Read 1 Kings 16.
Once the kingdom divided, there was not one good king in the
northern kingdom of Israel . One right after the other, these leaders did
evil and led the people in false worship.
Each time this provoked the Lord to anger. And, each time that leader came to some
tragic end.
With the demise of a king also came the killing of at least
all the males in his family who might desire to claim a right to the
throne. Many times total destruction of
possessions, property, even cities belonging to the king ensued. In short, when one person does evil many
people suffer the consequences.
When Ahab became king of Israel, he married Jezebel and
worshipped the false god Baal. There is
no argument that Jezebel was an awful, sinful woman. But, concerning Ahab, the scripture states
that he "did evil in the sight of the LORD, more than all who were before
him" (v.30). He thought he could do
whatever he wanted in total disregard for the God of heaven.
One of his famous projects was to rebuild the ancient city
of Jericho . In Joshua 6, when the walls of Jericho fell and the
Israelites conquered that city, Joshua pronounced a prophecy. "Cursed before the LORD be the man who
rises up and rebuilds this city, Jericho .
'At the cost of his firstborn shall he
lay its foundation, and at the cost of his youngest son shall he set up its
gates'" (Joshua 6:26). Though more
than 600 years had passed, God's word proved true and Ahab's family experienced
these painful consequences.
God means what He says.
His word is totally reliable.
Neither His word, nor His character, changes with time or culture. This provides all the confidence we need to
live for Him today. He is worthy of our
trust.
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and
forever." (Hebrews 13:8)
"Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the
heavens. Your faithfulness endures to
all generations;" (Psalm 119:89-90a)
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