1 KINGS 20

AHAB DEFEATS THE ARAMEANS

Ben-Hadad, the King of Aram, builds up his army and prepares for war. Ben-Hadad submits his requests to Ahab, the king of Israel. Ben-Hadad demands all of his wives and sons, as well as his gold and silver.

Ahab is outraged by this demand and denies Ben-Hadad of his request. Ben-Hadad is angered and tells Ahab that the city of Samaria will be turned to rubble. Ben-Hadad drinks heavily and makes the impaired decision to attack Israel’s capital city.

A prophet tells Ahab that God will provide for them and not allow them to be overthrown. God instructs Ahab to attack first, starting the battle between Aram and Israel. Ben-Hadad and the Arameans are defeated by Ahab and Israel’s army, despite being larger in size.

The two nations battle again, this time in the hills where chariots are less effective. Israel is victorious in the valley, but Aram is confident they would win in the mountainous terrain. Just as the prophet told Ahab, Israel wins the battle once again, killing off a great number of Ben-Hadad’s army. Despite corrupt leadership, God provides for the Israelites.

God tasks Ahab with killing Ben-Hadad, but instead lets him live. Because of his disobedience, a prophet tells Ahab that he will be the one to die instead.