Lesson 19

Elijah — God’s Man of the Hour

1st Kings 17:1-24

The great wickedness and deep apostasy of the day is revealed in chapter 16:30-33. Ahab not only walked in the sins of Jereboam, but “he took to wife Jezebel.” See Joshua 23:11-13, 15-16.

Because of his marriage, Ahab served Baal and established Baal worship in the land of Israel. He and Jezebel together were the climax of evil, apostasy, and opposition to God.

However, the wickedness of man is not greater than the righteousness of God. Elijah, who emerges from obscurity, is God’s man of the hour, especially prepared, it seems, to oppose King Ahab and Jezebel.

Elijah was a man of courage: he withstood King Ahab and rebuked him face to face. He faced down the 450 prophets of Baal and each of the captians of fifty sent to fetch him. But his courage would melt away at the threat from Jezebel.

God spoke directly to Elijah, and Elijah spoke the Word of God to kings. While he didn’t write any of the books of the Bible, he did write a letter of rebuke to a king of Judah.

He had the power to perform miracles; he appeared with Moses at the transfiguration of Christ; he was carried by a whirlwind into heaven.

Elijah is promised to return to this earth “before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.” He will likely be one of the two witnesses in the tribulation period who perform miracles and oppose the Anti-christ.

I. Elijah’s Message to Wicked King Ahab. v1

A. Elijah’s Background.

1. Elijah means “My God is Jehovah.”

2. Perhaps his name is an indication of Godly Parents.

3. Elijah came from Gilead — the eastern side of the Jordan river.

4. Tishbite refers to his hometown; there was a Tishbe in Galilee, although this probably has no connection to Elijah.

B. Elijah’s Source of Power:

1. He had the Word of the Lord. (See v2,8,24) Eph 6:17, “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Heb 4:12, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

2. Elijah had the power of prayer. As a man of faith, he prayed under the leadership of God. James 5:17-18, “Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.”

3. As a faithful servant, he stood in the presence of his God. “Before whom I stand.” Elijah was like Nehemiah, the King’s cupbearer, who stood before his king, served his king, and heard the words of his king.

C. Elijah’s message to King Ahab:

1. It was a message of due judgement. Deu 11:16-17, “Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them ; 17 And then the LORD’S wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and lest ye perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you.”

2. This was a challenge to Ahab’s and Jezebel’s gods. Baal worship had many local gods — powerful gods of rain and of harvest would have been necessities.

II. God’s Message To Elijah. v2-7

A. God’s Command for Elijah. v2-3

1. The exact location of the brook Cherith is unknown.

2. Why is Elijah to hide himself? See 1st Kings 18:10

a. Sometimes God would have us to stand, other times He would have us to flee. Matt 10:23, “But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another.”

b. “They were not permitted to throw away their lives. Where they could preserve them, without denying their Lord, they were to do it. Yet all the commands of Christ, as well as their conduct, show that they were rather to lay down their lives than deny their Saviour. We are to preserve our lives by all proper means; but rather die than save ourselves by doing anything wrong.” — Albert Barnes’ New Testament Commentary

c. Paul was let down by the wall in a basket by night to avoid the plot of the Jews.

d. Acts 17:10, “And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea.”

3. There is no shame in fleeing persecution; our problem is that we tend to instead flee from the service of God.

4. 2nd Tim 3:12, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

B. God’s Promise to Elijah. v4

A drouth means a lack of both water and food. God promises to provide for Elijah. Psalm 17:3,25 “Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. 25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.”

C. Elijah’s Faithful Obedience to God. v5

How much trouble would we spare ourselves if we would only do according to the word of the Lord at first?

D. God’s Faithful Provision for Elijah. v6 Deu 7:9, “Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations.”

E. God’s Test of Faithful Elijah. v7 Job 13:15, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.” Psalms 26:2, “Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.”

III. Elijah’s Message to the Widow of Zarephath. v8-16

A. God’s Command to Elijah. v8-9

1. Elijah is sent to Jezebel’s homeland, where her father is king.

2. Elijah is sent to the heartland of Jezebel’s religion.

3. Elijah is sent to an impoverished Zidonian widow on the brink of starvation.

B. Elijah’s Test for the Widow Woman. v10-16

1. Elijah is again obedient to God’s command. v10a

2. God is faithful in His promise to Elijah. v10b “Behold, the widow woman was there.”

3. Elijah’s Needful Pleas. v10c-11 A little water and a morsel of bread.

4. The Widow’s Desperate Plight. v12

5. Elijah’s Strange Preference. v13 Here the widow woman is tested: will she serve God or serve herself? See Mat 6:33

6. God’s Blessed Promise v14

7. God’s Gracious Provision. v15-16 The widow woman believes the promise of God, and naturally God is faithful to His Word.

IV. The Widow Woman’s Message to Elijah. v17-24

A. God’s Test of the Widow woman. v17

1. This was no small test.

2. Job was severely tested, yet Job stood faithful.

3. Paul had his “thorn in the flesh” as well as his persecutions, yet Paul stood faithful.

4. You can be sure your faith will be tested.

B. The weakness of her is faith exposed. v18

1. “The woman imagines that Elijah’s visit had drawn God’s attention to her, and so to her sins, which (she feels) deserve a judgement — her son’s death.” — from F. C. Cook’s The Bible Commentary

2. Our trials are intended to improve us, by causing us to draw closer to God and to place our faith in Him (among other reasons).

C. Elijah’s Prayer of Faith. v19-21

1. It is unlikely that Elijah is chiding with the Lord over the widow’s loss. v20

2. He is rather seeking to know if it is truly God’s purpose that this trial should stand as it is.

3. By faith, Elijah is confident that God has an even greater purpose here.

4. Three times stretched upon the child reminds us of Christ’s resurrection — “three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”

D. The Results of This Great Trial. v22-24

1. The child is restored to life by the power of God.

2. The Child is restored to the mother by the servant of God.

3. The widow’s faith is increased.

a. She is confident in the God of Elijah.

b. This may have even been the profession of her saving faith.

— By Joe Everett

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Lesson 20

Elijah’s Contest Between God and Baal

1st Kings 18:1-40

Elijah, at the command of God, returns and confronts King Ahab, calling for a contest between the Lord and Baal. Needless to say, God is victorious, and the many prophets of Baal suffer humiliation and swift death at the hands of the people who witnessed the contest.

I. The Servant of God, the Servant of Ahab, and the Servant of Baal. v1-6

A. Elijah — the Servant of God. v1-2 (See 1st Kings 17:1b, “Before whom I stand”)

1. Elijah is directed by the Word of the Lord: “Go, shew thyself....” Jer 10:23, “O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” Prov 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

2. We too are directed by the Word of the Lord — the Written Word of God. Ps 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

3. God promises to send rain. (See v45)

4. Elijah is obedient to the command of God. v2

1st John 5:3, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.”

B. Obadiah — the Servant of Ahab. v3-4

1. It is unlikely that this Obadiah was the writer of the Old Testament book.

2. Obadiah was the governor of Ahab’s house. v3 This suggests that he was of a capable and trustworthy character.

3. He feared the Lord greatly. v3b Pro 9:10, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom....”

4. He hid God’s prophets, and cared for them. v4 (This event is probably now in the past.)

5. Obadiah apparently had little influence with Ahab. In view of Jezebel’s campaign against the prophets, and Obadiah’s reluctance to announce Elijah’s return to his king, Obadiah may have followed the Lord only in secret.

6. Obadiah had not taken a stand, nor separated himself from the apostates as did Elijah. See 2nd Cor 6:14-18 & 1st Cor 6:19-20

C. Ahab — the servant of Baal. v5-6 (See 1st Kings 16:31)

1. Ahab is concerned only for the welfare of the horses and Mules.

2. He has no concern for his people suffering under the drought and famine.

3. He certainly has no concern for the spiritual condition of his people.

4. Unlike Ahab, our God and King cares for us. 1st Pet 5:7, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

II. The Servant of God Meets the Servant of Ahab. v7-16

A. Obadiah, the Servant of Ahab, is Suddenly Thrust into the Service of God. v7-8

B. A Reluctant Messenger. v9-12

1. He feared the consequences of serving God. Luke 12:4-5, “And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.”

2. He feared death at the hand of Ahab. Rev 2:10b, “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Rev 12:11, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

3. The plan of God was not in agreement with Obadiah’s plans.

C. To avoid serving God, it suddenly becomes necessary for Obadiah to declare his great service for God. v13-14

D. Obadiah submits only after assurance from Elijah. V15-16

III. The Servant of God Meets the Servant of Baal. v17-29

A. Ahab wrongly accuses Elijah as the reason for the great evil upon the land. v17 Ahab probably has evil intentions for Elijah.

B. Elijah fearlessly speaks the truth. v18 (Baalim — plural of Baal) Rather than seizing or killing Elijah, or even demanding the end of the drought, Ahab is suddenly compliant. Pro 21:1, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.”

C. Elijah calls for a decisive contest between his God and the gods of apostate Israel. v19-21

1. The place and people of the contest.

a. The location is Mt. Carmel. The Carmel range of mountains give a commanding view of the Mediterranean Sea and the great plain of Esdraelon where the battle of Armageddon will be fought. Ahab’s summer palace and Jezebel’s temple were located at Jezreel, which was not far away.

b. All Israel is to be present.

c. 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of the groves are to be there, but apparently the 400 fail to show. (Asherah was the goddess of the groves)

2. The apostates seem to have the advantage.

a. Apostate religion was long established in Israel, beginning with Jereboam and his golden calves.

b. There were at least 850 false prophets in the land, while Elijah stood alone.

c. Apostate religion was established and supported by the King and Queen.

d. The Baal of the Zidonians, from whence came Jezebel, was a sun-god, more specifically, a god of fire.

3. Elijah’s challenge to the people of Israel shows they are not ready to commit. v21

IV. The Servant of God Meets the Prophets of Baal. v22-40

A. Elijah’s Challenge for the Prophets of Baal. v22-25

1. The true God will answer by fire.

2. The Devil is also able to perform miracles: Pharaoh’s magicians were able to perform the same miracles as Moses; Satan caused fire to fall from heaven in his persecution of Job.

3. Satan can do no more than God permits. Job 1:12, “And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.”

B. The Prophets of Baal Accept the Challenge. v26-29

1. They called on their god, and “leaped upon the alter” (As a tempting sacrifice?); they cut themselves and offered their blood.

2. They sought their god from morning to evening, but to no avail.

C. Elijah Prepares for his God to Answer by Fire. v30-38

1. He calls the people near. v31

2. He repairs the broken alter and digs a trench. v32-33

3. The bullock and the wood are prepared, and then drenched in water. v33-35 This shows there is no deception, and that the Lord is able.

D. Elijah Prays to his God. v36-37

1. He prays to the God of their forefathers.

2. He prays that God would manifest himself to this apostate people.

3. He prays that they would know he is the true servant of God. 1st Cor 1:22, “For the Jews require a sign....” A sign (miracle) is required because of unbelief.

4. He prays that their heart would be turned back again to the Lord God.

a. We must remember that it takes more than seeing a sign or miracle to spiritually change a heart.

b. “The word of God is quick, and powerful....” Heb 4:12

c. The gospel is “the power of God unto salvation....” Ro 1:16

d. Acts 16:14, “And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.”

E. The Result of Elijah’s Prayer. v38-40

1. Fire fell immediately. v38a

2. Sacrifice, wood, stones, dust and water — all consumed. v38b

3. The people are convinced (more or less). v39

4. 450 prophets of Baal are destroyed. v40 See Deu 13:1-5

— By Joe Everett

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Lesson 21

Elijah — From Victory to Retreat

1st Kings 18:41 — 19:21

In the last lesson we examined God’s great victory over Baal. Today we study the faithfulness of God in sending the promised rain, and the failure of Elijah as he flees from Jezebel.

I. The Sound of Abundance of Rain. v41-46

A. We have Elijah full of faith. v41

1. Ahab is urged to eat and drink, perhaps in celebration of God’s great victory, the peoples’ confession, and the end of the drought.

2. Elijah, full of faith, announces the coming of rain. (See v1)

B. We have Elijah in prayer. v42

1. Prayer is still necessary, even in the midst of great victory. If this is so, how much more necessary is it in times of trial? Matt 26:41, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Col 4:2, “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.” 1st Thess 5:17, “Pray without ceasing.”

2. The subject of Elijah’s prayer. James 5:17-18, “Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.”

C. We have Elijah’s anticipating rain. v43

1. Perhaps the servant was provided by Obadiah.

2. Some prayers may be answered immediately, like Elijah’s prayer for fire, some are delayed, but all require faith.

3. Seven more trips — God’s number of perfection and of His work in creation, and here an expression of Elijah’s expectation.

D. We have Elijah beholding the faithfulness of God. v44-45

1. Only a little cloud — don’t discount the small blessings, they may lead to greater things.

2. A little cloud like a man’s hand — perhaps an indication of the hand of God in action.

3. Ahab is urged to head for home. He had much to consider as he rode to Jezreel in the pouring rain. (Jezreel was a second home to Ahab and Jezebel, perhaps a summer home.)

E. We have Elijah empowered by “the hand of God.” v46

1. God enables Elijah to run before Ahab. Isaiah 40:31, “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

2.The hand of God is always necessary to accomplish the work of God.

3. It seems Elijah was not yet finished with Ahab. Maybe he wanted to deal with the prophets of the groves, the house of Baal, and the golden calves.

4. The work of God must still continue after great victory, as well as in times of drought.

II. Elijah’s Flight and Despondency. v1-18

A. Elijah flees to Beersheba, and then further into the wilderness. v1-8

1. Ahab reports to Jezebel. v1

2. Jezebel responds with a threat. v2 Rom 3:18, “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

3. “So let the gods do to me, and more also....” 1st Kings 21:23, “And of Jezebel also spake the LORD, saying, The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.” See 2nd Kings 9:30-37

4. Elijah runs for his life. v3-4a

a. Elijah can face down King Ahab and the 450 prophets of Baal, but his courage melts at the threat of Jezebel.

b. Elijah must have removed his eyes from the Lord. Matt 14:28, “And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt ?”

c. He flees all the way to Beersheba in southern Judah, and then another day’s journey into the wilderness.

d. Elijah sits and despairs under a juniper tree. v4b

B. God’s special provision for Elijah. v5-8

1. It seems likely that Elijah is exhausted from all the recent activity after leaving the home of the widow woman.

a. When we are physically weak, we are also spiritually weak, in the sense that we are more susceptible to the Devil’s attacks. When did Satan temp our Lord? Only after He had fasted forty days and forty nights. Matt 4:1-3, “Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.”

b. Elijah fled Jezebel, and now sits weary of life because of his failure. However, God is not finished with Elijah.

2. God is careful to meet Elijah’s needs.

a. This special food kept Elijah going for forty days and forty nights.v8

b. God is always faithful to enable us to accomplish the work He has called us to do. However, what He would have us to accomplish is not necessarily the same as what we might wish to accomplish.

c. Even though weak, despondent and defeated, Elijah still follows the Lord. John 10:27, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” True children of God will not altogether forsake the Lord.

d. Forty is the number of testing.

C. Elijah at Mt. Horeb. v9-18 Mt. Horeb and Mt. Sinai are two names for the same place. This is where God delivered the law to Moses.

1. The word of the Lord comes to Elijah; this time in a question of rebuke. “What doest thou here, Elijah ?” v9

2. Elijah attempts self-justification. v10

3. Elijah was accustomed to God manifesting Himself in great and terrible ways. v11-14

a. God passes by Elijah and causes a mighty wind, and an earthquake, and then a fire; but God was not in any of these.

b. Finally, God speaks to Elijah in “a still small voice.” The question is, will Elijah heed the still small voice? (God can speak through great tragedies, but isn’t it better to hear the still small voice?)

c. Elijah covers his face as one afraid to look upon the glory of God, or perhaps in shame. v13a

d. The same question is presented by God, and Elijah delivers the same answer. v13b-14

4. The final test: divine instruction and encouragement. “Go, return on thy way.” v15-18

a. Hazael is to be anointed king over Syria. v15

b. Jehu is to be anointed king over Israel. v16a

c. Elisha is to be anointed a prophet. v16b Elijah will not serve alone, nor need to worry about who will carry on the work.

d. God declares He has all matters in hand. v17

e. Finally, God reveals that Elijah is not alone, but that there are still 7000 in Israel who need him.

5. The question is, will Elijah be obedient and serve the Lord?

III. Elijah Obediently Seeks Elisha. v19-21

A. Elisha receives the divine call into service. v19 The mantle was a vest-like garment common to the prophets of God. It set them visibly apart from others. (See Zech 13:4-5)

B. Elisha is tested by Elijah. v20

1. He leaves the oxen.

2. He’s ready to bid farewell to his family.

3. He’s ready to follow Elijah.

4. But Elijah urges him to go back; will Elisha be obedient to the call of God?

5. His oxen become a farewell feast, and the instruments become the fuel.

C. Elisha is determined to serve the Lord. “Elisha left his worldly employment, the riches to which he was heir, his parents and friends, and threw in his lot with one who was an outcast.” — A. W. Pink, Gleanings From Elisha

— By Joe Everett

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Lesson 22

Syria Wars Against God and Israel

1st Kings 20:1-43

Enough time has passed that there are now prophets of the Lord serving in Israel. In this chapter, the king of Syria attacks Ahab’s capital city of Samaria, but God enables Israel to defeat the massive army. The king of Syria returns to fight again, but is promptly defeated and captured this time. Ahab then angers God by allowing the king of Syria to depart in peace.

I. Ahab’s First Victory. v1-21

A. Benhadad’s demands of Ahab. v1-6

1. The king of Syria besieges the capital city of Samaria. v1

These thirty-two vassal kings would have been rulers over cities and small districts.

2. Benhadad’s message of demands. v2-3

a. He claims Ahab’s silver and gold, and wives and children.

b. These demands are the result of arrogance and pride (and perhaps drunkeness). Prov 8:13, “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy , and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.” 1st Sam 2:3, “Talk no more so exceeding proudly ; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.” Prov 16:18, “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” James 4:6b, “Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud , but giveth grace unto the humble.”

3. Ahab’s reply to the king of Syria. v4

a. Complete surrender to all demands.

b. Note that Ahab doesn’t call for a man of God. See 1st Kings 22:5-7

c. Neither does he call on the Lord for assistance. Psalms 18:3, “I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.” Hebrews 4:16, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

4. Benhadad’s second message of demands. v5-6

a. Ahab capitulates too quickly, prompting Benhadad to demand even more. Now he now wants freedom to ransack the city.

b. This is also the way of sin and temptation; when you give in to temptation, it always demands more.

B. Ahab’s response to Benhadad. v7-12

1. Ahab is in distress and calls for the elders of Israel.

1st Sam 30:6, “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” Psalm 18:6, “In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.” Psalm 107:6, “Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.”

2. The elders have more backbone than Ahab. v8 This is likely the result of God’s victory over the prophets of Baal, and the ministry of His prophets now serving in the land.

3. Ahab’s second reply to the king of Syria. v9

a. We see a blending of the strength of the elders and the weakness of Ahab.

b. God is not inclined to bless those who only take half a stand; this leads to trouble.

4. Benhadad’s third message to Ahab. v10

a. This threatening message reminds us of Jezebel’s message to Elijah. See 1st Kings 19:2

b. Benhadad boasts of his great army: enough soldiers to carry away all the dust of Samaria in their hands.

5. Ahab finally shows a little backbone in reply to Benhadad. v11 The harness was a harness of armor. (See 2nd Kings 22:34)

6. Benhadad, perhaps in a drunken fury, prepares for war. v12

This might explain his arrogant demands of Ahab. Prov 31:4, “It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink.” Prov 23:29-30, “Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? 30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.”

C. The prophets message to Ahab. v13-14

1. Because there are now prophets in the land, they have the blessing of hearing the Word of God.

2. Victory is promised — not because Israel or Ahab deserved it, but that “thou shalt know that I am the Lord.” v13

3. The blessing of knowing God’s will is for those who seek it. v14

D. Ahab’s victory over the Syrians. v15-21 In these verses, we see the blessing of obedience to God.

1. Ahab’s army was small: 232 young men, and an army of 7000, in contrast with Benhadad’s army of over 100,000. v15

2. Benhadad and his thirty-two kings are drunk. v16

3. God is faithful to His promise, and the Syrians are soundly defeated. v17-21

II. Ahab’s Second Victory. v22-30

A. The prophets second message to Ahab. v22-27

1. The prophet warns Ahab that the Syrians will return. v22 This is the way of Satan — he always returns. James 4:7, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Eph 6:11, “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

2. The Syrian’s foolish reasoning. v23

3. Their battle plans. v24-25

a. They intend to fight on the plains.

b. They will replace the kings with captains of war.

c. They will return with another massive army.

4. The prophet’s warning fulfilled. v26-27 This very same thing happened to King Asa, but what did he do? 2nd Chron 14:11, “And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee.”

B. The man of God’s message to Ahab. v28-30

1. The promise of victory given because of the Syrians opposition to God, and that “ye shall know that I am the Lord.” This was to be a test of Ahab.

2. The promise of victory is fulfilled. v29 Time and again we are reminded that God is always faithful to His word.

3. Aphek means strength or fortress. Here God fights for Israel, and Benhadad has to hide. v30

III. Ahab’s Grievous Failure. v31-43

A. Benhadad’s clever servants. v31-34

1. Their plan for survival. v31-33

a. The sackcloth and ropes (maybe around their necks) were a sign of humble submission and desire for mercy.

b. It was not God’s purpose for Ahab to show mercy. Benhadad had already been marked for death. See 1st Kings 19:15

c. “By the Oriental law of dakheel any one is at any time entitled to put himself under the protection of another, be that other his friend or his greatest enemy; and if the man applied to does not at once reject him, if the slightest forms of friendly speech pass between the two, the bond is complete, and must not be broken. Ben-hadad’s friends were on the watch to obtain for him dakheel ; and the single phrase “He is my brother,” having been accepted by them on his part, was sufficient to complete the bond, and secure the life of the captive. Ahab having called Ben-hadad his brother, treated him as he would a brother; he took him up into his chariot, than which there could not be a greater honour.” — from F. C. Cook’s The Bible Commentary

2. Ahab errs in calling Benhadad his brother, and honoring the enemy of God.” 2nd Chron 19:2, “And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD.”

3. Ahab’s foolish covenant with Benhadad. v34

a. These designated streets were most likely places of duty free trading.

b. Ahab makes the covenant and sends Benhadad back to Syria. Can you guess which Syrian King will shortly return to finally kill Ahab?

B. The prophet’s rebuke of Ahab. v35-43

1. The prophet prepares to meet Ahab. v35-38

a. The sons of the prophets were schools of men in training for their ministry as prophets of God. v35

b. We know that at least some of them dwelled together, so this neighbor may also have been a prophet in training.

c. Note that this was a command of the Lord. v35b

d. It is always foolish to be willingly disobedient. v36 Deu 18:18-19, “I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. 19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.”

e. The prophet is wounded and waits for Ahab. v37-38 Suffering is a natural part of serving God.

2. The prophet’s object lesson for Ahab. v39-41 (Object lesson defined: “A lesson in which the object to be known, or a representation of it, is shown to the eye; hence, figuratively, the exemplification of a principle or moral in a concrete form or striking instance.” — from Funk & Wagnalls College Standard dictionary, 1943 edition.)

3. The prophet’s message to Ahab. v42

a. Ahab learns his life is to be cut short.

b. The children of Israel are also a part of this judgement.

(1) It could mean that Ahab’s dynasty will end.

(2) It may mean that many were to lose their lives. 2 Ki 10:32, “In those days the LORD began to cut Israel short: and Hazael smote them in all the coasts of Israel.”

4. Ahab’s response to this message. v43 He went home unhappy and unrepentant.

— By Joe Everett

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Lesson 23

Ahab’s Desire for Naboth’s Vineyard

1st Kings 21:1-29

“Ahab is still the unhappy subject of the sacred history; from the great affairs of his camp and kingdom this chapter leads us into his garden, and gives us an account of some ill things (and ill indeed they proved to him) relating to his domestic affairs. I. Ahab is sick for Naboth’s vineyard, ver. 1-4. II. Naboth dies by Jezebel’s plot, that the vineyard may escheat to Ahab, ver. 5-14. III. Ahab goes to take possession, ver.15-16. IV. Elijah meets him, and denounces the judgments of God against him for his injustice, ver. 17-24. V. Upon his humiliation a reprieve is granted, ver. 25-29.” —from Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible

I. Ahab’s desire for Naboth’s Vineyard. v1-5

A. Naboth, the Jezreelite is introduced. v1

1. Jezreel is a site frequently associated with violence and death.

a. It was a walled city. The Bible mentions its wall, gate and tower.

b. Ahab had a palace here.

c. King Saul and his sons were killed by the Philistians near Jezreel.

d. Jezebel spent much time here, and is killed here.

e. King Jehoram, Ahab’s son, was killed just outside Jezreel, and his body was cast in the field of Naboth.

f. The heads of Ahab’s seventy sons were piled by the gate of Jezreel.

g. It is here that Naboth is murdered by Jezebel.

2. Naboth’s vineyard was located next to Ahab’s Palace, and was his family inheritance.

B. Ahab covets Naboth’s vineyard. v2

1. God had warned Israel about the covetousness of kings. 1st Sam 8:9b, 14, “... shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them... 14 And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants.”

2. Covetousness is overwhelmingly condemned throughout the Bible. Psalm 10:3, “For the wicked boasteth of his heart’s desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth.” 1st Cor 6:10, “Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”

a. Covetousness is the desire to have or possess that which is forbidden. Deu 5:21, “Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour’s wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour’s house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant, his ox, or his ass, or any thing that is thy neighbour’s.”

b. Covetousness is also an inordinate desire to possess almost anything. Eph 5:5, “For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” 1st Tim 6:9-10, “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

c. The word covet is used in a good sense only twice in the New Testament. 1st Cor 12:31, “But covet earnestly the best gifts....”

d. The Bible teaches that we are to hate covetousness. Prov 28:16, “... he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.”

C. Naboth stands obedient to the old ways. v3

1. The book of Joshua tells of how the land of Israel was originally divided among the people. It was God’s purpose that each family would possess their portion from one generation to the next. Lev 25:23, “The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land is mine; for ye are strangers and sojourners with me.” Num 36:7, “So shall not the inheritance of the children of Israel remove from tribe to tribe: for every one of the children of Israel shall keep himself to the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers” Ezek 46:18, “Moreover the prince shall not take of the people’s inheritance by oppression, to thrust them out of their possession; but he shall give his sons inheritance out of his own possession: that my people be not scattered every man from his possession.”

2. The law of Moses did make provision for temporarily leasing out the land. The property automatically reverted back to the land owners every year of Jubilee.

3. Naboth stood true to the Word of God. (And it cost him his life.) 2nd Tim 3:12, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

II. Jezebel’s Wicked Scheme. v5-7

A. Jezebel’s promise. v5-7

B. Jezebel’s scheme. v8-10

1. She wrote letters in Ahab’s name; this was probably a regular practice. v8

2. The elders were of the same character as Jezebel.

3. Jezebel is not above using the law of Moses to accomplish her purpose.

a. They are to proclaim a fast. “The public fast signified that a load of guilt was resting on the people, for which they humbled themselves before God.” from the New Westminister Dictionary of the Bible. See 1st Sam 7:3-6

b. Naboth is to be set on high among the people. This was not a place of honor, but the place of the accused.

c. Two men are to witness against him. This too was based upon the law of God.

d. Belial means worthlessness or wickedness. Thus the sons of Belial were what we might call vile scoundrels.

e. Their lies against Naboth: that he blasphemed God.

f. The purpose of Jezebel’s scheme: to murder Naboth. See Lev 24:10-16

g. It wasn’t enough that they kill only Naboth; they had to kill all his inheritors as well. 2nd Kings 9:26a, “Surely I have seen yesterday the blood of Naboth, and the blood of his sons, saith the LORD; and I will requite thee in this plat, saith the LORD.”

C. Jezebel’s scheme is accomplished. v11-14

1. The complicity of the Elders and Nobles of Jezereel.

2. The murder of Naboth. (And his sons.)

3. Jezebel is notified — the elders knew who the instigator was.

D. Ahab goes to possess the vineyard. v15-16

1. Note that Jezebel and Ahab were nowhere near the crime scene.

2. In verse seven Jezebel declares, “I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth ,” and in verse fifteen she says, “Arise, take possession of the vineyard... for Naboth is not alive, but dead.” With this, Ahab had to know that his wife was behind Naboth’s death.

3. Unconcerned for Naboth, Ahab goes to claim the vineyard.

III. Elijah’s Message of Condemnation and Judgement. v17-24

A. God directs Elijah to Ahab. v17-18 Num 32:23, “But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.”

B. God’s message for Ahab. v19-22 & 24

1. Ahab is charged with the murder of Naboth. v19a (He willingly turned the matter over to Jezebel; he did not inquire or interfere; he was pleased with the results.)

2. Ahab is again notified of his impending doom; this time with the allusion of a violent death. v19b

3. “Sold thyself to work evil.” v20 “The metaphor is taken from the practice of men’s selling themselves into slavery, and so giving themselves wholly up to work the will of their master.” from F. C. Cook’s The Bible Commentary

4. Ahab’s dynasty is to abruptly end like the dynasties of Jeroboam and Baasha. v21-22 & 24

5. Jezebel is also worthy of God’s notice and condemnation. v23

IV. Ahab’s Humility Before God. v25-29

A. The Bible’s summery of Ahab’s wickedness. v25-26

B. Ahab humbles himself before God. v27

1. Ahab had a change of attitude because of his impending doom.

2. Repentance is a change within the heart, and is made evident by a change of life.

3. The events of the next chapter will reveal that Ahab is still the enemy of God and God’s prophets.

C. The results of Ahab’s humility. v28-29

1. God’s judgement is delayed, but not abandoned.

2. We don’t know that Ahab was made aware of this.

— By Joe Everett

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Lesson 24

The Death of Ahab

1st Kings 22:1-40

I. The Unholy Alliance Between Jehoshaphat and Ahab. v1-4

A. Three years have past since God first announced the impending death of Ahab. v1 See 1st Kings 20:42

B. Jehoshaphat had made peace with Ahab. v2 See v44

1. How did he do this? 2nd Chr 18:1, “Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab.”

a. Affinity means “to give a daughter away in marriage; hence to contract affinity by marriage.” from Strong’s Concordance

b. Ahab’s daughter, Athaliah, was married to Jehoshaphat’s son, Jehoram. 2nd Chr 21:5-6, “Jehoram was thirty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. 6 And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he wrought that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD.”

2. Alliance and marriage with the ungodly is strictly forbidden for the children of God. 2nd Cor 6:14-15, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel ?” Deu 7:3-4, “Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son. 4 For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.” 1st Cor 7:39, “The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.”

3. Contrast Jehoshaphat with Ahab

a. Jehoshaphat: 2nd Chr 17:3-4, “And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim; 4 But sought to the LORD God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel.”

b. Ahab: See 1st Kings 21:25

C. Ahab takes full advantage of the alliance. v3-4

1. He proposes a military campaign. See 2nd Chr 17:10, 12, 13-18

2. Notice Jehoshaphat’s foolish reply. (v4) He places himself and his people at the disposal of the wicked.

a. He is rebuked of God for this. 2nd Chr 19:1-2, “And Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem. 2 And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD.”

b. It seems this alliance agreement by Jehoshaphat was the result of backsliding. See 2nd Chr 19:3-4

II. The Prophets of Ahab. v5-12

A. The value of seeking God’s will. v5

1. Jehoshaphat spoke before thinking. James 3:5, “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth !” James 3:8, “But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.”

2. We should always seek the lord’s will and guidance. Psalm 27:11, “Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.” Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.”

B. The disservice of Ahab’s prophets. v6

1. These prophets were probably associated with Jereboam’s golden-calf religion. 2nd Chr 11:15, “And he ordained him priests for the high places, and for the devils, and for the calves which he had made.”

2. Notice they’re not afraid to prophesy in the name of the Lord. See v11, 12

3. By their words, Ahab is sent to his death.

C. The value of spiritual discernment. v7 1st Kings 3:9, “Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people ?” Heb 5:13-14, “For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Psalm 119:125, “I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.” Prov 2:10-12, “When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; 11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: 12 To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things.”

D. The Prophet of God is introduced. v8-9

1. Ahab hates Micaiah because he speaks the Word of God in truth.

a. It is only natural that the world should hate the preaching and teaching of God’s Word.

b. Anyone who names Christ as their saviour ought to have a deep appreciation for the teaching and preaching of God’s Word.

2. Jehoshaphat admonishes Ahab for his remark about Micaiah. v8 It does little good to admonish the wicked for their sins. They need to hear the gospel of salvation.

3. Ahab reluctantly sends for Micaiah. v9

E. The performance of Ahab’s prophets. v10-12

1. God’s gift of prophecy has ceased for today. 1 Cor 13:8-10, “Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.”

2. Anyone today who claims the gift of prophecy is deliberately deceiving others; deceiving themselves; or is devil possessed.

III. The Prophet of God. v13-28

A. Micaiah chose to take his stand with God and the Word of God. v13-16

1. Micaiah’s reply to the servant of Ahab. v13-14

a. The world says: don’t condemn; don’t judge; don’t expose sin; don’t speak the Words of God.

b. Every preacher, teacher, parent, every child of God, whether young or old, ought to live by Micaiah’s rule.

c. The world doesn’t need a milksop gospel.

2. Micaiah’s reply to King Ahab. v15-16

a. He spoke sarcastically and mocked Ahab and his prophets.

b. This is not the first time Ahab is frustrated by Micaiah.

B. God’s message for Ahab. v17-23

1. Ahab’s certain doom is announced yet again. v17-18

2. Micaiah reveals his vision of the lying spirit. v19-23

a. This is God’s message for Ahab. v19a

b. The purpose of the lying spirit. v20a

c. Micaiah’s summery of God’s message for Ahab.

C. The response to the message of God. v24-28

1. Zedekiah is offended. v24-25

a. Zedekiah is claiming to have prophesied under the power of the Spirit of the Lord.

b. Zedekiah’s angry remark means something like, “Okay, if you know so much more than me, which way went...”

c. Micaiah’s reply is subtle. Why would Zedekiah hide? With the death of Ahab, these false prophets might have to face the wrath of the widowed Jezebel, or Ahaziah, the heir apparent. Perhaps Zedekiah would recall that God’s Word demanded death for false prophets. Deu 18:20, “But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.”

2. Ahab’s response. v26-28

a. Ahab is offended and persecutes the prophet of God.

b. True to the prophecy, Ahab doesn’t believe Micaiah’s message, but trusts his own 400 prophets.

c. Micaiah challenges everyone to consider the final results.

IV. The Battle and Death of Ahab. v29-40

A. Ahab’s scheme of self-preservation. v29-30

B. Benhadad’s scheme against Ahab. v31-33

1. Jehoshaphat is protected from harm. See 1st Chr 18:31-32

2. God watches over his own and protects them even when they’re unaware of any danger.

3. It is foolhardy to ignore the plain warnings of God’s Word. Jehoshaphat is spared in spite of his foolishness, but King Josiah dies because of his.

C. Ahab dies according to the Word of God. v34-37

D. Elijah’s prophecy of Ahab’s death is fulfilled. v38-40

— By Joe Everett

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