Read 1 Kings 16: 29 - 33
Ahab becomes king of Israel. As we have noted, Israel, at this time in history, is a prominent country. She is wealthy, militarily strong, known for the intersections of trade routes within her borders, and spiritually weak. It has been 62 years since the kingdom separated and Israel became its own entity. It has been a 62 year trek away from Jehovah and becoming more entrenched in idol worship. Ahab steps onto the scene. I see him as arrogant, entitled and completely confident in his powerful position. Continuing his political prowess, he forges an alliance with the country of Sidon by marrying the king's daughter, Jezebel.
Without reading any further, you already have a sense of this woman. Do you know anyone who has named her precious little daughter, Jezebel? I don't! And with good reason. If you look up the name in a dictionary, after the identification of the historical person, we find a secondary definition of the word, jezebel: "an impudent, shameless, or morally unrestrained woman." In the next few weeks, we will fully understand this definition!
Jezebel comes from a country that worships the god, Baal and his consort, Astarte (also recorded as Astoreth or Ashtaroth). And she brings those trappings with her to Samaria. King Ahab seems more than willing to bend her way.
The following passages will give you a shot-gun view of Baal worship. Just read through them ... making notes in your journal if you want. It is a gruesome picture. You will get a glimpse of how dark the spiritual climate in Israel had become. You will begin to gain understanding of how desperately God's people in Israel needed light!
1 Kings 14: 23 - 24
1 Kings 18:28
2 Kings 17: 16 - 17
2 Kings 23:7
Bleak, isn't it! Can you feel the dark shroud engulfing that small, but arrogant country? What would you do? This provides a dramatic picture of living in darkness. AND YET THE PEOPLE FELT ENLIGHTENED!!
When people close their eyes to light - nothing but darkness remains. We don't have to keep our eyes closed. We need not be engulfed by darkness.
Close your study time today by reading Ephesians 5: 1 - 10. Read it slowly, carefully. Look for the light ... then walk there!
This little light of mine ... I'm gonna let it shine!
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