Topical Encyclopedia Ahab, the son of Omri, was the seventh king of Israel and reigned in Samaria for 22 years (1 Kings 16:29). 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 union and the subsequent idolatry incited the wrath 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).Ahab's reign is characterized by a series of conflicts and moral failures, many of which are rooted in hatred and enmity. One of the most prominent examples of hatred in Ahab's life is his relationship with the prophet Elijah. Elijah, a prophet of the LORD, frequently confronted Ahab about his idolatry and wickedness. This confrontation reached a climax on Mount Carmel, where Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal, leading to a dramatic demonstration of God's power (1 Kings 18:20-40). Ahab's hatred for Elijah is evident as he refers to him as the "troubler of Israel" (1 Kings 18:17). Another significant instance of hatred in Ahab's life is his dealings with Naboth the Jezreelite. Ahab coveted Naboth's vineyard, which was adjacent to his palace in Jezreel. When Naboth refused to sell or exchange his inheritance, Ahab became sullen and resentful. Jezebel, observing Ahab's discontent, orchestrated a plot to falsely accuse Naboth of blasphemy, leading to Naboth's execution and Ahab's acquisition of the vineyard (1 Kings 21:1-16). This act of injustice and murder was driven by Ahab's covetousness and disregard for God's commandments, further illustrating the destructive nature of hatred. Ahab's hatred extended beyond personal vendettas to national conflicts. His reign was marked by ongoing warfare with Ben-hadad, the king of Aram. Despite initial victories granted by the LORD, Ahab's failure to fully obey God's commands and his subsequent treaty with Ben-hadad led to further conflict and ultimately his downfall (1 Kings 20:1-34). Ahab's inability to align his actions with God's will, coupled with his animosity towards God's prophets, culminated in his demise during a battle at Ramoth-gilead, where he was struck by an arrow and died (1 Kings 22:34-37). The narrative of Ahab's life serves as a cautionary tale about the corrosive effects of hatred and disobedience to God. His reign is a testament to the spiritual and moral decline that can occur when leaders forsake God's commandments and allow personal vendettas and idolatry to dictate their actions. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 22:8And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he does not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Record of Two Kings Ahab and Micaiah From Jezreel to Horeb The Voice of Stern Rebuke Questions. The Divided Kingdom. Elijah the Tishbite Repentance unto Life The Antiquities of the Jews Turn or Burn Resources What does the Bible say about self-hatred? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about hate? | GotQuestions.org What is Christianophobia? | GotQuestions.org Hatred: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Hatred to Christ is on Account of his Testimony Against the World Hatred to Christ is Without Cause Hatred to Christ: Chief Priests Hatred to Christ: Involves: Hatred to his Father Hatred to Christ: Involves: Hatred to his People Hatred to Christ: No Escape for Those Who Persevere In Hatred to Christ: Punishment of Hatred: Against Iniquity, Justified Hatred: Inconsistent With: Liars Prone To Hatred: Inconsistent With: The Knowledge of God Hatred: Inconsistent With: The Love of God Hatred: Often Cloaked by Deceit Hatred: Saints should Give No Cause For Hatred: Saints should not Marvel At Hatred: Saints should not Rejoice in the Calamities of Those Who Exhibit Hatred: Saints should Return Good For Hatred: Scriptures Relating To Hatred: The Wicked Exhibit: Towards Each Other Hatred: The Wicked Exhibit: Towards God Hatred: The Wicked Exhibit: Towards Saints Hatred: we should Exhibit Against: Backsliding Hatred: we should Exhibit Against: Evil Hatred: we should Exhibit Against: False Ways Hatred: we should Exhibit Against: Hatred and Opposition to God Hatred: we should Exhibit Against: Lying Related Terms |
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