1 Kings 21: The God Who Gives Life

Verses 27-29:

When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and fasted. He lay in sackcloth and went around meekly. Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite: "Have you noticed how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself, I will not bring this disaster in his time, but I will bring it on his house in the days of his son."

◇ Ahab was such an evil king that it would be an understatement to say he was second to none in wickedness. He worshipped all kinds of foreign idols, including Baal and Asherah. Moreover, he persecuted and killed the priests and prophets who served the Lord. How could it be conceivable for a king of Israel to persecute and kill the priests and prophets who served the Lord?

King Ahab, despite having the splendid city of Samaria, built a palace in Jezreel as a retreat. Near this palace was a very fine vineyard. Ahab coveted the vineyard and asked its owner, Naboth, to sell it to him, but Naboth refused, even when offered a generous price. He said he could not give up the inheritance of his ancestors to the king. Queen Jezebel then devised a scheme and had scoundrels falsely testify that Naboth had cursed God and the king. Using this as a pretext, Ahab and Jezebel had Naboth killed and seized his vineyard.

God sent Elijah to pronounce judgment on Ahab and Jezebel. The content of this judgment was unspeakably miserable (verses 17-26). Ahab was so stricken upon hearing the prophecy that he became despondent. He tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and fasted.

Seeing Ahab's repentance, God decided to postpone the judgment He was about to inflict. God does not desire judgment. Even Ahab, in his wickedness, was forgiven and given a chance when he repented. God does not delight in destruction but in giving life and in reviving.

♧ God, who gives life and revives, to You be the glory. May we be made in the likeness of Your heart! Holy Spirit, lead us in the way of truth!