Bible Encyclopedia: Ahab

Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

AHAB

a'-hab ('ach'abh, Assyrian a-cha-ab-bu; Septuagint Achaab, but Jeremiah 29:21, Achiab, which, in analogy with '-h-y- m-l-k, (')-h-y-'-l, etc., indicates an original 'achi'abh, meaning "the father is my brother"): The compound probably signifies that "the father," referring to God, has been chosen as a brother.

1. Ahab's Reign:

Ahab, son of Omri, the seventh king of Israel, who reigned for twenty-two years, from 876 to 854 (1 Kings 16:28), was one of the strongest and at the same time one of the weakest kings of Israel. With his kingdom he inherited also the traditional enemies of the kingdom, who were no less ready to make trouble for him than for his predecessors. Occupying a critical position at the best, with foes ever ready to take advantage of any momentary weakness, the kingdom, during the reign of Ahab, was compelled to undergo the blighting effects of misfortune, drought and famine. But Ahab, equal to the occasion, was clever enough to win the admiration and respect of friend and foe, strengthening the kingdom without and within. Many of the evils of his reign, which a stronger nature might have overcome, were incident to the measures that he took for strengthening the kingdom.

2. His Foreign Policy:

In the days of David and Solomon a beneficial commercial intercourse existed between the Hebrews and the Phoenicians. Ahab, recognizing the advantages that would accrue to his kingdom from an alliance with the foremost commercial nation of his time, renewed the old relations with the Phoenicians and cemented them by his marriage with Jezebel, daughter of Ethbaal, king of Tyre (the Ithobalos, priest of Astarte mentioned by Meander). He next turns his attention to the establishment of peaceful and friendly relations with the kindred and neighboring kingdom of Judah. For the first time since the division of the kingdoms the hereditary internecine quarrels are forgotten, "and Jehoshaphat," the good king of Judah, "made peace with the king of Israel." This alliance, too, was sealed by a marriage relationship, Jehoram, the crown-prince of Judah, being united in marriage with the princess Athaliah, daughter of Ahab.

Perhaps some additional light is thrown upon Ahab's foreign policy by his treatment of Benhadad, king of Damascus. An opportunity was given to crush to dust the threatening power of Syria. But when Benhadad in the garb of a suppliant was compelled to sue for his life, Ahab received into kindly as his brother, and although denounced by the prophets for his leniency, spared his enemy and allowed him to depart on the condition that he would restore the cities captured from Omri, and concede certain "streets" in Damascus as a quarter for Israelite residents. No doubt Ahab thought that a king won as a friend by kindness might be of greater service to Israel than a hostile nation, made still more hostile, by having its king put to death. Whatever Ahab's motives may have been, these hereditary foes really fought side by side against the common enemy, the king of Assyria, in the battle at Karkar on the Orontes in the year 854, as is proved by the inscription on the monolith of Shalmaneser II, king of Assyria.

3. His Religious Policy:

Ahab's far-sighted foreign policy was the antithesis of his short-sighted religious policy. Through his alliance with Phoenicia he not only set in motion the currents of commerce with Tyre, but invited Phoenician religion as well. The worship of Yahweh by means of the golden calves of Jeroboam appeared antiquated to him. Baal, the god of Tyre, the proud mistress of the seas and the possessor of dazzling wealth, was to have an equal place with Yahweh, the God of Israel. Accordingly he built in Samara a temple to Baal and in it erected an altar to that god, and at the side of the altar a pole to Asherab (1 Kings 16:32, 33). On the other hand he tried to serve Yahweh by naming his children in his honor-Ahaziah ("Yah holds"), Jehoram ("Yah is high"), and Athaliah ("Yah is strong"). However, Ahab failed to realize that while a coalition of nations might be advantageous, a syncretism of their religions would be disastrous. He failed to apprehend the full meaning of the principle, "Yahweh alone is the God of Israel." In Jezebel, his Phoenician wife, Ahab found a champion of the foreign culture, who was as imperious and able as she was vindictive and unscrupulous. She was the patron of the prophets of Baal and of the devotees of Asherab (1 Kings 18:19, 20; 1 Kings 19:1, 2) At her instigation the altars of Yahweh were torn down. She inaugurated the first great religious persecution of the church, killing off the prophets of Yahweh with the sword. In all this she aimed at more than a syncretism of the two religions; she planned to destroy the religion of Yahweh root and branch and put that of Baal in its place. In this Ahab did not oppose her, but is guilty of conniving at the policy of his unprincipled wife, if not of heartily concurring in it.

4. The Murder of Naboth:

Wrong religious principles have their counterpart in false ethical ideals and immoral civil acts. Ahab, as a worshipper of Baal, not only introduced a false religion, but false social ideals as well. The royal residence was in Jezreel, which had probably risen in importance through his alliance with Phoenicia. Close to the royal palace was a vineyard (1 Kings 21:1) owned by Naboth, a native of Jezreel. This piece of ground was coveted by Ahab for a vegetable garden. He demanded therefore that Naboth should sell it to into or exchange it for a better piece of land. Naboth declined the offer. Ahab, a Hebrew, knowing the laws of the land, was stung by the refusal and went home greatly displeased. Jezebel, however, had neither religious scruples nor any regard for the civil laws of the Hebrews. Accordingly she planned a high-handed crime to gratify the whim of Ahab. In the name and by the authority of the king she had Naboth falsely accused of blasphemy against God and the king, and had him stoned to death by the local authorities. The horror created by this judicial murder probably did as much to finally overthrow the house of Omri as did the favor shown to the Tyrian Baal.

5. Ahab and Elijah:

Neither religious rights nor civil liberties can be trampled under foot without Divine retribution. The attempt to do so calls forth an awakened and quickened conscience, imperatively demanding that the right be done. Like an accusing conscience, Elijah appeared before Ahab. His very name ("my God is Yah") inspired awe. "As Yahweh, the God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years," was the conscience-troubling message left on the mind of Ahab for more than three years. On Elijah's reappearance, Ahab greets into as the troubler of Israel. Elijah calmly reforms him that the king's religious policy has caused the trouble in Israel. The proof for it is to be furnished on Mount Carmel. Ahab does the bidding of Elijah. The people shall know whom to serve. Baal is silent. Yahweh answers with fire. A torrent of rain ends the drought. The victory belongs to Yahweh.

Once more Elijah's indignation flashes against the house of Ahab. The judicial murder of Naboth calls it forth. The civil rights of the nation must be protected. Ahab has sold himself to do evil in the sight of Yahweh. Therefore Ahab's house shall fall. Jezebel's carcass shall be eaten by dogs; the king's posterity shall be cut off; the dogs of the city or the fowls of the air shall eat their bodies (1 Kings 21:20-26). Like thunderbolts the words of Elijah strike home. Ahab "fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly." But the die was cast. Yahweh is vindicated. Never again, in the history of Israel can Baal, the inspirer of injustice, claim a place at the side of Yahweh, the God of righteousness.

6. Ahab's Building Operations:

In common with oriental monarchs, Ahab displayed a taste for architecture, stimulated, no doubt, by Phoenician influence. Large building operations were undertaken in Samaria (1 Kings 16:32 2 Kings 10:21). Solomon had an ivory throne, but Ahab built for himself, in Jezreel, a palace adorned with woodwork and inlaid with ivory (1 Kings 21:1; 1 Kings 22:39). Perhaps Amos, one hundred years later, refers to the work of Ahab when he says, "The houses of ivory shall perish" (Amos 3:15). In his day Hiel of Bethel undertook to rebuild Jericho, notwithstanding the curse of Joshua (1 Kings 16:33, 34). Many cities were built during his reign (1 Kings 22:39).

7. Ahab's Military Career:

Ahab was not only a splendor-loving monarch, but a great military leader as well. He no doubt began his military policy by fortifying the cities of Israel (1 Kings 16:34; 1 Kings 22:39). Benhadad (the Dadidri of the Assyrian annals; Hadadezer and Barhadad are Hebrew, Aramaic and Arabic forms of the same name), the king of Syria, whose vassals the kings of Israel had been (1 Kings 15:19), promptly besieges Samaria, and sends Ahab an insulting message. Ahab replies, "Let not him that girdeth on his armor boast himself as he that putteth it off." At the advice of a prophet of Yahweh, Ahab, with 7,000 men under 232 leaders, inflicts a crushing defeat upon Benhadad and his 32 feudal kings, who had resigned themselves to a drunken carousal (1 Kings 20-21).

In the following year, the Syrian army, in spite of its overwhelming superiority, meets another defeat at the hands of Ahab in the valley, near Aphek. On condition that Benhadad restore all Israelite territory and grant the Hebrews certain rights in Damascus, Ahab spares his life to the great indignation of the prophet (1 Kings 20:22). In the year 854, Ahab with 2,000 chariots and 10,000 men, fights shoulder to shoulder with Benhadad against Shalmaneser II, king of Assyria. At Karkar, on the Orontes, Benhadad, with his allied forces, suffered an overwhelming defeat (COT, II, i, 183).

Perhaps Benhadad blamed Ahab for the defeat. At any rate he fails to keep his promise to Ahab (1 Kings 22:3; 1 Kings 20:34). Lured by false prophets, but against the dramatic warning of Micaiah, Ahab is led to take up the gauntlet against Syria once more. His friend, Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, joins him in the conflict. For the first time since the days of David all Israel and Judah stand united against the common foe.

8. Ahab's Death:

Possibly the warning of Micaiah gave Ahab a premonition that this would be has last fight. He enters the battle in disguise, but in vain. An arrow, shot at random, inflicts a mortal wound. With the fortitude of a hero, in order to avoid a panic, Ahab remains in his chariot all day and dies at sunset. His body is taken to Samaria for burial. A great king had died, and the kingdom declined rapidly after his death. He had failed to comprehend the greatness of Yahweh; he failed to stand for the highest justice, and his sins are visited upon has posterity (1 Kings 22:29).

9. Ahab and Archaeology:

(1) The Moabite Stone

The Moabite Stone (see MOABITE STONE) bears testimony (lines 7, 8) that Omri and his son (Ahab) ruled over the land of Mehdeba for forty years. When Ahab was occupied with the Syriac wars, Moab rose in insurrection. Mesha informs us in an exaggerated manner that "Israel perished with an everlasting destruction." Mesha recognizes Yahweh as the God of Israel.

(2) The Monolith of Shalmaneser II

The Monolith of Shalmaneser II (Brit Mus; see ASSYRIA) informs us that in 854 Shalmaneser II came in conflict with the kingdom of Hamath, and that Benhadad II with Ahab of Israel and others formed a confederacy to resist the Assyrian advance. The forces of the coalition were defeated at Karkar.

(3) Recent Excavations.

Under the direction of Harvard University, excavations have been carried on in Samaria since 1908. In 1909 remains of a Hebrew palace were found. In this palace two grades of construction have been detected. The explorers suggest that they have found the palace of Omri, enlarged and improved by Ahab. This may be the "ivory house" built by Ahab. In August, 1910, about 75 potsherds were found in a building adjacent to Ahab's palace containing writing. The script is the same as that of the Moabite Stone, the words being divided by ink spots. These ostraca seem to be labels attached to jars kept in a room adjoining Ahab's palace. One of them reads, "In the ninth year. From Shaphtan. For Ba`al-zamar. A jar of old wine." Another reads, "Wine of the vineyard of the Tell." These readings remind one of Naboth's vineyard. In another room not far from where the ostraca were found, "was found an alabaster vase inscribed with the name of Ahab's contemporary, Osorkon II of Egypt." Many proper names are found on the ostraca, which have their equivalent in the Old Testament. It is claimed that the writing is far greater than all other ancient Hebrew writing yet known. Perhaps with the publication of all these writings we may expect much light upon Ahab's reign. (SeeOSTRACA; Harvard Theological Review, January, 1909, April, 1910, January, 1911; Sunday School Times, January 7, 1911; The Jewish Chronicle, January 27, 1911.)

S. K. Mosiman

AHAB AND ZEDEKIAH

a'-hab, zed-e-ki'-a ('ach'abh, "uncle"; tsidhqiyahu, "Yahweh is my righteousness"): Ahab, son of Kolaiah, and Zedekiah, son of Maaseiah, were two prophets against whom Jeremiah uttered an oracle for prophesying falsely in the name of Yahweh, and for immoral conduct. They should be delivered over to Nebuchadrezzar and be slain, and the captives of Judah that were in Babylon should take up the curse concerning them. "Yahweh make thee like Zedekiah and like Ahab, whom the King of Babylon roasted in the fire" (Jeremiah 29:21).

S. F. Hunter

Greek

2403. Iezabel -- Jezebel, the symbolic name of a false prophetess
... ed-zab-ale') Short Definition: Jezebel Definition: Jezebel, name given to a false
prophetess of Thyatira, possibly borrowed from the name of Ahab's wife, queen ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2403.htm - 6k

Strong's Hebrew

158. ahab -- love (noun)
... 157, 158. ahab. 159 . love (noun). Transliteration: ahab Phonetic Spelling:
(ah'-hab) Short Definition: lovers. ... see HEBREW 'ahab. 157, 158. ahab. 159 . ...
/hebrew/158.htm - 6k

348. Izebel -- queen of Isr. with King Ahab
... with King Ahab. Transliteration: Izebel Phonetic Spelling: (ee-zeh'-bel) Short
Definition: Jezebel. ... with King Ahab NASB Word Usage Jezebel (21), Jezebel's (1). ...
/hebrew/348.htm - 6k

6271. Athalyah -- daughter of Ahab, also three Israelites
... daughter of Ahab, also three Israelites. Transliteration: Athalyah or Athlay
Phonetic Spelling: (ath-al-yaw') Short Definition: Athaliah. ...
/hebrew/6271.htm - 6k

256. Achab -- "father's brother," a king of Isr., also a false ...
... Achab. 257 . "father's brother," a king of Isr., also a false prophet.
Transliteration: Achab Phonetic Spelling: (akh-awb') Short Definition: Ahab. ... Ahab. ...
/hebrew/256.htm - 6k

160. ahabah -- love (noun)
... 2), lovingly (1). love. Feminine of 'ahab and meaning the same -- love. see
HEBREW 'ahab. 159, 160. ahabah. 161 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/160.htm - 6k

159. ohab -- love (noun)
... love. From 'adash; meaning the same as 'ahab -- love. see HEBREW 'adash. see
HEBREW 'ahab. 158, 159. ohab. 160 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/159.htm - 6k

Library

Ahab and Micaiah
... THE FIRST BOOK OF KINGS AHAB AND MICAIAH. ... An ill-omened alliance had been
struck up between Ahab of Israel and Jehoshaphat of Judah. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/ahab and micaiah.htm

Ahab and Elijah
... THE FIRST BOOK OF KINGS AHAB AND ELIJAH. 'And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast
thou found me, O mine enemy!'"1 Kings 21:20. The keynote ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/ahab and elijah.htm

Ahab and Naboth
... SERMON XI. AHAB AND NABOTH. ... And Naboth said unto Ahab, The Lord forbid it me,
that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee. ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon xi ahab and naboth.htm

At that Time, Ahab, King of Samaria, Coveted the vineyard of ...
... The Sacred History Of Sulpitius Severus. Book I. Chapter XLIV. At that time,
Ahab, king of Samaria, coveted the vineyard of Naboth� ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xliv at that time.htm

How Ahab when He had Taken Jezebel to Wife Became More Wicked than ...
... BOOK VIII. Containing The Interval Of One Hundred And Sixty-Three Years.
From The Death Of David To The Death Of Ahab. CHAPTER 13. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 13 how ahab when.htm

Ahab the Thief
... THE OLD TESTAMENT AHAB THE THIEF. Now Naboth, the Jezreelite, had a vineyard
in Jezreel next to the palace of Ahab, who ruled at Samaria. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/ahab the thief.htm

The End of Ahab's Selfish Family
... THE OLD TESTAMENT THE END OF AHAB'S SELFISH FAMILY. Elisha the prophet called
one of the followers of the prophets and said to him ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the end of ahabs selfish.htm

Concerning Jehoshaphat the King of Jerusalem and How Ahab Made an ...
... From The Death Of David To The Death Of Ahab. CHAPTER 15. Concerning ... Therein.
1. And these were the circumstances in which Ahab was. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 15 concerning jehoshaphat the.htm

How Hadad King of Damascus and of Syria, Made Two Expeditions ...
... From The Death Of David To The Death Of Ahab. CHAPTER 14. How Hadad King Of Damascus
And Of Syria, Made Two Expeditions Against Ahab And Was Beaten. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 how hadad king.htm

The Fall of the House of Ahab
... Prophets of the Northern Kingdom Chapter 16 The Fall of the House of Ahab.
[This chapter is based on 1 Kings 21; 2 Kings ] The evil ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 16 the fall of.htm

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

Ahab

uncle, or father's brother

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Ahab

(uncle).

Son of Omri, seventh king of Israel, reigned B.C. 919-896. He married Jezebel, daughter of Ethbaal king of Tyre; and in obedience to her wishes, caused temple to be built to Baal in Samaria itself; and an oracular grove to be consecrated to Astarte. See (1 Kings 18:19) One of Ahab's chief tastes was for splendid architecture which he showed by building an ivory house and several cities. Desiring to add to his pleasure-grounds at Jezreel the vineyard of his neighbor Naboth, he proposed to buy it or give land in exchange for it; and when this was refused by Naboth in accordance with the Levitical law, (Leviticus 25:23) a false accusation of blasphemy was brought against him, and he was murdered, and Ahab took possession of the coveted fields. (2 Kings 9:26) Thereupon Elijah declared that the entire extirpation of Ahab's house was the penalty appointed for his long course of wickedness. [ELIJAH] The execution, however, of the sentence was delayed in consequence of Ahab's deep repentance. (1 Kings 21:1) ... Ahab undertook three campaigns against Ben-hadad II. king of Damascus, two defensive and one offensive. In the first Ben-hadad laid siege to Samaria, but was repulsed with great loss. (1 Kings 20:1-21) Next year Ben-hadad again invaded Israel by way of Aphek, on the east of Jordan; yet Ahab's victory was so complete that Ben-hadad himself fell into his hands, but was released contrary to God's will, (1 Kings 20:22-34) on condition of restoring the cities of Israel, and admitting Hebrew commissioners into Damascus. After this great success Ahab enjoyed peace for three years, when he attacked Ramoth in Gilead, on the east of Jordan, in conjunction with Jehoshaphat king of Judah, which town he claimed as belonging to Israel. Being told by the prophet Micaiah that he would fall, he disguised himself, but was slain by "a certain man who drew a bow at a venture." When buried in Samaria, the dogs licked up his blood as a servant was washing his chariot; a partial fulfillment of Elijah's prediction, (1 Kings 21:19) which was more literally accomplished in the case of his son. (2 Kings 9:26)
A lying prophet, who deceived the captive Israelites in Babylon, and was burnt to death by Nebuchadnezzar. (Jeremiah 29:21)

ATS Bible Dictionary

Ahab

1. The sixth king of Israel, succeeded his father Omri B. C. 918, and reigned twenty-two years. His wife was Jezebel, daughter of Ethbaal king of Tyre; an ambitious and passionate idolatress, through whose influence the worship of Baal and Ashtoreth was introduced in Israel. Ahab erected in Samaria a house of Baal, and set up images of Baal and Ashtoreth; idolatry and wickedness became fearfully prevalent, and the king "did more to provoke the Lord to anger than all the kings that were before him." In the midst of this great apostasy, God visited the land with three years of drought and famine; and then, at Mount Carmel, reproved idolatry by fire from heaven, and by the destruction of four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal. About six years later, Ben-hadad, king of Syria, invaded Israel with a great army, but was ignominiously defeated; and still more disastrously the year after, when Ahab took him captive, but soon released him, and thus incurred the displeasure of God. In spite of the warnings and mercies of Providence, Ahab went on in sin; and at length, after the murder of Naboth, his crimes and abominable idolatries were such that God sent Elijah to denounce judgments upon him and his seed. These were in part deferred, however, by his apparent humiliation. Soon after, having gone with Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, to regain Ramoth-gilead from the Syrians, and joined battle with them in defiance of Jehovah, he was slain, and dogs licked up his blood at the pool of Samaria, 1 Kings 16:29-22:40.

2. A false prophet, who seduced the Israelites at Babylon, and was denounced by Jeremiah, Jeremiah 29:21,22.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Father's brother.

(1.) The son of Omri, whom he succeeded as the seventh king of Israel. His history is recorded in 1 Kings 16-22. His wife was Jezebel (q.v.), who exercised a very evil influence over him. To the calf-worship introduced by Jeroboam he added the worship of Baal. He was severely admonished by Elijah (q.v.) for his wickedness. His anger was on this account kindled against the prophet, and he sought to kill him. He undertook three campaigns against Ben-hadad II., king of Damascus. In the first two, which were defensive, he gained a complete victory over Ben-hadad, who fell into his hands, and was afterwards released on the condition of his restoring all the cities of Israel he then held, and granting certain other concessions to Ahab. After three years of peace, for some cause Ahab renewed war (1 Kings 22:3) with Ben-hadad by assaulting the city of Ramoth-gilead, although the prophet Micaiah warned him that he would not succeed, and that the 400 false prophets who encouraged him were only leading him to his ruin. Micaiah was imprisoned for thus venturing to dissuade Ahab from his purpose. Ahab went into the battle disguised, that he might if possible escape the notice of his enemies; but an arrow from a bow "drawn at a venture" pierced him, and though stayed up in his chariot for a time he died towards evening, and Elijah's prophecy (1 Kings 21:19) was fulfilled. He reigned twenty-three years. Because of his idolatry, lust, and covetousness, Ahab is referred to as pre-eminently the type of a wicked king (2 Kings 8:18; 2 Chronicles 22:3; Micah 6:16).

(2.) A false prophet referred to by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 29:21), of whom nothing further is known.

Thesaurus

Ahab (85 Occurrences)
... his hands, and was afterwards released on the condition of his restoring all the
cities of Israel he then held, and granting certain other concessions to Ahab. ...
/a/ahab.htm - 52k

Ahab's (14 Occurrences)
...Ahab's (14 Occurrences). 1 Kings 18:17 and it cometh to pass at Ahab's seeing Elijah,
that Ahab saith unto him, 'Art thou he -- the troubler of Israel?' (YLT). ...
/a/ahab's.htm - 10k

Naboth (18 Occurrences)
... he possessed. It was a vineyard, and lay "hard by the palace of Ahab"
(1 Kings 21:1, 2), who greatly coveted it. Naboth, however ...
/n/naboth.htm - 16k

Micaiah (27 Occurrences)
... Three years after the great battle with Ben-hadad (20:29-34), Ahab proposed to
Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, that they should go up against Ramoth-Gilead to do ...
/m/micaiah.htm - 21k

Jeho'ram (21 Occurrences)
... He was the son of Ahab. ... 2 Kings 8:25 In the twelfth year of Joram the son of Ahab
king of Israel did Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah begin to reign. ...
/j/jeho'ram.htm - 13k

Jezreelite (9 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 21:1 It happened after these things, that Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard,
which was in Jezreel, hard by the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. ...
/j/jezreelite.htm - 10k

Jizreel (30 Occurrences)
... great pour of rain. And Ahab got on the chariot, and went to Jizreel. (DBY).
1 Kings 18:46 And the hand of Jehovah was upon Elijah ...
/j/jizreel.htm - 15k

Reigneth (54 Occurrences)
... reigneth. (YLT). 1 Kings 16:28 And Omri lieth with his fathers, and is buried
in Samaria, and Ahab his son reigneth in his stead. (YLT). ...
/r/reigneth.htm - 22k

Mesha (4 Occurrences)
... (3.) Hebrews id, a king of Moab, the son of Chemosh-Gad, a man of great wealth in
flocks and herds (2 Kings 3:4). After the death of Ahab at Ramoth-Gilead ...
/m/mesha.htm - 12k

Ahazi'ah (33 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Ahazi'ah (33 Occurrences). 1 Kings 22:40 So Ahab slept
with his fathers; and Ahaziah his son reigned in his stead. (See RSV). ...
/a/ahazi'ah.htm - 16k

Bible Concordance

Ahab (85 Occurrences)

1 Kings 16:28 So Omri slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria; and Ahab his son reigned in his place.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 16:29 In the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah began Ahab the son of Omri to reign over Israel: and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty-two years.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 16:30 Ahab the son of Omri did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh above all that were before him.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 16:33 Ahab made the Asherah; and Ahab did yet more to provoke Yahweh, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 17:1 Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the foreigners of Gilead, said to Ahab, "As Yahweh, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 18:1 It happened after many days, that the word of Yahweh came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, "Go, show yourself to Ahab; and I will send rain on the earth."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 18:2 Elijah went to show himself to Ahab. The famine was severe in Samaria.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 18:3 Ahab called Obadiah, who was over the household. (Now Obadiah feared Yahweh greatly:
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 18:5 Ahab said to Obadiah, "Go through the land, to all the springs of water, and to all the brooks. Perhaps we may find grass and save the horses and mules alive, that we not lose all the animals."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 18:6 So they divided the land between them to pass throughout it: Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 18:9 He said, "Wherein have I sinned, that you would deliver your servant into the hand of Ahab, to kill me?
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 18:12 It will happen, as soon as I am gone from you, that the Spirit of Yahweh will carry you I don't know where; and so when I come and tell Ahab, and he can't find you, he will kill me. But I, your servant, have feared Yahweh from my youth.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 18:15 Elijah said, "As Yahweh of Armies lives, before whom I stand, I will surely show myself to him today."
(See NIV)

1 Kings 18:16 So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him; and Ahab went to meet Elijah.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 18:17 It happened, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said to him, "Is that you, you troubler of Israel?"
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

1 Kings 18:20 So Ahab sent to all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together to Mount Carmel.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 18:41 Elijah said to Ahab, "Get up, eat and drink; for there is the sound of abundance of rain."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 18:42 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he bowed himself down on the earth, and put his face between his knees.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 18:44 It happened at the seventh time, that he said, "Behold, a small cloud, like a man's hand, is rising out of the sea." He said, "Go up, tell Ahab,'Get ready and go down, so that the rain doesn't stop you.'"
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 18:45 It happened in a little while, that the sky grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 18:46 The hand of Yahweh was on Elijah; and he tucked his cloak into his belt and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 19:1 Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 20:2 He sent messengers to Ahab king of Israel, into the city, and said to him, "Thus says Ben Hadad,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 20:10 Ben Hadad sent to him, and said, "The gods do so to me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people who follow me."
(See NIV)

1 Kings 20:13 Behold, a prophet came near to Ahab king of Israel, and said, "Thus says Yahweh,'Have you seen all this great multitude? Behold, I will deliver it into your hand this day; and you shall know that I am Yahweh.'"
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 20:14 Ahab said, "By whom?" He said, "Thus says Yahweh,'By the young men of the princes of the provinces.'" Then he said, "Who shall begin the battle?" He answered, "You."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 20:33 Now the men observed diligently, and hurried to take this phrase; and they said, "Your brother Ben Hadad." Then he said, "Go, bring him." Then Ben Hadad came out to him; and he caused him to come up into the chariot.
(See NIV)

1 Kings 20:34 Ben Hadad said to him, "The cities which my father took from your father I will restore. You shall make streets for yourself in Damascus, as my father made in Samaria." "I," said Ahab, "will let you go with this covenant." So he made a covenant with him, and let him go.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 21:1 It happened after these things, that Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel, hard by the palace of Ahab king of Samaria.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 21:2 Ahab spoke to Naboth, saying, "Give me your vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near to my house; and I will give you for it a better vineyard than it. Or, if it seems good to you, I will give you its worth in money."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 21:3 Naboth said to Ahab, "May Yahweh forbid me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers to you!"
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

1 Kings 21:4 Ahab came into his house sullen and angry because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him; for he had said, "I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers." He laid himself down on his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 21:8 So she wrote letters in Ahab's name, and sealed them with his seal, and sent the letters to the elders and to the nobles who were in his city, who lived with Naboth.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 21:15 It happened, when Jezebel heard that Naboth was stoned, and was dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, "Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give you for money; for Naboth is not alive, but dead."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 21:16 It happened, when Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, that Ahab rose up to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 21:18 "Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who dwells in Samaria. Behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, where he has gone down to take possession of it.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 21:20 Ahab said to Elijah, "Have you found me, my enemy?" He answered, "I have found you, because you have sold yourself to do that which is evil in the sight of Yahweh.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 21:21 Behold, I will bring evil on you, and will utterly sweep you away and will cut off from Ahab everyone who urinates against a wall, and him who is shut up and him who is left at large in Israel.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 21:24 The dogs will eat he who dies of Ahab in the city; and the birds of the sky will eat he who dies in the field."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 21:25 But there was none like Ahab, who sold himself to do that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 21:27 It happened, when Ahab heard those words, that he tore his clothes, and put sackcloth on his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 21:29 "See how Ahab humbles himself before me? Because he humbles himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days; but in his son's days will I bring the evil on his house."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 22:20 Yahweh said,'Who shall entice Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth Gilead?' One said one thing; and another said another.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 22:39 Now the rest of the acts of Ahab, and all that he did, and the ivory house which he built, and all the cities that he built, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 22:40 So Ahab slept with his fathers; and Ahaziah his son reigned in his place.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 22:41 Jehoshaphat the son of Asa began to reign over Judah in the fourth year of Ahab king of Israel.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 22:49 Then Ahaziah the son of Ahab said to Jehoshaphat, "Let my servants go with your servants in the ships." But Jehoshaphat would not.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 22:51 Ahaziah the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria in the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and he reigned two years over Israel.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Kings 1:1 Moab rebelled against Israel after the death of Ahab.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Kings 3:1 Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Kings 3:5 But it happened, when Ahab was dead, that the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Kings 8:16 In the fifth year of Joram the son of Ahab king of Israel, Jehoshaphat being king of Judah then, Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah began to reign.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Kings 8:18 He walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as did the house of Ahab; for he had the daughter of Ahab as wife. He did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Kings 8:25 In the twelfth year of Joram the son of Ahab king of Israel did Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah begin to reign.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Kings 8:27 He walked in the way of the house of Ahab, and did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, as did the house of Ahab; for he was the son-in-law of the house of Ahab.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Kings 8:28 He went with Joram the son of Ahab to war against Hazael king of Syria at Ramoth Gilead: and the Syrians wounded Joram.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Kings 8:29 King Joram returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians had given him at Ramah, when he fought against Hazael king of Syria. Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to see Joram the son of Ahab in Jezreel, because he was sick.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Kings 9:7 You shall strike the house of Ahab your master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of Yahweh, at the hand of Jezebel.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Kings 9:8 For the whole house of Ahab shall perish. I will cut off from Ahab everyone who urinates against a wall, both him who is shut up and him who is left at large in Israel.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Kings 9:9 I will make the house of Ahab like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Kings 9:25 Then Jehu said to Bidkar his captain, "Pick him up, and throw him in the plot of the field of Naboth the Jezreelite; for remember how, when you and I rode together after Ahab his father, Yahweh laid this burden on him:
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Kings 9:29 In the eleventh year of Joram the son of Ahab began Ahaziah to reign over Judah.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Kings 10:1 Now Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. Jehu wrote letters, and sent to Samaria, to the rulers of Jezreel, even the elders, and to those who brought up the sons of Ahab, saying,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Kings 10:10 Know now that nothing shall fall to the earth of the word of Yahweh, which Yahweh spoke concerning the house of Ahab. For Yahweh has done that which he spoke by his servant Elijah."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Kings 10:11 So Jehu struck all that remained of the house of Ahab in Jezreel, with all his great men, his familiar friends, and his priests, until he left him none remaining.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Kings 10:17 When he came to Samaria, he struck all who remained to Ahab in Samaria, until he had destroyed him, according to the word of Yahweh, which he spoke to Elijah.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Kings 10:18 Jehu gathered all the people together, and said to them, "Ahab served Baal a little; but Jehu will serve him much.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Kings 10:30 Yahweh said to Jehu, "Because you have done well in executing that which is right in my eyes, and have done to the house of Ahab according to all that was in my heart, your sons of the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Kings 21:3 For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed; and he reared up altars for Baal, and made an Asherah, as did Ahab king of Israel, and worshiped all the army of the sky, and served them.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Kings 21:13 I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab; and I will wipe Jerusalem as a man wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Chronicles 18:1 Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honor in abundance; and he joined affinity with Ahab.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Chronicles 18:2 After certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. Ahab killed sheep and cattle for him in abundance, and for the people who were with him, and moved him to go up with him to Ramoth Gilead.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Chronicles 18:3 Ahab king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Will you go with me to Ramoth Gilead? He answered him, I am as you are, and my people as your people; and we will be with you in the war.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Chronicles 18:19 Yahweh said,'Who shall entice Ahab king of Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth Gilead?' One spoke saying after this manner, and another saying after that manner.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Chronicles 21:6 He walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as did the house of Ahab; for he had the daughter of Ahab as wife: and he did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Chronicles 21:13 but have walked in the way of the kings of Israel, and have made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to play the prostitute, like as the house of Ahab did, and also have slain your brothers of your father's house, who were better than yourself:
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Chronicles 22:3 He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab; for his mother was his counselor to do wickedly.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Chronicles 22:4 He did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, as did the house of Ahab; for they were his counselors after the death of his father, to his destruction.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Chronicles 22:5 He walked also after their counsel, and went with Jehoram the son of Ahab king of Israel to war against Hazael king of Syria at Ramoth Gilead: and the Syrians wounded Joram.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Chronicles 22:6 He returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which they had given him at Ramah, when he fought against Hazael king of Syria. Azariah the son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to see Jehoram the son of Ahab in Jezreel, because he was sick.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Chronicles 22:7 Now the destruction of Ahaziah was of God, in that he went to Joram: for when he was come, he went out with Jehoram against Jehu the son of Nimshi, whom Yahweh had anointed to cut off the house of Ahab.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Chronicles 22:8 It happened, when Jehu was executing judgment on the house of Ahab, that he found the princes of Judah, and the sons of the brothers of Ahaziah, ministering to Ahaziah, and killed them.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Jeremiah 29:21 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, concerning Ahab the son of Kolaiah, and concerning Zedekiah the son of Maaseiah, who prophesy a lie to you in my name: Behold, I will deliver them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; and he shall kill them before your eyes;
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Jeremiah 29:22 and of them shall be taken up a curse by all the captives of Judah who are in Babylon, saying, Yahweh make you like Zedekiah and like Ahab, whom the king of Babylon roasted in the fire;
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Micah 6:16 For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of the house of Ahab. You walk in their counsels, that I may make you a ruin, and her inhabitants a hissing; And you will bear the reproach of my people."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Subtopics

Achab

Ahab

Ahab and Zedekiah

Ahab: A False Prophet

Ahab: King of Israel

Ahab: King of Israel: Closing History and Death of

Ahab: King of Israel: Defeats Ben-Hadad

Ahab: King of Israel: Fraudulently Confiscates Naboth's Vineyard

Ahab: King of Israel: Idolatry of

Ahab: King of Israel: Marries Jezebel

Ahab: King of Israel: Other Wickedness of