Ahab in Biblical History

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Schaff's Bible Dictionary

Definitions in Biblical History
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Who is Ahab?
A'HAB
( father's brother). 1 . Seventh king of" Israel, b. c. 919-896. 1 Kgs 16:29. Son and successor of Omri. He reigned twenty-two years. His capital was Samaria. He married Jezebel, daughter of Ethbaal, king of Tyre, who had been priest of Astarte, but had seized the throne of his brother. Being a weak man, he was ruled by his ambitious and daring wife. Idolatry was set up in Israel. Ahab built a temple to Baal in Samaria, and Jezebel maintained at her own cost 400 prophets of Astarte. These were allowed to become the relentless persecutors of the servants of Jehovah, so that true religion was almost extinct. In punishment God sent three years of drought. Elijah had prophesied this event, and at its termination appeared before the king, challenged the false prophets to a trial of power, demonstrated their feebleness, amd caused them to be slain. Ahab was deeply impressed, and might have yielded, were it not for Jezebel, who threatened the life of Elijah, and by her energy prevented a reaction in favor of Jehovah. See Elijah. Ahab had a taste for splendid architecture; this he showed by building an ivory palace and several cities. But it was on the city of Jezreel he seems to have spent the most attention. The desire to beautify it led to the affair of Naboth's vineyard. This he coveted, that he might add it to his pleasure-grounds in Jezreel. But Naboth refused to part with the land for money or in exchange, for he was forbidden by the Levitical law. Lev 25:23. Ahab took the refusal to heart. But the scheming Jezebel secured Naboth's murder under orders marked with Ahab's seal. And thus the land passed into his hands. See Naboth. The Lord by Elijah denounced Ahab and Jezebel, and foretold the extinction of their house. But Ahab's remorse and repentance secured the postponement of the sentence. 1 Kgs 21. Ahab fought three wars or campaigns with Ben-hadad II., king of Syria, in the first two of which, only a year apart, both defensive, he was victorious. The second victory put Ben-hadad into his hands, and he was able to exact very favorable terms of peace -- viz. that all the Israelitish cities lost should be restored, and in Damascus Jewish officials should be permanently settled in their own houses, in order that they might look after the interests of Ahab and his subjects. This is what is meant by making "streets" in Damascus. 1 Kgs 20:34. For letting Ben-hadad go he was strikingly rebuked by a prophet, and the failure of his hopes prophesied. It was indeed foolish, since no pledge had been given by Ben-hadad; and ungrateful, because God, who had given the victory, was not consulted. For the next three years the kingdom had peace. But then Ahab in conjunction with Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, his son-in-law, fought Ben-hadad the third time, in order to recover Ramoth-gilead, which Ahab claimed belonged to him. Lying prophets encouraged him in his enterprise, but at Jehoshaphat's request Micaiah, the prophet of Jehovah, was called, who foretold his death. Ahab in anger imprisoned Micaiah, but still was so impressed that he took the precaution to disguise himself; but a certain man drew a bow at a venture and smote him, so that at eventide he died. His body was carried to Samaria; the dogs licked up his blood as a servant washed it from the chariot. Thus the prophecy of Elijah was partially fulfilled, but more exactly in the case of his son. Ahab left three children by Jezebel, all of whom died violent deaths; also, by other wives, seventy sons, who were slain by Jehu. 1. Ahab, a false prophet, who deceived the captive Israelites in Babylon, and was burnt by Nebuchadnezzar, B. C. 594. Jer 29:22.

Bibliography Information
Schaff, Philip, Dr. "Biblical Definition for 'ahab' in Schaffs Bible Dictionary".
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