1 Kings 20
-This chapter reflects back on the conflict between King
Ahab of Israel and Ben-hadad king of Aram. Ben-hadad gathered thirty-two kings
with him and made some cocky predictions about what he was going to take and do
in Samaria. However, the elders and people of Israel were with their king and
did not want him to consent nor listen to Ben-hadad’s demands. A prophet from
the LORD also came and gave assurance that the Arameans would be delivered into
the hands of Israel for the purpose of them (Israel) knowing that their LORD
was God (1 Kings 20:13). The prophet urged them to start the battle, so Israel
mustered up troops and attacked while Ben-hadad was drinking himself drunk in
the temporary shelters with the thirty-two kings who helped him. Israel struck
them with a great slaughter, but Ben-hadad escaped. The prophet came back with
the word that they would come back and attack at the turn of the year and that
they should fight them in the plains, for the Arams believed their gods were
gods of the mountains and they would be stronger there (1 Kings 20:14-25). At
the turn of the year, Ben-hadad did muster up his troops and they came against
Israel at Aphek south and west of Samaria. The Arameans filled the country with
their warriors, but God delivered His people once again to prove to them and
make them know that He was their LORD (1 Kings 20:28). At least 127,000
Arameans were killed in the battle and Ben-hadad had to humbly make a covenant
with Ahab (1 Kings 20:29-34).
-At this point a prophet had a situation where he wanted
another to strike him, but the man refused. Therefore, because the man did not
listen to the voice of the LORD, he was killed by a lion as soon as he
departed. The prophet found another man and had him strike him, which this time
the other man struck him wounding him. This led to the prophet disguising
himself to the king of Israel to pronounce judgment on Ahab because he let go
out of his hand Ben-hadad, who the LORD had devoted to destruction. Therefore, the
prophecy was given that Ahab’s life would go for his (Ben-hadad) life and the people
of Israel for his (Aram’s) people. “So the king of Israel went to his house sullen
and vexed, and came to Samaria (1 Kings 20:35-43).
-*Application* God will put us through situations to help us
KNOW Him. He will even be patient enough to give evil people blessings to show them
Himself if they are aware and concerned enough to pay attention to His goodness.
This is what we must understand from this episode with Ahab and Ben-hadad. Thank
God for His patience and goodness, but remember that there are limits to it. As
we see in the passage, Ahab still refused to obey the LORD and would ultimately
suffer greatly for it. Accept the LORD while you have the perfect opportunity. Trust
in Him and seek to KNOW Him. This is the point of the chapter for our lives.
Verse to Memorize: 1
Kings 20:13
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