As for the rest of the acts of Ahab, along with all his accomplishments and the ivory palace and all the cities he built, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel? As for the rest of the acts of AhabThis phrase introduces a summary of King Ahab's reign, suggesting that what follows is a mere glimpse into his life and rule. The Hebrew word for "acts" (מַעֲשִׂים, ma'asim) often refers to deeds or works, indicating that Ahab's reign was marked by significant actions, both good and evil. Ahab, as a king of Israel, is a complex figure whose reign was characterized by both political achievements and spiritual failures, particularly his promotion of Baal worship, which led Israel further from God. along with all his accomplishments The term "accomplishments" (גְּבוּרָה, gevurah) can denote mighty acts or valor. Ahab's reign was marked by military and architectural achievements, yet these accomplishments are overshadowed by his moral and spiritual failures. From a conservative Christian perspective, this serves as a reminder that earthly achievements are ultimately insignificant if they are not aligned with God's will and righteousness. including the ivory palace he built The "ivory palace" (בֵּית הַשֵּׁן, beit ha-shen) is a testament to Ahab's wealth and the opulence of his reign. Archaeological discoveries, such as ivory carvings from Samaria, provide evidence of the luxurious lifestyle during Ahab's time. However, this opulence is contrasted with the spiritual poverty of his reign. The palace symbolizes the misplaced priorities of Ahab, who invested in material splendor while neglecting the spiritual health of his nation. and all the cities he fortified Fortifying cities (עָרִים, arim) was a common practice for kings to protect their kingdoms from invaders. Ahab's efforts in fortification demonstrate his strategic and military prowess. Historically, this reflects the constant threat of warfare in the ancient Near East. Yet, from a biblical perspective, true security comes not from physical defenses but from faithfulness to God. are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel? This rhetorical question points to a common practice in ancient times of recording the deeds of kings in official annals. The "Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel" is a lost historical record that would have provided a more detailed account of Ahab's reign. This phrase underscores the importance of historical documentation and serves as a reminder that while human records may be lost, God's record of our lives is eternal. In the conservative Christian view, it emphasizes accountability before God, who sees and remembers all our deeds. Persons / Places / Events 1. AhabThe seventh king of Israel, known for his idolatry and marriage to Jezebel, which led Israel into sin. 2. Ivory HouseA luxurious palace built by Ahab, symbolizing his wealth and the opulence of his reign. 3. Cities FortifiedRefers to the cities Ahab strengthened, indicating his focus on military and defensive strategies. 4. Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of IsraelA historical record of the kings of Israel, documenting their reigns and deeds. 5. IsraelThe northern kingdom during the divided monarchy, often led astray by its kings into idolatry. Teaching Points The Fleeting Nature of Earthly AccomplishmentsAhab's achievements, though grand, are ultimately recorded as a footnote in history. This reminds us that earthly accomplishments are temporary and should not be our ultimate pursuit. The Danger of Idolatry and MaterialismAhab's focus on building an ivory house and fortifying cities reflects a heart turned towards materialism and idolatry. Believers are called to guard against allowing material wealth to become an idol in their lives. The Importance of Godly LeadershipAhab's reign is a cautionary tale of how ungodly leadership can lead a nation astray. Christians are encouraged to pray for and support leaders who uphold biblical values. The Legacy We Leave BehindAhab's legacy is marred by idolatry and sin. Believers should strive to leave a legacy of faithfulness and obedience to God. The Sovereignty of God in HistoryDespite Ahab's accomplishments, God's purposes prevail. This reassures us that God is in control, even when human leaders fail. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Ahab's focus on building an ivory house reflect the priorities of his heart, and what can we learn from this about our own priorities? 2. In what ways can materialism and idolatry manifest in our lives today, and how can we guard against them? 3. How does Ahab's legacy compare to the legacy you hope to leave? What steps can you take to ensure your legacy honors God? 4. How can we apply the lessons from Ahab's reign to our understanding of leadership and influence in our communities? 5. Reflect on a time when you saw God's sovereignty at work despite human failure. How does this encourage you in your faith journey? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 16:30-33Provides background on Ahab's reign and his marriage to Jezebel, highlighting his idolatry and the introduction of Baal worship in Israel. 2 Chronicles 18:1-34Offers a parallel account of Ahab's reign, including his alliance with Jehoshaphat and the battle at Ramoth-gilead. Amos 3:15Speaks of God's judgment on Israel, including the destruction of winter houses and ivory houses, which can be connected to Ahab's ivory palace. Micah 6:16References the statutes of Omri and the works of Ahab, indicating the lasting negative influence of Ahab's reign on Israel. People Ahab, Ahaziah, Amon, Aram, Asa, Azubah, Chenaanah, David, Geber, Imlah, Jehoram, Jehoshaphat, Jeroboam, Joash, Micah, Micaiah, Nebat, Ophir, Shilhi, Sodomites, Syrians, Tarshish, Tharshish, ZedekiahPlaces Edom, Ezion-geber, Jerusalem, Ophir, Ramoth-gilead, Samaria, Syria, TarshishTopics Acts, Ahab, Ahab's, Annals, Aren't, Book, Builder, Built, Chronicles, Cities, Fortified, History, Including, Inlaid, Ivory, Kings, Matters, Palace, Recorded, Reign, Rest, Towns, WrittenDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 22:39 4339 ivory 5211 art 5437 palaces 5478 property, houses Library Unpossessed Possessions 'And the king of Israel said unto his servants, Know ye that Ramoth in Gilead is ours, and we be still, and take it not out of the hand of the king of Syria?'--1 KINGS xxii. 3. This city of Ramoth in Gilead was an important fortified place on the eastern side of the Jordan, and had, many years before the date of our text, been captured by its northern neighbours in the kingdom of Syria. A treaty had subsequently been concluded and broken a war followed thereafter, in which Ben-hadad, King of Syria, … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureAhab and Micaiah 'And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the Lord besides, that we might enquire of him? 8. And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the Lord: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil.'--1 KINGS xxii. 7,8. An ill-omened alliance had been struck up between Ahab of Israel and Jehoshaphat of Judah. The latter, who would have been much better in Jerusalem, had come down to Samaria … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Prophet Micah. PRELIMINARY REMARKS. Micah signifies: "Who is like Jehovah;" and by this name, the prophet is consecrated to the incomparable God, just as Hosea was to the helping God, and Nahum to the comforting God. He prophesied, according to the inscription, under Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. We are not, however, entitled, on this account, to dissever his prophecies, and to assign particular discourses to the reign of each of these kings. On the contrary, the entire collection forms only one whole. At … Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles). 1. The Hebrews reckon but three books as poetical, namely: Job, Psalms, and Proverbs, which are distinguished from the rest by a stricter rhythm--the rhythm not of feet, but of clauses (see below, No. 3)--and a peculiar system of accentuation. It is obvious to every reader that the poetry of the Old Testament, in the usual sense of the word, is not restricted to these three books. But they are called poetical in a special and technical sense. In any natural classification of the books of the … E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria Assur-nazir-pal (885-860) and Shalmaneser III. (860-825)--The kingdom of Urartu and its conquering princes: Menuas and Argistis. Assyria was the first to reappear on the scene of action. Less hampered by an ancient past than Egypt and Chaldaea, she was the sooner able to recover her strength after any disastrous crisis, and to assume again the offensive along the whole of her frontier line. Image Drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a bas-relief at Koyunjik of the time of Sennacherib. The initial cut, … G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence. Sections. 1. Summary of the doctrine of Divine Providence. 1. It embraces the future and the past. 2. It works by means, without means, and against means. 3. Mankind, and particularly the Church, the object of special care. 4. The mode of administration usually secret, but always just. This last point more fully considered. 2. The profane denial that the world is governed by the secret counsel of God, refuted by passages of Scripture. Salutary counsel. 3. This doctrine, as to the secret counsel of … John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion The Shepherd of Our Souls. "I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep."--John x. 11. Our Lord here appropriates to Himself the title under which He had been foretold by the Prophets. "David My servant shall be king over them," says Almighty God by the mouth of Ezekiel: "and they all shall have one Shepherd." And in the book of Zechariah, "Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, and against the man that is My fellow, saith the Lord of Hosts; smite the Shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered." … John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII Of Councils and their Authority. 1. The true nature of Councils. 2. Whence the authority of Councils is derived. What meant by assembling in the name of Christ. 3. Objection, that no truth remains in the Church if it be not in Pastors and Councils. Answer, showing by passages from the Old Testament that Pastors were often devoid of the spirit of knowledge and truth. 4. Passages from the New Testament showing that our times were to be subject to the same evil. This confirmed by the example of almost all ages. 5. All not Pastors who … John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party, According as is Contained in the Public Resolutions, is Sinful and Unlawful. That The Employing Of, And Associating With The Malignant Party, According As Is Contained In The Public Resolutions, Is Sinful And Unlawful. If there be in the land a malignant party of power and policy, and the exceptions contained in the Act of Levy do comprehend but few of that party, then there need be no more difficulty to prove, that the present public resolutions and proceedings do import an association and conjunction with a malignant party, than to gather a conclusion from clear premises. … Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Of Passages from the Holy Scriptures, and from the Apocrypha, which are Quoted, or Incidentally Illustrated, in the Institutes. TO THE AUTHORS QUOTED IN THE INSTITUTES PREFATORY ADDRESS TO HIS MOST CHRISTIAN MAJESTY, THE MOST MIGHTY AND ILLUSTRIOUS MONARCH, FRANCIS, KING OF THE FRENCH, HIS SOVEREIGN; [1] JOHN CALVIN PRAYS PEACE AND SALVATION IN CHRIST. [2] Sire,--When I first engaged in this work, nothing was farther from my thoughts than to write what should afterwards be presented to your Majesty. My intention was only to furnish a kind of rudiments, by which those who feel some interest in religion might be trained to … John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion He Does Battle for the Faith; He Restores Peace among those who were at Variance; He Takes in Hand to Build a Stone Church. 57. (32). There was a certain clerk in Lismore whose life, as it is said, was good, but his faith not so. He was a man of some knowledge in his own eyes, and dared to say that in the Eucharist there is only a sacrament and not the fact[718] of the sacrament, that is, mere sanctification and not the truth of the Body. On this subject he was often addressed by Malachy in secret, but in vain; and finally he was called before a public assembly, the laity however being excluded, in order that if it were … H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh Sovereignty of God in Administration "The LORD hath prepared His Throne In the heavens; and His Kingdom ruleth over all" (Psa. 103:19). First, a word concerning the need for God to govern the material world. Suppose the opposite for a moment. For the sake of argument, let us say that God created the world, designed and fixed certain laws (which men term "the laws of Nature"), and that He then withdrew, leaving the world to its fortune and the out-working of these laws. In such a case, we should have a world over which there was no intelligent, … Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men WHEN St. Paul wrote his Epistle to Titus about his duty as a minister, he mentioned young men as a class requiring peculiar attention. After speaking of aged men and aged women, and young women, he adds this pithy advice, "Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded" (Tit. 2:6). I am going to follow the Apostle's advice. I propose to offer a few words of friendly exhortation to young men. I am growing old myself, but there are few things I remember so well as the days of my youth. I have a most … John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times General Principles of Interpretation. 1 Since the Bible Addresses Men in Human Language... CHAPTER XXXIV. GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF INTERPRETATION. 1. Since the Bible addresses men in human language, and according to human modes of thinking and speaking, the interpreter's first work is to ascertain the meaning of the terms employed. Here he must proceed as in the case of other writings, seeking by the aid of grammars, lexicons, cognate languages, ancient versions, ancient interpreters, and whatever other outward helps are available, to gain a thorough knowledge of the language employed by … E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Commerce The remarkable change which we have noticed in the views of Jewish authorities, from contempt to almost affectation of manual labour, could certainly not have been arbitrary. But as we fail to discover here any religious motive, we can only account for it on the score of altered political and social circumstances. So long as the people were, at least nominally, independent, and in possession of their own land, constant engagement in a trade would probably mark an inferior social stage, and imply … Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life The Figurative Language of Scripture. 1. When the psalmist says: "The Lord God is a sun and shield" (Psa. 84:11), he means that God is to all his creatures the source of life and blessedness, and their almighty protector; but this meaning he conveys under the figure of a sun and a shield. When, again, the apostle James says that Moses is read in the synagogues every Sabbath-day (Acts 15:21), he signifies the writings of Moses under the figure of his name. In these examples the figure lies in particular words. But it may be embodied … E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Instruction for the Ignorant: BEING A SALVE TO CURE THAT GREAT WANT OF KNOWLEDGE, WHICH SO MUCH REIGNS BOTH IN YOUNG AND OLD. PREPARED AND PRESENTED TO THEM IN A PLAIN AND EASY DIALOGUE, FITTED TO THE CAPACITY OF THE WEAKEST. 'My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.'--Hosea 4:6 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This little catechism is upon a plan perfectly new and unique. It was first published as a pocket volume in 1675, and has been republished in every collection of the author's works; and recently in a separate tract. … John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Kings The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), … John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 22:39 NIV1 Kings 22:39 NLT1 Kings 22:39 ESV1 Kings 22:39 NASB1 Kings 22:39 KJV
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