1 Kings 19
This chapter opened with Ahab informing Jezebel of what Elijah did in the preceding chapter where he called fire 🔥 down from heaven and how he killed the prophet of Baal. Jezebel was pissed and vowed to harm Elijah in return
Now Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets [of Baal] with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So may the gods do to me, and even more, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like the life of one of them.”
1 Kings 19:1-2 AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/1ki.19.1-2.AMP
Elijah became afraid and ran away to the wilderness waiting for death, he was depressed until the Lord sent his angel to feed him twice.
And Elijah was afraid and arose and ran for his life, and he came to Beersheba which belongs to Judah, and he left his servant there. But he himself traveled a day’s journey into the wilderness, and he came and sat down under a juniper tree and asked [God] that he might die. He said, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” He lay down and slept under the juniper tree, and behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Get up and eat.” He looked, and by his head there was a bread cake baked on hot coal, and a pitcher of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again. Then the angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, “Get up, and eat, for the journey is too long for you [without adequate sustenance].” So he got up and ate and drank, and with the strength of that food he traveled forty days and nights to Horeb (Sinai), the mountain of God.
1 Kings 19:3-8 AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/1ki.19.3-8.AMP
The situation of Elijah might sound like he lost faith in God, but we must understand that it is possible to be affected by fear of unknown as a believer even if you are on fire for God you must just renounce it with the word of God and the name of Jesus because your faith and strength will be refilled. It was after the feeding by the angels that he embarked on the journey to mount Sinai.
There he came to a cave and spent the night in it; and behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He said, “I have been very zealous (impassioned) for the Lord God of hosts (armies) [proclaiming what is rightfully and uniquely His]; for the sons of Israel have abandoned (broken) Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I, only I, am left; and they seek to take away my life.”
1 Kings 19:9-10 AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/1ki.19.9-10.AMP
Here he was lamenting, telling God how he has served Him diligently and how he was the only prophet left he didn't know there were still 7000 who have not bowed to any other gods. I think Elisha was carried away in his situation that he thought he was the only one remaining out of the prophet of God and considering Jezebel's threat that could have been the origin of his assumption.
God told him to stand out of the cave that He will pass by, at first it was a great wind, then 🔥 fire and God was not in both then came a gentle blowing and the sound came.
When Elijah heard the sound, he wrapped his face in his mantle (cloak) and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. And behold, a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
1 Kings 19:13 AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/1ki.19.13.AMP
God asked him what are you doing here, he recounted what he was saying before how he had served God. How he was the only one standing and God let him understand there are still 7000 who haven't bowed to any other god.
The Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way to the Wilderness of Damascus; and when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king over Aram (Syria); and you shall anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi as king over Israel; and anoint Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah as prophet in your place.
1 Kings 19:15-16 AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/1ki.19.15-16.AMP
God told him to go back to wilderness of Damascus and anoint Jehu, He also told him about Elisha who will take over from Elijah. When he met Elisha, Elisha was from a well to do family. He didn't argue with Elijah instead, He said let me bid farewell to my family he did that and follow Elijah.
Being sold out to God and doing the work of God is more important in the life of a minister. Having said that it doesn't mean you neglect your family. In the case of Elisha, he didn't just drop everything and follow, he must have informed his parents and family. Giving them details of the assigent so they no he didn't just abandon them and leave. As we obey God and do His will, always carry your family along.
1 Kings 20
This chapter started with Ben- had king of Samaria sending war threat to Ahab the king of Israel. Ahab the king of Israel conceded his defeat and said to the messenger that King of Samaria can have all he demanded. Since he didn't protest against this request, Ben-hadad then said his wives and everything will be Ben-hadad's that was when Ahab went to seek counsel from the elders of Israel and they advised him not to agree to such. Once he disagreed Ben-hadad sent threats.
Aside King Asa from the descendants of David that obeyed God, all the other kings after David including Solomon served other gods. They married strange women that served strange gods. It's interesting that Ahab didn't not think to seek the face of God. It's not surprising because he was married to Jezebel who served and pride in her service to Baal and numerous gods.
The king of Israel answered, “Tell him, ‘A man who puts on [his armor to go to battle] should not boast like the man who takes it off [after the battle has been won].’ ” When Ben-hadad heard this message, as he and the kings were drinking in the temporary shelters, he said to his servants, “Station yourselves.” So they stationed themselves against the city [of Samaria].
1 Kings 20:11-12 AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/1ki.20.11-12.AMP
I find the statement from Ahab to Ben-hadad interesting that a warrior should boast before going on a battle because he is not sure who will take the armour off meaning that defeat is inevitable for any warrior either strong or weak it's at the end of the battle that one can boast.
In this dispensation we can boast before the battle starts if we are genuinely in Christ Jesus because we know He won the battle even before the battle started. Glory to God!
The statement Ahab sent to Ben-hadad made him raise his guards up to protect Samaria. We serve a merciful God. God sent the prophet to Ahab to inform him that Israel will win the battle against Samaria and it came to pass they attacked Samaria when Ben-hadad was drunk.
This is hilarious who leaves their house unwatched and go partying when the threat of the enemy is right at your door.. the answer is Ben-hadad... Alcohol or Alcoholism makes a fool of a man no matter how wise they are.
A man of God approached and said to the king of Israel, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Because the Arameans have said, “The Lord is a god of the hills, but He is not a god of the valleys,” I will give this great army into your hand, and you shall know [by experience] that I am the Lord.’ ” So they camped opposite each other for seven days. Then on the seventh day the battle began, and the sons of Israel killed 100,000 of the Aramean foot soldiers in a single day. But the rest ran to the city of Aphek, and the [city] wall fell on 27,000 of the men who were left. Ben-hadad escaped and came into the city, going into an inner chamber [to hide]. But his servants said to him, “We have heard that the kings of the house (royal line) of Israel are merciful kings. Please let us put sackcloth around our loins and ropes on our necks [as symbols of submission], and go out to the king of Israel; perhaps he will spare your life.” So they put sackcloth around their loins and ropes on their necks, and came to the king of Israel and said, “Your servant Ben-hadad says, ‘Please let me live.’ ” And Ahab asked, “Is he still alive? He is my brother.” Now the men took it as a good omen, and quickly understanding his meaning said, “Yes, your brother Ben-hadad lives.” Then the king said, “Go, bring him.” Then Ben-hadad came out to him, and Ahab had him come up into the chariot. Ben-hadad [tempting him] said to him, “I will restore the cities which my father took from your father; and you may set up bazaars (shops) of your own in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” Then, Ahab replied, “I will let you go with this covenant (treaty).” So he made a covenant with him and let him go.
1 Kings 20:28-34 AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/1ki.20.28-34.AMP
God can't be mocked, the second war the Ben-hadad brough to Israel was won by Israel because they called the God of Israel the God of the hill and not the God of the valley. You can't wishhy washy the name of God or his ability, when He strikes he clears the oppressors and their supporters. The Arameans and Samaritans learnt their lessons and surrender to Ahab including Ben-hadad.
I pray that as many who rise in judgement against you, that is not in line with the plans of God for you will be defeated in Jesus name amen.
Sparing the life of Ben-hadad was an act of disobedience to God. God sent one of the sons of the prophet to Ahab to inform him that such disobedience will coast him is life and his people
He said to the king, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Because you have released from your hand the man [Ben-hadad] whom I had devoted to destruction, your life shall be required for his life, and your people for his people.’ ” So the king of Israel went to his house resentful and sullen, and came to Samaria.
1 Kings 20:42-43 AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/1ki.20.42-43.AMP
The lesson here when God give you an instruction follow through, don't use your own head knowledge to arrive at a solution that is against his will. Even though Ben-hadad came with sackcloth then Ahab pitied him not once did Ahab sought the face of God. If he was devoted to God, he would have sensed that it was not the will of God to spare Ben- had. As human at times we do things based on our intellect negating what God has commanded us to do. That is dangerous, this is why we need the spirit of God at all time to guide us.
1 Kings 21
This cahpater started with highlighting that Ahab was covetous. He coveted the property of Naboth, a land that didn't belong to him (Ahab).
Now it came about after these things that Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard in Jezreel, close beside the [winter] palace of Ahab king of Samaria; Ahab spoke to Naboth, saying, “Give me your vineyard, so that I may have it for a garden of vegetables and herbs, because it is near my house. I will give you a better vineyard for it, or, if you prefer, I will give you what it is worth in money.” But Naboth said to Ahab, “The Lord forbid me that I should give the inheritance of my fathers to you.” Then Jezebel his wife came to him and asked him, “Why is your spirit so troubled that you have not eaten?” And he said to her, “Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite and said to him, ‘Give me your vineyard for money; or if you prefer, I will give you another vineyard for it.’ But he answered, ‘I will not give you my vineyard.’ ” So the men of his city, the elders and the nobles who lived there, did as Jezebel had sent word to them, just as it was written in the letters which she had sent to them. They proclaimed a fast and seated Naboth at the head of the people. Two worthless and unprincipled men came in and sat down opposite him; and they testified against Naboth before the people, saying, “Naboth cursed and renounced God and the king.” Then they brought him outside the city and stoned him to death. Then they sent word to Jezebel, saying, “Naboth has been stoned to death.” When Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned and was dead, she said to Ahab, “Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite which he refused to sell you, because Naboth is no longer alive, but dead.” When Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, he arose to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it. Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, “Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who is in Samaria. Behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, where he has gone to take possession of it. You shall speak to him, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Have you murdered and also taken possession [of the victim’s property]?” ’ And you shall speak to him, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord: “In the place where dogs licked up the blood of Naboth, dogs will lick up your blood as well.” ’ ”
1 Kings 21:1-3, 5-6, 11-19 AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/1ki.21.1-19.AMP
Ahab became unhappy because Naboth refused to give him his possession. Covetousness is a disease and anyone with such should seek God's face for deliverance and repentance. How can you demand for what doesn't belong to you and the owner refused and you went home sulking like a lost child because they didn't give you. Greeted definitely birth covetousness because a greedy person will always want or demand what doesn't belong to them and in some cases they murder people for what they want from them either directly or indirectly.
In this case Ahab reported to his evil wife Jezebel, Jezebel is so evil even the evil ones respected her. She plotted evil and ensure its execution through the hands of unknown puppets. The elders and the people who stood against Nabith giving false witness has blood on their hands that stemmed down from the evil plot of Jezebel.
I pray every authority that represent Jezebel in my life is permanently broken in Jesus name. It's sad that Naboth lost his life just like that to horrible death facilitated by Jezebel the witch. Lord destroy all craftiness of the wicked in and around my life in Jesus name amen.
Moving in, God saw the evil act of Ahab and sent Elijah to him. This is a plot twist of the event.
Ahab said to Elijah, “Have you found me, O my enemy?” And he answered, “I have found you, because you have sold yourself to do evil in the sight of the Lord. Behold [says the Lord], I am bringing evil (catastrophe) on you, and will utterly sweep you away, and will cut off from Ahab every male, both bond and free in Israel; and I will make your house (descendants) like that of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah, for provoking Me to anger and making Israel sin. The Lord also spoke in regard to Jezebel, saying, ‘The dogs will eat [the body of] Jezebel in the district of Jezreel.’ The dogs will eat anyone belonging to Ahab who dies in the city, and the birds of the air will eat anyone who dies in the field.” There certainly was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the Lord, because Jezebel his wife incited him. He acted very repulsively in following idols, in accordance with everything the Amorites had done, whom the Lord expelled [from the land] before the sons of Israel. Now when Ahab heard these words [of Elijah], he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and fasted, and he lay in sackcloth and went about dejectedly (mourning). Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, “Do you see how Ahab has humbled himself before Me? Because he has humbled himself before Me, I will not bring the evil (catastrophe) in his lifetime, but in his son’s days I will bring evil upon his house.”
1 Kings 21:20-29 AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/1ki.21.20-29.AMP
God sent the word to Ahab through Elijah then Ahab humbled himself before God and God showed him mercy but he said the catastrophe will happen in the days of Ahab's son.
Wow! This twist is scary, the parent did something wrong and because they repented it's shifted to the children.
Jeremiah 31:29-30 New International Version (NIV)
“In those days people will no longer say, 'The parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge. ' Instead, everyone will die for their own sin; whoever eats sour grapes—their own teeth will be set on edge.
I break every lineage destruction that is waiting for next generation or the generation unborn to manifest catastrophe in Jesus name. It will no longer be said that children pay for their parents sin (paraphrase) as it is written in Jeremiah 31:29-30 in Jesus name amen.
1 Kings 22
This passage began with noting that there was peace for 3 years then Jehoshaphat King of Judah came to Ahab king of Israel to remind him that Ramoth Gilead belong to them (Israelites) insinuating that they should go and posses it back. Obviously that will initiate a war but he advised that Ahab sought the face of God through the prophets and Ahab gathered all the prophets to inquire of the Lord what to do
But Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the word of the Lord.” Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said to them, “Shall I go to battle against Ramoth-gilead, or should I not?” And they said, “Go up, for the Lord has handed it over to the king.” But Jehoshaphat [doubted and] said, “Is there not another prophet of the Lord here whom we may ask?” The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “There is one more man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the Lord, but I hate him, because he never prophesies good news for me, but only evil.” But Jehoshaphat said, “May the king not say that [Micaiah only tells bad news].” Then the king of Israel summoned an officer and said, “Bring quickly Micaiah the son of Imlah.” All the prophets were prophesying in the same way [to please Ahab], saying, “Go up to Ramoth-gilead and be successful, for the Lord will hand it over to the king.”
1 Kings 22:5-9, 12 AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/1ki.22.5-12.AMP
These prophets are driven by their stomach because their prophecies were to please Ahab not necessarily God. In a way they were false prophet. However, Micaiah the son of Imlah was a true prophet of God and Ahab knew that but he doesn't like his prophecies because he said he is always prophesying negative.
It is important that we don't dance to the tube of false prophets and prophecies because they can lead to the doom of the prophet and the people. It is mostly important to test all spirits, yes don't fall for titles or because they sound good and eloquent test all spirit and don't be proud to listen to the truth. Ahab has pride in him as a king, he only humbled himself when he heard a strong judgement was coming upon him in chapter 21.
Be Mindful of lying spirit that come forth as the spirit of truth..
Then the messenger who went to summon Micaiah said to him, “Listen carefully, the words of the prophets are unanimously favorable to the king. Please let your words be like the word of one of them, and speak favorably.” But Micaiah said, “As the Lord lives, I will speak what the Lord says to me.” So when he came to the king, the king said to him, “Micaiah, shall we go against Ramoth-gilead in battle, or shall we not?” And he answered him, “Go up and be successful, for the Lord will hand it over to the king.” But the king [doubted him and] said to him, “How many times must I make you swear to tell me nothing but the truth in the name of the Lord?” And he said, “I saw all Israel Scattered upon the mountains, Like sheep that have no shepherd. And the Lord said, ‘These have no master. Let each of them return to his house in peace.’ ” Then the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “Did I not tell you that he would not prophesy good concerning me, but evil?” Micaiah said, “Therefore, hear the word of the Lord. I saw the Lord sitting on His throne, and all the host (army) of heaven standing by Him on His right hand and on His left. The Lord said, ‘Who will entice Ahab to go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?’ And one said this, while another said that. Then a spirit came forward and stood before the Lord and said, ‘I will entice him.’ The Lord said to him, ‘How?’ And he said, ‘I will go out and be a deceiving spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ Then the Lord said, ‘You are to entice him and also succeed. Go and do so.’ Now then, behold, the Lord has put a deceiving spirit in the mouth of all these prophets; and the Lord has proclaimed disaster against you.” But Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah approached and struck Micaiah on the cheek and said, “How did the Spirit of the Lord pass from me to speak to you?” Micaiah said, “Behold, you shall see on that day [of the king’s defeat] when you enter an inner room [looking for a place] to hide yourself.” Then the king of Israel said, “Take Micaiah and return him to Amon, the governor of the city, and to Joash, the king’s son, and say, ‘Thus says the king, “Put this man in prison, and feed him sparingly with the bread and water until I return safely.” ’ ” Micaiah said, “If you indeed return safely, the Lord has not spoken by me.” Then he said, “Listen, all you people.”
1 Kings 22:13-28 AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/1ki.22.13-28.AMP
This passage just shows how proud and unrepentant Ahab was. Even after Micaiah told him that God himself sent a deceiving spirit he still had the guts to imprison him on what grounds then he ask that he be fed well until he returns and Micaiah said to him that is if you return.
Pride goes before a fall, we must not entertain or tolerate pride in our lives as a believer, it is deadly to such. Ahab shot himself in the foot.
Then about sundown a resounding cry passed throughout the army, saying, “Every man to his city and every man to his own country!” So the king died and was brought to Samaria, and they buried the king in Samaria. They washed the chariot by the pool [on the outskirts] of Samaria, where the prostitutes bathed, and the dogs licked up his blood, in accordance with the word of the Lord which He had spoken.
1 Kings 22:36-38 AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/1ki.22.36-38.AMP
Ahab eventually lost his life in the battle and the dogs licked his blood as it was already predicted by Elijah.
Lord whatever will make me so disobedient to your will remove them from my life today, help me always to seek your face in all I do in Jesus mighty name amen
Jehoshaphat who brought the idea of possessing Ramoth Gilead survived the war, He continued to rule over Israel and did the will of God like his father ASA.
He walked in all the ways of Asa his father, without turning from them, doing right in the sight of the Lord. However, the high places were not removed; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places. Jehoshaphat also made peace with the king of Israel.
1 Kings 22:43-44 AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/1ki.22.43-44.AMP
After the death of Ahab Ahaziah his son ruled and did exact evil his father did, he served Baal and not God.
It is important to lay a good foundation as a believer for your children either in your deeds or in prayers. When the foundation is destroyed what can the righteous do, I know it can be rebuilt but don't let it destroy, lay a godly foundation and alway prioritize the will of God in all you do.
Lord thank you for the word and grace to understand, make us doers and not readers alone in Jesus name amen.
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