1 Kings 16 Commentary
Chapter 16 introduces the famous King Ahab. He is the son of King Omri. During the Omri-Ahab tenure, Israel enjoyed relative political stability, but godliness continued to decline. In fact, Ahab is described as having done more evil than all others before him.
Ahab’s wife and partner in idolatry, Jezebel, is well known for her wickedness. The couple set new records in wickedness. Today, the word Jezebel is hardly used for individuals as it has become synonymous with harlotry and seduction. Such was her level of wickedness!
Before the Omri-Ahab dynasty is the Baasha-Elah dynasty. The LORD announces the end of the Baasha dynasty through the prophet Jehu, partly because of his bloody coup against the Jeroboam dynasty. Evil is punishing evil. Even in an environment of evil, the LORD is still in charge. Events don’t just happen. One evil is allowed to punish another evil. Eventually, all evil will be punished by the LORD of creation.
You could also investigate the role of the Sovereign God in these events. Jeroboam is the people’s choice, but we know the LORD God decided. Baasha stages a coup and takes the throne, but we know the LORD is behind it all.
The fact that Baasha is punished, partly on account of his bloody coup against Jeroboam’s dynasty, informs us that God’s call may not always include the “How”. Baasha said yes, but did it in a wicked way.
The fact that Baasha’s wickedness (punishable wickedness) served a purpose underlines God’s sovereignty. You cannot win against God! You cannot outrun Him! You cannot understand every detail!
Like Solomon, Ahab’s marriage to Jezebel fuels more idolatry in Ahab. He begins to worship the gods of his wife, Jezebel. These were immoral gods. As we have already observed, the road to idolatry is paved by a man when he begins to ignore the instructions of the LORD. The LORD had specifically forbidden Israel from marrying women from the Canaanite peoples. It was for good reasons.
Reading these chapters may create an impression that we have an infestation of evil in Israel, in the same manner as our COVID-19. No. Evil isn’t a pandemic that helplessly sweeps through communities. Evil is manufactured in a man’s heart by poor decisions.
Jeroboam decided. Baasha decided to perpetuate Jeroboam’s sin. Omri maintained the status quo. Ahab decided to ignore the Law and marry Jezebel. It is all about decision-making, but importantly, we see the generosity of the LORD as He sends prophets to warn the kings.
Of course, the prophetic words are ignored – the sad story of Israel’s national life during these times.
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