Scripture
By Doug Smith
Lesson Text: 1 Kings 21:17-29
In today’s lesson, we see that the word of the Lord came to the Prophet Elijah. He was told to go meet Ahab there in a vineyard. This is the same vineyard that Naboth owned and refused to sell to Ahab, but Jezebel, his wife acquired it for him.
In the related scriptures: 1 Kings 21:1-16, Naboth refuses to give up his land, and Jezebel plots and orders the murder of Naboth. Ahab takes possession of the land. In 1 Kings 22:29-40 shows King Jehoshaphat ( king of Judah), and King Ahab ( king of Israel) go into battle. Ahab dies in battle, and the word of the Lord was fulfilled concerning Ahab.
2 Kings 9:30-37, refers to the demise of Jezebel by the hand of Jehu. God’s promise against Jezebel and the house of Ahab was exactly, righteously fulfilled. Leviticus 19: 9-18 refers to the laws given by God, to the Jewish people. It repeats in some form most of the Ten Commandments. Numbers 36:7-9, refers to the inheritance of each tribe must remain secure from generation to generation, and every daughter that has an inheritance must be a wife of one of the family of the tribe of her father.
Synopsis
By Sister Deborah Hillman
Our study this week begins in 1 Kings 21: 17-29 with King Ahab of Israel in Samaria taking possession of Naboth’s vineyard after his death was orchestrated by his wife Jezebel. The Lord was provoked to anger by Ahab once again, committing evil against his people, so he sent his prophet Elijah to Samaria with a message for the king.
This message made clear that he would suffer a death where dogs would lick his blood from the street just like what was done to Naboth. Also God would bring upon his family, calamity and take away all his worldly possessions. His wife Jezebel would be consumed by dogs next to the wall in the city of Jezreel. To drive home the reality of what King Ahab had brought upon himself the Lord drew a comparison that the king would not misunderstand. Ahab’s household would suffer the same fate that befell the households of Jeroboam and Baasha, whereas both these dynasties were utterly wiped out.
Elijah’s words touched Ahab’s heart and he showed outward signs of repentance. Many have noted that Ahab was the most wicked king in Israel’s history. His reign was marked by sin, idolatry and added to all of that was now deception, murder and theft. Even yet, God would delay His judgment and would spare Ahab from witnessing the destruction of his dynasty. We see the spiritual boldness from Elijah to deliver an unwanted message, yet speaking God’s truth to an earthly power.
Practical Application
By Minister Charlene Brown
This week’s lesson is full of so many practical points which are applicable to our daily lives as christians and disciples of Christ. We can take the time to sit in the text and journey this moment in the life of Elijah the prophet. We see examples that will help us to walk by faith and obey God’s word at any cost. Even when it is risky, we can remain steadfast, unmovable and humble in the midst of evil and corruption all around us.
Elijah was called, anointed and appointed by God to arise and go to rebuke King Ahab for doing evil in the sight of God. Elijah teaches us that no matter who it is, when God uses us to deliver His word even if it’s a word of judgment, we must obey. We avoid being afraid because the One who sends us, is the One who is greater and holds all power, more than any man, title or office.
Here in the text we also see an act of humility, when King Ahab heard the words of the prophet. He showed acts of repentance, acknowledged his sin, tore his clothes, and put on sackcloth and fasted. When one is faced with the judgment of God we will have a choice to make. We can either continue in our sin or we can repent, turn from our sinful way and turn to God. God is a God of mercy and because of who He is the only proper response to sin is a heart of sincere repentance.
