by Josie Hills

Ben-Hadad had witnessed the Lord’s protection of Israel in the two previous chapters. Was he affected? He had witnessed God’s mercy for his people so he decided to try it for himself. He sent men to Ahab pretending to be repentant; they had the ‘look’ of sincerity, to save his life. Are there times in my life when I pretend to be repentant but I’m really not? I don’t follow through with all it means. But it looks good on the outside.

Under no advisement Ahab decides to call Ben-Hadad ‘his brother’. Where did that come from? He made a deal. Do we make deals with God that look like Godly things during tough times? Maybe merciful, maybe sincere? Trying to take over for God in the circumstance. Like Ahab, not seeking God’s direction for the circumstance?

Then this poor fella who doesn’t strike the prophet like he was told, he gets eaten by a lion. God brings in someone else who will obey. Kind of harsh? God certainly got his point across to the king. He screwed up and God reminds him of His purpose.

Vs. 43 says the king of Israel went away sullen and angry. After what God had said to Ahab I would have been terrified. What Ahab had not done in obedience to God had long reaching affects. Not only in his life, but the lives of his people. Our behavior apart from God affects others in our lives. Am I complacent in my reaction when God speaks to me? Are there sometimes seemingly harsh consequences to get my attention for what the Lord is trying to say to me?

Do I welcome God’s word in the Old Testament to teach me today? May you hear God’s voice ‘for you’ today in these scriptures.

Your fellow traveler,
Josie