With the help of God, he was shown to be worthy of the kingdom. Here, the author turns to Ahab. His repeated failures, in every situation, demonstrate his unfitness for the kingdom, thus justifying its demise. Sadly, when we fast-forward to Matthew’s presentation of the true King, He is rejected even though His fitness is clearly displayed.
1 Kings 20 details several campaigns by Ben-Hadad of Syria to conquer Ahab in Samaria. Ahab, the ungodly Baal-worshipping king, is outnumbered and outclassed. He is without hope, but God graciously promises deliverance via the mouth of a prophet. Consecutive battles are won – first in the hills and later in the valleys. Ben-Hadad is captured but cunningly manages to obtain security and freedom from Ahab. Ahab is condemned by God for granting this – he should have “devoted to destruction” the one whom God had appointed to that end. Like Achan, who had to suffer the judgement God had pronounced on Jericho (Joshua 7), Ahab is himself brought under the judgement God had pronounced on Ben-Hadad. Ahab’s downfall is his desire to sustain his kingdom with the blessings of God, but independent of the worship of God (cp. Matthew 4:8-10).
The arranged murder of Naboth (chapter 21) and the subsequent claim of his vineyard detail Ahab’s disregard for the word and promises of God. He shows no regard for the heritage that God has given to the people of Israel. He does not believe that man should live on the Word of God (cp. Matthew 4:4). Therefore, he allows his wife, Jezebel, to flout the Law of Moses in order to justify the annexation of a vineyard for a vegetable garden. Two false witnesses are enough to destroy an innocent family to satisfy his fleeting personal desire.
Finally, chapter 22 details a further battle with Ben-Hadad of Syria. In this case, the prophet is called in advance to seek insight regarding the outcome of the battle. Ahab is told that it will be a disaster and that he will die. Despite this, he proceeds into battle, disguising himself in an attempt to thwart the prophesied outcome. He disregards the clear direction of the LORD, puts the LORD to the test (cp. Matthew 4:7), and brings about his own demise.
Over in Matthew 17, the rejected King of Israel gives his closest friends a glimpse of the glory that will accompany his kingship. Jesus takes them up a mountain where He is transfigured before them. They clearly see that the true King of Israel is the Son of God. This glory is not solely for mountain top experiences. It may look different in the valley, but it is no less victorious. The crowd that gathers at the bottom of the mountain witnesses Jesus rebuke a demon and subsequently heal the boy it had been tormenting. Unlike Ahab, Jesus does not make any deals with the enemy, but faces him head on – even if it means that He will “be delivered into the hands of men” (Matthew 17:22 ESV) and killed.
Ahab’s disregard for Naboth, and false application of the use of two witnesses in 1 Kings 21 is answered by what Jesus teaches in Matthew 18. His kingdom is dominated by the care of little ones. Those who are weak: sheep, children, Naboths! Offences must be judged – acknowledged – forgiven. The two or three witnesses are not for accomplishing personal ends and satisfying lusts, but for ensuring that justice is served. This King will reign in righteousness.
He is put to the test in Matthew 19 (v.3). In their implacable rejection of Jesus as King, they constantly search for a way to disqualify Him. The tests always expose their sinful hearts – the “hardness of heart” (Matthew 19:8) which disqualifies them from His kingdom.
Unlike Ahab, Jesus shows Himself fully qualified to have dominion in this world. He demonstrates that He will rule for the good of the people. He will bear their burdens and reign in the fear of God. His kingdom will be one of truth, and righteousness, and faith.
Who will own this One as Christ? To whom is Jesus King?
He says,
“Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belong the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14 ESV).
Let us be little children. Let us acknowledge our King.
“Give the king your justice, O God” (Psalm 72:1 ESV).
