King Ahab

By Matthew Neal

King Ahab

History 8 Near East Bible's Israel

King Ahab was the king of Israel from 874-853 BCE after he succeeded his father Omri. He completed the alliance his father began with Phoenicia by marrying Jezebel, who was the daughter of Ethbaal of Tyre, a priest-king. Similarly, his daughter Athaliah married the prince of Judah to forge an alliance with Jehoshaphat, the king.

Reform with Jezebel

His marriage was disastrous to Israel, as Jezebel brought her worship of Ba'al, the chief god of Tyre, to Israel, and Ahab placed Ba'al up on the same level as Yahweh. Ahab even built a temple in Samaria for her to worship Ba'al, even though he himself remained faithful to Yahweh. Also, Jezebel organized the massacre of the prophets of Yahweh and granted privileges to those who converted. This led to the conflict with the prophet Elijah.

Ruins of the walls of the ancient capital of Samaria, which was built by King Ahab and his father.

Ahab in The Fifth Mountain

King Ahab appears briefly in the beginning of the novel. When Elijah enters his court, Jezebel seems to assert more authority, indicating Ahab's deference to his wife.

Battles with Ben-Hadad

Ben-Hadad was the king of Aram and tried to capture Samaria. Ahab prepared to surrender, but Ben-Hadad wanted to battle. Ahab then sent out his army and defeated the Arameans, but he captured Ben-Hadad and released him. Soon after, all of the peoples in the area united to drive back the Assyrians. Later, Israel and Aram returned to war.

Death

Ahab died in battle with the Arameans after he was shot by a stray arrow. Ahab was in disguise at the time because of the prophecy of his impending death.

Significance

Israel reached the acme of power under Ahab; however, he is regarding as one of the worst and most corrupt kings of Israel. As a reprimand for being led into sin by Jezebel, Ahab's son Ahaziah, who succeeded him as king, would be held responsible for Ahab's misdeeds.

Resources

http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/biography/Ahab.html

http://www.bible-archaeology.info/palaces.htm

http://www.livius.org/io-iz/israel/kingdom.html

The Fifth Mountain by Paulo Coelho