Ahab, the King of Israel is in hot water because he coveted Naboth’s vineyard. He was willing to look the other way while Jezebel came up with a plan to get Naboth and his sons murdered. All this just so Ahab could have the vineyard. God sent Elijah to tell Ahab how He felt about it. Also, to let him know about his (Ahab’s) death. (I Kings 22:24)
When he heard it, he was upset enough that he tore his clothes, fasted, and lay in sackcloth. Because he was at least contrite God decided to not bring evil until his son’s days. That lasted about three years.
Probably 6-7 years earlier Benhadad, the king of Syria, had attacked Israel and was whipped. Benhadad’s servants said that the gods of Israel are gods of the hills. (I Kings 20:23) What they should do is battle Israel in the plain and they’ll win. Israel beat them again but Benhadad escaped. He pleads for mercy before Ahab and Ahab lets him go. God is displeased. Ahab has let an enemy of God go. In I Kings 20:42 God tells Ahab it will be his life for Benhadad’s. The stage is set.
It’s been three years since Naboth’s death. Syria is set to attack Israel again. Ahab calls on Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, to join him in the battle. The king of Judah wants to hear from a prophet of God for instruction. Ahab does so unwillingly and sends for Micaiah. It says “And all the prophets prophesied…” (I Kings 22:12) They, including one called Zedekiah, prophesy that Syria will be consumed. Except for Micaiah, the prophet of God. He says that all Israel will be scattered like sheep. He also delivers a vision of the Lord. It’s in chapter 22 and covers verses 19-23. In it the Lord calls for Ahab's death.
The Lord is finished with Ahab. Evil has marked his days and it’s time for him to reap what he has sown. Ahab thought to outsmart God. He called for Jehoshaphat in hopes of tricking the Syrians into thinking Jehoshaphat was him, Ahab. That way, he would suffer Ahab’s death. Ahab’s story ends in verse 40. Don’t let your story end there. “We will either bow to the word of God or bow to the wrath of God.” Said Pastor Josh.