(REFLECTIONS ON 1 Kings 21:1-29)

In 1 Kings 20:43, we read that Ahab, king of Israel, went to his house sullen and vexed. This was likely because things did not go his way after making a covenant with Ben-hadad, king of Aram.

In today’s Scripture, we see Ahab respond in the same way when he once again does not get what he wants,

4 “So Ahab came into his house sullen and vexed because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him; for he said, ‘I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.’ And he lay down on his bed and turned away his face and ate no food.”

Don’t Ahab’s actions and his sullen and vexed reaction make him look like a spoiled child? When things do not go his way, or when he cannot have what he wants, he pouts and reacts with immaturity.

This then leads his wife, Jezebel, to devise a plan to kill Naboth in order to give Ahab what he covets. Because of this, Ahab and his household are judged by God through Elijah the prophet.

Although Ahab humbles himself at the end of today’s passage, delaying the inevitable judgment, this seems to reveal more about God’s great mercy and patience than about the depth of Ahab’s repentance. In the end, God’s judgment still comes upon his household.

Brothers and sisters, this king, the ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel, acted like a child, becoming sullen and vexed when his covetous heart could not get what it wanted.

As I was reading today’s Scripture, I also thought about another king who coveted something. No, not property, but another man’s wife. Yes, King David coveted Bathsheba and had her husband killed in battle in order to have what he desired.

Nathan the prophet, much like Elijah the prophet in today’s passage, came to proclaim to David the sin he had committed. Although the comparison is not a direct one-to-one parallel, it reminds us that no matter where we fall on the spectrum of good and evil, covetousness can capture anyone’s heart and lead to behavior unbecoming of God’s servants.

Brothers and sisters, do we expect life to go a certain way? Do we insist on having what we want? And when we cannot have things our way, are we like Ahab, sullen and vexed? No matter our age, experience, or maturity, do we still find that little child within us pouting until we get what we want?

May the Lord fill us with His desires, and may the Holy Spirit fill our hearts so that there is no room for covetousness. Rather than being sullen and vexed, may we live thankful, gracious, and fulfilled lives in Him.

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: 1 Kings 21