What can we learn about leadership from the king's response in 1 Kings 20:7? Setting the Scene “Then the king of Israel summoned all the elders of the land and said, ‘Please take note and see that this man is looking for trouble, for he demanded my wives and my children, my silver and my gold, and I did not refuse him.’” (1 Kings 20:7) Ben-hadad of Aram has threatened Samaria. After complying with an initial demand for tribute, King Ahab now faces an expanded ultimatum that would strip him of everything. His first move is to convene the elders. Key Observations • He “summoned all the elders of the land”—an intentional appeal to seasoned, covenant-minded leaders. • He states the facts openly: “this man is looking for trouble.” • He acknowledges his own earlier concession: “I did not refuse him.” • He invites collective discernment before deciding the next step. Leadership Lessons • Seek counsel, don’t isolate. Godly leadership resists lone-ranger impulses. • Honor the wisdom of experience. Elders embody institutional memory and covenant faithfulness. • Be transparent about past missteps. Confession of “I did not refuse him” opens the door for course correction. • Diagnose motives carefully. Recognizing Ben-hadad’s intent (“looking for trouble”) clarifies strategy. • Move from passivity to principled action. Consultation positions Ahab to shift from capitulation to resistance aligned with God’s purposes. • Lead for the people’s welfare, not personal preservation. Calling the elders signals that the crisis affects the whole nation, not just the throne. Scriptural Reinforcement • “For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors there is deliverance.” (Proverbs 11:14) • “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22) • Jehoshaphat’s model: “Jehoshaphat inquired of the LORD” before battle (2 Chronicles 18:4). • Moses shared leadership with elders to prevent burnout and ensure justice (Exodus 18:17-23; Numbers 11:16-17). Living It Out Today • Build a circle of biblically grounded advisers and listen to them early, not after trouble escalates. • Acknowledge and correct previous compromises rather than hiding them. • Evaluate threats through a scriptural lens so motives become clear. • Shift from reaction to proactive, faith-filled action that serves the wider community. |
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