Day 83 – 1 Kings: Character sketch of Ahab

“But Ahab son of Omri did what was evil in the Lord’s sight, even more than any of the kings before him.” 1 Kings 16:30

Like David had a faithful friend and counsellor in God’s prophet Nathan, Ahab could have had an equally faithful friend in Elijah. But while David listened to Nathan and was willing to repent and turn to the Lord, Ahab saw Elijah as his enemy. To Ahab, it seems Elijah only brought bad news, but Ahab refused to acknowledge that it was his own constant disobedience to God and persistent idol worship, not Elijah’s prophecies, that brought the evil upon his nation. Rather than take Elijah’s advice and change his evil ways, Ahab blamed Elijah for bringing only warnings of judgment on Israel.

Strengths and accomplishments

Ahab was a capable leader and military strategist.

Weaknesses and mistakes

Known as the most evil and petulant king of Israel who married a pagan woman, Jezebel, and allowed her to promote Baal worship. He brooded about not being able to get a piece of land, which prompted his wife to have its owner, Naboth, killed.

Life lessons from Ahab’s life

The choice of a spouse will have a significant physical, spiritual, and emotional effect on a person’s life. Left unchecked, selfishness can lead to great evil.

Prayer: Father, thank You for teaching us about Ahab’s selfishness and hard-headedness so we know not to allow idols to influence our lives and allow others to make decisions on our behalf. Give us the ears to hear Your Word from others and the heart to repent our sins and turn to You. Amen.