Sunday, October 27, 2024 – 1 Kings 21, 22– Additional reading, Prophets and Kings, Chapter 16, “The Fall of The House Of Ahab”

1. Although Jezebel ignores most of Israel’s laws, she seems to be well acquainted with the one that had to do with the stoning of a blasphemer by the whole community. (Lev 24:15-16) What are your thoughts on her manipulation of God’s Laws for personal gain? 1 Kings 21:10

2. How do you feel about Naboth’s Murder? (1 Kings 21:15) Not just him, but Naboth’s sons were also stoned so that he could have no legitimate heir. 2 Kings 9:26

3. What can we learn about God and His character as we read 1 Kings 21:29?

4. Considering Ahab’s dismissal of God’s word through Micaiah, Ahab’s disguise, and his inability to avoid death, what can we learn about the word of the Lord? 1 Kings 22:30, 34

Commentary and Reflection:

Have you ever heard the question, “If God is good, why does He allow bad things to happen?” What happened to Naboth and his family was a gross injustice. Can you imagine the questions flowing through the minds of Naboth’s wife and others around?

God doesn’t usually step in immediately to prevent evil in society. However, we KNOW that this is NOT what God wants! Ecclesiastes 3:17, I said, “In due season God will judge everyone, good and bad, for all their deeds.” Hebrews 10:30, “For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The LORD will judge His people.” Micah 6:8, “…And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?”

God’s sentence on Ahab, as announced by Elijah, indicates how God feels about what happened to Naboth and his family. Nothing in the immediate situation may answer the crimes against humanity perpetrated by the unjust. Nevertheless, this will not go on indefinitely. God has appointed a day in which He will judge the world! (Acts 17:31)

We can trust fully in the word of the Lord! Ahab tried to hide; he convinced Jehoshaphat to remain wearing his royal robe, yet a “random” but not so random arrow struck and killed the disguised king Ahab. As awful as this story seems, we can see the mercy and justice of the Lord!

Today, I pray that we may “give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. (Chronicles 16:34). That we may… “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let our requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7). May we, Heavenly Father, continue to trust in You, rely on You, and share Your grace, love, and mercy with everyone around us. Amen.