How does Ahab's attitude in 1 Kings 20:4 compare to Romans 13:1-2? Setting the stage • 1 Kings 20 opens with Ben-hadad of Aram threatening Samaria. • Ahab, king of Israel, faces overwhelming military pressure and a demand for total surrender. Ahab’s immediate submission 1 Kings 20:4 — “So the king of Israel answered, ‘Just as you say, my lord the king, I am yours, along with all that I have.’” • Ahab yields without protest. • He offers himself, his family, and his possessions. • His tone is passive, almost resigned, despite being God’s anointed ruler over God’s covenant people. Paul’s call to honor authority Romans 13:1-2 — “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” • Paul affirms that civil authority exists under God’s sovereign appointment. • Submission is commanded because resisting rightful authority defies God’s order. Points of similarity • Both texts address a posture of submission. • Outwardly, Ahab’s words in 1 Kings 20:4 look like the obedience Paul later prescribes. • Each passage underscores that authority—whether enemy or governmental—demands a response. Key differences • Source of authority – Romans 13 speaks of God-appointed rulers who serve for social order (cf. 1 Peter 2:13-14). – Ben-hadad is a pagan aggressor, not a legitimate covenant ruler over Israel. • Motivation – Paul calls for submission “for conscience’ sake” toward God (Romans 13:5). – Ahab’s surrender flows from fear, not faith, and neglects his kingly duty to trust the LORD (cf. Deuteronomy 17:18-20). • Outcome – Biblical submission to lawful authority brings stability and blessing. – Ahab’s capitulation invites further abuse; Ben-hadad returns with harsher demands (1 Kin 20:5-6). Lessons for today • Discern rightful versus unrighteous authority. Submit where God has placed order; resist sin when demanded (Acts 5:29). • Submission should spring from faith in God’s sovereignty, not from cowardice. • Leadership carries responsibility to protect those entrusted—Ahab surrendered what God had given him to steward. • God may still intervene when His people act weakly; later in the chapter He delivers Israel, displaying grace despite Ahab’s poor start. Supporting Scriptures to remember • Psalm 75:7 — “It is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another.” • Daniel 2:21 — God “removes kings and establishes them.” • Ephesians 6:7 — “Serve with goodwill, as to the Lord and not to men.” • Acts 4:19 — When authorities command disobedience to God, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God.” Summary Ahab’s attitude mirrors the outward form of submission Paul teaches, yet it lacks the inward conviction and discernment Romans 13 describes. True biblical submission honors God-ordained authority from a heart of faith, while retaining courage to stand when demands violate God’s higher commands. |
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