Read: 1
Kings 20; Deuteronomy 7:1-6 and 20:16-18
Chapter 20 focuses back in on Ahab, king of Israel.
In contrast to chapter 19, which focused on Elijah’s submission to God’s
direction, chapter 20 displays Ahab’s rebellion. Specifically, we see Ahab
choosing to follow his own wisdom instead of God’s in a time of war. The story
begins when Ben-hadad, king of Aram (a region in central Syria), sends
messengers to Ahab demanding Ahab’s silver and gold, wives and children. Ahab
agrees to Ben-hadad’s demands in hope that it will prevent war. Note that Ahab
did not consult the Lord on this decision. What a far cry from rulers like
Joshua and David who habitually consulted God, knowing that victory could only
come from Him! Ahab’s plan did not work. Seeing an opportunity to gain even
more, Ben-hadad sent another message. In addition to Ahab’s initial offering,
Ben-hadad’s servants would seize everything good from Ahab’s possession (v
5-6). Now Ahab does not know what to do. However, he again fails to ask the
Lord. He goes to the elders of his people and follows their advice (v 8).
Ahab’s refusal enrages Ben-hadad, inciting him to war (v 10). Ahab remains
arrogant, sending a message to Ben-hadad that he should not boast about a
victory that has not yet happened (v 11).
Since Ahab will not approach the Lord, the Lord
sends a prophet to Ahab. Ahab is quick to take the prophet’s guidance (v
14-15), which leads to victory over Ben-hadad’s army (v 21). The prophet
returns to Ahab saying, “Come, strengthen yourself, and consider well what you
have to do, for in the spring the king of Syria will come up against you” (v
22). Indeed, Ben-hadad’s servants surmise that the God of Israel is merely a
god of the mountains. If they engage
with Israel in the plains they will surely win. When the time came for battle,
the Aramean troops far outnumbered the Israelite troops (v 27). However, God refuses
to have His name debased. He is the God of the mountains and the plains, of the
streams and oceans, of the earth and everything in it! God provides Israel with
another victory, not because they have been faithful, but because it will bring
His name glory (v 28).
In the face of defeat, Ben-hadad goes into hiding.
He has one more strategy left to try: plead for mercy from Ahab. Ahab relents.
He makes a treaty with Ben-hadad and lets him go free. Chapter 20 ends with a
prophecy of doom for Ahab. He had broken the laws God had laid down regarding
war (Deuteronomy 7:1-6 and 20:16-18). Because of his rebellion, Ahab will face
the Lord’s judgment.
Prayer and
Journaling
1. How often are slow to approach God with our
problems, yet quick to take the advice of his people. Ahab listened to the
prophets (at least initially) but refused to approach God. This revealed the
true motives of his heart. He desired advice that would lead him to military
victory, but despised submission to God. God does lead and guide us through His
people, but that is meant as a supplement
to our personal relationship with Him, not a replacement for it. Whenever we replace a direct connection with
God with one that is first mediated by others we place ourselves at risk. In
your life do you first seek God’s revelation or the advice of other people?
Confess as necessary.
2. God’s Word is of vital importance. It is the
standard against which we must judge all other wisdom. God provides us with
instructions and commands in His Word, which He expects us to live by. Commit
yourself to studying God’s Word. Pray that He gives you a hunger to live a holy
life that is pleasing to Him. Pray that your desire to submit every area of
your life to His direction would grow. Pray for grace to obey His commands.
Pray that your life would direct those around you to the King of kings. Pray
that you would come to know God’s mercy and forgiveness when you fall short. He
loves His children and desires holiness for us, but also wants us to walk in
joy and freedom, not condemnation and shame.
3. We cannot stop with praying for holiness in
ourselves. If we long to see revival in our nation we must pray for others to become
more like Jesus as well. Ask God for five specific people you can pray for
today. Then pray the things listed above over these people. Thank God for what
He is going to do in your life and in the lives of these five people as a
result of your prayers.
