Who is King Ahab in the Bible?

Quick Facts

Length of his reign: 22, 1 Kings 16:29
Succession: 7th king
Father: King Omri, 1 Kings 16:30
Predecessor: King Omri, 1Ki 16:28
Successor: Ahaziah of Israel, 1Ki 22:51
Reign: 873 BC – 852 BC
Kingdom: Kingdom of Israel, 1Ki 16:29-34
Morality: evil king, 1 Kings 16:29-34
Bible references: 1Ki 17:17-24; 1Ki 17; 1Ki 20; 1Ki 20; 1Ki 21; 1Ki 22:1-40

Ahab reigns in Israel

The name Ahab means father’s brother. Ahab reigned over the Kingdom of Israel during the 9th century BC. He was married to Jezebel, a Phoenician princess who introduced the worship of Baal and Asherah to Israel. Together, they had several children including Ahaziah, Joram, and Athalia.

One of the most significant events involving King Ahab was his encounter with the prophet Elijah. Due to Ahab and Jezebel’s idolatry, Elijah prophesied a severe drought that lasted for three and a half years. During this time, Ahab searched for Elijah, blaming him for the lack of rain. (1 Kings 17:1)

Then Elijah showed up and challenged the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah to a showdown on Mount Carmel. On Mt. Carmel, the prophets of Baal and those of Asherah did everything possible but their gods could not send fire to consume their sacrifice. However, God answered Elijah and sent fire to consume his sacrifice. Elijah had the prophet of Baal killed. After this, Elijah prayed and God sent down rain to end the drought. (1 Kings 18:20-40)

Ahab’s reign was also marked by war. Ben-hadad, the king of Syria, attacked Samaria, the capital of Israel. And they were defeated (1Ki 20:26-34). In spring, the Syrians came to invade Israel. Ahab, with his small army, successfully defeated Ben-hadad at Aphek (1Ki 20:13-25). However, instead of completely destroying the enemy, Ahab made a covenant with Ben-hadad and spared his life. This decision was condemned by a prophet, who predicted that Ahab’s life would be taken in return (1 Kings 20:17-24).

Another significant event involving Ahab was his desire to acquire Naboth’s vineyard in Jezreel. Naboth refused to sell to Ahab this vineyard which was his ancestral land. This greatly displeased Ahab.

When Jezebel learned of it, in a wicked plot, she arranged for Naboth to be falsely accused of blasphemy and stoned to death by the people. Then she had her husband Ahab take possession of Naboth’s vineyard. (1 Kings 21:1-16)

When Ahab went into Naboth’s vineyard to take possession of it, God sent Elijah to confront him, condemning him for his actions and prophesying that his entire family would be wiped out (1Ki 21:17-24) because of what he had done. Ahab repented, and God showed him mercy, delaying the punishment until the reign of his son (1Ki 21:25-29).

In a later battle against the Syrians at Ramoth-gilead, Ahab joined forces with King Jehoshaphat of Judah. Before the battle was fought, they inquired to see whether they would be victorious or not. Ahab gathered 400 prophets of Baal, who falsely prophesied victory (1Ki 22:1-12). However, Micaiah, a true prophet, revealed that a lying spirit was influencing the prophets of Baal and also said that they would lose the battle and Ahab would die (1Ki 22:13-28).

Ahab, trying to avoid death, disguised himself for the battle so that the enemy would not identify him. However, at the battle, he was struck by a random arrow and he died, fulfilling the prophecy of his death. His blood was washed from his chariot, and dogs licked it, just as Elijah had foretold (1Ki 21:17-24). (1 Kings 22:29-40). King Ahab’s life and reign remind us of the consequences of idolatry, disobedience, and injustice.

Achievements of Ahab

  • Ahab built an ivory house that he built. (1 Kings 22:39)
  • Ahab built cities. (1 Kings 22:39)

Contemporaries of Ahab

  • King Asa of Judah had reigned for 38 years when Ahab became a king. (1 Kings 16:29)
  • King Jehoshaphat of Judah began to reign when Ahab had reigned for 3 years. (1Ki 22:2)
  • Benhadad I invaded Israel and fought many battles with Ahab. (1 Kings 20:1-12)
  • Prophet Elijah was the main opposition to the wicked King Ahab and his wife Jezebel. (1 Kings 21:1-16)

Major events during Ahab’s reign

  • Establishment of the worship of Baal in Israel. (1 Kings 16:29-34)
  • Elijah prophesied a severe drought that lasted for three and a half years. (1 Kings 17:1-7)
  • Prophet Elijah had a showdown with the prophets of Baal and Asherah on Mt. Carmel. (1 Kings 18:20-40)
  • The death of the prophets of Baal. (1 Kings 18:40)
  • Ahab and Jezebel killed Naboth for his vineyard. (1 Kings 21:1-16)
  • Ahab defeated Benhaded I near Samaria. (1 Kings 20:26-34)
  • Ahab defeated Benhaded I again at Aphek. (1 Kings 20:13-25)
  • King Jehoshaphat befriended the house of David to the house of Omri. (1 Kings 22:1-12)
  • King Jehoshaphat and Ahab allied to fight Benhadad I of Syria at Ramoth-gilead. (1 Kings 22:29-40)

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