1 Kings 20 Ahab and Ben-hadad
Israel has been living with Syrian oppression since Asa sicked Ben-hadad on Baasha. Ahab and Ben-hadad face each other in war now because Ben-hadad pushed it too far.
Israel has been under Syrian’s thumb for so long, they think nothing of it. I didn’t realize this until THIS time through the stories God has given us. And Israel has been rolling over and putting up no opposition. Whatever Syria demands, Israel delivers. But this time is different.
Ben-hadad is being abusive with his power. Not only does he want Israel’s best treasures, but he wants to go house to house and take anything his heart desires. Ahab draws a line in the sand, after consulting with the elders of Israel. “Let’s rejoin our story as Ben-hadad begins to pressure Ahab.
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Life in Israel marches on without much change. The drought is over. Syria continues to exert its pressure on Israel. Relations with Judah are relatively quiet. All is as Ahab likes it. Even Elijah has been quiet for some time.
The people are resigned to living this life as well. Life isn’t easy, but it is doable. Most of the people worship the Baals and Asherah poles as well as the golden calf Jeroboam erected. But there are many who have remained true to the Lord. They have not bowed down to any foreign gods.
Control or oversight of Israel has been passed down through the kings of Syria as being subject to such control has passed down through Israel’s kings. When Asa hired Syria to trouble Baasha, that was the beginning of Syrian rule in Israel. It’s gone on so long that no one really pays attention to it. Tribute is paid and quarter is given.
King Ben-hedad of Syria has taken the throne of his father. He always thought his father weak for not putting Israel even farther under his thumb. He doesn’t want a portion of Israel, he wants it all. His father was unable to take but a portion of Israel during the time of Baasha. “That was because Syria came alone against Israel. If I gather a coalition together, Israel won’t stand a chance” Ben-hadad tells himself. He calls for a scribe to set his plan in motion.
“Take a message to ALL the kings around Israel, with the exception of Judah. ‘I am prepared to go to war against Israel. She is rich in people, resources, and wealth. Join me, that we may divide the spoils among us.’”
The call goes out and thirty-two kings answer his call. Ben-hadad is overjoyed with the response. “We can’t possibly lose” he tells those of his coalition. “Not even the famous God of Israel, the one they used to serve, can stop this large of a force.”
They all muster and make their way to Samaria. Ben-hadad smiles as he thinks; “We are going straight to Ahab’s back yard.”
Syria and all her allies make camp on the mountains around Samaria. There are so many of them that they cover the land like locust. Ahab’s forces are seriously out numbered but they put up a fight.
After a day of fierce fighting, Ben-hadad sends a messenger through the lines and into Samaria. He is escorted directly to Ahab. Ahab looks at him expectantly without saying a word.
The messenger is proud to be serving King Ben-hadad. Even prouder to be chosen as his messenger. Exuding all that pride, he deliver’s Ben-hadad’s message.
“Thus says Ben-hadad: ‘Your silver and your gold are mine; your best wives and children also are mine’” (1 Kings 20:2b-3).
“As you say, my lord, O king, I am yours, and all that I have” (1 Kings 20:4).
The messenger shakes his head in disgust when hears King Ahab’s answer. “This man is nothing but a sniveling coward” he says to himself.
After the messenger leaves, Ahab breathes a sigh of relief. The cost is high, but continuing this war would cost even more.
The messenger quickly relays Ahab’s answer to Ben-hadad and the other kings. Ben-hadad is suspicious of Ahab’s quick agreement to his terms. “He is up to something” he says as he paces the booth set up for the kings. “He is hiding his treasures.” Ben-hadad’s eyes light up with a plan. “We will go in and search for ourselves. And whatever we see that we want, we TAKE it.” All the other kings quickly agree to this idea.
“Take another message to Ahab” Ben-hadad tells his messenger. As soon as it is committed to memory, the man is off again through the enemy lines.
Ahab is surprised to see the messenger back again. “What does my master have to say now” Ahab asks.
“Thus says Ben-hadad: ‘I sent to you, saying, “Deliver to me your silver and your gold, your wives and your children.” 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’” (1 Kings 20:5-6).
Ahab’s face goes white. How is he supposed to answer this? If he lets Ben-hadad do as he says, there will be nothing left in Israel and he might as well be dead. Israel will be completely subdued. If he refuses, the armies of Ben-hadad will easily over power the army of Israel.
“I need time to confer with the elders before answering” Ahab tells the messenger. “You will wait at the guardhouse until I call for you.”
The messenger goes with the guard willingly while runners are sent throughout the town gathering the elders. Once everyone is in place, Ahab lays out the situation for them.
“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” (1 Kings 20:7).
All those gathered to hear Ahab’s words urged him not to give in to Ben-hadad’s demands.
“Do not listen or consent” (1 Kings 220:8)
Ahab is in agreement with their words. He sends for the messenger, for he is ready to reply to Ben-hadad’s demands. The messenger stands ready to hear what he expects to be the ‘coward’s’ answer.
“Tell my lord the king, ‘All that you first demanded of your servant I will do, but this thing I cannot do’” (1 Kings 20:9).
The messenger is surprised at the king’s answer but he hides it well. He nods and then makes his way back to the booth of the kings.
The messenger is precise in delivering Ahab’s words to the kings. Ben-hadad is enraged that Ahab would stand up to him, especially since he has overwhelmingly larger numbers.
“Go back and tell that poor excuse for a king; ‘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’ (1 Kings 20:10).”
Again, the messenger makes his way to Ahab’s throne room. As soon as the message is delivered, Ahab’s blood begins to boil. His eyes narrow as he gives the messenger his reply. “Tell him, ‘Let not him who straps on his armor boast himself as he who takes it off’” (1 Kings 20:11).
The messenger is slightly more impressed with Ahab’s reply. He sees him developing a little ‘backbone’.
There is another waiting to address the king. He waits until the messenger has left before asking to be announced. This man is one of God’s prophets and he has an important message for Ahab.
The prophet is admitted immediately. Ahab is standing in the middle of the room to meet him. He is anxious to know what the Lord has to say about all that is happening. The prophet is ready to relay the words of the Lord when he approaches Ahab.
“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” (1 Kings 20:13).
Of course Ahab has seen the great multitude! How could he miss it? Ahab’s mind immediately fills with questions. He has never faced such a foe, and never actually fought with the Lord at his side. His first question is on his lips. “By whom?” (1 Kings 20:14a).
The prophet is ready for this question. “Thus says the Lord, By the servants of the governors of the districts” (1 Kings 20:14b).
Ahab realizes that the Lord will work through Israel and not some deliverer. But he has another question. “Who shall begin the battle?” (1 Kings 20:14c).
Without missing a beat, the prophet answers him; “You” (1 Kings 20:14d).
Ahab’s eyes go wide and his head begins to nod. He is excited! He has heard all the stories of the Lord fighting for his people. Now he gets to be part of one of those stories. Ahab turns to his own messenger.
“Quickly! Send men out to all the districts and have the governors assemble here at first light. Also ensure that ALL the fighting men have left the districts. They will be needed for what the Lord has for us to do.”
Ahab’s messenger gathers others of his skill and sends them all in different directions. Men are woken in the night and told to hurry to the garrison. “The Lord is on our side in this battle. HE told Ahab that he would have victory!”
The message of victory brought everyone running! No one cowered or stayed hidden. Every man was ready to fight a battle on the side of Israel’s God.
All morning is spent in preparations within the camp of Israel. Organizing who would go where and do what.
While Israel is busy with their strategy, Ben-hadad and the kings helping him are engaged in another activity. They are celebrating their ‘victory’ by getting drunk. “Ahab is such a fool! He puffs out his chest but there is nothing to back up that pride. I would say that his fall would be great, but he is so empty that he might as well be a hollow tree falling in the forest; crumbling as it falls.”
The only men on duty in all of Ben-hadad’s coalition were the scouts. They kept an eye on Israel while the others enjoyed the morning sun.
Ahab has the governors of the districts walk out of Samaria as one group. Each man is wearing a sword but they don’t have them in their hands yet. There are 232 of them making their way towards the encampment.
The scouts send word to Ben-hadad in his booth. “Men are coming out from Samaria” (1 Kings 20:17).
“If they have come out for peace, take them alive. Or if they have come out for war, take them alive” (1 Kings 20:18) orders Ben-hadad.
As the first group nears the encampment, the rest of Israel’s army begins to flow through the gates of Samaria. Pandemonium ensues. Those lounging around are not prepared for battle and they turn to flee. The governors swords are making short work of anyone within striking distance in front of them and Israel’s army is fanning out and covering the flanks.
Ben-hadad scrambles up in his drunkenness and makes it to his horse. In the chaos, he manages to escape the carnage with a few of his horsemen to protect his flank. Many of the other kings escape as well, but Syrian’s coalition is broken. Their men lay bleeding or dead on the ground, on every hillside and mountain slope. Those who escaped are wounded in body and spirit.
The men of Israel return to Samaria with shouts of victory. They plunder the camp and receive much spoils. Ahab watches from the gates as his men return triumphant. “This could only have happened by the hand of God” he says to himself.
While Ahab watches his men, the prophet approaches him. Ahab sees him as he comes near. There is a peace on his face and a hint of a smile. He walks to Ahab’s side and joins him in looking out over the men of Israel as they make their way through the camp. After a bit he puts a hand on Ahab’s shoulder.
“Come, strengthen yourself, and consider well what you have to do, for in the spring the king of Syria will come up against you” (1 Kings 20:22).
Ahab nods and the two men walk into the city where a great feast is being prepared. “Tonight, we eat. Tomorrow, we plan” says Ahab.
“As it should be” agrees the prophet.
In the palace of King Ben-hadad there is no feast or celebration. There is pacing, yelling, and hand wringing. “How could they have defeated us? We out numbered them at least a hundred to one!”
One of Ben-hadad’s advisors offers an explanation and plan. “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. And do this: remove the kings, each from his post, and put commanders in their places, 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” (1 Kings 20:23-25).
It will take all year to replenish Ben-hadad’s army, chariots, and horses. This is a great blow, but not one he won’t rise again from.
Ahab listens to the prophet’s plans and readies Israel for another war with Syria. Provisions are stored, men are trained, and weapons sharpened and crafted over the time of rest from war.
When spring comes, so do the Syrians. They come to Aphek to fight against Israel on more level ground. Their camp is massive again. It covers the ground as far as the eye can see.
Israel bravely marches out to battle. They have full provisions and high spirits. But their numbers are far fewer that their adversaries. Israel erects two camps that look likes two little flocks of goats against a hoard of ravenous wolves.
Ahab stands near the door of his tent and surveys all that s before him. He KNOWS that the Lord has prepared him for this battle, but his eyes are fighting with his heart. Just as his eyes are about to score a victory, the prophet of the Lord walks over and stands beside him. He too looks out across the plains. Then he steps in front of Ahab to cut off his view of what lies before him.
“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’” (1 Kings 20:28).
Ahab nods. This is the word he needs This message will be in the ear of every man before they take to the battlefield. For seven days, the words of the Lord reverberate through the camps of Israel. Each day builds their faith a little more. By the time the fighting begins, there is not a man who is not fully convinced in his heart of their victory.
Ahab was not instructed to begin the battle, so Israel waits for Syria. The morning of the seventh day, the Syrian coalition charges onto the field. A fully prepared army of the Lord rushes out to meet them.
The fighting is fierce and the Syrian coalition is falling left and right at the feet of Israel’s fighting men. Ben-hadad leads the retreat into Aphek. He hides himself in an inner room of the city. What remains of his men press into the city looking for safety. They find none. The walls of the city fight for the Lord as well, for they crush 27,000 men who believed themselves safe.
Ben-hadad knows it is only a matter of time before Israel’s forces make their way into the city. He is in fear for his life. His servant has an idea. He carefully approaches Ben-hadad, lest he strike out against 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” (1 Kings 20:31).
Ben-hadad’s eyes light up at this glimmer of hope. “YES! Do this.”
Ben-hadad’s servant and several of the men garding him removed their armor and tunics and put on sackcloth and coiled ropes on their heads. Once they were ready, they made their way to the entrance of the city where Ahab stood with the men of Israel.
The men bow low before Ahab to plead their case. “Your servant Ben-hadad says, ‘Please, let me live’” (1 Kings 20:32a).
Ahab is surprised at their words. “Does he still live? He is my brother” (1 Kings 20:32b)
This is exactly what the men were hoping would happen. Ahab referring to their master as his ‘brother’ was all the reassurance they needed. “Yes, your brother Ben-hadad.”
Ahab is pleased with their answer. “Go and bring him.”
The men quickly return to Ben-hadad. “He called you his brother. You will be safe. He calls for you to come to him.”
Ben-hadad makes his way out of his hiding place and to the gate where Ahab awaits him. He bows low before Ahab. With his face to the ground Ben-hadad offers concessions.
“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” (1 Kings 20:34a).
Ahab is pleased with this arrangement, “I will let you go on these terms” (1 Kings 20:34b).
The two men joined together in a covenant there on the battlefield. Syria would not come at Israel again for the rest of both their reigns.
This did NOT please the Lord! He had not rescued Israel so they could go back to being ‘friends’ with Syria; even if the roles of power were reversed. The Lord summons His prophet for another message for Ahab. This one will take a little preparation first.
The prophet who spoke with Ahab is well known by now to the men of Israel, as are his sons. They revere him and his sons. When one of the prophet’s sons, who is also a prophet, approaches one of the men in the field, the man nearly bows down. The prophet stops him with a hand. Then he gives him the strangest command.
“Strike me, please” (1Kings 20:35).
The man’s eyes go wide and he steps back. “No, my lord. I will not strike you!”
The prophet shakes his head in regret. “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” (1 Kings 20:36).
Fear grips the man and he runs into the woods. Waiting just inside the woods is the lion that the Lord prepared for his judgment. A scream is heard, and then silence. Those who had observed the exchange are terrified.
The prophet walks over to another man and tells him; “Strike me, please” (1 Kings 20:37).
As much as it pains him, this man follows through with the prophet’s command. He strikes him, but with a wounding blow instead of a deadly one. The prophet smiles at the man and turns and walks away. The man looks to those around him and they all shrug. They have no idea what just happened.
The prophet continues on his journey. On the way, he disguises himself with bandages so that the king will not recognize him. He takes up a place where he knows the king will pass by and waits. As Ahab approaches, he calls out to him. Ahab stops to listen.
He looks pleadingly at Ahab as he tells his story. “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.’ And as your servant was busy here and there, he was gone” (1 Kings 20:39-40a).
Ahab does not feel sorry for this man in the least. He was derelict in his duty. He is rightly judged guilty. “So shall your judgment be; you yourself have decided it” (1 Kings 20:40b).
The prophet quickly removes his bandages from his eyes, fully revealing his identity to Ahab. Ahab is stunned when he realizes that he knows this man. And then he begins to tremble. The Lord never does anything without a reason.
“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’” (1 Kings 20:42).
Ahab says not a word. His heart burns within him as he watches the prophet walk away. God has pronounced him guilty man for letting Ben-hadad go. And now he will pay with his own life. More than that, his children will pay for his sin. Ahab remounts his chariot and continues his journey back to Samaria. Gone is the joy he felt over the victory and the pride of making such a covenant with an old oppressor. In its place is anger. Anger at God for judging him so harshly. Anger at himself for not asking more questions of the prophet. Even anger at Ben-hadad for playing on his emotions. By the time he reaches his home, he has a molten rock lodged in his stomach. It will take some time to put this fire out.
(to be continued)
Did you notice that God didn’t send Elijah and Elisha to speak to Ahab? I don’t know if Jezebel was still searching for him or if her anger had cooled, but God chose another to deliver his message. He spared Elijah another confrontation with the despicable duo. Was it a ‘You don’t bother me and I won’t bother you’ kind of relationship now?
This reminds me of when my brothers and sisters and I were growing up. Our parents would leave us home while they went off to do something in town. Their trips were never short and by the time they pulled up in the driveway we all had done something we DIDN’T want them to know about. Our standard pact just prior to them exiting the car was “Nobody tell on nobody and nobody gets in trouble!”
Elijah will be called on to confront Ahab again, but not this time. Maybe Elijah was saved for the serious sins. This interaction ended with a serious sin, but the other prophet was already on the case, so Elijah didn’t have to step in.
Ahab’s sin didn’t leave God’s mind, for Ahab didn’t repent. This guilt would be added to his future sins; along with ALL the previous ones. Ahab clearly saw the hand of the Lord move, but it didn’t melt his heart of stone. In the end, it hardened it a little more. But God’s not done yet! And neither is Ahab. There is another round coming up.
Father God, You are BEYOND merciful! All that Israel had done in chasing after other gods, and You came to their rescue TWICE with the same enemy. I know it was so they would open their eyes. How many hearts melted? I’m certain there had to be some. Ahab’s wasn’t one of them.
How MANY times to I fail and You STILL show me mercy? I deserve none, but You don’t stop loving me; even when I know You should. Thank You for another chance. And another. And another one too. I PRAY that I learn from each failure and learn to ‘ask the right questions’ before rushing off into another mistake.
You didn’t give Ahab ALL the answers. And he didn’t seek them on his own. Were You trying to get him to ask questions so that he could know Your full will? Keep me seeking Father God! Keep me asking questions! That is something I seem to do a lot of already. Help me learn to ask the ‘right’ questions. The ones that lead me to understanding and a deeper relationship with You.
