1 Kings 22:1-8 ESV

For three years Syria and Israel continued without war. 2 But in the third year Jehoshaphat the king of Judah came down to the king of Israel. 3 And the king of Israel said to his servants, “Do you know that Ramoth-gilead belongs to us, and we keep quiet and do not take it out of the hand of the king of Syria?” 4 And he said to Jehoshaphat, “Will you go with me to battle at Ramoth-gilead?” And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses.”

5 And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Inquire first for the word of the Lord.” 6 Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said to them, “Shall I go to battle against Ramoth-gilead, or shall I refrain?” And they said, “Go up, for the Lord will give it into the hand of the king.” 7 But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not here another prophet of the Lord of whom we may inquire?” 8 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “There is yet one man by whom we may inquire of the Lord, Micaiah the son of Imlah, but I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me, but evil.” And Jehoshaphat said, “Let not the king say so.”

A PREJUDICE.

The king of Israel had convinced King Jehoshaphat of Judah to fight with him against the Syrians in order to regain Ramoth-gilead. Jehoshaphat felt they have to inquire the Lord first. Thus, the king of Israel did summoned 400 prophets, who in unison had said, “Go up, for the Lord will give it into the hand of the king.” But Jehoshaphat, did not satisfy. Why? Perhaps , he smelled that something was wrong. Does it need 400 prophets to prophesy? He asked the king for another one. And he said, ““There is yet one man by whom we may inquire of the Lord, Micaiah the son of Imlah, but I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me, but evil.” Jehoshapaht’s suspicion was confirmed so that he said, “Let not the king say so.”

The king of Israel had a preconceived opinion that Micaiah was against him. For, he did not like his prophecies. Simply said, he just want to hear what he wanted. Are we like the king of Israel. Didn’t Paul accuse the prejudiced Galatians, by saying, “Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? [Gal 4:16]

In the last days, Paul had warned against prejudice to the truth. He said, “always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. 9 But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men.”[2 Tim 3:8,9]

Perhaps today, we are plagued by selective listening? ? Do we seek to hear what we only want to hear? May in our hearts, we’ll always cherish the truth. That, we are going to embrace and apply the truth in our lives.

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1 Kings 21:12-29 ESV

17 Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, 18 “Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who is in Samaria; behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, where he has gone to take possession. 19 And you shall say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord, “Have you killed and also taken possession?”’ And you shall say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord: “In the place where dogs licked up the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick your own blood.”’”

20 Ahab said to Elijah, “Have you found me, O my enemy?” He answered, “I have found you, because you have sold yourself to do what is evil in the sight of the Lord. 21 Behold, I will bring disaster upon you. I will utterly burn you up, and will cut off from Ahab every male, bond or free, in Israel. 22 And I will make your house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah, for the anger to which you have provoked me, and because you have made Israel to sin. 23 And of Jezebel the Lord also said, ‘The dogs shall eat Jezebel within the walls of Jezreel.’ 24 Anyone belonging to Ahab who dies in the city the dogs shall eat, and anyone of his who dies in the open country the birds of the heavens shall eat.”

25 (There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the Lord like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited. 26 He acted very abominably in going after idols, as the Amorites had done, whom the Lord cast out before the people of Israel.)

27 And when Ahab heard those words, he tore his clothes and put sackcloth on his flesh and fasted and lay in sackcloth and went about dejectedly. 28 And the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, 29 “Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the disaster in his days; but in his son's days I will bring the disaster upon his house.”

A BITTER END.

Time and again, Ahab had proven how unconscionable he was. Despite to God’s goodness, he remained adamant and unchanged until his end as the leopard’s spot. Paul once asked, “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?”[Rom 2:4]

Power and affluence are two causes to spiritual blindness. Solomon said, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”[Prov 16:18] Ahab might be enjoying for he got what he wanted. But, did he see his fall coming? As Elijah confronted to him for his sins, he said, “Have you found me, O my enemy?” Apparently, he saw Elijah, God’s prophet, as the problem.

For being hardened to the core, he rebelled God like no other. “(There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the Lord like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited. He acted very abominably in going after idols, as the Amorites had done, whom the Lord cast out before the people of Israel.)”[v.25,26] God’s judgments upon him was so staggering – his family would be obliterated and Jezebel horribly would be eaten by dogs. In fact, “anyone belonging to Ahab who dies in the city the dogs shall eat, and anyone of his who dies in the open country the birds of the heavens shall eat.”[v.24]

Until Ahab heard God’s horrible judgment, he broke down. God saw the sincerity of his heart. The Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, “Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the disaster in his days; but in his son's days I will bring the disaster upon his house.”[v.28,29]

It was a little bit too late. Yet, God forgave him and had soften a bit the consequences. He won’t see it happening in his time. But, surely it would happen in his son’s days. Thus, let’s not be careless. By the grace of God, let it be that the end be better than its beginning.[Ecc 7:8]

1 Kings 21:5-15 ESV

5 But Jezebel his wife came to him and said to him, “Why is your spirit so vexed that you eat no food?” 6 And he said to her, “Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite and said to him, ‘Give me your vineyard for money, or else, if it please you, I will give you another vineyard for it.’ And he answered, ‘I will not give you my vineyard.’” 7 And Jezebel his wife said to him, “Do you now govern Israel? Arise and eat bread and let your heart be cheerful; I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.”

8 So she wrote letters in Ahab's name and sealed them with his seal, and she sent the letters to the elders and the leaders who lived with Naboth in his city. 9 And she wrote in the letters, “Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth at the head of the people. 10 And set two worthless men opposite him, and let them bring a charge against him, saying, ‘You have cursed God and the king.’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” 11 And the men of his city, the elders and the leaders who lived in his city, did as Jezebel had sent word to them. As it was written in the letters that she had sent to them, 12 they proclaimed a fast and set Naboth at the head of the people. 13 And the two worthless men came in and sat opposite him. And the worthless men brought a charge against Naboth in the presence of the people, saying, “Naboth cursed God and the king.” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death with stones. 14 Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, “Naboth has been stoned; he is dead.”

15 As soon as Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned and was dead, Jezebel said to Ahab, “Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give you for money, for Naboth is not alive, but dead.” 16 And as soon as Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, Ahab arose to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it.

GIVE NO OPPORTUNITY TO THE DEVIL.

Jezebel is a type of the devil. As the devil influenced Eve, so she influenced Ahab. In fact, she deviced a wicked plan for Ahab to get what he wanted. She masterminded to accuse Naboth falsely that he cursed God and the king, which had led to his stoning to death. Definitely, she reflected her father, the devil, who is the father of lies and death. [John 8:44]

An angry heart like Ahab is Satan’s workshop. A man filled with passion is an easy prey for the devil’s manipulation. Anger is the key that open the flood gates for the evil one to overwhelm him. That is why Paul had admonished us to dessipate anger as soon as possible. He said, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.”[ Eph 4:26,27]

Let us not be ignorant to the devil’s devices. Therefore, “be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”[1 Pet 5:8] He would jump at us during our weakest moment. James has articulated this moment, saying, “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel.”[Jas 4:1-2b]

Indeed, Naboth got what he always wanted. However, he was oblivious that Satan through Jezebel had captured his heart first. He was locked in his own prison without knowing it. He saw the lush vegetable garden beside his palace. But, he did not see the weeds of evil consuming his heart.

Today, let’s clear the walls of our hearts from any buttresses of anger and bitterness. Lest, the devil can make these as foothold to climb over and ruin our souls. Let’s confess and be cleansed from all these unrighteousness. [1 John 1:9]

-1 Kings 21:1-7 ESV

Now Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard in Jezreel, beside the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. 2 And after this Ahab said to Naboth, “Give me your vineyard, that I may have it for a vegetable garden, because it is near my house, and I will give you a better vineyard for it; or, if it seems good to you, I will give you its value in money.” 3 But Naboth said to Ahab, “The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.” 4 And Ahab went into his house vexed and sullen because of what Naboth the Jezreelite had said to him, for he had said, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” And he lay down on his bed and turned away his face and would eat no food.

5 But Jezebel his wife came to him and said to him, “Why is your spirit so vexed that you eat no food?” 6 And he said to her, “Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite and said to him, ‘Give me your vineyard for money, or else, if it please you, I will give you another vineyard for it.’ And he answered, ‘I will not give you my vineyard.’” 7 And Jezebel his wife said to him, “Do you now govern Israel? Arise and eat bread and let your heart be cheerful; I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.”

COVETOUSNESS.

In his best judgment, Ahab thought acquiring Naboth’s vineyard was best for him. Why not? It was located adjacent to his palace, so it was very convenient for him to raise vegetables. He offered Naboth a good deal. But, the later refused for sentimental reasons. He had inherited it from his fathers.

In a barter trade, it should be a win-win situation. Both parties can mutually agree and seal a deal only if both are gaining. Otherwise, there would be no deal. And, mutual respect to one’s decision should be upheld.

However, we saw Ahab vexed and sullen again. He was angry for he did not get what he wanted. Imagine, he lost his appetite because he was upset. Apparently, his greed had gripped his heart. It ruined his sanity or rationality.

Ahab was like a rich kid who has his room filled with toys. But, he frets because there was one toy he always wanted that he didn’t have. Sadly, many of us fared not so differently. We fret that we have no new dress, when our closets are full; that we have no shoes, when our shoe racks are full, that we have no food, when our fridges are full. When we feel that we lack that one thing to satisfy us.

To covet is a sin. The 10th commandment says;

“You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's.”[Ex 20:17]

But today, it’s accepted. And even, it is elevated as a virtue by many, isn’t it? Their slogan is, “Don’t settle for less when you can have more.” To feel dissatisfied is glamorized as a heroic pursuit. But Jesus couldn’t be mistaken when He said, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” [Luke 12:15]. It’s only “godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.”[1 Tim 6:8,9] Paul had learned this secret, so he testified, “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”[Phil 4:11-13]

Let’s be watchful therefore, that we won’t be influenced by the leaven of covetousness. Let’s not “not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

-1 Kings 20:35-43 ESV

35 And a certain man of the sons of the prophets said to his fellow at the command of the Lord, “Strike me, please.” But the man refused to strike him. 36 Then he said to him, “Because you have not obeyed the voice of the Lord, behold, as soon as you have gone from me, a lion shall strike you down.” And as soon as he had departed from him, a lion met him and struck him down. 37 Then he found another man and said, “Strike me, please.” And the man struck him—struck him and wounded him. 38 So the prophet departed and waited for the king by the way, disguising himself with a bandage over his eyes. 39 And as the king passed, he cried to the king and said, “Your servant went out into the midst of the battle, and behold, a soldier turned and brought a man to me and said, ‘Guard this man; if by any means he is missing, your life shall be for his life, or else you shall pay a talent of silver.’ 40 And as your servant was busy here and there, he was gone.” The king of Israel said to him, “So shall your judgment be; you yourself have decided it.” 41 Then he hurried to take the bandage away from his eyes, and the king of Israel recognized him as one of the prophets. 42 And he said to him, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Because you have let go out of your hand the man whom I had devoted to destruction, therefore your life shall be for his life, and your people for his people.’” 43 And the king of Israel went to his house vexed and sullen and came to Samaria.

VEXED AND SULLEN.

After Ahab had released Benhadad, he was confronted by one of the prophets in a scenario reminiscent to Saul. Saul was rebuked by Samuel because he spared an enemy, Agag, who was suppose to die. Ahab may had appeared noble to show mercy to Benhadad. But, in the eyes of God, he was naïve and presumptous. Freeing an enemy was inviting more trouble in the future

He accused Elijah in the past as the troubler of Israel. But, who is the real troubler of Israel? Whether he admitted it or not, Ahab was and had always been the troubler. Living in sin may give temporary pleasures but their shadows are haunting. The consequences of sin are severe than one could think.

Ahab, like Achan, might had thought about the restored riches plus the ‘bazaars in Damascus’[v.32] promised by Benhadad. They were material blessings to enticing to ignore. But, God was ignored. The consequence for this would be painful. The Lord rebuked him through the prophet, saying, ‘Because you have let go out of your hand the man whom I had devoted to destruction, therefore your life shall be for his life, and your people for his people.’” Indeed, what happened to him is of no surprise for abandoning God for idols was courting for a disaster.

Ahab’s compromises had caused a life mixed-up. He wanted to kill Elijah, a godly prophet but called Benhadad, the enemy his brother[see v.32]. Despite to his failings in the past, God gave him victory at Aphek . This goodness of the Lord shown in his life could have led him unto repentance.[Rom 2:4] But, he remained stubborn. He who was full of self to not hear God. He ignored history [Achan, King Saul] and was bound to repeat it.

Upon hearing God’s judgment upon him, he became vexed and sullen. Not surprising. (There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the Lord like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited. He acted very abominably in going after idols, as the Amorites had done, whom the Lord cast out before the people of Israel.) [1 Kings 21:25,26]

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1 Kings 20:30-34 ESV

Ben-hadad also fled and entered an inner chamber in the city. 31 And his servants said to him, “Behold now, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful kings. Let us put sackcloth around our waists and ropes on our heads and go out to the king of Israel. Perhaps he will spare your life.” 32 So they tied sackcloth around their waists and put ropes on their heads and went to the king of Israel and said, “Your servant Ben-hadad says, ‘Please, let me live.’” And he said, “Does he still live? He is my brother.” 33 Now the men were watching for a sign, and they quickly took it up from him and said, “Yes, your brother Ben-hadad.” Then he said, “Go and bring him.” Then Ben-hadad came out to him, and he caused him to come up into the chariot. 34 And Ben-hadad said to him, “The cities that my father took from your father I will restore, and you may establish bazaars for yourself in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” And Ahab said, “I will let you go on these terms.” So he made a covenant with him and let him go.

MERCY.

The haughty king Benhadad, who was taunting earlier against Ahab, had entered into a room like a dog with tail tucked under with his servants. Indeed, he who exalts himself will be humbled. And in a moment, his servants said, “Behold now, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful kings. Let us put sackcloth around our waists and ropes on our heads and go out to the king of Israel. Perhaps he will spare your life.” And, they did.

How did they know? Having been caught in between the devil and the deep blue sea, they tried their luck. And, it was the reputation of mercy to the kings of Israel that prompted them to do so. And, they tried their luck. When Ahab said, “Does he still live? He is my brother.” they confirmed their guess. Ahab let him go up into is chariot, made a covenant with him and let him go. This favor granted by Ahab had removed their animosity. But, God wasn’t pleased.

However, we can learn the dynamics of showing mercy here. As sinners, we are worthy of judgment. And, we couldn’t appeal in any other basis before God, except for mercy. There is no other way. As Prov 28:13 says;

“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,

but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”

Where mercy is demonstrated, the implementation of punishment is withdrawn. And, God won’t deal us according to our sins. As Paul had declared, “he[God] saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior.”[Titus 3:5,6]

Let’s not forget that everyday we continue to live because of His continual mercies.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;

his mercies never come to an end;

23 they are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.”[Lam 3:22-23]

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1 Kings 20:23-30 ESV

23 And the servants of the king of Syria said to him, “Their gods are gods of the hills, and so they were stronger than we. But let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they. 24 And do this: remove the kings, each from his post, and put commanders in their places, 25 and muster an army like the army that you have lost, horse for horse, and chariot for chariot. Then we will fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they.” And he listened to their voice and did so.

26 In the spring, Ben-hadad mustered the Syrians and went up to Aphek to fight against Israel. 27 And the people of Israel were mustered and were provisioned and went against them. The people of Israel encamped before them like two little flocks of goats, but the Syrians filled the country. 28 And a man of God came near and said to the king of Israel, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Because the Syrians have said, “The Lord is a god of the hills but he is not a god of the valleys,” therefore I will give all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the Lord.’” 29 And they encamped opposite one another seven days. Then on the seventh day the battle was joined. And the people of Israel struck down of the Syrians 100,000 foot soldiers in one day. 30 And the rest fled into the city of Aphek, and the wall fell upon 27,000 men who were left.

TWO LITTLE FLOCKS.

The Syrians were planning a counter-attack against Israel. They were convinced that Israel has gods of the hills but not in the valleys. Thus, they consolidated their armies. This was a sound military strategy for horses could better function in the plains. It was a faulty theology, however, for the true God isn’t bound by geography. Like the Syrians, people today had beliefs and hopes today anchored upon mere superstitions.

God did step in through the man of God, who said to the king of Israel, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Because the Syrians have said, “The Lord is a god of the hills but he is not a god of the valleys,” therefore I will give all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the Lord.’” Was it to prove the Syrians wrong, first and foremost? No! That the king and the nation of Israel may know that Jehovah is the Lord! God’s name was at stake more than the nation of Israel.

God does what He does for His glory. Anything else He uses are just His instruments. It doesn’t matter before Him for He can either use either with many or few. The people of Israel encamped before them like two little flocks of goats before the multitude of Syrians looked pathetic for seven days. But, during their confrontation at the seventh day, this two little flocks with God had struck down 100,000 Syrians and the 7,00 who fled died under a collapsed wall. Clearly, this was not short of a miracle.

Regarding God’s zeal for His glory, let’s be reminded to the words of Paul. He said, “God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” [1 Cor 1:29-31]

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1 Kings 20:13-21 ESV

13 And behold, a prophet came near to Ahab king of Israel and said, “Thus says the Lord, Have you seen all this great multitude? Behold, I will give it into your hand this day, and you shall know that I am the Lord.” 14 And Ahab said, “By whom?” He said, “Thus says the Lord, By the servants of the governors of the districts.” Then he said, “Who shall begin the battle?” He answered, “You.” 15 Then he mustered the servants of the governors of the districts, and they were 232. And after them he mustered all the people of Israel, seven thousand.

16 And they went out at noon, while Ben-hadad was drinking himself drunk in the booths, he and the thirty-two kings who helped him. 17 The servants of the governors of the districts went out first. And Ben-hadad sent out scouts, and they reported to him, “Men are coming out from Samaria.” 18 He said, “If they have come out for peace, take them alive. Or if they have come out for war, take them alive.”

19 So these went out of the city, the servants of the governors of the districts and the army that followed them. 20 And each struck down his man. The Syrians fled, and Israel pursued them, but Ben-hadad king of Syria escaped on a horse with horsemen. 21 And the king of Israel went out and struck the horses and chariots, and struck the Syrians with a great blow.

OBEDIENCE BRINGS BLESSING.

The angry Benhadad with 32 other kings had prepared to attack Israel. In the midst of this crisis, an unnamed prophet approached Ahab. He was a blessing from God dropped into Ahab’s lap in the nick of time. Let’s take notice that Elijah was mistaken to think he was the only one left. The unnamed prophet’s abrupt appearance means that the focus is God alone.

His pronouncement of victory was purely an act of grace to the wicked king. He did not expect this so that he asked, “By whom?” Perhaps he either felt unworthy or thinking another champion or deliverer to help them. But, not himself. When the prophet said, “You”, how did he respond?

Ahab believed the word of the prophet wholeheartedly. As was told by the prophet, Ahab ‘mustered the servants of the governors of the districts, and they were 232. And after them he mustered all the people of Israel, seven thousand.’ [v.15,16]

He ‘struck the Syrians with a great blow’ according the word of the Lord when Benhadad and the other 32 kings were drunk. Was this a coincidental or incidental? Definitely, the God who commanded him has the control of the events. Despite of who Ahab was, his obedience had led to victory. Blessings comes by obedience. Definitely, it was not that Ahab was great. As he yielded to God, God did use him as instrument for His glory. All credits are to God.

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-1 Kings 20:1-12 ESV

Ben-hadad the king of Syria gathered all his army together. Thirty-two kings were with him, and horses and chariots. And he went up and closed in on Samaria and fought against it. 2 And he sent messengers into the city to Ahab king of Israel and said to him, “Thus says Ben-hadad: 3 ‘Your silver and your gold are mine; your best wives and children also are mine.’” 4 And the king of Israel answered, “As you say, my lord, O king, I am yours, and all that I have.” 5 The messengers came again and said, “Thus says Ben-hadad: ‘I sent to you, saying, “Deliver to me your silver and your gold, your wives and your children.” 6 Nevertheless I will send my servants to you tomorrow about this time, and they shall search your house and the houses of your servants and lay hands on whatever pleases you and take it away.’”

7 Then the king of Israel called all the elders of the land and said, “Mark, now, and see how this man is seeking trouble, for he sent to me for my wives and my children, and for my silver and my gold, and I did not refuse him.” 8 And all the elders and all the people said to him, “Do not listen or consent.” 9 So he said to the messengers of Ben-hadad, “Tell my lord the king, ‘All that you first demanded of your servant I will do, but this thing I cannot do.’” And the messengers departed and brought him word again. 10 Ben-hadad sent to him and said, “The gods do so to me and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people who follow me.” 11 And the king of Israel answered, “Tell him, ‘Let not him who straps on his armor boast himself as he who takes it off.’” 12 When Ben-hadad heard this message as he was drinking with the kings in the booths, he said to his men, “Take your positions.” And they took their positions against the city.

THE THREAT.

Benhadad, king of Aram, headed a powerful alliance with 32 other kings to put pressure to Israel. Having wanted to make Israel a vassal state, he demanded Asa to deliver to him his treasures, wives and children. Ahab was agreeable at first. But, Benhadad had sent his messengers again to demand for more. Nothing could appease a greedy oppressor. Benhadad’s demand was extensive [everything you value]. Intrusive [search your palace] and immediate[by tomorrow]

This caused Ahab to consult his elders, who advised him not to give in to his demands. This infuriated King Benhadad so that he threatened and taunted them.

Ahab was a wicked king. But, his decision to ask counsel from the elders was commendable. Is the non-mention of Jezebel mean that he did not want her to involve? Perhaps. “In an abundance of counselors there is safety.”[Prov 11:14] A wicked leader like Ahab may get the right decision if he listens to godly counselors. On the other hand, a good king may make a terrible decision if he listens to ungodly counselors.

Perhaps, you are threatened at your work places to give in to moral compromises. You might think the compromise is minuscule. But, the oppressor’s greed is insatiable as a tiger that had tasted blood. This man will demand more from you as the tiger will not satisfy unless he devours the prey. Thus, let’s nip it at the bud before it blossoms.

Secondly, in times of pressure, we need a godly community for godly counsel. Our ability to make right decisions could be affected by fear or panic. Definitely, God can use the perspective of others to broaden our minds.

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1 Kings 19:19-21 ESV

19 So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen in front of him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah passed by him and cast his cloak upon him. 20 And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah and said, “Let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.” And he said to him, “Go back again, for what have I done to you?” 21 And he returned from following him and took the yoke of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the yokes of the oxen and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and went after Elijah and assisted him.

THE MANTLE

Elijah cast his mantle upon Elisha. According to Adam Clarke, “The mantle, or pallium, was the peculiar garb of the prophet, as we may learn from Zechariah 13:4; and this was probably made of skin dressed with the hair on. See also 2 Kings 1:8.” The act of Elijah casting his mantle to Elisha was a symbol of ushering him into the prophetic calling. Elijah did as God had told him for the calling should be always coming from God. If not for God’s revelation, Elijah have no way of knowing.

Like Samuel, we have the tendency to look at the external qualities. As he assessed Jesse’s sons starting from the eldest, he thought each guy was worth anointing to be the next king. David was ruled out by his father but he was God’s choice. He looked at the heart.

Elisha was diligent in his trade when God called him. "Elisha is found not in his study, but in the field: not with a book in his hand, but the plough" (Hall). Diligence or faithfulness precedes God’s calling. Jesus declared this principle, saying, “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.”[Luke 16:10] Prov 22;29 even says;

“Do you see a man skillful in his work?

He will stand before kings;

he will not stand before obscure men.”

Simply said, God calls and uses people who are active and productive.

The demand was great and he counted the cost. Most probably, he was a man of wealth but had given up willingly and freely everything to follow God’s call. He took the yoke of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the yokes of the oxen and gave it to the people, and they ate. He made a statement that for him there was no turning back.

Peter and the others did the same. When Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him.”[Matt 4:19,20] God deserves our all. Thus, we must be willing to let go anything should He asks us to. However, God are calling also tentmaking missionaries who may engage in other jobs in order to support their full timework in God.

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