Did More, Even More

O. T. #791 "Did More, Even More
July 8, 2016
1 Kings 16-Part 2


LET IT GLOW

Well, here comes King Ahab on the scene in Israel. He reigned 22 years in Samaria. What else do we know about Ahab, but that he married Jezebel, the daughter of King Ethbaal of the Sidonians?
But Ahab son of Omri did what was evil in the LORD's sight, even more than any of the kings before him. (verse 30)

• He began to bow down in worship of Baal after he married the one and only Jezebel.
• First Ahab built a temple and an altar for Baal in Samaria.
• Then he set up an Asherah pole.
• He did more to provoke the anger of the LORD, the God of Israel, than any of the other kings of Israel before him.

Who would want to be remembered for having done more evil than others and having done more to provoke the anger of the Lord God? Not me, not me, please don't let it be me. I want to be remembered as having been a faithful, loving servant of God.

Later on we will read of the prophets that God sends to confront King Ahab, especially Elijah and show Himself more powerful than any pagan god. We'll be back to visit Ahab.

LET IT GROW

It was during Ahab's reign that Hiel, a man from Bethel, rebuilt Jericho. When he laid its foundations, it cost him the life of his oldest son, Abiram. When it was completed and its gates set up, it cost him the life of his youngest son, Segub. What is significant of this?

In Joshua 6 :26, Joshua foretold these things happening to the one who rebuilt the city of Jericho, after God brought down its walls and Israel got the treasures. Also, Rahab and her family were saved due to her faith in the God of the spies.

Even 500 years later, God keeps his Word. If only someone had read that Scripture to Hiel so he would not have rebuilt Jericho, his sons would have been spared.

Baal worship penetrated into Judah and corrupted the line of David, causing a gigantic struggle before Baalism was officially eradicated in both Israel and Judah (2 Kings 9-12). Of all Israel's kings, Ahab outraged the Lord most (verse 33)    (MacArthur)

Baal, means lord, husband, owner, according to The MacArthur Bible Commentary. Baal was the predominant god in Canaanite religion. They believed he was the storm god who brought them rain, necessary for fertile land. Baal's ability will soon be challenged and proven worthless idols. So join us next week for this exciting event.

Have we allowed anything to be more important than God in our life? Time to take inventory.

LET IT GO

Hallelujah, our God reigns in heaven and gives rain upon earth.

Share the One and Only True Living God today with someone. 

Do more, even more in serving others with the love of Jesus than those around me.