1 Kings 20

Ancient Israel was surrounded by nations and empires who sought to exercise authority over the territory that God had given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Syria (Aram) was the neighboring land to the north and east out of which the forefathers of Israel had traveled so long ago. In the days of Ahab, the king of Syria was not only attempting to show his theoretical authority over Israel, he was also expecting to send representatives to Samaria in order to carry away people and property.

Though Ahab was a wicked king, the Lord sent a prophet to him and directed him in battle against this enemy. Ben-hadad, the king of Syria, and his forces were utterly defeated. Yet the Syrian king lived to fight another day.

Ben-hadad's spiritual and military advisers concluded that the God of Israel had some advantage over their gods in one type of terrain, but that He would not have power in another. They made plans for a second test of their claims over Israel, expecting to defeat Israel's God.

Once again a prophet of the Lord foretold the complete defeat of the Syrians, and this came to pass. God was more than able to use even wicked Ahab against those who claimed that the God of Israel was just one god among many.

The contest, viewed rightly, was not merely between Ahab and Ben-hadad, but between the God of Israel and the gods of the nations. God's word to Ahab had been this: “Thus says the Lord, Have you seen all this great multitude? Behold, I will give it into your hand this day, and you shall know that I am the Lord.”

Ahab had accepted the victory that came from God, but he did not commit his way to the Lord. When the time came to seek God concerning what should be done to Ben-hadad, the king of Israel was easily manipulated. Ahab foolishly agreed with Ben-hadad that the two kings should consider one another brothers. But did Ahab seek the Lord? It was soon revealed that it was the Lord's command to devote the Syrian king to destruction.

The Word of the Lord came again to Ahab through a wounded prophet speaking a parable. “Thus says the Lord, ‘Because you have let go out of your hand the man whom I had devoted to destruction, therefore your life shall be for his life, and your people for his people.’”

At the end of this troubling account, Ahab went home “vexed” and “sullen.” Victory had turned into a defeat. Israel and her king were in great danger, not from Syria, but from Almighty God.

Jesus is a King over God's people. He came also as a Prophet of God, speaking the truth of the Lord in parables. The fullness of His ministry was accomplished in what appeared to be a great defeat. But He was wounded for our transgressions.

In the days of Ahab, an amazing victory was soon turned into defeat. In the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, utter defeat has now become the most glorious victory.

As those who have been given eyes to see the glory of the cross, we are to seek God for the battle ahead of us. The wisdom of the Lord for His church is clear: “Deny yourself and follow me.” The surprising power of the love of Christ is winning in the hills and valleys of every nation on the earth. Through His church, the King of heaven, Jesus Christ, is accomplishing what could never have been achieved through the weapons of this world.