19 April

Bible In 365 Days                                                

1 Kings 18-20

1 Kings 18

In this chapter we have perhaps one of the most familiar stories of the Old Testament. There are, however, certain points of interest especially to be noted. The first is Ahab's connection with Obadiah. As to the loyalty of Obadiah there can be no question, and it is passing strange that this man should be found, chosen, and kept by Ahab at his side. Does it reveal an underlying conviction concerning the true relation of Jehovah to His people? If so, it is all the sadder as showing how a man may be degraded until he uses truth simply to serve his own ends.

The meeting of Ahab and Elijah, and their first words to each other suggest a truth of perpetual value. The troubler of a nation is never one who in loyalty to righteousness proceeds against sin, even though he be an outsider. It is rather he through whose corruption a nation becomes corrupt, who troubles the nation notwithstanding that he is king.

The story of the trial by fire is full of majesty, and needs no comment. Throughout, the lonely figure of Elijah is the center of interest as with calm dignity he stands against the combined evils of corrupt court and priesthood. His vindication by the answering fire of God was complete.

1 Kings 19

The slaughter of the prophets of Baal aroused the ire of Jezebel to such a degree that she sent a direct message full of fury to Elijah. There is no escaping the sadness of his attitude on receiving this threat. The man who had stood erect in the presence of tremendous odds now fled for his life. Full of great beauty is the story of God's method with His overwrought and fearful servant. He first ministered to Elijah's physical need, and then patiently listened to the complaint of his troubled heart, answering that by a revelation of Himself to the prophet. It was a new revelation. Elijah was a man of fire and thunder, and we can quite understand how strange it must have been to him to find that God was in "the sound of gentle stillness."

God ever reveals Himself to men according to their need. To rouse His prophet He is the God of thunder and flame. To comfort his bruised heart He is the God of the still small voice. Nevertheless, Elijah was rebuked for his want of faith, and told that God had reserved seven thousand who had not bowed the knee to Baal. He was then commanded to a strange new work, to anoint Hazael to be king of Syria, Jehu to be king of Israel, and Elisha to succeed himself.

Did he ever fulfil these commissions? We have no record of his having done so. The nearest approach was casting his mantle on Elisha. Perhaps the oft debated question cannot be definitely decided, but it is evident that from this time of faith's failure he was largely set aside. Only once or twice again does he appear.

1 Kings 20

Here begins the actual movement in the downfall of Ahab. Ben-hadad, drunken, profligate, despotic, came in the pride of arms against Samaria. By the voices of prophets Jehovah spoke to Ahab, who, acting under their direction, gained complete victory over his enemies.

Then followed his failure in the very moment of triumph. He made a covenant with the man whom God had devoted to destruction. Pity which produces disobedience to the divine command is sin. In consequence of his disobedience his own doom was uttered, and we are told the king returned heavy and displeased, which we may express as sad and angry. The only way in which any man is able to take advantage of opportunities for repentance offered in the circumstances of his life is by return in heart and soul to loyalty to God. This return Ahab never made.