Another Prophetic Message to Ahab

Immediately after this victory was gained, “the prophet came to the king of Israel, and said unto him, Go, strengthen thyself, and mark, and see what thou doest: for at the return of the year the king of Syria will come up against thee.” Verse 22. The Syrian host came again, and were again utterly defeated. So great was their loss that Ben-hadad, the king, fled to the city of Aphek, and hid in an inner chamber. Later he sent some of his servants to the king of Israel, who said to him, “Thy servant Ben-hadad saith, I pray thee, let me live.” Verse 32.AGP 98.5

This was just what Ahab should not have permitted. But utterly regardless of God’s purpose, Ahab said, “Is he yet alive? he is my brother…. Then he said, Go ye, bring him. ThenAGP 98.6

Ben-hadad came forth to him; and he caused him to come up into the chariot.” Verses 32, 33.AGP 99.1

This disregard by Ahab of the Lord’s instruction brought to a tragic end what had, up to this moment, been a time of truly wonderful experiences in Israel. No sooner had Ahab and Benhadad terminated their friendly conversation, gratifying to Ahab, than “a certain man of the sons of the prophets” intercepted Ahab with a weighty message:AGP 99.2

“Thus saith the Lord, Because thou hast let go out of thy hand a man whom I appointed to utter destruction, therefore thy life shall go for his life, and thy people for his people. And the king of Israel went to his house heavy and displeased, and came to Samaria.” Verses 35, 42, 43.

This defiance of the prophetic instruction, and of the victorious deliverances the Lord had given, cost Ahab dearly, for he was subsequently slain in battle by the same Ben-hadad whom he had “let go.”AGP 99.3