Introduction:
Achab, more commonly known as Ahab, was the seventh king of the northern kingdom of Israel. His reign is chronicled in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings in the Old Testament. Ahab is often remembered for his idolatry, his marriage to Jezebel, and his conflicts with the prophet Elijah.

Reign and Idolatry:
Ahab was the son of Omri and succeeded him as king. His reign is noted for its political strength but spiritual decline. Ahab's marriage to Jezebel, a Phoenician princess and ardent worshiper of Baal, led to the introduction and promotion of Baal worship in Israel. This act was seen as a direct violation of the covenant between God and Israel. The Bible states, "Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the sight of the LORD than all who were before him" (1 Kings 16:30).

Conflict with Elijah:
A significant portion of Ahab's narrative involves his interactions with the prophet Elijah. Elijah, a staunch opponent of Baal worship, confronted Ahab on several occasions. One of the most notable events was the contest on Mount Carmel, where Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to demonstrate the power of their god. The LORD's miraculous response, consuming Elijah's sacrifice with fire, led to the execution of the prophets of Baal and a temporary return of the people to the worship of Yahweh (1 Kings 18:20-40).

Naboth's Vineyard:
Ahab's moral character is further illustrated in the account of Naboth's vineyard. Desiring Naboth's vineyard for himself, Ahab was initially thwarted by Naboth's refusal to sell his ancestral inheritance. Jezebel, however, orchestrated a plot to falsely accuse Naboth of blasphemy, leading to his execution. Ahab then took possession of the vineyard. This act of injustice prompted Elijah to deliver a severe prophecy against Ahab and his household, declaring that disaster would befall his lineage (1 Kings 21:1-24).

Military Campaigns and Death:
Ahab's reign included several military campaigns, notably against the Arameans. Despite initial successes, Ahab's failure to fully obey God's commands in dealing with Ben-Hadad, the king of Aram, led to further prophetic rebuke (1 Kings 20:34-43). Ahab's death occurred during a battle at Ramoth-gilead, where he was mortally wounded by an arrow. His death fulfilled Elijah's prophecy that dogs would lick his blood (1 Kings 22:34-38).

Legacy:
Ahab's legacy is one of apostasy and moral failure. His reign is often cited as a period of significant spiritual decline in Israel's history. Despite his political achievements, Ahab's promotion of idolatry and his failure to uphold the covenant with God overshadowed his accomplishments. His life serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of turning away from God and the influence of ungodly alliances.

References in Scripture:
· 1 Kings 16:29-34: Introduction and marriage to Jezebel.
· 1 Kings 18:1-46: Elijah's confrontation on Mount Carmel.
· 1 Kings 21:1-29: Naboth's vineyard and Elijah's prophecy.
· 1 Kings 22:1-40: Ahab's death in battle.
· 2 Kings 9:7-10: Fulfillment of prophecy against Ahab's house.

Ahab's account is a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God and the dangers of idolatry and moral compromise.Achab

brother of the father

256. Achab -- "father's brother," a king of Isr., also a false ...
... Achab. 257 . "father's brother," a king of Isr., also a false prophet.
Transliteration: Achab Phonetic Spelling: (akh-awb') Short Definition: Ahab. ... Achab. ...
/hebrew/256.htm - 6k

Whether it is Lawful for Religious to Wear Coarser Clothes than ...
... Hence penitents make use of coarse apparel, for example, the king (Jonah 3:6) who
"was clothed with sack-cloth," and Achab (3 Kings 21:27) who "put hair-cloth ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is lawful for 17.htm

On the Opposing Powers.
... on His left. And the Lord said, Who will deceive Achab king of Israel,
that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead? And one said ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter ii on the opposing powers.htm

Whether Christ's Genealogy is Suitably Traced by the Evangelists?
... i, falsely ascribed to Chrysostom] says: "Just as great was the blessing conferred
on Jehu, who wrought vengeance on the house of Achab and Jezabel, so also ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christs genealogy is suitably.htm

Letter ix. To Titus, Hierarch, Asking by Letter what is the House ...
... And that counsel devised in heaven to deceive and mislead Achab [133] ; and those
mundane and meritricious passions of the Canticles; and all the other sacred ...
/.../dionysius/letters of dionysius the areopagite/letter ix to titus hierarch.htm

Athanasius is Found Innocent of what He was Accused; his Accusers ...
... Matters having been brought to this issue with regard to Arsenius, the contrivers
of this imposture were reduced to perplexity; and Achab, [246] who was also ...
/.../chapter xxx athanasius is found innocent.htm

Whether Suffrages Profit those who are in Purgatory?
... xx): wherefore the Damascene (Serm.: De his qui in fide dormierunt) quotes as instances
of this the Ninevites, Achab and Ezechias, in whom it is apparent that ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether suffrages profit those who 2.htm

Whether the Aforesaid Works Avail for the Mitigation of the Pains ...
... These works do, however merit a diminution or postponement of temporal punishment,
as in the case of Achab (3 Kings 21:27, seqq.), as also the acquisition of ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the aforesaid works avail.htm

Whether Men are Assailed by the Demons?
... But sometimes their assault is a punishment to man: and thus they are sent by God;
as the lying spirit was sent to punish Achab, King of Israel, as is related ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether men are assailed by.htm

Whether the Witnesses of the Transfiguration were Fittingly Chosen ...
... this," He sets before them those who had exposed themselves to death for God's sake:
since Moses braved death in opposing Pharaoh, and Elias in opposing Achab. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the witnesses of the.htm

The Life of Mr. Hugh M'kail.
... he had suffered by torture, should have procured him some favour, but it was otherwise
determined; nor was his former sermon forgot, and the words Achab on the ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr hugh 2.htm

Who was King Ahab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Why did God use a lying spirit to deceive Ahab? | GotQuestions.org

What is the story of Ahab and Jezebel? | GotQuestions.org

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