1 Reis 21
F.B. Meyer · Citado em PreceptAustin
1 Reis 21
Meyer - Elijah was his best friend; Jezebel his direst foe. But sin distorts everything. It is like the grey dawn which so obscures the most familiar objects that men mistake friends for foes, and foes for friends: as in the old story, the frenzied King of Wales slew the faithful hound that had saved his child from death. Many a time have men repeated the error of the disciples, who mistook Jesus for an evil spirit, and cried out for fear. And he answered, “I have found you, because you have sold yourself to do evil in the sight of the LORD - CSB = "I have caught you because you devoted yourself to do what is evil in the LORD's sight." Ahab made a bad sale, trading righteousness for ruin! His selling out to sin would be paid with the wages of death. In short, Ahab sold himself short...literally! The phrase "sold yourself to do evil" is interesting. The CEB renders it "you’ve enslaved yourself by doing evil in the Lord's eyes." The Septuagint translates the Hebrew verb for sold (makar) with the verb piprasko (in perfect tense = past completed action with lasting effect) which is used in Romans 7:14+ ("sold into bondage to sin") with the figurative meaning of becoming enslaved to Sin, where Sin is personified as master who gains control which is exactly what happened to King Ahab. I think that is what Elijah in effect is saying to Ahab -- You are a slave to Sin! Pleasure won by sin is peace lost. -- Alexander Maclaren As Rod Mattoon says "Ahab was a slave to his own sinfulness. He sold himself into bondage. Ahab traded the valuable for the cheap. This is what sin leads us to do. We have abundant examples of people who made this mistake. Ahab traded Naboth's life for dirt, for a garden. Judah traded his peace of mind for 30 pieces of silver. Achan traded his life for silver and clothes. Anytime you choose to live wickedly, you lose out on the deal and make foolish decisions. Elijah pronounces judgment upon Ahab." Wallace writes that "Israel had been called to kill the Canaanites and take possession of their land, but when Ahab kills Israelites and takes possession of their land, it has become clear that Israel has reverted to Canaanitism." J D Parker - Success that fails Ahab went out to take possession of a garden of herbs, and there he stands face to face with righteousness, face to face with honour, face to face with judgment. Now take the vineyard! He cannot! An hour since the sun shone upon it, and now it is black as if it were part of the midnight which has gathered in judgment. There is a success which is failure. We cannot take some prizes. Elijah will not allow us! When we see him we would that a way might open under our feet that we might flee and escape the judgment of his silent look. If any man is about to take unholy prizes, let him remember that he will be met on the road by the spirit of judgment and by the spirit of righteousness. If any man is attempting to scheme for some little addition to his position or fortune, in the heart of which scheme there is injustice, untruthfulness, covetousness, or a wrong spirit, let him know that he may even kill Naboth, but cannot enter into Naboth’s vineyard. F B Meyer - Our Daily Homily - 1 Kings 21:20 And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? Ahab got his garden of herbs, but he had Elijah withal, who stood at the gate like an incarnate conscience. Men may get the prize on which they have set their heart; but if they have obtained it wrongfully, the conscience of the wrong done will haunt them, and take away the pleasure on which they counted, and ultimately bring them like a quarry to the ground. We turn our best friends into enemies, as Ahab did Elijah. The cloud that lights Israel is darkness to Pharaoh; the angel that protects Jerusalem, slays the host of Sennacherib; the gentle love which anoints the Savior, instigates in Judas a jealousy which ends in murder. The God who shows Himself merciful to the merciful is froward to the froward. The cause of the alteration is to be sought within ourselves. The sun that melts wax hardens clay, but the difference is in the clay. To the widow of Zarephath Elijah was an angel of light; whilst to Ahab he was an enemy. The difference lay in their hearts; the one being holy and loving, the other dark and turbid. What you are, determines whether Elijah will be your friend or your enemy. This word “sold thyself” is very awful. It underlies Goethe’s tragedy of Faust, in which the soul sells itself to the devil for so many years of worldly pleasure. A few promises which are never kept; a mirage that is dissipated in thin air when we approach it; a bribe of gold or silver that burns the hands which receive it— such are the price for which men sell themselves. “They sell themselves for nought.” Truly the devil drives a hard bargain. When he gets the soul into his power, he laughs at his former promises, and pays as wages, death. READ: 1 Kings 21:17-29 I LIKE people and I want them to like me. So to tell them that their conduct is dishonest or immoral is not easy for me. On several occasions men have told me how they got out of a speeding ticket by making up a touching story or how they got even with some rascal in a shady business deal. I've responded by saying, "That was clever, but was it honest?" When I get acquainted with people and they tell me they are living immorally, I may ask, "Do you believe in God and that everyone must one day answer to Him? Or do you think we are accidents of nature with no more meaning than an insect and that it doesn't matter how we live?" When they express some belief in God (and almost everyone does), I gently explain what God says about their conduct. Many times this results in an opportunity to tell them the good news about Jesus. King Ahab called Elijah an enemy (1 Kings 21:20), but he was wrong. Elijah was really the king's best earthly friend. And if he had listened to Elijah, he could have been a child of God and a good king. To be a friend is not to overlook sin; it's to show the way out Lord, may 1 accept as messengers from You those who criticize me. May I then turn to You for guidance in determining which part of the criticism is true. Keep me from becoming defensive and making excuses. May 1 instead acknowledge my offenses and make confession. And when it is my turn to point out a friend's error, may I do so with gentleness and love. FRIEND OR ENEMY? Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed. -- Proverbs 27:5 I like people and want people to like me. So to tell them that their conduct is dishonest or immoral isn't easy for me. On several occasions, men have told me how they got out of a speeding ticket by making up a touching story, or how they got even with some rascal in a shady business deal. I've responded by asking, "That was clever, but was it honest?" When I get acquainted with people and they tell me they are living immorally, I may ask, "Do you believe in God and that you must answer to Him? Or do you think we are accidents of nature with no more meaning than an insect, and that it doesn't matter how we live?" When they express some belief in God (and almost everyone does), I'll gently share with them what He has said about about their conduct. Many times this opens the door to present the good news of salvation. Ahab called Elijah an enemy (1 Ki. 21:20). But he was wrong. The prophet was really his best earthly friend. If only he would have listened to God's servant, he could have been a good king and a child of God. True friends will say what's kind and true, Though it may cause us pain; They're thinking of what's good for us And all we stand to gain. --DJD Faithful are the wounds of a friend. -- Proverbs 27:6 1 Kings 21:21 “Behold, I will bring evil upon you, and will utterly sweep you away, and will cut off from Ahab every male, both bond and free in Israel; KJV 1 Kings 21:21 Behold, I will bring evil upon thee, and will take away thy posterity, and will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel, BGT 1 Kings 20:21 τάδε λέγει κύριος ἰδοὺ ἐγὼ ἐπάγω ἐπὶ σὲ κακὰ καὶ ἐκκαύσω ὀπίσω σου καὶ ἐξολεθρεύσω τοῦ Αχααβ οὐροῦντα πρὸς τοῖχον καὶ συνεχόμενον καὶ ἐγκαταλελειμμένον ἐν Ισραηλ LXE 1 Kings 21:21 behold, I bring evil upon thee: and I will kindle a fire after thee, and I will utterly destroy every male of Achaab, and him that is shut up and him that is left in Israel. NET 1 Kings 21:21 The LORD says, 'Look, I am ready to bring disaster on you. I will destroy you and cut off every last male belonging to Ahab in Israel, including even the weak and incapacitated. CSB 1 Kings 21:21 This is what the LORD says: 'I am about to bring disaster on you and will sweep away your descendants: I will eliminate all of Ahab's males, both slave and free, in Israel; ESV 1 Kings 21:21 Behold, I will bring disaster upon you. I will utterly burn you up, and will cut off from Ahab every male, bond or free, in Israel. NIV 1 Kings 21:21 'I am going to bring disaster on you. I will consume your descendants and cut off from Ahab every last male in Israel--slave or free. NLT 1 Kings 21:21 So now the LORD says, 'I will bring disaster on you and consume you. I will destroy every one of your male descendants, slave and free alike, anywhere in Israel! Behold: 1Ki 14:10 Ex 20:5,6 2Ki 9:7-9 10:1-7,11-14,17,30 him that pisseth: 1Sa 25:22,34 him that is shut up: 1Ki 14:10 De 32:36 2Ki 9:8,9 14:26 1 Kings 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Ecclesiastes 12:14 For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil. Proverbs 11:21 Assuredly, the evil man will not go unpunished, But the descendants of the righteous will be delivered. YAHWEH WILL BRING ABOUT FALL OF AHAB'S HOUSE Behold (pay attention), I will bring evil upon you, and will utterly sweep you away, and will cut off from Ahab every male, both bond and free in Israel - I will is Elijah speaking but he is speaking for the LORD. Ahab had sown evil and now would reap evil (cf Gal 6:7-8+). Ahab was cruel and his death would be cruel. 1 Kings 21:22 and I will make your house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah, because of the provocation with which you have provoked Me to anger, and because you have made Israel sin. KJV 1 Kings 21:22 And will make thine house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah, for the provocation wherewith thou hast provoked me to anger, and made Israel to sin. BGT 1 Kings 20:22 καὶ δώσω τὸν οἶκόν σου ὡς τὸν οἶκον Ιεροβοαμ υἱοῦ Ναβατ καὶ ὡς τὸν οἶκον Βαασα υἱοῦ Αχια περὶ τῶν παροργισμάτων ὧν παρώργισας καὶ ἐξήμαρτες τὸν Ισραηλ LXE 1 Kings 21:22 And I will make thy house as the house of Jeroboam the son of Nabat, and as the house of Baasa son of Achia, because of the provocations wherewith thou hast provoked me, and caused Israel to sin. NET 1 Kings 21:22 I will make your dynasty like those of Jeroboam son of Nebat and Baasha son of Ahijah because you angered me and made Israel sin.' CSB 1 Kings 21:22 I will make your house like the house of Jeroboam son of Nebat and like the house of Baasha son of Ahijah, because you have provoked My anger and caused Israel to sin. ESV 1 Kings 21:22 And I will make your house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah, for the anger to which you have provoked me, and because you have made Israel to sin. NIV 1 Kings 21:22 I will make your house like that of Jeroboam son of Nebat and that of Baasha son of Ahijah, because you have provoked me to anger and have caused Israel to sin.' NLT 1 Kings 21:22 I am going to destroy your family as I did the family of Jeroboam son of Nebat and the family of Baasha son of Ahijah, for you have made me very angry and have led Israel into sin.' I will make your house like the house of Jeroboam 1Ki 15:29 16:3,11 you have made Israel sin 1Ki 14:16 15:30,34 16:26 1 Kings 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries TWO COMPARISONS TO KINGS WITH TERMINATED LINES and I will make your house like (term of comparison - simile) the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah - What were these two "houses" like? They were two lines which God totally annihilated from the face of the earth. Ahab may not know much of the Word of God, but he surely knows the recent history of the fate of the families of these two wicked kings. The house of Ahab will suffer the same fate! because of the provocation with which you have provoked Me to anger, and because you have made Israel sin - How did Ahab make Israel sin? In the present context the elders and nobles were co-conspirators and thus share guilt for Naboth's murder. Of course the main provocation was Ahab's replacing Yahweh with Baal worship. EQUAL BEFORE GOD 1 Kings 21:1-19 there is no respect of persons with God. Romans 2:11 The preamble of the Constitution of the United States declares that God has created all men equal. This statement, however, has sometimes been challenged. Obviously people are not equal in attractiveness, physical strength, intelligence, background, or opportunity. Nor are people equally inclined toward evil, even if they have the same hereditary and environmental factors. (Be-cause of this, the efforts of the communists to produce a society of equal people are doomed to failure.) The writers of our Constitution were not wrong, however, for they did not intend to say that all men are equally talented, industrious, or trustworthy, but only that every person is entitled to be regarded with respect, that all possess the same rights, and that every effort should be made to give each an equal opportunity. This truth is also taught in the Bible. God is just as concerned with the poorest family in the slums as He is with millionaires and their offspring; and He will deal in absolute justice with all, "For there is no respect of persons with God." The story of Ahab and Naboth in our reading for today reveals both God's concern with the individual and His justice in punishing wrongdoers. Naboth was a poor man, but God was interested in him and his rights. Ahab was a king, but he could not get by with his sin. This is a wonderful message of comfort for the downtrodden, and it constitutes a grim warning to the strong who oppress the weak or dishonor the name of God. There is no respect of persons with our God, All are equal and so precious in His sight. King and peasant He doth weigh before His eye, And His judgment of them shall be ever right! —Anon. Rulers and their subjects find a common level before the law and the foot of the cross—Colton, alt. 1 Kings 21:23 “Of Jezebel also has the LORD spoken, saying, ‘The dogs will eat Jezebel in the district of Jezreel.’ KJV 1 Kings 21:23 And of Jezebel also spake the LORD, saying, The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel. BGT 1 Kings 20:23 καὶ τῇ Ιεζαβελ ἐλάλησεν κύριος λέγων οἱ κύνες καταφάγονται αὐτὴν ἐν τῷ προτειχίσματι Ιεζραελ LXE 1 Kings 21:23 And the Lord spoke of Jezabel, saying, The dogs shall devour her within the fortification of Jezrael. NET 1 Kings 21:23 The LORD says this about Jezebel, 'Dogs will devour Jezebel by the outer wall of Jezreel.' CSB 1 Kings 21:23 The LORD also speaks of Jezebel: The dogs will eat Jezebel in the plot of land at Jezreel: ESV 1 Kings 21:23 And of Jezebel the LORD also said, 'The dogs shall eat Jezebel within the walls of Jezreel.' NIV 1 Kings 21:23 "And also concerning Jezebel the LORD says: 'Dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.' NLT 1 Kings 21:23 "And regarding Jezebel, the LORD says, 'Dogs will eat Jezebel's body at the plot of land in Jezreel. ' Jezebel: 1Ki 21:25 2Ki 9:10,30-37 1 Kings 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 2 Kings 9:30-37 (FULFILLMENT OF ELIJAH'S PROPHECY AGAINST JEZEBEL) When Jehu came to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it, and she painted her eyes and adorned her head and looked out the window. 31As Jehu entered the gate, she said, “Is it well, Zimri, your master’s murderer?” 32 Then he lifted up his face to the window and said, “Who is on my side? Who?” And two or three officials looked down at him. 33 He said, “Throw her down.” So they threw her down, and some of her blood was sprinkled on the wall and on the horses, and he trampled her under foot. 34 When he came in, he ate and drank; and he said, “See now to this cursed woman and bury her, for she is a king’s daughter.” 35 They went to bury her, but they found nothing more of her than the skull and the feet and the palms of her hands. 36 Therefore they returned and told him. And he said, “This is the word of the LORD, which He spoke by His servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, ‘In the property of Jezreel the dogs shall eat the flesh of Jezebel; 37 and the corpse of Jezebel will be as dung on the face of the field in the property of Jezreel, so they cannot say, “This is Jezebel.”’” JEZEBEL'S DOOM THE DOGS WILL FEAST Of Jezebel also has the LORD spoken, saying, ‘The dogs will eat Jezebel in the district of Jezreel - Without any fanfare or apology Elijah gives Yahweh's judgment against Jezebel. There would be no burial for the queen of evil. While the dogs licked Ahab's blood, they would tear Jezebel's carcass to bits. One cannot imagine a more despicable, humiliating and ignominious end to this evil woman's existence before she "stokes" the hottest fires of hell! Shocking as this must appear to minds that have been humanized by the kindly influence of Christianity, we still find similar instances in the accounts of modern travellers. Mr. Bruce says, that when at Gondar, "the bodies of those killed by the sword were hewn to pieces and scattered about the streets, being denied burial. I was miserable, and almost driven to despair, at seeing my hunting dogs, twice let loose by the carelessness of my servants, bringing into the court-yard the heads and arms of slaughtered men, and which I could no way prevent, but by the destruction of the dogs themselves." (NOTE - Mr. Bruce is James Bruce (1730–1794), a Scottish traveler and explorer. He is best known for his travels in Ethiopia and his quest to discover the source of the Blue Nile. Gondar was the imperial capital of Ethiopia during Bruce’s visit in the 18th century.) 1 Kings 21:24 “The one belonging to Ahab, who dies in the city, the dogs will eat, and the one who dies in the field the birds of heaven will eat.” KJV 1 Kings 21:24 Him that dieth of Ahab in the city the dogs shall eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the fowls of the air eat. BGT 1 Kings 20:24 τὸν τεθνηκότα τοῦ Αχααβ ἐν τῇ πόλει φάγονται οἱ κύνες καὶ τὸν τεθνηκότα αὐτοῦ ἐν τῷ πεδίῳ φάγονται τὰ πετεινὰ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ LXE 1 Kings 21:24 Him that is dead of Achaab in the city shall the dogs eat, and him that is dead of him in the field shall the birds of the sky eat. NET 1 Kings 21:24 As for Ahab's family, dogs will eat the ones who die in the city, and the birds of the sky will eat the ones who die in the country." CSB 1 Kings 21:24 He who belongs to Ahab and dies in the city, the dogs will eat, and he who dies in the field, the birds of the sky will eat.'" ESV 1 Kings 21:24 Anyone belonging to Ahab who dies in the city the dogs shall eat, and anyone of his who dies in the open country the birds of the heavens shall eat." NIV 1 Kings 21:24 "Dogs will eat those belonging to Ahab who die in the city, and the birds of the air will feed on those who die in the country." NLT 1 Kings 21:24 "The members of Ahab's family who die in the city will be eaten by dogs, and those who die in the field will be eaten by vultures." who dies in the city, 1Ki 14:11 16:4 Isa 14:19 Jer 15:3 Eze 32:4,5 39:18-20 Rev 19:18 1 Kings 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE PROPHECY AGAINST AHAB'S LINE The one belonging to Ahab, who dies in the city, the dogs will eat, and the one who dies in the field the birds of heaven will eat. 1 Kings 21:25 Surely there was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the LORD, because Jezebel his wife incited him. KJV 1 Kings 21:25 But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up. BGT 1 Kings 20:25 πλὴν ματαίως Αχααβ ὡς ἐπράθη ποιῆσαι τὸ πονηρὸν ἐνώπιον κυρίου ὡς μετέθηκεν αὐτὸν Ιεζαβελ ἡ γυνὴ αὐτοῦ LXE 1 Kings 21:25 But Achaab did wickedly, in that he sold himself to do that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, as his wife Jezabel led him astray. NET 1 Kings 21:25 (There had never been anyone like Ahab, who was firmly committed to doing evil in the sight of the LORD, urged on by his wife Jezebel. CSB 1 Kings 21:25 Still, there was no one like Ahab, who devoted himself to do what was evil in the LORD's sight, because his wife Jezebel incited him. ESV 1 Kings 21:25 (There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the LORD like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited. NIV 1 Kings 21:25 (There was never a man like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the LORD, urged on by Jezebel his wife. NLT 1 Kings 21:25 (No one else so completely sold himself to what was evil in the LORD's sight as Ahab did under the influence of his wife Jezebel. Surely there was no one like Ahab 1Ki 21:20 16:30-33 2Ki 23:25 who sold himself to do evil 1Ki 21:20 2Ki 17:17 Isa 50:1 52:3 Ro 6:19 7:14 Jezebel: 1Ki 21:7 11:1-4 16:31 18:4 19:2 Pr 22:14 Ec 7:26 Mk 6:17-27 Ac 6:12 14:2 1 Kings 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries A DESPICABLE DYNAMIC DUO Surely there was no one like Ahab who sold (makar; Lxx - piprasko) himself to do evil in the sight of the LORD, because Jezebel his wife incited him - Note repetition of Ahab's selling his soul to sin! I would call this a "fire sale" for it will take a soul to the eternal flames of hellfire. See notes on sold himself in 1Ki 21:20. Iain Paisley - The Apostate I Kings 21:25-29 Ahab was once called by a prominent American preacher—"a slimy toad—with apologies to the toad". Men are sinful but a man stirred up by a sinful woman becomes exceedingly sinful. Sinless Adam, stirred up by Eve, damned the entire human race in sin. Ahab's Reprobation "But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the Lord, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up. And he did very abominably in following idols, according to all things as did the Amorites, whom the Lord cast out before the children of Israel." I Kings 21:25-26 What a dark story of utter apostasy. Ahab was guilty of selling his soul to the devil. His employer was the devil and his employment devilry. His wife, Jezebel, a murderess and a whore, stirred him to do exceeding wickedness. He was an idolater of idolaters. He reeked of his filthy abominations. Ahab's Remorse "And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent bis clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth and went softly." (verse 27). When, however, he heard the Word of God from the mouth of the faithful Elijah he was overcome with the bitterness of remors 1 Kings 21:26 He acted very abominably in following idols, according to all that the Amorites had done, whom the LORD cast out before the sons of Israel. KJV 1 Kings 21:26 And he did very abominably in following idols, according to all things as did the Amorites, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel. BGT 1 Kings 20:26 καὶ ἐβδελύχθη σφόδρα πορεύεσθαι ὀπίσω τῶν βδελυγμάτων κατὰ πάντα ἃ ἐποίησεν ὁ Αμορραῖος ὃν ἐξωλέθρευσεν κύριος ἀπὸ προσώπου υἱῶν Ισραηλ LXE 1 Kings 21:26 And he did very abominably in following after the abominations, according to all that the Amorite did, whom the Lord utterly destroyed from before the children of Israel. NET 1 Kings 21:26 He was so wicked he worshiped the disgusting idols, just like the Amorites whom the LORD had driven out from before the Israelites.) CSB 1 Kings 21:26 He committed the most detestable acts by going after idols as the Amorites had, whom the LORD had dispossessed before the Israelites. ESV 1 Kings 21:26 He acted very abominably in going after idols, as the Amorites had done, whom the LORD cast out before the people of Israel.) NIV 1 Kings 21:26 He behaved in the vilest manner by going after idols, like the Amorites the LORD drove out before Israel.) NLT 1 Kings 21:26 His worst outrage was worshiping idols just as the Amorites had done-- the people whom the LORD had driven out from the land ahead of the Israelites.) very abominably: 2Ch 15:8 Isa 65:4 Jer 16:18 44:4 Eze 18:12 1Pe 4:3 Rev 21:8 according to: Ge 15:16 Lev 18:25-30 20:22,23 De 12:31 2Ki 16:3 21:2,11 2Ch 33:2,9 36:14 Ezr 9:11-14 Ps 106:35-39 Eze 16:47 1 Kings 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries AHAB'S LEGACY: IDOLATRY & ABOMINATIONS He acted very abominably (taab; Lxx - bdelugma from bdeo = to stink) in following idols, according to all that the Amorites had done, whom the LORD cast out before the sons of Israel - Ahab practice abominable evil like the evil Amorites had practiced. They were cast out of the Promised Land and Ahab's house will forever be cast out of the Promised Land. Abominably (detest) (08581) taab related to toebah = detestable, loathsome, abomination) means to despise, detest, to loathe, to degrade, to have a hatred or very strong dislike for something. It expresses a strongly detestable activity or the logical response to such an activity. It describes "persons, things or practices that offend one's ritual or moral order." (NIDOTTE) In the niphal it means to be detestable, to be loathed (1Chr 21:6; Job 15:16; Isa 14:19). Taab can mean to behave in a vile manner or to act shamefully (1Ki 21:26; Ps 14:1; 53:2; Ezek 16:52) Taab implies not only contempt for that something, but also a low opinion of its value. TAAB - 20V - abhor(5), abhorred(3), abhorrent(1), abhors(1), acted...abominably(2), committed abominable(2), despise(1), detest(2), detestable(1), made your abominable(1), rejected(1), utterly abhor(1). Deut. 7:26; Deut. 23:7; 1 Ki. 21:26; 1 Chr. 21:6; Job 9:31; Job 15:16; Job 19:19; Job 30:10; Ps. 5:6; Ps. 14:1; Ps. 53:1; Ps. 106:40; Ps. 107:18; Ps. 119:163; Isa. 14:19; Isa. 49:7; Ezek. 16:25; Ezek. 16:52; Amos 5:10; Mic. 3:9 Idols (01544) gillul/gillulim atter is the plural form = all OT uses are plural) means logs, blocks, shapeless things. Strong’s has "logs, blocks, or dung-like idols." Some scholars suggest gillulim could be related to the word גֵּלֶל (gelel), meaning dung or excrement .This word describes "an object (not necessarily three dimensional) which has been formed to resemble a person, god, animal." (Louw-Nida). In biblical usage, it refers to worthless idols—often associated with filth, dung, or detestable things. Of the forty-seven occurrences, thirty-eight are in Ezekiel. The basic meaning of this word is "logs," "blocks" or "shapeless things." It is used to mock the pagan gods, and it always views idols as contemptuous things (1 Ki. 15:12; Deut. 29:17; Ezek. 6:4). Idols are always an abomination, and they pollute the people and the land. HCSB Study Bible - Ezekiel's favorite word for idol (Hb gillulim) is based on the root gll, which means "to roll." Many believe the term is associated with round dung pellets, which would graphically express Ezekiel's disposition toward useless idols. NKJV Study Bible - The word gillulim may be related to a similar Hebrew expression meaning “dung pellets.” Later Jewish commentators mocked the gillulim as the “dung idols,” idols as worthless as dung. Mounce - Some scholars speculate that gillûlîm comes from the Heb. word for “dung, manure.” Thus, gillûlîm (“idols”) are as worthless as dung. Homan Treasury of Bible Words - The prophet Ezekiel, who followed his fellow Israelites in 597 B.C. into exile, warned the exiles of the danger of worshiping idols. The Hebrew word gillulim is first used in Ezekiel 6:4 in a threatening prophecy, in which God declares that He will slay the people of Jerusalem and Judah in the very presence of their “idols.” The word gillulim is used about forty times in Ezekiel. It is a derisive, almost lewd term. It comes from the root of galal, “to roll” or “to roll away,” and literally means “dung pellets,” or “dungy things.” The prophets wasted no time seeking words to express their disgust of idols. “Idols” is a rather euphemistic translation of this word, for the word expresses Ezekiel’s hatred and disgust for Israel’s idols. They were worth no more than dung—yet Israel was worshiping them instead of their living God. GILLULIM - 48X/40V - idols(48). Lev. 26:30; Deut. 29:17; 1 Ki. 15:12; 1 Ki. 21:26; 2 Ki. 17:12; 2 Ki. 21:11; 2 Ki. 21:21; 2 Ki. 23:24; Jer. 50:2; Ezek. 6:4; Ezek. 6:5; Ezek. 6:6; Ezek. 6:9; Ezek. 6:13; Ezek. 8:10; Ezek. 14:3; Ezek. 14:4; Ezek. 14:5; Ezek. 14:6; Ezek. 14:7; Ezek. 16:36; Ezek. 18:6; Ezek. 18:12; Ezek. 18:15; Ezek. 20:7; Ezek. 20:8; Ezek. 20:16; Ezek. 20:18; Ezek. 20:24; Ezek. 20:31; Ezek. 20:39; Ezek. 22:3; Ezek. 22:4; Ezek. 23:7; Ezek. 23:30; Ezek. 23:37; Ezek. 23:39; Ezek. 23:49; Ezek. 30:13; Ezek. 33:25; Ezek. 36:18; Ezek. 36:25; Ezek. 37:23; Ezek. 44:10; Ezek. 44:12 1 Kings 21:27 It came about when Ahab heard these words, that he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and fasted, and he lay in sackcloth and went about despondently. KJV 1 Kings 21:27 And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly. BGT 1 Kings 20:27 καὶ ὑπὲρ τοῦ λόγου ὡς κατενύγη Αχααβ ἀπὸ προσώπου τοῦ κυρίου καὶ ἐπορεύετο κλαίων καὶ διέρρηξεν τὸν χιτῶνα αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐζώσατο σάκκον ἐπὶ τὸ σῶμα αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐνήστευσεν καὶ περιεβάλετο σάκκον ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ᾗ ἐπάταξεν Ναβουθαι τὸν Ιεζραηλίτην LXE 1 Kings 21:27 And because of the word, Achaab was pierced with sorrow before the Lord, and he both went weeping, and rent his garment, and girt sackcloth upon his body, and fasted; he put on sackcloth also in the day that he smote Nabuthai the Jezraelite, and went his way. NET 1 Kings 21:27 When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and fasted. He slept in sackcloth and walked around dejected. CSB 1 Kings 21:27 When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put sackcloth over his body, and fasted. He lay down in sackcloth and walked around subdued. ESV 1 Kings 21:27 And when Ahab heard those words, he tore his clothes and put sackcloth on his flesh and fasted and lay in sackcloth and went about dejectedly. NIV 1 Kings 21:27 When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and fasted. He lay in sackcloth and went around meekly. NLT 1 Kings 21:27 But when Ahab heard this message, he tore his clothing, dressed in burlap, and fasted. He even slept in burlap and went about in deep mourning. he tore his clothes Ge 37:34 2Ki 6:30 18:37 Jon 3:6 put on sackcloth: 2Sa 12:17 Job 16:15 Isa 22:12 58:5-8 Joe 1:13 went about despondently: Isa 38:15 1 Kings 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries AHAB'S HUMBLE RESPONSE It came about when Ahab heard these words, that he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth (saq) and fasted, and he lay in sackcloth (saq) and went about despondently (dejected, subdued, meekly, deep mourning) - Ahah has gone from SULLEN to SACKCLOTH. The question is was this genuine repentance? Obviously his outward actions indicate that Elijah's words from Yahweh had "hit a nerve" (or maybe better "a conscience") But for repentance to be true repentance the "proof is in the pudding." In other words, a truly repentant person demonstrates a definite "about face," a distinct change in their behavior and brings forth fruit in keeping with (and authenticating) repentance (Mt 3:8+). God Who sees the heart does say in v29 that Ahab truly humbled himself and this caused Yahweh to not bring disaster in his days. Marks of genuine repentance would have been returning Naboth's vineyard and renouncing Baal worship, but there is no evidence of these changes in Ahab's behavior. If this was repentance, it was short lived because in 1 Kings 22, he disregarded God's prophet Micaiah and went into battle against God's will, where he was ultimately killed. 'So while God delayed judgment, He did not remove it. 🙏 THOUGHT - Ultimately God is not looking for a person to rend their clothes but to rend their heart and turn from their sin and to God. Psalm 51:17+ gives us a good barometer to assess the reality of our repentance, David writing "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise." Warren
1 Reis 21
Meyer - Ahab postponed their fulfilment, by a partial repentance, for some three years but, at the end of that time, he went back to his evil ways, and every item was literally fulfilled. William Gurnall, a Puritan writer said "Hypocrites may have a great deal of profession.... They may humble themselves in sackcloth, with Ahab (1 Kings 21:27.) Puritan Thomas Watson wrote "True godly sorrow is INTERNAL. It is inward in two ways: (1) It is a sorrow of the heart. The sorrow of hypocrites lies in their faces: "they disfigure their faces" (Matt. 6:16). They make a sour face—but their sorrow goes no further. It is like the dew which wets the leaf, but does not soak to the root. Ahab's repentance was in outward show. His garments were rent—but not his heart (1 Kings 21:27). Godly sorrow goes deep, like a vein which bleeds inwardly. The heart bleeds for sin: "they were pricked in their heart" (Acts 2:37). As the heart bears a chief part in sinning—so it must in sorrowing. (from The Doctrine of Repentance) Sackcloth (08242) saq means sack or sackcloth refers to a thick, coarse cloth, dark in color and typically woven from goat's hair and sometimes camel's hair. Sackcloth was worn traditionally to demonstrate mourning or despair; to convey the message dramatically. ackcloth was worn by mourners who lamented either because of a national catastrophe (2 Ki. 6:30ff; Lam. 2:10) or a personal tragedy (Gen. 37:34; Job 16:15; Joel 1:8). Sackcloth was used as a garment by mourners and those who wished to express contrition. It was worn in such a way as to leave the breast free for beating. As a garment of grief and self-abasement, sackcloth was sometimes the dress of the prophet who preached a message of repentance (cf. Rev. 11:3). Such a sight would be a call to trembling and repentance. Both Elijah and John, preachers of repentance, wore garments of camel's skin (2 Kings 1:8; Matthew 3:4). Persons might tear their clothes as well, especially at the death of a son. The word is also used of sacks used to transport various items of merchandise (Ge 42:25, 27, 35) Ninevites wore sackcloth to express repentance (Jnh 3:8), as did Israelites (Neh 9:1). Sackcloth was worn on the skin (2Ki 6:30; Job 16:15) and involved self-humbling (1Ki 21:27-29). Mourning was the chief reason for wearing sackcloth (Gen 37:34; Joel 1:8). Ammonites (Jer 49:3) and Arameans (1Ki 20:32) wore sackcloth. Prophets called for it communally in the face of judgment (Jer 4:8). People might tear regular clothes and fast (Est 4:1,3), covering themselves with dust (4x; Jer 6:26) or ashes (7x; Jnh 3:6), perhaps shaving or cutting themselves (Jer 48:37). Sackcloth could signal protest (Est 4:1). F W Krummacher - Ahab’s repentance I. HOW AHAB’S REPENTANCE WAS CALLED FORTH. A threefold crime is here laid to the charge of the King of Israel: that he had provoked God to anger--that he had made Israel to sin--and that he had sold himself to work wickedness in the sight of the Lord. It was for this cause that the sword of the Almighty had been whetted for the destruction of himself and his house. It is a common proverb that “Every man has his price”; that there is something for which every one will be found willing to sell himself. These are words of very awful import, and yet they are but too true concerning every natural man. The children of this world, proud as they are of themselves, may always be bought with one temptation or another: honours, profits, pleasures of one class or another, will induce them to debase themselves more and more. The idol to which Ahab sacrificed was his affection for Jezebel. His own will, his honour, his peace of conscience, the salvation of his soul, the favour of God--all that he had or hoped for, was laid at this idol’s feet. Would that he were singular in such infatuation; or only one of a few! But alas, it is common in every age. Let any one ask himself, why he is an unbeliever; why he despises the people of God; why he serves the world and the devil, and endeavours to stifle every good conviction. What an accursed alliance, though it be under the sacred name of friendship itself, must that be, which is connected with enmity against God! II. WHAT KIND OF REPENTANCE IT WAS. This mourning of the King of Samaria was real as far as it went. The wretched outward dress in which he appeared was a true expression of his inward temper and state of mind. Still, much was wanting in his repentance to render it a repentance unto life and salvation. It was not a mourning like that of the woman that was a sinner at the feet of Jesus, like that of the thief on the cross, or that of the poor publican. Ahab’s repentance was utterly destitute of love; and it is love which hallows all our acts and deeds, and give them a real value. Now, when a sinner has, with heartfelt seriousness, pronounced sentence against himself before the throne of God, he has begun to die to the law. For here is an end of his supposed self-righteousness, and of his own supposed ability. But that true repentance, which the Scripture calls a godly sorrow, and a repentance which needeth not to be repented of, does not, as yet necessarily exist. This is but, as it were, dying before the Divine holiness; as we see was the case of St. Paul, in Rom 7:1-25,: “When the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death.” Now, this glorious and happy death comes by “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus” (Rom 8:2). And this law is no other than the Gospel; whereby alone it is that true, divine, and saving repentance is called forth. There was a delay of execution; but no revocation of the sentence III. WHAT WERE ITS CONSEQUENCES. There was a delay of execution; but no revocation of the sentence. The curse still rested upon Ahab and his house. Yet even this respect shown to a repentance which had so little intrinsic worth, this exemption of Ahab from personally experiencing those storms which impended over his house, was an instance of great condescension and favour. But why, it may be asked, if Ahab’s humiliation was so little worth, was any Divine regard shown towards it? This, we answer, was to show by a living example that self-condemnation and abasement before God is the way to escape His anger, and obtain His favour. Just as a novice in any art or trade may be cheered by words of encouragement at the first favourable attempt which he makes, however important it may be; so the exemption which the Lord made in Ahab’s favour on repenting, was calculated to encourage him to aim at something better. Self-condemnation, self-abasement, and giving God the glory, are the first steps from spiritual death to spiritual life. (F. W. Krummacher, D. D.) WHEN GOD SPEAKS, LISTEN! NIV, Once-A-Day: Worship and Praise Devotional: 365 Days When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and fasted. He lay in sackcloth and went around meekly. 1 KINGS 21:27 Back in the 1970s, E. F. Hutton, a well-known investment firm, took to the airwaves with a successful marketing campaign. It called attention to how investors trusted the advice of the Hutton brokers. The popular tagline to the television ads was this: “When E. F. Hutton speaks, people listen!” Who’s to say how accurate those commercials were? One thing we know for sure is that when our E (Everlasting) F (Father) God speaks, even those who are not accustomed to hearing his voice listen up. Ahab is a case in point. When approached by Elijah with a word from the Lord, this wicked king humbled himself. God’s disapproval of his past behavior was obvious. The Lord had succeeded in getting Ahab’s attention. Unfortunately for this Machiavellian monarch, his humility was short-lived. God still speaks. Unwilling to let us wander off into a spiritual wasteland, he holds a mirror to our faces. In lieu of Elijah, he sometimes uses the prophetic voice of a pastor, counselor or friend. But more often than not, we hear him speaking through the pages of the Bible. Have you heard that familiar voice recently? More than likely it will require silencing the din of daily activities. Easier said than done, right? Babies need to be cuddled and rocked. Kids need to be fed. Deadlines need to be met. But hearing from the God who has your best interests at heart is worth finding the time. Go ahead and listen for your Father’s voice. PRAYER Lord, as I pause before you in silence, I await the whisper of your presence … Ahab . . . tore his clothes and put sackcloth on his body, .. . and went about mourning (1 Kings 21:27). John and Joe stole some money, but they reacted differently when confronted with the evidence. John broke down immediately, confessed his guilt, and offered to repay the money. But Joe refused to take any responsibility and blamed his companion. Later, with his parents supporting him, Joe claimed he was forced into this conduct because some of the young people in his church had never accepted him. After more than thirty-five years of giving spiritual counsel, I can testify that people who try to cover their sins will not prosper, and that those who confess and forsake them find mercy (Pr 28:13). Many people never realize that they become their own worst enemies by blaming others instead of facing up to their own faults. In 1 Kings 21, we read that King Ahab wanted a vineyard belonging to Naboth, but the owner refused to sell it. So Jezebel, Ahab's wife, had Naboth executed. Although Ahab merely allowed her to use his name in signing the orders, he didn't blame his wife when confronted with his evil deed. Instead, he acknowledged his crime, expressed grief over it, accepted responsibility, repented, and received a merciful reprieve. Only those willing to take blame can ever be trusted with responsibility. 1 Kings 21:28 Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, KJV 1 Kings 21:28 And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, BGT 1 Kings 20:28 καὶ ἐγένετο ῥῆμα κυρίου ἐν χειρὶ δούλου αὐτοῦ Ηλιου περὶ Αχααβ καὶ εἶπεν κύριος LXE 1 Kings 21:28 And the word of the Lord came by the hand of his servant Eliu concerning Achaab, and the Lord said, NET 1 Kings 21:28 The LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, CSB 1 Kings 21:28 Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite: ESV 1 Kings 21:28 And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, NIV 1 Kings 21:28 Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite: NLT 1 Kings 21:28 Then another message from the LORD came to Elijah: Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, 1 Kings 21:29 “Do you see how Ahab has humbled himself before Me? Because he has humbled himself before Me, I will not bring the evil in his days, but I will bring the evil upon his house in his son’s days.” KJV 1 Kings 21:29 Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before me? because he humbleth himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days: but in his son's days will I bring the evil upon his house. BGT 1 Kings 20:29 ἑώρακας ὡς κατενύγη Αχααβ ἀπὸ προσώπου μου οὐκ ἐπάξω τὴν κακίαν ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις αὐτοῦ ἀλλ᾽ ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις τοῦ υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ ἐπάξω τὴν κακίαν LXE 1 Kings 21:29 Hast thou seen how Achaab has been pricked to the heart before me? I will not bring on the evil in his days, but in his son's days will I bring on the evil. NET 1 Kings 21:29 "Have you noticed how Ahab shows remorse before me? Because he shows remorse before me, I will not bring disaster on his dynasty during his lifetime, but during the reign of his son." CSB 1 Kings 21:29 "Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before Me? I will not bring the disaster during his lifetime, because he has humbled himself before Me. I will bring the disaster on his house during his son's lifetime." ESV 1 Kings 21:29 "Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the disaster in his days; but in his son's days I will bring the disaster upon his house." NIV 1 Kings 21:29 "Have you noticed how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself, I will not bring this disaster in his day, but I will bring it on his house in the days of his son." NLT 1 Kings 21:29 "Do you see how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has done this, I will not do what I promised during his lifetime. It will happen to his sons; I will destroy his dynasty." Do you see how Ahab has humbled himself before Me: Jer 7:17 Lu 7:44 Ahab: Ex 10:3 Ps 18:44 66:3 78:34-37 I will not Ps 86:15 Eze 33:10,11 Mic 7:18 Ro 2:4 2Pe 3:9 bring the evil in his days: 1Ki 21:21-23 I will bring the evil upon his house in his son’s days: 2Ki 9:24-26,33-37 10:1-7,11 1 Kings 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 2 Kings 9:24-26 And Jehu drew his bow with his full strength and shot Joram between his arms; and the arrow went through his heart and he sank in his chariot. 25 Then Jehu said to Bidkar his officer, “Take him up and cast him into the property of the field of Naboth the Jezreelite, for I remember when you and I were riding together after Ahab his father, that the LORD laid this oracle against him: 26 Surely I have seen yesterday the blood of Naboth and the blood of his sons,’ says the LORD, ‘and I will repay you in this property,’ says the LORD. Now then, take and cast him into the property, according to the word of the LORD.” AHAB'S HUMILIATION DELAYS GOD'S JUDGMENT Do you see how Ahab has humbled himself before Me? Because he has humbled himself before Me, I will not bring the evil in his days, but I will bring the evil upon his house in his son’s days.” Joram (also called Jehoram) was the son of Ahab and Jezebel who became the king of Israel after the death of his brother Ahaziah. He was killed by Jehu, fulfilling the prophecy that God would wipe out Ahab’s lineage, but not do it in the days of Ahab. Was Ahab's Repentance Genuine? It was sincere but it was NOT a full repentance leading to lasting change. Signs of Sincerity: He visibly humbled himself (sackcloth, fasting, walking in sorrow). God acknowledged his humility (1 Kings 21:29). God showed mercy by delaying judgment. But His Actions Showed Incomplete Repentance: He did not return Naboth’s land to Naboth’s family. He did not change his overall behavior—he later imprisoned Micaiah, God’s prophet (1 Kings 22:26-27). He continued to listen to false prophets and pursued his own will instead of God’s. He still died under God’s judgment (1 Kings 22:34-38). 💡 Ahab regretted the consequences of his sin but did not fully turn back to God.