BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

In today’s reading, Ahab and Jezebel expand their already-dismal royal résumé. They repeat some of the worst failures of Israel’s previous monarchs.

First, Ahab disobeys Yahweh’s instruction to defeat the Arameans thoroughly. Like Saul, Ahab chooses economic gain instead of obedience and spares the enemy’s king. When a prophet confronts Ahab, the king goes home to pout rather than own his disobedience.

Everything descends from there. Like David at his worst, Ahab sees something he desires but can’t have. In this case, it is Naboth’s vineyard. Like Amnon, Ahab holes up in his palace to sulk. When Jezebel finds out, she uses deception and murder to take for Ahab exactly what he wants.

Yahweh sends another prophet to confront the guilty king. His response proves surprisingly positive. Ahab, like David at his best, responds with sincere repentance. Yahweh, who consistently shows grace to the humble throughout the story so far, delays an inevitable dynastic disaster for one generation.

Why only one generation? Perhaps because Ahab ultimately refuses to heed Yahweh’s prophetic messages.

In the following story, Ahab and Jehoshaphat seek Yahweh’s counsel for their war against the Arameans. As many false prophets promise victory, Micaiah speaks the truth. He warns Ahab that his next battle will be his last. Ahab gripes. All the other prophets were optimistic! But Micaiah exposes their promises as flattery designed to draw Ahab to his doom—an idea that came directly from Yahweh’s “divine council.”

Watch the video to learn about this group of spiritual beings, the divine council, who serve as something like God’s heavenly staff team.

Reflection Questions

• Though Ahab repeatedly disobeyed Yahweh, Yahweh responds to Ahab’s humble repentance with mercy. What does this story invite you to consider about God’s character?
• Meditate on Job 38:1-7. How does this passage help you understand the role of the divine council in the biblical story?