1 Kings 16-18 Even More Kings

Thoughts

Kings 16

The word of the LORD came through Jehu son of Hanani to Baasha, (king of Israel). Because Baasha followed Jeroboam’s sins and led Israel astray, God declared his family line would be wiped out just like Jeroboam’s. This prophecy was fulfilled.

Elah, Baasha’s son, reigned only two years in Tirzah.While drinking himself drunk in the house one of his officials, Zimri (commander of half the chariots), assassinated him.

Zimri then reigned only seven days because the army  proclaimed Omri, (commander of the army) as king instead. Zimri set fire to the royal palace and died inside.

Israel was now divided: half supported Omri, half supported Tibni son of Ginath. However, Omri’s supporters proved stronger, Tibni died, and Omri became sole king. He reigned 12 years and did more evil than all before him, walking in Jeroboam’s sins.

Omri’s son Ahab became king and reigned 22 years in Samaria. Ahab did more evil than all before him.

He married Jezebel, daughter of the king of the Sidonians.He served and worshiped Baal, building a temple and altar for Baal in Samaria and Ashera pole. 

During his reign, Hiel of Bethel rebuilt Jericho, fulfilling Joshua’s curse (Joshua 6:26 saying not to rebuild Jericho). His firstborn died when construction began, and his youngest died when it was completed.

Kings 17

We are now introduced to Elijah the Tishbite, from Gilead. He appears suddenly, without genealogy or background. He announces to Ahab that there will be no dew or rain for years, except at his word.

• This is huge: Baal was worshiped as a storm and fertility god. Elijah’s prophecy is a direct challenge to Baal’s supposed power.

Elijah’s name in Hebrew is: אֵלִיָּהוּ ( ’Eliyahu) or sometimes you’ll see a shortened form: אֵלִיָּה (’Eliyah).
’El = “God” and Yahu / Yah = shortened form of Yahweh. “My God is Yahweh” or “Yahweh is my God.”

God tells Elijah to hide east of the Jordan, at the Kerith Brook. Ravens bring him bread and meat morning and evening, and he drinks from the brook, which later dries up.

God sends Elijah north to Zarephath, in Sidon (Jezebel’s homeland…right in Baal’s territory!). He meets a poor widow gathering sticks. She has only a handful of flour and a little oil left, preparing a last meal for herself and her son before they die.

Elijah asks her to make him a small loaf first, promising that God will not let her flour or oil run out until the drought ends. She obeys, and the miracle happens: her jar of flour and jug of oil never empty.

Unfortunately the widow’s son becomes ill and dies and she blames Elijah, thinking God has punished her because of her sins. Elijah cries out to God, stretches himself over the child three times, and pleads for the boy’s life.

God hears Elijah, the boy revives, and Elijah returns him to his mother.

Kings 18

After three years of drought, God tells Elijah to go to Ahab. Ahab’s palace administrator, Obadiah, is secretly faithful to the Lord. He has hidden 100 prophets in caves and provided them food and water, despite Jezebel killing many others.

• This might not have been Obadiah from the minor prophets, as there are 13 Obadiah’s in the OT. 

Elijah meets Obadiah and sends him to announce his arrival to Ahab. Obadiah is afraid this will cost him his life (if Elijah disappears again), but Elijah promises to stand firm.

Ahab accuses Elijah of being the “troubler of Israel” but Elijah says it is Ahab who has been. 

Elijah proposes a showdown: gather all Israel, 450 prophets of Baal, and 400 prophets of Asherah on Mount Carmel. Two bulls will be prepared. Baal’s prophets will call on their god; Elijah will call on the Lord. The god who answers with fire is the true God.

From morning to evening they call on Baal, shouting, dancing, even cutting themselves. But “there was no voice, no one answered, no one paid attention.”

Elijah repairs the Lord’s altar with 12 stones (representing the 12 tribes). He then digs a trench, arranges the wood, and pours four large jars of water over the sacrifice three times (12 jars total). Everything is soaked.

Elijah prays and fire falls from heaven, consuming the offering, wood, stones, soil, and water.

Elijah climbs Mount Carmel, bows low, and prays. He sends his servant to look toward the sea seven times. On the seventh time, the servant sees a small cloud like a man’s hand rising. Soon the sky grows black with clouds, wind, and heavy rain.

The Lord’s power comes upon Elijah, and he runs ahead of Ahab’s chariot all the way to Jezreel (about 15–20 miles). 

• This reminds me of the phrase said repeatedly in Judges: “The Spirit of the Lord came upon him mightily” (e.g., Judges 14:6, 14:19, 15:14).

Questions

How long did the people recognize God after the altar situation?

Applications

Provision in impossible situations.  When Elijah hid by the brook during the drought, ravens (scavenger birds that usually take food) brought him bread and meat every morning and evening. Later, a widow down to her last handful of flour and oil chose to trust God’s word through Elijah, and her pantry never ran out until the famine ended. Finally, Elijah rebuilt the altar, drenched it with water, and prayed a simple prayer. In a moment, fire fell from heaven, consuming not only the offering but also the soaked wood, stones, and water. God is never limited by any situation. Even when situations seem impossible, God can make it possible.