1 Kings 21-22 The End Of Ahab

My commentary detailed how Ahab and Jezebel broke God's law even when Ahab wanted to trade land with Naboth to secure his vineyard and turn it into a vegetable garden!

Idolatry:  "The essence of idolatry is the entertainment of thoughts about God that are unworthy of Him," A.W. Tozer had said.  "Jezebel brought Baal worship into Israel and Ahab permitted it to spread throughout the land.

Covetousness:  Ahab coveted Naboth's vineyard because he wanted a vegetable garden convenient to his palace.  "The first nine commandments focus on forbidden outward conduct ... but this commandment deals primarily with the hidden desires of the heart."

False witness:  Jezebel forged Ahab's name and seal to orders that directed troublemakers to lie about Naboth so he would be stoned by the citizens.

Murder:  "Since the accusation was false, the witnesses were liars, and the judges had been bought off with royal intimidation, "This wasn't capital punishment, but murder."

Stealing:  Naboth and his sons were stoned, leaving no male heirs to inherit the vineyard, so Ahab could claim the land for his vegetable garden.  "But the land didn't belong to Ahab and the law says, 'Thou shalt not steal.'  The vineyard hadn't even belonged to Naboth -- it belonged to the Lord.  Ahab was stealing property from God!" my commentary said.

Since Ahab repented when confronted, God postponed the judgment until the reign of Ahab's son Joram, but the message was clear -- dogs would lick up the blood of the male heirs to the throne and Jezebel would be eaten by them.

King Jehoshaphat of Judah, though godly, allied himself with Ahab, even having his son marry Ahab's daughter.  Ahab then required him to go to war with him against Syria and this made Jehoshaphat a target on the battlefield.  Ahab then ignored God's warning and died in battle.  "God is sovereign in all things and protected Jehoshaphat, while at the same time allowing a random arrow to hit an opening in Ahab's armor and kill him."

Ahab paid the price for fighting against God.

Father, call me out when I go against Your will for my life.  Remind me of Ahab's stupidity and keep me in Your will.  I don't want to disappoint You!

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford