Topical Bible: Ahab: King of Israel: Reproved by Elijah; Assembles the Prophets of Baal

◄ Ahab: King of Israel: Reproved by Elijah; Assembles the Prophets of Baal ►

Topical Encyclopedia

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 marked by his marriage to Jezebel, the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians, which led to the introduction and promotion of Baal worship in Israel. This act of apostasy provoked the anger of the LORD, as Ahab "did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him" (1 Kings 16:33).

Reproved by Elijah

Ahab's reign was characterized by his opposition to the prophet Elijah, who served as a divine instrument to call Israel back to the worship of Yahweh. Elijah's first recorded confrontation with Ahab occurs when he prophesies a severe drought as a judgment from God: "As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there will be neither dew nor rain in these years, except at my word" (1 Kings 17:1). This drought lasted for three and a half years, demonstrating the power of God over the false gods of Baal and Asherah.

The most dramatic encounter between Ahab and Elijah occurs on Mount Carmel, where Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to a contest to prove whose deity is the true God. Ahab assembles the prophets of Baal, 450 in number, along with the people of Israel, at Elijah's request. Elijah then issues a challenge: "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him" (1 Kings 18:21).

Assembles the Prophets of Baal

The contest on Mount Carmel is a pivotal moment in Ahab's reign. Elijah proposes that two bulls be prepared for sacrifice, one for Baal and one for the LORD, with the understanding that the true God would answer by fire. The prophets of Baal call upon their god from morning until noon without success. Elijah mocks them, suggesting that Baal might be deep in thought, busy, traveling, or sleeping (1 Kings 18:27).

After the prophets of Baal fail, Elijah repairs the altar of the LORD, places the sacrifice upon it, and drenches it with water. He then prays, "Answer me, O LORD, answer me, so that this people will know that You, O LORD, are God, and that You have turned their hearts back again" (1 Kings 18:37). The LORD responds with fire from heaven, consuming the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and even the water in the trench. This miraculous event leads the people to proclaim, "The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!" (1 Kings 18:39).

Despite witnessing the power of the LORD, Ahab's heart remains hardened, and he continues in his idolatrous ways, influenced by Jezebel. His reign is marked by further acts of disobedience and injustice, including the infamous incident involving Naboth's vineyard, which ultimately leads to his downfall as prophesied by Elijah.