i Kings 20: We are now venturing into the closing of Ahab;s reign. Vs.1. Ben-hadad means the son of Hadad and is a general title for the Kings of Syria of that period. It is like a dynasty comparitable to the Pharaohs of Egypt or the Caesars of Rome. He was a descendant of the king met within Baashas reign from back in chapter 15:20. The thirty-two kings with him were his princes which ruled over cities in his territory. They were vassals. Vassals are a holder of land by feudal tenure on conditions of homage and allegiance. They were under the allegiance of the king of Syria. So this king warred against Samaria and sent a message to Ahab stating his conditions of peace were that Ahab render tribute of his silver and gold and the best of the wives and children (vs.1-3). Ahab was okay with that however, Ben-hadad wanted more and said he was going to send men to search homes and whatever they found pleasant to take they would take. This time Ahab took his concerns about the issue to the elders of the land (the people). The people said do not consent. (vss. 4-8). So Ahab sent his messengers back to the king of Syria stating that he would concede to the first part but not to the last part of his offer.The king of Syria threatened that Samaria would be leveled. Then Ahab replied not to boast prematurely of victory (vss. 10-11). Ben-hadad alerted his servants to prepare for battle. Then he and the kings sat to drinking in the pavilions. (Vs.12). (Was this some kind of premature victory celebration?). In the meantime a prophet came to Ahab and gave Ahab a message from the LORD stating that He will deliver this great multitude of Ben-hadads army into Ahabs hand that very day. The LORD would provide this victory with the young men of the provinces and that Ahab shall order the battle (vss.13-14). Ahab gathered and numbered the young princes of the provinces for war (232) along with the people (7,000). And the princes and people attacked at noon, when the Syrians and their allies were drinking and resting. Ahabs forces prevaled and routed the enemy (vss. 15-20), Vs. 20. The Syrians fled and Israel pursued. Ben-hadad escaped on a horse. The king of Israel went out and smote the horses and chariots and the Syrians with great slaughter. The prophet came to Ahab once again and told him to return to his home and regain his strength because in the spring of the year the Syrians would once again come up against them (vs. 22). Vs. 23. gods of the hills Pagans believed that gods had limited territorial power and therefore, Israel won because their gods controlled the hills. So the Syrian king arrayed his army again for battle (in the plain) (vss. 24-26). Look at verse 27! The children of Israel went up against them and pitched before them and looked like two little flocks against the Syrians who filled the country. Vs. 28. There came a man of God that spoke to the king of Israel and said, Thus sayeth the LORD ( I am getting so excited!) Because the Syrians have said, The LORD is God of the hills, but he is not God of the valleys, therefore will I deliver all this great mutitude into thine hand, and ye shall know that I am the LORD. Wow! Amen?? Such divine greatness!!! Who is in control here Who is in control now? Twofold message from God here: (1) God is going to teach the Syrians that as an OMNIPRESENT BEING, He is not confined to either the hills nor the valleys! (2). So that Israel will know that He is the LORD. And so it was that one the seventh day the battle began. Israel slew 100,000 footmen in one day! The rest fled into the city of Apheck where a wall fell on 27,000 men that were left. Ben-hadad fled and hid. When his servants requested that they approach the king of Israel on his behalf with sackcloth on their loins and a rope around their heads to request mercy for him. So they did.( Vss.29-32). Ahab said for them to go and bring him. Ben-hadad made promises of restoration to king Ahab. So Ahab made a convenant with him and sent him away. (vss. 33-34). A prophet was sent to Ahab. The prophet needed to appear to ba a wounded soldier to reinforce his message and to keep Ahab from recognizing that he was a prophet. So he was disguised as a wounded soldier. As the king passed by the prophet cried out his message. The king then realized that he was a prophet. The message to Ahab was that just as a soldier must not allow a prisoner of war to escape, that Ahab should not have allowed Ben-hadad to live. (Vss. 35-41). Vs. 42. Serious consequences to the king of Israel and his people. Questions to consider as we read this chapter: What was Gods purpose in dealing with Israel? Does God use people as an instrument in the redemption of mankind? Does God use other nations as a witness unto himself? Does Ahabs clemency to Ben-hadad remind you of somone elses disloyalty to God in this same manner? (I Sam. 15).
Posted on: Thu, 26 Jun 2014 14:09:18 +0000
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