Tag: Ahab

How Do You Make An Ahab?

Neal Pollard

Perhaps two kings most epitomize how bad the northern kingdom (Israel) was. The first symbol of their spiritual rottenness was Jeroboam. His legacy lives at the end of each successive king’s biography. Their epitaph all point back to him: “For he walked in all the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat and in his sins which he made Israel sin, provoking the Lord God of Israel with their idols” (26). His influence stained all the rest of them. The second symbol was Ahab, who we are introduced to in 1 Kings 16. His life is summed up starting in verse 30: “Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the Lord more than all who were before him.” The writer then goes on to elaborate with details before summarizing, saying, “Thus Ahab did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel than all the kings of Israel who were before him” (33). 

What makes for a man like this, able to stand out in an already wicked environment? 

HAVE A CULTURE OF VIOLENCE AND DIVISION. The entire nation divided in Rehoboam’s reign, and the root cause was sin (ch. 11). Now, for the second time, a dynasty is supplanted by murder and overthrow. This time, not only is Zimri killed, but there’s a division between two factions–Tibni and Omri. Omri prevails and Tibni dies. How old was Ahab as all this took place? The Bible does not say. But, the victories of his father were surely retold as he established himself on the throne.

LIVE IN A HOME WHERE SIN IS SERVED. Ahab’s father held the ignominious distinction of doing evil in God’s sight, one who “acted more wickedly than all who were before him” (25). He learned from the “best” at being the “worst.” No wonder Ahab went even further and lower. He was mighty. He built the city, Samaria, which became the capital of Israel. But God’s focus was on his disobedience and idolatry. That was the cradle where young Ahab was nurtured. 

MARRY FOOLISHLY. The writer makes a statement to the effect of, “And if that wasn’t enough…” He says, “It came about, as though it had been a trivial thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he married Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians…” (31). Even modern, secular people know the name “Jezebel,” synonymous with being wicked and ruinous. She was as toxic an influence as the equally infamous woman who was Samson’s foil: Delilah. Through her influence, Ahab descends more deeply into deviance and deplorability (cf. 21:25). 

Isn’t it remarkable how the more things change, the more they stay the same? What three factors do more to shape our direction and influence our eternity than our culture, upbringing, and marriage? All of these can be overcome, but usually they aren’t. Under Christ, the church and evangelism are the divine countermeasures. God’s Word is the guide that can lead us from such darkness into heavenly light. They can lead to a turnaround. We cannot choose the behavior of the culture or the home environment we are raised in. But we can change the future, if we know better and do better. Sadly, Ahab would succumb to all three influences, and others paid the price. 

An interesting postscript is found here. During Ahab’s reign, a man named Hiel rebuilt Jericho. When Joshua and the people conquered and destroyed the city, he man an oath cursing any man who attempted to rebuild it. He warned that anyone who did so would pay with the life of their oldest and youngest sons (Josh. 6:26). Hiel’s ignorance of Scripture cost him dearly (34). Maybe this is more than a historical aside and footnote. What does this story have in common with the larger downfall of Ahab, Omri, and their predecessors? Their moral and spiritual failure was due to ignoring God’s Word. As a prophet would soon say, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children” (Hos. 4:6). 

Judicial Hardening

God’s Righteous Judgment on the Unrepentant

Brent Pollard

The Bible can offer insights into how our spiritual lives work, giving us glimpses into the hidden world where God interacts with good and evil forces. However, due to the limitations of our senses, caution is essential in exploring this area. We can’t learn about the unseen realm without God’s revelation, even though we walk by faith, not sight (2 Corinthians 5.7).

Because of our limitations, we are grateful for Scripture’s fleeting insights. One intriguing view into the third heaven illustrates the principle of “judicial hardening.” Judicial hardening is God’s sovereign, holy decision to withdraw His restraining grace from persistently unrepentant sinners, allowing them to carry out their sin and unbelief through a spiritually hardened, truth-blind condition. 

Generally, we think of the pharaoh of the Exodus as a prime example of judicial hardening. We aim to comprehend the events behind eternity’s veil, leading us to attribute the pharaoh’s judicial hardening solely to God’s actions. It’s similar to describing electricity using only a lit light bulb for illustration. In other words, the electricity is there, but what causes the bulb to light up when we flip the switch?

In 2 Thessalonians 2.11-12, Paul warns the first-century Christians about the man of lawlessness who comes after apostasy. 

“For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness” (NASB95). 

In contrast to the pharaoh, whose heart both God and pharaoh hardened, Paul specifies that God sends the “deluding influence” after the impending apostasy. This prospect would be highly unsettling were it not for the example of Ahab in 1 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 18. Elijah previously prophesied that God would destroy Ahab and his household (cf. 1 Kings 21). Rather than repent and accept God’s mercy, Ahab persisted in sinfulness. 

When the time came to engage in war with his Aramean neighbors, Ahab requested Judah’s king, Jehoshaphat, to join him in battle. The good king, Jehoshaphat, stated his willingness to do so as long as Ahab consulted God’s prophet. Ahab balked at the idea, given that the only true prophets of God in Israel would not prophesy favorably. We note that Ahab had already called for 400 false prophets to persuade Jehoshaphat. 

Upon Jehoshapahat’s insistence, Ahab summoned Micaiah. Ahab told Jehoshaphat that he didn’t like Micaiah because he always prophesied against him. When the messenger summoned Micaiah, he told him to go along with the words of the other so-called prophets. Surprisingly, Micaiah did so. Ahab knew Micaiah was insincere and told him to speak God’s real message. Micaiah told Ahab and Jehoshaphat that their efforts against the Arameans would fail.

As Ahab reiterates to Jehoshaphat how Micaiah always prophecies against him, Micaiah continues, informing his sovereign audience of what events took place in heaven, leading to the moment they found themselves. Note 2 Chronicles 18.18–22.

Micaiah said, “Therefore, hear the word of the Lord. I saw the Lord sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing on His right and on His left. The Lord said, ‘Who will entice Ahab king of Israel to go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?’ And one said this while another said that. Then a spirit came forward and stood before the Lord and said, ‘I will entice him.’ And the Lord said to him, ‘How?’ He said, ‘I will go and be a deceiving spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ Then He said, ‘You are to entice him and prevail also. Go and do so.’ Now therefore, behold, the Lord has put a deceiving spirit in the mouth of these your prophets, for the Lord has proclaimed disaster against you.” (NASB95)

In other parts of the Old Testament, like in Job, the heavenly beings are depicted as gathered before God, including Satan among them. However, to implement His judgment upon Ahab, God wants to know who will use Ahab’s wicked nature to facilitate his downfall. Ahab desires to confront the Arameans, while God has foretold the destruction of Ahab and his household. So, God needed a volunteer to execute His judgment. A spirit volunteered, saying he would serve as the deceiving spirit in the mouth of Ahab’s prophets.

No, this does not make God a liar. God is truthful and does not deceive (Titus 1.2; Hebrews 6.18). And men sin when lust draws them away (James 1.13–16). In conclusion, it is essential to remember key aspects of this example of judicial hardening. 

The “lying spirit” does not speak falsehoods but amplifies and vocalizes the lies or delusions held by unrepentant sinners because of their hardened hearts against the truth.

Secondly, God does not directly speak or endorse the lie; instead, He permits the unrepentant sinner to fall prey to the deceptions they have chosen through their persistent rejection of the truth. 

Thirdly, this may be an anthropomorphic representation of how God employs secondary causes or agents to induce judicial hardening or blindness in those who deliberately reject Him rather than God directly originating the deception. 

Lastly, “spirit” could denote an impersonal force or influence from God rather than specifically a personal angelic being conveying a direct falsehood.

The account of God permitting a “deceiving spirit” to influence Ahab’s prophets vividly demonstrates the concept of judicial hardening. God judges those who repeatedly reject the truth by allowing them to succumb entirely to their chosen lies. This truth does not imply that God is untruthful; instead, He withholds grace from the unrepentant, leading to the hardening and deception of their hearts. While our knowledge of the spiritual realm is limited, stories like this assist us in grasping how God interacts with intentional sinners. He demonstrates His justice by hardening the disobedient but also shows patience by repeatedly presenting the truth before judgment arrives. For us, the challenge is to accept God’s truth humbly and keep our hearts responsive to His grace.

But Jehu Was Not Careful…

Monday’s Column: Neal At The Cross

Neal Pollard

Nineteen kings sat on the throne of the northern kingdom, from Jeroboam (931 B.C.) to Hoshea (722 B.C.), and Jehu was the closest any of them came to being righteous. His “righteousness” was the zealous way he fulfilled the mission God gave him in destroying the house of Ahab and the followers of Baal. In fact, the Lord speaks directly to him and says, “Because you have done well in executing what is right in My eyes, and have done to the house of Ahab according to all that was in My heart, your sons of the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel” (2 Kings 10:30). God recognizes and rewards him for his commitment to His cause. He enjoys a 28-year reign, second only to his great-grandson Jeroboam II. He is remembered for his deeds and his might (34). 

Yet, after the lengthy chronicling of Jehu’s extermination campaign, the Bible says little else good about the man. Here’s the summary in 2 Kings 10:

  • He did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which he made Israel sin (29,31).
  • He kept the golden calves at Bethel and Dan (29).
  • He was not careful to walk in the law of the Lord with all his heart (31). 
  • He suffered the loss of significant territory to the Arameans (32-33). 
  • His excessive bloodshed would draw divine retribution (Hos. 1:4). 

Essentially, he lacked the moral and spiritual resolve to effect religious restoration. He lacked the conviction necessary to be fully obedient to God. He did not purify his heart to align with the heart of God. He was reckless regarding God’s law.

For over 200 years, Jacob’s descendants in the northern kingdom were spiritually adrift. Their best chance to turn that around was after Jehu purged the capital city of Samaria of the temple of Baal, its priests, and its worshippers. A hopeful start was overcome by the general spiritual trajectory of an entire people who did not have God in their hearts.

My daily life is aimed in a general direction. It is important for me to do more than conform outwardly to some of what God’s Word commands. I need to begin in my heart and conscientiously strive to follow His will and demonstrate that in my outward dedication and my inward devotion to Him. I want it to be said of me that I did what was right in His sight (30) AND that I was careful to walk in the law of the Lord with all my heart (31)! 

The God Of The Mountains And Valleys

Thursday’s Column: Captain’s Blog

Carl Pollard

*main points adapted from Wayne Burger. 

In 1 Kings 18, Elijah performed the impossible through God. In this chapter we learn that a drought has occurred in the land. Elijah had just asked Obadiah to tell the King that he was there. Elijah goes before the king and tells him that he is the reason for the drought. Elijah has had enough and calls them all together at Mount Caramel. It is here that God through Elijah lights the water-soaked altar and all the prophets of Baal are slain. 

Elijah in 1 Kings 18 was on the mountaintop with God. He showed the idolatrous people the power of the Almighty. He proved without a shadow of a doubt that God is king, and idols have nothing on the living God! 

We go from this incredible victory in chapter 18 to Elijah running scared for his life in the very next chapter. From the mountaintop, to the valley. And there’s one constant that remained for Elijah: God. 

In 1 Kings 19, we learn the the cure to discouragement. The chapter begins with Elijah receiving a message from Queen Jezebel. This messenger tells Elijah that Jezebel has sworn to kill him by this time tomorrow. Of course, Elijah is afraid and he runs. 

Elijah is in the wilderness, running for his life, and all he wants to do is die. Just 24 hours earlier, he had performed the greatest miracle through God, and now he’s scared for his life and on the run. So what’s the solution? 

The next time we find ourselves in a situation like Elijah, remember to: 

  1. Tell God (1 Kings 19:10) 
  2. Tell Him what’s on your mind. God knew why Elijah was in the wilderness, but He wanted Elijah to admit it with his own mouth. When you’re in the valley, talk to God.
  3. Eat a meal (1 Kings 19:6)
  4. Get strength to carry on. Comfort food can work miracles. 
  5. Have a job (1 Kings 19:15)
  6. Get going. Elijah couldn’t just stay in the forest for the rest of his life! He had a job to do. And so do we. There are souls that are lost, friends that need encouraging, families that need us. 
  7. Have a friend (1 Kings 19:19). Elisha would carry on the torch for Elijah. Elijah not only had God, he had Elisha. God will always be there for us, but he also gives us close friends to lean on. 

If you ever find yourself in the valley, remember to talk to God, eat a meal, remember your purpose, and don’t do it alone. 

RIGHTEOUS OR RAVENS?

Tuesday’s Column: Dale Mail

dale and janelle

Dale Pollard

Elijah is known as one of the greatest prophets. We’re introduced to him in 1 Kings 17 and God is preparing him to accomplish great things. As God leads him he begins to grow in faith while following His lead. Ahab wears the crown after his father Omri, but he is significantly more wicked. In fact, he’s more wicked than all before him. It’s fitting that during such a terrible time someone like Elijah makes his appearance. 

There’s an interesting event that takes place while the prophet shelters by a brook that God had led him to. Ravens fly in with bread and meat to keep him sustained. The raven was an unclean animal, yet God is helping Elijah grow in several ways during this period. He’s leading, and Elijah follows in faith. He could not deny that God sent him the ravens, yet it went against his upbringing. Even so, he still ate. 

One lesson we can pull from this account is that God can use the unclean for His purposes. God can use the evil people and nations to accomplish His will. An unfaithful Christian can share the gospel and a sinful man can make good and godly decisions, all the while remaining unclean. That’s a humbling lesson. We can act faithful, but we can remain filthy. We don’t want that! It’s my prayer that today we can make a fresh commitment to be faithful to God in all things. He can lead us through even the darkest times, if we have the faith to follow. 

Jehoshaphat’s People

Neal Pollard

One of the last great periods of spiritual revival in Judah’s history before Babylonian Captivity occurred during the reign of Jehoshaphat.  This king is praised for seeking God, following His commandments, and not acting like Israel (2 Ch. 17:3-4). Jehoshaphat was greatly blessed by these decisions, he took pride in the Lord’s ways and sought to eradicate idolatry (5-6).  In the third year of his reign, Jehoshaphat sent his officials, the priests, and the Levites throughout Judah.  What we read in 2 Chronicles 17:9 is exemplary for us today.

  • They “taught.”  Men of varying backgrounds, abilities, personalities, and occupations united in the valuable enterprise of teaching. In all, 16 men are named as those who were tasked with this important job. Whatever we don’t know about them, we do know they were teachers.  Their work was so important that God saw fit to include them by name in His Book!  Certainly He still holds knowledgeable, diligent teachers in high regard today.  What a thrill it must be for Him to see His children willing and able to teach (cf. 1 Pe. 3:14-15). 
  • They taught “in Judah…among the people.” What was Judah? It was the place where God’s people resided. Strong churches have good teachers teaching them.  There is a resounding benefit when people get together and are subjected to healthy, beneficial teaching.  As it was then, so it is now.
  • They taught in Judah “having the book of the law of the Lord with them.” Jehoshaphat wanted to ensure the spiritual literacy of his subjects, knowing God wanted that, too. God still longs for His people to know, show, and grow (2 Pe. 3:18). Too often, our teaching can lack a biblical focus.  We do not need more “what I thinks” and “what happened to me’s.” We need more rich teaching from “the book of the law of the Lord.”

Despite some later foolish and even sinful choices, Jehoshaphat was on target to send teachers for Judah’s benefit.  In the end, he instituted needed, helpful reforms, and relied on God in prayer.  He fell short, but perhaps it was his anchor in the law of God that kept him from drifting away from Him.  Our hope and future is tied to how faithfully we follow God, but we must know what God wants to do that.  And we can only know what God wants by knowing His Word. God bless the teachers that help us to do just that!

Thrown Down On Naboth’s Plot

Neal Pollard

Naboth must have been shocked and baffled as the charges of blasphemy and treason rang in his ears.  He must have felt jostled and panicked as he was grabbed and thrown outside the city of Jezreel.  Surely he was filled with the acutest sense of injustice replaced only by the undeserved pangs of pain as his own brethren stoned him with stones (1 Ki. 21:12-14).  He had been set up by wicked King Ahab (though Jezebel was really the “brains” behind the operation).  When Ahab took possession of “his” ill-gotten vineyard taken only by the brutal plot that claimed innocent Naboth, did Ahab ever think about the murdered man (cf. 1 Ki. 21:19) as he puttered around his vegetable garden?  Could even Ahab have thought that it was worth it?  Whatever Israel’s king felt, Elijah the Tishbite, God’s mighty prophet, is sent into “the vineyard of Naboth” (1 Ki. 21:18; interestingly, God still saw dead Naboth as the rightful owner) and foretells of the bloody, ignominious end of Ahab’s house.  Though God showed remarkable mercy in not ending Ahab’s dynasty in the wake of the wicked king’s humble plea (1 Ki. 21:28), the decree was only delayed.  Ahab died in his chariot, a casualty of a circumstance God used to execute His judgment (1 Ki. 22:34-38).

Some time later, though now Ahab’s second son to reign currently sat on Israel’s throne and Elijah had been replaced by Elisha, the judgment on Ahab’s house transpired.  Jehu “conspired against Joram” (2 Ki. 9:14), encouraged by one of the sons of the prophets (2 Ki. 9:7-10).  Jehu meets Joram at an interesting site:  “the property of Naboth the Jezreelite” (2 Ki. 9:21).  God says He repaid Ahab on Naboth’s plot (2 Ki. 9:26).  What a powerful lesson and warning from God!  It is a message that says not only that you reap what you sow, but that there is sometimes irony in this sort of reaping.  Another example is Haman in the book of Esther.

Let us consider this lesson first taught on Naboth’s land.  Does the gossiper, intent on spreading rumors and divulging details about another, ever become the victim of his own methods?  Does the hypercritic and unjust judge ever fall into a sin problem, only to find himself treated as he has treated others?  What about the greedy or the unethical, who climb the corporate ladder by stepping all over whoever is above him on it?  Does he ever meet the same, ironic end?  There will be some Naboths, men and women who are unfairly and unjustly treated despite their innocence.  Yet, there will also be some Ahabs, too, men and women meted out the same kind of end they inflicted on someone else.  If you have to identify with anyone in this biblical account, let it be Naboth and not Ahab.