1 Kings 20
Ben-Hadad gets 32 other kings along with himself to come against Samaria (capital of Israel in the North) 1. He makes demands of Ahab that includes silver, gold, wives, and children. He agrees to this and more is demanded, but Ahab's officials say no 2-8. This enrages Ben-Hadad 9-11. If they were preparing for battle why were they drinking 12 ? A prophet assures Ahab of victory so he will know the Lord 13-14. The prophet gives direction from the Lord 15-18. The Israelites are victorious (because the Lord granted it) 19-21. Note: God is gracious in revealing Himself to Ahab by granting him victory 13,28. Ahab is told to be ready because another attack is coming in spring 22. The boasting of the officials of Aram, thinking God is limited provokes the Lord to act and prove them wrong 23-25,28. Israel in the face of their enemies are like two small flocks of goats 27. Israel is victorious with 100,000 casualties in one day 29. Many die as a wall collapses also 30. Ben-Hadad pleads for his life and is spared 31-34. This displeases the Lord and Ahab is rebuked by a prophet which will result in judgment on him and the people 35-42. This makes him angry and sullen 43. He does not like to be told he is wrong. Note: God is at work all around us and in the details of life making Himself known. The right response to the Lord is always faith, submission, and humility.

1 Kings 21
The selfish character of Ahab is seen in how he pouts when he does not get the vineyard of Naboth 1-7. Jezebel promises to get the field for him 7. She brings false accusations against Naboth so that he will be stoned to death 8-10. The plot works and he is killed 12-14. Jezebel tells Ahab and he takes possession of the vineyard 15-16. Elijah is sent by the Lord and confronts Ahab concerning his guilt in this matter 17-19. Ahab calls Elijah his 'enemy' 20. In reality, he was the one who represented the Lord to him. Note: Jesus said that when His followers are rejected and treated as enemies, they should not be troubled by this because it is the Lord (whom they serve) that is being rejected (John 15:18-25). Ahab has sold himself to do evil 20,25 and as a result he, his descendants, and Jezebel, will be cut off and be judged by the Lord 20-25. Ahab fasted and put on sack cloth 27. The Lord took notice and with held the judgment on all until Ahab was dead (so he would not see it). Note: Did the Lord make this known to Ahab ? He tells Elijah 28-29. If the Lord did not tell Ahab, maybe this illustrates that the Lord does take note of our prayers but we do not always see the answers. (This was not a repentance from sin and turning to the Lord, but a sadness over penalty that was due him, like the criminal, who is guilty and sentenced but pleads for mercy from the judge). Note: Are you moved to genuine repentance when convicted of sin or do you just want to escape the penalty and consequences ?

1 Kings 22
The final chapter in First Kings records the events that lead to the death of Ahab 1-40. As he prepares to join with the king of Judah in going to battle Jehoshaphat wants to seek counsel from the Lord 1-5. All Ahab's prophets assure him of victory 6, 12-13. Jehoshaphat wants to hear from one of the Lord's prophets 7. Ahab knows of Micaiah, but hates him because he never prophecies good only bad concerning him 8. Micaiah appears and tells the king to go (being sarcastic). He then gives Ahab's the Lord's message. He reveals how the Lord sent a spirit to put lying words in the mouths of Ahab's prophets, so that he would be defeated in battle 16-23. The Lord did this because He decreed disaster against Ahab 23. Note: Those who persist in sin and wickedness will experience the judgment of the Lord which is decreed upon all who fail to respond to the Lord with repentance, confession, and faith in the Lord to save. Ahab thought he could disguise himself in battle and survive 29-33. An arrow is shot at random (and is directed by the hand of God)  and hits Ahab, wounding him 34. Ahab bleeds out and dies 35-37. The dogs lick up his blood, just as the Lord had said 38. Ahab did inlay the palace with ivory and fortified cities 39 yet he died a man lost in sin, who will experience the eternal judgment of God. (What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul). Note: Even ungodly people can accomplish great tasks, but it does not last. Jehoshaphat was a godly king of Judah 41-44. He had military exploits and rid the land of the last of the male shrine prostitutes 45-46. His fleet of ships, to find gold, was not successful 47-49. Jehoshaphat dies after being king for 25 years 41,50. Ahaziah becomes king after Ahab. He is likewise, a wicked king 51-53. Note: Both a godly and an ungodly heritage can be passed along to our children. What are you modeling and passing along ? Only the Lord can make us truly holy and godly, so we must pray and look to him for ourselves and future generations.