with Judah, perhaps the subsequent history would have been different. Second mistake was repeating that of Solomon, but Ahab did it in a worse way. He brought a known polytheist into his court and gave her power (more power than Solomon gave to his foreign wives). He surrounded himself with Baal people and did nothing to limit the growth of the cult in the “high places”. If a man has a powerful wife and she is an enthusiastic idolator, what is the probability that that man’s heart will remain true to the True and Living God?
Well said! Thanks for your comment and additional insight.