Topical Encyclopedia Ahab, son of Omri, was the seventh king of Israel, reigning in the northern kingdom during the ninth century BC. His rule is chronicled in the biblical books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles, where he is depicted as a king who led Israel into idolatry, primarily through the influence of his wife, Jezebel, a Phoenician princess. Ahab's reign is marked by significant political and religious turmoil, as well as notable interactions with the prophets of Yahweh, particularly Elijah.Ahab's closing history is characterized by a series of conflicts and divine judgments. One of the pivotal moments in his later reign was the confrontation with Ben-Hadad, king of Aram. Despite initial victories, Ahab's failure to fully execute God's command to destroy Ben-Hadad led to a prophetic rebuke. A prophet declared, "Because you have let slip out of your hand a man whom I had devoted to destruction, your life will be for his life, and your people for his people" (1 Kings 20:42). Ahab's final years were further marred by his covetous desire for Naboth's vineyard, which was adjacent to his palace in Jezreel. When Naboth refused to sell his ancestral inheritance, Jezebel orchestrated a plot to have Naboth falsely accused and executed. This act of injustice provoked the wrath of God, and Elijah delivered a severe prophecy against Ahab: "In the place where the dogs licked up Naboth’s blood, they will also lick up your blood—yes, yours!" (1 Kings 21:19). Despite these judgments, Ahab showed a moment of repentance, which temporarily delayed the full execution of God's wrath. However, the prophecy concerning his demise was ultimately fulfilled during the battle at Ramoth-gilead. Ahab, in alliance with Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, sought to reclaim this territory from the Arameans. Despite disguising himself to avoid being targeted, Ahab was struck by a random arrow. The wound proved fatal, and he died in his chariot. As prophesied, "the dogs licked up his blood" at the pool of Samaria (1 Kings 22:38). Ahab's death marked the end of a tumultuous reign characterized by apostasy and conflict. His legacy is one of moral and spiritual decline, serving as a cautionary tale of the consequences of turning away from the commandments of God. His son, Ahaziah, succeeded him, continuing the dynastic line but also perpetuating the idolatrous practices that had become entrenched during Ahab's rule. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 22:1And they continued three years without war between Syria and Israel. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 18:1 Library The Old Testament and Archeology Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel The Bible Appendix viii. Rabbinic Traditions About Elijah, the Forerunner of ... Second visit to Nazareth - the Mission of the Twelve. A Miracle of Grace In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ... The People on the Earth: Chapters 2-3 The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles). Books of the Hebrew Canon. Resources Who was King Jehoshaphat in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Jehu in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was King Joash in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Ahab: King of Israel: Closing History and Death of Ahab: King of Israel: Defeats Ben-Hadad Ahab: King of Israel: Fraudulently Confiscates Naboth's Vineyard Ahab: King of Israel: Idolatry of Ahab: King of Israel: Marries Jezebel Ahab: King of Israel: Other Wickedness of Ahab: King of Israel: Prophecies Against Ahab: King of Israel: Reproved by Elijah; Assembles the Prophets of Baal Ahab: King of Israel: Sons of, Murdered Ahab: King of Israel: Succeeded by his Son, Ahaziah Related Terms |
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