Lesson 18: Ahab (1 Kings l9-22)

Introduction:  Ahab was a strong king and a weak person.  He 
formed alliances with Phonecia, Judah, and Syria and built 
Israel up as a nation.  Yet, he allowed Jezebel to promote 
idolatry in Israel. This incurred the wrath of God and led 
to his downfall.  He practiced idolatry, yet humbled himself 
before God on occasion.  This lesson covers his reign from the 
start of the Syrian wars to his death in battle in 853 B.C.


I. Syrian Invasions Of Israel
	A. First battle (1 Kgs. 20:1-21)
		1. Ben-hadad, seeing the rising power of its 
		   vassal state, Israel, demanded an unacceptable 
		   tribute of "everything valuable in Israel."
		2. Thus forced to fight, Ahab issued his famous 
		   reply, "Let not him who girds on his armor boast 
		   like him who takes it off."  He did not seek 
		   God's help.
		3. With the battle set to begin, God intervened 
		   so Israel would "know that I am the Lord."  
		   Ahab did as the prophet instructed him, and 
		   Syria was defeated.
	B. Second Battle (1 Kgs. 20:22-43)
		1. The Syrians attributed Israel's victory to 
		   their God. Deeming Him a God of the mountains 
		   only, they decided to attack Israel on the plains.
		2. Ahab again prepared for battle without seeking 
		   God's help.  God again intervened, because the 
		   Syrians thought Him  "a god of the mountains 
		   only."
		3. The Syrians were defeated with great losses.  
		   Ahab, relying on his own political judgment, 
		   spared Ben-hadad and made a covenant with him.
		4. Angry with Ahab for sparing Ben-hadad, God 
		   foretold that in the next battle, Ben-hadad 
		   would triumph and Ahab would die.  Ahab was 
		   "sullen and vexed" at God's reproach.

Principles:
	1. God must be given the glory He deserves.
	2. Repentance is required for misdeeds.


II. Naboth's Vineyard (1 Kgs. 21)
	A. Ahab desired Naboth's vineyard in Jezreel for a 
	   vegetable garden.
	B. Naboth refused Ahab's offer.  Ahab became "sullen 
	   and vexed."
	C. Jezebel plotted to kill Naboth and his sons (2 Kgs. 
	   9:26) using Deuteronomic law. Upon Naboth's death, 
	   Ahab took possession of his vineyard.
	D. God sent Elijah to prophesy against Ahab for his 
	   wickedness.
		1. Ahab's blood would be shed at the same place.
		2. Ahab's house would be destroyed.
		3. Dogs would eat Jezebel.
	E. Ahab repented and God put off the destruction of his 
	   house until after his death.

Principles:
	1. God's law's should be followed.
	2. God will repay evil.



III. Israel And Judah Invaded Syrian Territory (1 Kgs. 22).
	A. Ahab requested Jehoshaphat to assist him in 
	   recapturing Ramoth-gilead.
	B. Jehoshaphat agreed to help Ahab but requested 
	   prophetic guidance from God.  400 false prophets 
	   predicted success.  Micaiah, a true prophet of God, 
	   foretold defeat and was imprisoned.
	C. In the ensuing battle, the Syrians were victorious. 
	   Although disguised,  Ahab was killed by a stray arrow.
	D. Ahab died bravely in the battle.  The dogs licked up 
	   the blood from his chariot at he pool of Samaria.

Principle: God's word is true and should be obeyed.


Questions:
1. How did Jezebel affect Ahab and the nation of Israel 
   (2 Kgs. 21:25)?
2. How did Jezebel, through her daughter Athaliah, affect 
   the nation of Judah, Jehoram (2 Chron. 21:5-6), and Amaziah 
   (2 Chron. 22:2-3)?
3. From the example of Jezebel what characteristics should 
   Christians consider in selecting a spouse?
4. What was the policy of Ahab toward Ben-hadad?
5. Why did God react so strongly to Ahab's conduct in taking 
   possession of Naboth's vineyard?  What sins were committed 
   (Ex. 20:13,15,16,17; Lev. 25:23-28; Num. 36:7)?
6. What does the outcome of accepting advice from 400 false 
   prophets instead of from Micaiah show regarding God's word 
   as opposed to the teachings of men?
7. Was Ahab' blood shed in the same place as Naboth's, as 
   prophesied (1 Kgs. 22:38; 2 Kgs. 9:26)?
8. How can we give God glory?
9. How does God repay evil today?
10. What persecutions do we face today when we speak the truth?