1 Kings 20:7-12

 

July 22, 2021

 

 Ahab's Wars with Syria

Then the king of Israel called all the elders of the land and said, “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.”   And all the elders and all the people said to him, “Do not listen or consent.”   So, he said to the messengers of Ben-hadad, “Tell my lord the king, ‘All that you first demanded of your servant I will do, but this thing I cannot do.’” And the messengers departed and brought him word again.  Ben-hadad sent to him and said, “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.”   And the king of Israel answered, “Tell him, ‘Let not him who straps on his armor boast himself as he who takes it off.’”   When Ben-hadad heard this message as he was drinking with the kings in the booths, he said to his men, “Take your positions.” And they took their positions against the city.

 

What kind of man would give up his wife, and children, a really messed up in the head and heart kind of man?  Ahab shows the kind of man he was and he is also a little slow, he just got it in his head that Ben-hadad is wanted trouble.

 

Do you recall what Ben-hadad's message was;  ^“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.’”

 

What did Ahab value above his family, whatever it was to Ahab it had more value than his gold, silver, or wives and children.

 

What value do you place on your family?

 

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice