And as if it were not enough for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, he even married Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and he then proceeded to serve and worship Baal. And as if it were a trivial thingThis phrase underscores the gravity of Ahab's actions. The Hebrew word for "trivial" (קָלַל, qalal) implies something light or insignificant. Ahab's attitude towards sin reflects a heart hardened against God's commandments. In a conservative Christian perspective, this serves as a warning against becoming desensitized to sin, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a reverent fear of God. to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat
Jeroboam's sins, primarily the establishment of idol worship in Israel, set a precedent for future kings. The phrase "to walk" (לָלֶכֶת, lalekhet) suggests a continuous lifestyle or pattern of behavior. Ahab's choice to follow in these sins indicates a deliberate rejection of God's law. This highlights the generational impact of sin and the importance of godly leadership. he married Jezebel
Jezebel, whose name means "Where is the prince?" in Phoenician, was a significant influence on Ahab. Her marriage to Ahab was not just a political alliance but a spiritual compromise. In conservative Christian thought, this union symbolizes the dangers of unequal yoking with unbelievers, as it led to the introduction of pagan worship in Israel. the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians
Ethbaal, whose name means "With Baal," was a priest-king, indicating a deep entrenchment in Baal worship. The Sidonians were known for their idolatry, and Jezebel's heritage brought these practices into Israel. This highlights the cultural and spiritual infiltration that can occur when God's people align with pagan influences. and proceeded to serve and worship Baal
The progression from serving to worshiping Baal (בַּעַל, Ba'al) marks a complete departure from the worship of Yahweh. Baal was a Canaanite deity associated with fertility and storms, and his worship often involved immoral practices. Ahab's actions represent a direct violation of the first commandment, emphasizing the seriousness of idolatry. In a conservative Christian view, this serves as a call to exclusive devotion to God, warning against the allure of modern-day idols. Persons / Places / Events 1. AhabThe seventh king of Israel, known for his evil reign and idolatry, particularly his worship of Baal. 2. Jeroboam son of NebatThe first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, who led Israel into sin by establishing golden calves for worship. 3. JezebelThe daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians, and wife of Ahab. She was a staunch promoter of Baal worship in Israel. 4. EthbaalKing of the Sidonians and father of Jezebel, associated with the worship of Baal. 5. BaalA Canaanite deity associated with fertility and storms, whose worship was a direct violation of Israel's covenant with Yahweh. Teaching Points The Consequences of CompromiseAhab's marriage to Jezebel represents a significant compromise of Israel's faith. Believers today must be vigilant against compromising their faith with worldly influences. The Danger of IdolatryAhab's worship of Baal serves as a warning against idolatry. Modern believers must guard against allowing anything to take the place of God in their lives. Leadership and InfluenceAhab's actions as king had a profound impact on the spiritual direction of Israel. This underscores the responsibility of leaders to guide others toward righteousness. The Importance of ObedienceAhab's disregard for God's commandments led to his downfall. Obedience to God's Word is crucial for a life that honors Him. God's Sovereignty and JusticeDespite Ahab and Jezebel's evil, God's justice ultimately prevailed. This assures believers that God is in control and will bring about justice in His time. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Ahab's marriage to Jezebel illustrate the dangers of forming alliances with those who do not share our faith? 2. In what ways can modern believers identify and resist the idols present in today's culture? 3. How can we ensure that our leadership, whether in the home, church, or workplace, aligns with God's principles? 4. What steps can we take to remain obedient to God's commandments in a world that often promotes compromise? 5. How does the eventual judgment on Ahab and Jezebel encourage us to trust in God's justice and timing? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 20:3-5The commandment against idolatry, which Ahab violated by worshiping Baal. Deuteronomy 7:3-4The prohibition against intermarriage with pagan nations, which Ahab ignored by marrying Jezebel. 1 Kings 18:17-40The confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal, highlighting the spiritual conflict initiated by Ahab and Jezebel's idolatry. 2 Kings 9:30-37The account of Jezebel's death, illustrating the eventual judgment on her and Ahab's house. Revelation 2:20The reference to Jezebel as a symbol of false teaching and immorality within the church. People Abiram, Ahab, Arza, Asa, Baasha, Elah, Ethbaal, Ginath, Hanani, Hiel, Israelites, Jehu, Jeroboam, Jezebel, Joram, Joshua, Nebat, Nun, Omri, Segub, Shemer, Sidonians, Tibni, Tirzah, Zidon, Zidonians, ZimriPlaces Bethel, Gibbethon, Jericho, Samaria, TirzahTopics Baal, Ba'al, Boweth, Commit, Copying, Daughter, Ethbaal, Ethba'al, Evil, Jeroboam, Jerobo'am, Jezebel, Jez'ebel, Married, Nebat, Pass, Servant, Serve, Served, Serveth, Sidonians, Sido'nians, Sins, Taketh, Though, Trivial, Walk, Walking, Wife, Worship, Worshiped, Worshipped, Worshipper, Zidon, ZidoniansDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 16:31 5711 marriage, restrictions
5732 polygamy
5811 compromise
7530 foreigners
8345 servanthood, and worship 1 Kings 16:29-33 5714 men 1 Kings 16:30-33 7312 Baal
8799 polytheism Library Whether the Mode of virtue Falls under the Precept of the Law?
Objection 1: It would seem that the mode of virtue falls under the precept of the law. For the mode of virtue is that deeds of justice should be done justly, that deeds of fortitude should be done bravely, and in like manner as to the other virtues. But it is commanded (Dt. 26:20) that "thou shalt follow justly after that which is just." Therefore the mode of virtue falls under the precept. Objection 2: Further, that which belongs to the intention of the lawgiver comes chiefly under the precept. …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa TheologicaWhether a Man Can be Saved Without Baptism?
Objection 1: It seems that no man can be saved without Baptism. For our Lord said (Jn. 3:5): "Unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." But those alone are saved who enter God's kingdom. Therefore none can be saved without Baptism, by which a man is born again of water and the Holy Ghost. Objection 2: Further, in the book De Eccl. Dogm. xli, it is written: "We believe that no catechumen, though he die in his good works, will have eternal life, except …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the Old Law?
Objection 1: It would seem that there can be no suitable cause for the sacraments of the Old Law. Because those things that are done for the purpose of divine worship should not be like the observances of idolaters: since it is written (Dt. 12:31): "Thou shalt not do in like manner to the Lord thy God: for they have done to their gods all the abominations which the Lord abhorreth." Now worshippers of idols used to knive themselves to the shedding of blood: for it is related (3 Kings 18:28) that they …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether a Vow Consists in a Mere Purpose of the Will?
Objection 1: It would seem that a vow consists in nothing but a purpose of the will. According to some [*William of Auxerre, Sum. Aur. III, xxviii, qu. 1; Albertus Magnus, Sent. iv, D, 38], "a vow is a conception of a good purpose after a firm deliberation of the mind, whereby a man binds himself before God to do or not to do a certain thing." But the conception of a good purpose and so forth, may consist in a mere movement of the will. Therefore a vow consists in a mere purpose of the will. Objection …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Whoever is Perfect is in the State of Perfection?
Objection 1: It would seem that whoever is perfect is in the state of perfection. For, as stated above (A[3], ad 3), just as bodily perfection is reached by bodily growth, so spiritual perfection is acquired by spiritual growth. Now after bodily growth one is said to have reached the state of perfect age. Therefore seemingly also after spiritual growth, when one has already reached spiritual perfection, one is in the state of perfection. Objection 2: Further, according to Phys. v, 2, movement "from …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether after the Resurrection Every one Will Know what Sins He Has Committed?
Objection 1: It seems that after the resurrection everyone will not be able to know all the sins he has committed. For whatever we know, either we receive it anew through the senses, or we draw it from the treasure house of the memory. Now after the resurrection men will be unable to perceive their sins by means of sense, because they will be things of the past, while sense perceives only the present: and many sins will have escaped the sinner's memory, and he will be unable to recall them from the …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Sennacherib (705-681 B. C. )
The struggle of Sennacherib with Judaea and Egypt--Destruction of Babylon. Sennacherib either failed to inherit his father's good fortune, or lacked his ability.* He was not deficient in military genius, nor in the energy necessary to withstand the various enemies who rose against him at widely removed points of his frontier, but he had neither the adaptability of character nor the delicate tact required to manage successfully the heterogeneous elements combined under his sway. * The two principal …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
Assur-nazir-pal (885-860) and Shalmaneser III. (860-825)--The kingdom of Urartu and its conquering princes: Menuas and Argistis. Assyria was the first to reappear on the scene of action. Less hampered by an ancient past than Egypt and Chaldaea, she was the sooner able to recover her strength after any disastrous crisis, and to assume again the offensive along the whole of her frontier line. Image Drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a bas-relief at Koyunjik of the time of Sennacherib. The initial cut, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 16:31 NIV1 Kings 16:31 NLT1 Kings 16:31 ESV1 Kings 16:31 NASB1 Kings 16:31 KJV
1 Kings 16:31 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
