Ahab, the son of Omri, was the seventh king of Israel and reigned in Samaria for 22 years during the 9th century BC. His reign is notably chronicled in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings, where he is depicted as a king who "did more evil in the eyes of the LORD than all those before him" (1 Kings 16:30). Ahab's family played a significant role in the spiritual and political landscape of Israel, often leading the nation into idolatry and conflict.

Omri
Omri, Ahab's father, was the founder of the Omride dynasty. He was a powerful military leader who established Samaria as the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Omri's reign is noted for its political stability and economic prosperity, but he "did evil in the sight of the LORD and acted more wickedly than all who were before him" (1 Kings 16:25).

Jezebel
Ahab's wife, Jezebel, was a Phoenician princess and the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians. Her marriage to Ahab was politically advantageous but spiritually disastrous for Israel. Jezebel was a fervent worshiper of Baal and Asherah, and she actively promoted idolatry in Israel. She is infamous for her persecution of the prophets of Yahweh, including the prophet Elijah, and for orchestrating the murder of Naboth to seize his vineyard for Ahab (1 Kings 21:1-16).

Ahaziah
Ahaziah, the son of Ahab and Jezebel, succeeded his father as king of Israel. His reign was short-lived, lasting only two years. Ahaziah continued in the idolatrous practices of his parents, serving Baal and provoking the LORD to anger (1 Kings 22:51-53). His reign ended when he fell through the lattice of his upper room in Samaria and subsequently died from his injuries (2 Kings 1:2-17).

Jehoram (Joram)
Jehoram, also known as Joram, was another son of Ahab and Jezebel. He became king of Israel after the death of his brother Ahaziah. Jehoram reigned for 12 years and, like his predecessors, did evil in the sight of the LORD, though he did remove the sacred pillar of Baal that his father had made (2 Kings 3:1-3). His reign was marked by military conflicts, including a notable campaign against Moab and a coalition with Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, against the Arameans.

Athaliah
Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, married Jehoram, king of Judah, thereby linking the royal houses of Israel and Judah. After the death of her son Ahaziah, king of Judah, Athaliah seized the throne and ruled as queen for six years. Her reign was characterized by the promotion of Baal worship in Judah, similar to her mother's influence in Israel. Athaliah was eventually overthrown and executed during a coup led by the priest Jehoiada (2 Kings 11:1-16).

Legacy
The family of Ahab is often remembered for its significant contribution to the spiritual decline of Israel. The influence of Jezebel and the continuation of idolatrous practices by Ahab's descendants led to divine judgment upon the house of Ahab. The prophet Elijah foretold the downfall of Ahab's dynasty, declaring that dogs would devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel and that Ahab's descendants would be cut off (1 Kings 21:23-24). This prophecy was fulfilled during the reign of Jehu, who eradicated the house of Ahab and established a new dynasty in Israel (2 Kings 9-10).