One of the most jaw dropping moments in today’s reading is the last several sentences of Chapter 21. Who would have believed it?
Ahab is one of the worst kings the northern kingdom ever had, and that’s saying something, because they had plenty of evil kings. Today’s reading says that Ahab “sold himself to evil”. We know that he worshipped Baal and Asherah, and today we learn that he worshiped the Amorite god Amurru. You would think that after seeing fire literally falling from heaven, and the prophets of Baal slaughtered, that Ahab would come to his senses and worship God alone. Apparently that was never the case. Serving God completely was never Ahab’s priority.
Ben-Hadad’s name seemed familiar. A quick look back at what I read several days ago reminded me that his name was mentioned in 2 Chronicles 14-16. In that passage King Asa of the southern kingdom makes an unauthorized alliance with Hadad to convince him to attack the northern kingdom. Never mind for a minute the implications of hiring someone to attack your own relatives…God is upset because Asa didn’t trust God for the battle, and took matters into his own hands. Because of his impulsive behavior, God says that the southern kingdom has now missed the opportunity to conquer Ben-Hadad himself. So, if King Asa had simply trusted God, then none of today’s events would be happening. Thousands of people would still be alive that perished in battle.
I am reminded that our disobedience has “ripple effects” that we never consider. If we would, I doubt that we would be as enticed to sin.
I think it’s important to note here that God didn’t go to battle against Syria (Ben-Hadad) because he favored King Ahab. He moved because the Aramean king needed to be reminded who was really God. Of course, He was also moved by the fact that He loves Israel, and they were in grave danger, and King Ahab also needed a reminder of who God is. Thinking of that: God is jealous, and not willing to share His glory with anyone. It serves us well to remember that God loves to be worshiped, and praised….and one of the things that make Him very angry is when we worship or praise any other person or object as god. Ahab really doesn’t seem to deserve this blessing, but I am glad that we serve a God who fights for us and blesses us even when we may not deserve it.
Before I get to the final several lines, consider how demented Ahab was. He had a man killed so he could acquire his vineyard. (yes, it reminds me of David and Bathsheba). Now you might say “wait a minute, that was Jezebel” and you’re right, she did most of the heavy lifting….but Ahab knew that she was up to no good. He made his complaint to her and she said “I’ll take care of it”….he knew she was going to do something nefarious, and he approved even if he didn’t know exactly what she would do. Either way, when the prophet accuses him, he says the Ahab has killed Naboth…not Jezebel. Because of this latest infraction Ahab and his wife are to be completely destroyed. God has had enough. Their fate is to be the same as Baasha, the northern king who fought against Asa…dogs or vultures would eat their bodies…they wouldn’t even receive the decency of a burial.
To make it all even worse, when God defeats the Aramean army (twice!) Ahab lets Ben-Hadad go! Why in the world would you do that? I think it’s because Ahab has a different motivation in life. Serving God and obeying him is clearly not the top priority for him. This last infraction pushes God past His tolerance point. By the way, God’s patience can run out, and that’s not a place that you ever want to see.
This is where the story gets interesting. Ahab hears this report and dons sackcloth and covers himself with ashes. This is the Old Testament sign of repentance. It appears that Ahab is saying “I am sorry, please forgive me”. Remember, Ahab is one of the worst kings ever. He would sell his own children, kill innocent people and worship false gods. He actively tried to kill Elijah, and his wife had many prophets put to death. In addition to destroying the innocent he released the guilty. Ahab and Jezebel are an evil “power couple”. No question about it.
Yet, when Ahab repents, God relents. Imagine this for a moment: God is granting Ahab an extension on his life and rule even though He had decided to wipe him out…all because Ahab has repented.
Repentance moves God’s heart. It doesn’t matter how bad you have been, what sins you committed or what thoughts you thought. If you will repent, God will move on your behalf. If you stay in communion with Him, then your sins will never again be counted against you, and you will be considered pure. Think of it! If it can happen to Ahab, then it could happen to anyone.
The northern kingdom is on a downward spiral, and the leaders are as corrupt as they come. Yet, this is also the time of some of Israel’s greatest prophets (Elijah and Elisha). And, in the midst of corruption and betrayal…we see God willing to forgive. What an incredible Savior!
Today, in spite of all the terrible things I see happening in the northern kingdom, I am encouraged, and I celebrate God’s compassion and his willingness to forgive!\
Faithfully,
PR