Foolish King Jehoshophat

By Mary Vee
I Kings 22

From A Messenger's Journal

I am a messenger from king Ahab's court. Sometimes my job involves sneaking to another city, listening for news then reporting it back to the court.

This time I did not need to report my news. 

Despite the warnings of the prophet Micaiah not to go to battle, king Jehoshaphat agreed to help king Ahab fight his battle against the king of Aram. 

When I sneaked into Ramoth-Gilead, I heard the king of Aram order his thirty-two commanders, "Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel." I was surprised he only wanted to attack king Ahab and not the army.

I reported the news back to king Ahab.

As they prepared for battle, king Ahab said to king Jehoshaphat, "I will enter the battle in disguise, but you wear your royal robes."

This seemed strange to me, but Jehoshaphat agreed. Jehoshaphat mounted his royal chariot, dressed in his royal robes, while Ahab marched in disguise with the other soldiers. Jehoshaphat's clothing looked different from Ahab's, but would the king of Aram know the difference?

The battle began. I marched with the soldiers. Ahab road in a chariot to my left. We advanced against Ramoth Gilead. The enemy marched against us, shouting orders. We pressed forward in battle but found chariots dodging our men. 

Their army steered toward Jehoshaphat's chariot. We tried to protect him, but their soldiers moved with such power.  Jehoshaphat shouted, "I am not the king of Israel!" Their army stopped chasing him, following the command of their king.

One of king Aram's soldiers drew his bow and shot into our army anyway, hitting king Ahab. The arrow pierced the sections of his armor. The king told his chariot driver, "Turn around, I have been wounded."

The battle continued throughout the day. I stayed with the king, nursing his wound with a few others. We propped him up inside his chariot and facing the Arameans. The blood from his wound ran onto the floor of the chariot, and that evening he died.

As the sun set, we shouted, "Every man to his town. Every one to his own land."

The doctors carried Ahab back to the city. I was told to insure Jehoshaphat returned safely. 

When he arrived at his palace, a prophet named Jehu greeted him with a message. "My king. Why did you help the wicked king, Ahab, the very man who hates the Lord? Because you did, the wrath of the Lord is upon you. The Lord has said there is some good in you, however. You have rid the land of the Asherah poles and have set your heart on seeking God."

I didn't get to hear what his punishment would be before I returned to Samaria. 

King Ahab was buried in Samaria. His chariot was washed in a pool and the dogs licked up his blood, just as the Lord had said.

All of Israel celebrated the crowning of Ahaziah, Ahab's son, as king over Israel.

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1. King ___________ and King ___________ went to battle against ___________.
2. King _______________ wore his royal robes into battle.
3. King _______________ did not. He wore a disguise.
4. King _______________ ordered his men to only attack ______________.
5. The enemy chased king ____________ but stopped when they realized he was the wrong man.
6. A stray arrow flew and hit king _______________. He died that night.
7. When king ___________ returned a prophet greeted him with a message from the Lord. 
8. What did King Jehosophat do wrong?

Isn't There One Prophet of the Lord?

By Mary Vee
I Kings 22

From Jehoshaphat's Scrolls

I had asked King Ahab if there was not a prophet of the Lord whom we could ask our question. He had called his prophets of Baal and the answer they gave did not seem right to me. 

Ahab said, "There is still one man through whom we can ask a question of the Lord, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good about me. Only bad. His name is Micaiah."

I sighed. "Ahab, you shouldn't say such things."

"Fine." Ahab puffed his chest forward. "I'll show you." He turned to the guards standing nearby. "Guard, bring Micaiah to me at once."

When he arrived, the guards brought Micaiah to us right away.

Ahab slouched back in his chair as if he knew the answer to his question before asking. "Micaiah, shall we go to war against Ramoth Gilead, or shall I refrain?"

Micaiah didn't wait a moment. Rather he shrugged and said, "Attack and be victorious for the Lord will give it into your hands."

Ahab slammed his fist on the throne. "How many times must I make you promise to tell me nothing but the truth in the name of the Lord?"

Micaiah drew a deep breath. His face showed he knew the answer before he came to Ahab's chambers. He clearly had spoken with the Lord before he entering the palace. He said, "I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd, and the Lord said, 'These people have no master. Let each one go home in peace.'"

Ahab's face turned red with rage. He turned to me and slammed his fist on the throne again. "Didn't I tell you he never prophesies anything good about me, only bad?"

Micaiah continued speaking. "Hear the word of the Lord. I saw the Lord sitting on his throne with all the host of heaven standing around him on this right and left side. The Lord said, 'Who will talk Ahab into attacking Ramoth Gilead and going to his death there?'

"One suggested this, and another that. Finally, a spirit came forward and stood before the Lord. It said, 'I will talk him into attacking.'

"The Lord asked, 'How will you do this?'

"'I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets,' he answered.

"'You will succeed in doing so,' said the Lord. 'Go and do it.'

"And now the Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouths of all these prophets of yours. The Lord has decreed disaster for you."

Ahab's fist balled tighter. He stood and pointed at Micaiah. "Take this man and send him back to Amon and to Joash, the king's son and say, 'King Ahab decrees you should put this man in prison and give him nothing but bread and water until I return safely.'"

The guards grabbed Micaiah arms. Micaiah turned back to the king and shouted, "If you ever return safely, the Lord has not spoken through me. Mark my words, all you people."

The guards hauled him out of the room.

So, which is telling the truth? Come back next week to see.

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1. Jehoshaphat asked for ______________________ to answer Ahab's question.
2. King Ahab didn't want to ask Micaiah to come because Ahab __________________
3. What did Ahab ask Micaiah?
4. What did Micaiah answer?
5. Did Ahab listen?
6. What happened to Micaiah?

Ahab asks Jehoshaphat to Join HIm in Battle

By Mary Vee
I Kings 22

From Jehoshaphat's Scrolls

I last wrote you more than a month ago. But, like I said in those words, you needed to know what my brother, King Ahab, ruler of the other ten tribes had done. 

My spies have kept me posted about the prophet Elijah's challenge against Ahab and Jezebel's prophets. Did they really think the Baal would win over the one true God?

Ahab's news about the victorious battle with Ben Hadad, king of Aram and his poor choice to steal Naboth's vineyard tells us that Ahab didn't learn any thing from Elijah's great proof of God's power.

Still, he is my brother. A Hebrew and ruler of the ten tribes of Israel. And though the two tribes that I rule have been left separate, we, the two tribes in Judah, continue to choose to worship God. We aren't perfect. There are those who worship false gods even in my territory, but I work to prevent it. 

I decided to visit Ahab to see how he was doing. Perhaps help him choose to worship God instead of Baal. He invited me into his chamber and served me a grand meal made from sheep and cattle. He raised his glass and toasted me in front of all who sat at the table. 

He told me about his current plans, wanting me to help with an attack against Ramoth Gilead.

"Jehoshaphat, don't you know that Ramoth Gilead belongs to us and yet we are doing nothing to retake it from the king of Aram? Will you go with me to fight agains Ramoth Gilead?"

Ah, I see, he still wants to conquer Ben Hadad and needs my help. "I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses. Before I agree to help, though, you will need to first seek the counsel of the Lord. I want to know if the Lord has approved this battle."

Ahab nodded and called for his guards. "Bring me the prophets, the four hundred men who serve me."

Later that day the group gathered at the threshing floor at the gate of Samaria, where Ahab and I sat on thrones, dressed in our kingly robes. He ordered their silence and spoke, "Shall I go to war against Ramoth Gilead, or shall I refrain?"

The men didn't take time to think, they didn't call on God for his answer. Instead they answered right away. "Go, for the Lord will give Ramoth Gilead into your hands."

One of the prophets, Zedekiah, did not speak with the others. He stood there holding iron horns. When the other prophets silenced, he spoke. "This is what the Lord says, 'With these you will attack the Arameans until they are destroyed."

Ahab smiled and looked to the other prophets to see if they agreed with him.

The other prophets quickly nodded and shouted, "Attack Ramoth Gilead and be victorious for the Lord will give it into your hands."

Something didn't seem right to me. The prophets seemed to anxious to answer. They didn't go away and speak with the Lord. I turned to Ahab. "Is there not a prophet of the Lord here whom we can ask?"

Come back next time to see what happens.

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1. Jehoshaphat is king of _______________
2. Ahab is king of _____________________
3. Ahab didn't worship ____________ as Jehoshaphat.
4. When Jehoshaphat visited Ahab, Ahab asked Jehoshaphat to help him __________.
5. Ahab's enemy _____________ ruled Ramoth Gilead
6. Jehoshaphat assured Ahab that they were brothers, sharing everything. But before he agreed to help Ahab, Jehoshaphat asked him to seek counsel from ___________."
7. Ahab agreed and called for _________________
8. After hearing the suggestions, Jehoshaphat agreed/did not agree. Which is correct?

Elijah Delivers God's Message to Ahab

By Mary Vee
I Kings 21

From Elijah's Journals

The Lord spoke to me this morning. He said, "Go down and meet Ahab, king of Israel, the one who rules Samaria. He is now in Naboth's vineyard where he has gone to take possession of it."

Ahab had done something very bad and now he would hear his punishment from the Lord.

I went to Naboth's vineyard and found Ahab standing there. Celebrating his new vineyard. I requested to speak to the king.

Ahab nodded to the messenger. "Yes, bring him to me." 

I walked close to the king and looked in his eyes for a moment. The man had eyes of delight that he had no right to have. But after a moment, Ahab's eyes lost their spark. "What did you come to bother me about this time, Elijah?"

"I have a message from the Lord for you."

Ahab turned to those standing around him and laughed. "So you have found me, my enemy!"

"I have found you, yes." I answered. 

"Well, then, speak your message."

"Because you have sold yourself to do evil in the eyes of the Lord He will bring disaster on you. He will consume your descendants and cut off from you every last male in Israel--slave or free. He will make your house like that of Jeroboam son of Nebat and that of Baasha son of Ahijah, because you have provoked Him to anger and have caused Israel to sin." 

I turned to Jezebel. "And also, concerning Jezebel, the Lord said, "Dogs will devour you by the wall of Jezreel."

I finished my message by turning back to king Ahab, "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."

Ahab's eyes grew quite wide. He looked at the vineyard and back at me. He tore his cloths and put on sackcloth and fasted. He hung his head low and walked in meekness. He did this for days.

I had returned to my home where I received another message from the Lord. He said, "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."

I returned to the palace and told the king the message. 

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1. Where did the Lord tell Elijah to go?
2. Who was Elijah to speak to?
3. What message did Elijah give?
4. Why did Ahab wear sackcloth and fast?
5. When God saw Ahab wearing sackcloth and fasting what did He say?

Ahab-Tattling to Queen Jezebel

By Mary Vee
I Kings 21

From King Ahab's Guard's Journal

The King returned from his visit to Naboth's vineyard in a foul mood. He stomped to his chambers, barely saying a word. 

One of the servants informed Jezebel of the king's anger. She ran straight to him and said softly. "What is wrong, my king? You won't eat or drink."

King Ahab mumbled a few words. Jezebel's shoulders soften. "You can tell me, what is wrong?"

"You know, Naboth, the owner of the beautiful vineyard I can see from my balcony?"

"Yes?"

"I went to him this morning and asked to buy his land. I offered him money, I offered him a trade." He huffed and balled his fist. "Naboth, that greedy nothing of a man said no. He said the vineyard had been given to him, passed down in his family for generations. He refused to give me his land." Ahab slammed his fist on the throne. "What am I going to do now? Step out on my balcony and stare at the most beautiful vineyard that I can't touch?"

Jezebel stepped closer and folded her arms. "Is this how you act as king over Israel? What's the matter with you? Get up and eat! Cheer up. I'll get you the Naboth's vineyard."

Jezebel stormed out of the king's chamber and ordered a scribe to follower her. She practically ran to her room, fueled with rage. "Hurry up Scribe. Write these letters at once."

"Yes, my queen."

"Write these words to the elders and nobles who live in Naboth's city: Proclaim a day of fasting and seat Naboth in an important place among the people. Be sure to seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them say Naboth has cursed both God and the king. Then take Naboth out and stone him to death."

The scribe did as he was told then gave her the letters to sign and seal. The letters were then given to the elders and nobles as Jezebel requested.

The next day the leaders proclaimed a fast and placed Naboth in an important seat. Two scoundrels sat down opposite him and shouted, "This man, Naboth, the one whom you have seated in an important place, has cursed both God and the king."

The men seated around Naboth didn't give him a chance to speak. They dragged him outside the city and stoned him to death. 

That same night messengers delivered a message to Queen Jezebel. "Naboth is dead."

She ran from her chamber with a huge smile on her face. "King Ahab!" He gave her permission to enter. She ran to him. "My dear king, get up and take possession of the Naboth's vineyard. He is no longer alive, but dead."

The king smiled for the first time in two days. "Really?" He hurried from his chamber and ran all the way to his new vineyard. "At last!" He took a deep breath. "My vineyard." He folded his arms and smiled with pride.

A messenger ran up to him, quite out of breath. "King Ahab. Elijah the prophet wants to speak with you."

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photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com
*** author's note: Sounds like Ahab is about hear God's opinion, and his consequence

1. Why was king Ahab unhappy?
2. Who did he tell?
3. What did she do?
4. What happened to Naboth?
5. What did Ahab do when he heard the news?
6. Who is going to visit Ahab?

Ahab- Naboth Beautiful Vineyard

By Mary Vee 

I Kings 21

From Naboth's Journal

There had been a terrible draught in our country, for three long years. Those of us who remained faithful to the Lord knew God held back the rains to punish the evil deeds done by king Ahab. But when the Almighty restored the rains recently, my vineyard bounced back to life.

I loved getting out of bed, rushing to my fields and sinking my fingers into the soil. I pruned the dead and weak vegetation, watered, and weeded the land. This tender care paid off. The plants grew strong and flower blossoms multiplied. This is sure to be the best crop I've ever had.

Late in the morning, I received an unusual visitor. The royal chariots approached my home. It made such a clatter my whole family could't help but notice. I told my wife to stay inside, and went out to greet the king. 

I bowed as his chariot came to a stop. "Your majesty."

He stayed in his chariot, standing high above me. "Let me buy your vineyard to use for a vegetable garden, since it is close to my palace. In exchange I will give you a better vineyard or, if you prefer, I will pay you whatever it is worth."

I didn't have to think even for a second. I could be a rich man if I accepted the king's offer, but  my heart would be sad every day of my remaining life. We don't have much, barely enough to survive, but we do have this land. My father plowed these fields and gave it to me for an inheritance. Our family has worked hard to produce the best crops possible. We never slacked in watering, weeding, planting; we love this land. No, I couldn't sell it to the king.

"I'm sorry, your majesty. I cannot give you the inheritance of my fathers."

The king didn't say anything and I didn't need to look up at his face to see his anger. Everyone knew of his uncontrollable temper. And the worst response from him was no sound. I am sure he will go to Queen Jezebel like a child complaining they didn't get their favorite toy. I fear something awful will happen.

This I know, God has placed in my heart not to sell this land, and I will obey God, no matter what the result.

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photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

1. What did Naboth love to do?

2. After the rains, Naboth was able to ___________

3. Who was the unusual visitor?

4. What did the visitor want?

5. What did Naboth answer?

6. Why?

7. What did Naboth know would happen.

8. Was he sorry about his decision?

Ahab-A Spoiled King Wants a Poor Man's Vineyard

By Mary Vee
I Kings 21

From Ahab's Scrolls

First thing every morning I walked to the balcony off of my chamber room and gazed out at the land. For three years in a row I saw nothing but brown grass and dead plants, a punishment of no rain. I blamed God and the prophet Elijah for that. 

Elijah said I was a wicked king. Hah!  My wife Jezebel wanted to worship the gods from her home country, what's wrong with that? Elijah said we should only worship the Almighty God and I needed to stop teaching the people to worship Jezebel's god's. The people worshiped Jezebel's god's to please me and I liked that. 

Well, no matter. The rains had returned and the land looked wonderful. We won a battle against the Arameans. I'd say that counts as success. 

I looked out the window and saw a vineyard beyond the palace property. It belonged to Naboth. The vegetables blossomed with bright colors. Imagine how the tasty grapes and vegetables from his vineyard. My mouth watered and I wanted some. 

"Guards!"

The door opened and two guards entered. "Sire?"

"I wish to visit Naboth."

The guards and I left a few moments later in the royal chariot. The distance was short and we could have walked, but I wanted Naboth to know the king approached his land. 

As I expected, Naboth ran out of his house toward the chariot. He bowed. "Your majesty, what brings you here to my humble home?"

Humble indeed. The man wore the clothes of a poor man. His house looked simple, nothing more than a small structure. He should be thankful I honored him with my presence. 

"Naboth, Let me have your vineyard to use for a vegetable garden, since it is close to my palace. In exchange, I will give you a better vineyard or, if you prefer, I will pay you whatever it is worth."

Naboth lowered his head. "This is my inheritance from my father. This land has been in my family for years. the Lord forbid that I should give you the work of my fathers. I am sorry, I cannot sell it to you."

How dare he speak to the king in such a manner! He should have been grateful I wanted his land. He could have taken the money and built a better home, a larger vineyard. But, no, he insists to keep his father's land! I want it.

I didn't say another word to him, I couldn't. Anger filled me with such rage I couldn't speak. 

Then I knew what to do. I would go back to the palace and speak with Jezebel. She would have a good idea. One that would force Naboth to sell me his vineyard. Hah. I raised my hand in the air. I would have this vineyard before the week ended.

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1. King Ahab looked out his window one day and saw Naboth's ___________
2. Describe the vineyard.
3. King Ahab called his guards and road his _________ to Naboth's.
4. What did King Ahab ask Naboth? 
5. What did he offer Naboth?
6. What did Naboth answer?
7. What did King Ahab decide to do.

Author's Note: when we can't have what we want how would God want us to act? Do you think Ahab acted as God wanted him to?

The Prophet's Message to Ahab

By Mary Vee
I Kings 20

From a Prophet's Journal

God sent me a message. 

Apparently, king Ahab spared the life of king Ben-Hadad. Unbelievable. 

I am to convey the message to him in a way that will let Ahab know how serious his disobedience was. 

As I walked along a road, the Lord told me to command the man walking with me, "Strike me with your weapon." I did as the Lord said. The man looked at me as if I had asked for a bag of gold. 

"No, I cannot do this," he said.

When God gives a command, no matter how odd it may seem, we are to obey. I turned to him and said, "Since you did not obey the Lord, as soon as you leave me a lion will kill you."

After the man walked away, I heard the lion's roar.

The Lord told me to find another man and give the same message. Farther up the road I saw a man. I hurried to catch up to him. "Strike me, please." The man obeyed, wounding me.

I stumbled to the side of the road and waited for king Ahab to come. I disguised myself with a headband pulled down over my eyes. After a while, I heard the foot soldiers calling out, "Make way for the king." 

When his chariot rolled past I called out to him, "Your servant went into the thick of the battle. Someone came to me and said, 'Guard this man. If he is missing, it will be your life for his life or you can pay a talent of silver.' While I hurried here and there doing my work, the man disappeared."

King Ahab called back, "Then you know what will happen. You will either lose your life or have to pay a talent of silver."

I pulled off the headband from my eyes and looked at the king.

His eyes grew wide. "You are a prophet!"

"Yes. I have a message for you from the Lord. 'You have set free a man I had determined should die. Therefore you will lose your life, and your people will lose their lives instead of his people."

Ahab closed his eyes. His face reddened and he tightened his hand into a fist. He didn't say a word other than to command his soldiers to move on. He returned to his palace in Samaria.

For three years Ahab and king Ben-Hadad kept peace. And then...

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1.  How did the prophet know Ahab spared king Ben-Hadad's life?
2.  What did God tell the prophet to say to the man walking with him?
3.  What punishment did the man receive for not obeying?
4.  What did God tell the prophet to do next?
5.  What did that man do?
6.  What disguise did the prophet wear?
7.  What message did the prophet give king Ahab?

Ahab-The Bad Guy is Spared

By Mary Vee
I Kings 20

From the Messenger's Journal

We'd barely caught our breath from running away. The Israelites conquered us like we were ants. Our king, his officials, and a few others hid in an inner room of Aphek, the closest city to the battleground.

Not knowing when the Israelites could burst through the door and find us, the officials immediately met with the king Ben-Hadad. They said, "Look, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful. Let's go to him with sackcloth around our waists and ropes around our heads. Perhaps after he sees us, he will take pity and spare your life."

I knew what they really wanted was their own lives spared. Either way, if their plan worked, both the king and the official's would be spared."

Ben-Hadad thought for a moment then nodded. "This is good."

They sent me out to purchase sackcloth and ropes and bring the supplies back. I did so and piled the material and rope in the middle of the floor. All the officials dressed as the king in the sackcloth and tied the ropes around their heads. 

The officials led the way, leaving king Ben-Hadad safely out of reach. The Israelites welcomed the officials and led them to the king. King Ahab granted permission for them to speak.

"Your servant Ben-Hadad requests you grant him permission to live."

King Ahab looked at their clothes and raised his eyebrows as if surprised. "Is he still alive? He is my brother."

The officials looked at each other and smiled. They whispered to each other, "This is a good sign, surely he will spare our king." 

The head official turned back to king Ahab and said, "Yes, your brother Ben-Hadad!"

Ahab lifted his cup and said, "Go and get him."

The official hurried back to king Ben-Hadad and told him the good news and brought him back to the Israelites. Ahab was sitting in his royal chariot. He signaled Ben-Hadad to climb up and sit next to him.

Ben-Hadad pressed his hands together and bowed. "I will return the cities my father took from your father. You may set up your own market areas in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria."

Ahab said, "If you will make this treaty with me, I will set you free." The two kings agreed and Ahab set our king, Ben-Hadad free.

I must admit my surprise at the ending. Had Ahab come to our king, I know we would not have spared his life. I wonder if Ahab has some trick, some secret plan he is plotting for another day.

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Note: The messenger had a good reason to be suspicious. Be sure to come back next time to see what happens.

Photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

1. Where did Ben-Hadad hide?
2. Who was he hiding from?
3. What plan did his official suggest?
4. What did Ahab do when he saw the officials?
5. What did Ahab do when he saw Ben-Hadad?
6. What did Ben-Hadad offer to give back?
7. What did Ahab decide to do with Ben-Hadad?

Ahab-Some People Never Learn

By Mary Vee
I Kings 20

The Messenger's Journal

We suffered a terrible loss last year. My king, Ben-Hadad of Aram became angry with the Israelites and attacked them. He knew from the first moment the Israelites were weak and could be conquered easily. He laughed as their soldiers marched toward our camp and finished his party before sending our army out to attack. 

But the battle did not go as he thought. The Israelite's God protected them. They came after our army as if we were fleas, attacking and chasing us until we suffered great losses. 

Once Ben-Hadad returned to his home he called a meeting of his advisors. "What should we do," the king asked.

The officials replied, "Their gods are gods of the hills. That is why they were too strong for us. But if we fight them on the plains, surely we will be stronger than they. Here is what we suggest: Remove all the kings from their commands and replace them with officers. You must also raise an army like the one you lost--horse for horse and chariot for chariot--so we can fight Israel on the plains. Then surely we will be stronger than they."

Ben-Hadad smiled. "This is good advice. Guards, bring drink for all of us. Let's celebrate our new plan to conquer Israel. 

The king and his officials worked all winter long preparing for this battle. They purchased and trained horses, prepared officials, and sharpened weapons. Ben-Hadad chose Aphek for the battleground. 

When spring came and the ground suitable for battle, the army marched against Israel. We settled in a camp and waited for the Israelite army to come for battle. We didn't have to wait long before the Israelites marched to the area and set up camp. 

The Israelite army looked small. Ben-Hadad laughed, "The Israelite army is no bigger than two small flocks of goats while our army covers the countryside. My friends, we are assured the victory of this battle." 

We waited seven days before commencing the battle. During that time I crept to the Israelite camp and learned a man of God told king Ahab of the Israelites they would win. Their God said he would deliver the vast army of Ben-Hadad into the Israelite hands and by this the king would know their God is the Lord.

I reported all this information back to Ben-Hadad, but he wouldn't listen to me. "You are foolish to listen to these lies. Someone must have know you were there."

The battle began. Instantly, the Israelite army took the advantage. They inflicted a hundred thousand casualties on our army in one day. Our men became scared and fled to the city of Aphek. They ran inside the city walls and cowered. As they lined against the inside of the wall, the structure collapsed killing twenty-seven thousand of them.

Those of us who survived were frightened. The Israelite God is more powerful than any other god.

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photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

1.  Although Israel won the victory, what did king Ben-Hadad from Aram decide to do?
2.  His advisors told him to _________ to prepare for a battle.
3.  When was the battle to take place.
4.  Where was the battle to take place.
5. The two armies arrived at t he battlefield. How did Ben-Hadad describe the Israelite army?
6.  Who promised the Israelites they would have a victory?
7.  Who instantly took the advantage in this battle. Why was this side winning?
8.  What happened to those who ran away?

Ahab-Conquering Ben-Hadad

By Mary Vee
I Kings 20

From a Messenger's Journal

My job is to spy on the Israelite army. I have been sent from Ben-Hadad of Aram.

Only a few days ago the Israelite king, Ahab, gave into my master's demands by giving us all the gold, silver, the king's wives and his children. My king, Ben-Hadad laughed at how easy he could take such riches. He said, "Why should we stop there? Let's take more!"

I have kept watch on king Ahab's army, which he assembled soon after Ben-Hadad demanded more wealth from Israel. Young Israelite officers, 232 men and 7,000 other soldiers gathered at noon. 

I ran back to Ben-Hadad to let him know the Israelites had formed an army. He sat in a large tent with 32 other kings drinking and laughing. With a great army formed by all these nations they knew the Israelites would be squashed. 

It took a long time to get the Ben-Hadad's attention with all the noise. He finally looked at me with drunken eyes. I don't think he could understand my words, but I tried anyway. "My lord, men are advancing from Samaria."

The kings burst out laughing. Ben-Hadad held his hand up to silence the other drunk kings. "Let's be nice to the poor, little Israelites." He laughed some more and drank from his cup. He turned to his captain. "If the Israelites have come out to make a treaty, take them as prisoners and let them live. if they come for war, take them as prisoners, and let them live. I have plans." He turned back to the other kings and toasted with his drink.  

Our army went out to face the Israelites knowing full well we'd win. I hid far enough away to watch the battle and be ready to report back to my king.

The battle did not go as we thought. The Israelite officers marched forward with the army behind them. They attacked every unit of ours and won with every stroke of their weapon. Our captains soon called for a retreat but the Israelites chased, continuing their victorious attack.

I ran back to Ben-Hadad to tell him and the kings what happened. He left the other kings and ran to his horse taking with him a group of horsemen for protection. I ran alongside to escape with my life.

After reaching our home, Ben-Hadad called a meeting of his officials. They reported: "My lord, this was a huge loss for us. The Israelite gods are gods of the hills. That is why they were too strong for us. Let us plan an attack for next spring, one that is not in the hills."

Ben-Hadad, wiped sweat from his forehead. "Unbelievable. How did they do that?"

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1. Ben-Hadad is the evil king from ___________
2. He wanted to conquer ______________
3. When the messenger told him the Israelites were coming to attack he thought ______
4. What happened during the battle?
5. When Ben-Hadad heard the news what did he do?
6. How did the Israelite army win this battle? 

Ahab- Attacked by Greedy Ben-Haddad

By Mary Vee
I Kings 20

From King Ahab's Scrolls

I am the king of Israel. Ben Haddad is the king of Aram and a very greedy man. He recently threatened to wage war unless we paid his asking price, our silver, gold, all my wives, and children. 

I was frightened. What can I say? I handed over all the silver and gold from the treasury and then told my wives and children they must go with him, too. 

Fool that I was, Ben-Haddad saw my fear and sent another messenger who said, "My master demands your silver and gold, your wives and your children. But about this time tomorrow I am going to send my officials to search your palace and the houses of your officials. They will take everything that is important to you."

This last demand went too far.

I called all the elders of the land for a meeting and said, "Ben-Haddad is a trouble maker. When he sent for my gold, silver, wives, and children I didn't refuse. I gave him everything he asked. Now he wants to raid all the palace and official quarters?"

The elders whispered amongst each other saying, "No. Don't listen to him or agree to his demands. He must be stopped."

I agreed with them and called Ben-Haddad messengers to my chambers. "Tell king Ben-Haddad I was willing to do all he demanded the first time, but this demand was too much." I dismissed the messengers to deliver my words.

Not long after, another messenger came from Ben-Haddad. "May the gods deal with me severely if enough dust remains in Samaria to give each of my men a handful."

Threaten me? He had the nerve to threaten the king of Israel? "Tell your master, this: 'One who puts on his armor should not boast like one who takes it off.'"

My scout, who followed the messenger reported back to me. "King Ahab, the messenger delivered your message as you asked. Ben-Haddad was at a party drinking. He became very angry when he heard your message. He threw down his cup and shouted, "Prepare to attack." I ran back to you before they captured me.

I didn't know for sure what should be done. As I dismissed the messenger a prophet requested to seem me. I hoped he would have the answer I needed. "Yes, send him in."

The prophet bowed. "The Lord has said, 'Do you know Ben-Haddad's vast army? I will give it into your hands today and then you will know I am the Lord.'"

The news was good, but I had questions about this message. "Who will conquer the his army?"

The prophet answered, "The Lord says, 'The young officers of the commanders will do it.'"

I understood but I had more questions. "Who will start the battle?"

The prophet answered, "You will."

Come back next time and I will tell you what happened at the battle.

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photo courtesy of Christianimagesource.com

1.  Ahab is the king of ____________
2.  Ben-Haddad is the king of ___________
3.  Who sent a messenger to king Ahab?
4.  What was the first message?
5.  What was the second message?
6.  King Ahab did as he was asked for the first demand. What did he do for the second?
7.  Who delivered a message from the Lord, and what did God say?

Elijah, God Spoke in a Still Small Voice

By Mary Vee
I Kings 19

From Elijah's Scrolls

The bread and water given to me from the angel and the sleep I had restored my strength to push forward and walk forty days and forty nights until I reached Horeb, the mountain of God.

There I found cool air and a cave to sleep in for the night.

The next morning I awoke to a voice. "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

I realized immediately it was the Lord speaking so I answered, "I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left and now they are trying to kill me too."

My legs could barely hold me. I wanted to hide in the cave forever and not speak to anyone. 

The Lord said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for I am about to pass by."

Outside the cave a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks. But the Lord was not in the wind.

An earthquake shook the ground, but the Lord was not in the earthquake.

As the earthquake stopped, fire burst into the air, but the Lord was not in the fire. 

When the fire ceased, I heard a gentle whisper. A whispered that frightened me. I pulled my cloak over my face and walked out to the mouth of the cave. There I heard the same voice saying, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

I kept the cloak over my head and repeated my answer, "I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too."

The Lord said," Go back the way you came, and go the the Desert of Damascus. When you get there:

1. Anoint Hazael king over Aram. 
2. Also anoint Jehu, son of Nimshi king over Israel, and 
3. Anoint Elisha, son of Shaphat to succeed you as prophet. 

Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death all who escape the sword of Jehu. Yet, I have reserved seven thousand in Israel--all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him."

I hurried back into the cave, grabbed my staff and left right away, as the Lord commanded.

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Photo courtesy of Christianimagesource.com

1. Where did Elijah go?
2. What did God ask him?
3. What did God say when Elijah told Him he was the only one left?
4. The Lord was not in the __________, ___________, or the ____________
5. The Lord spoke with a ________________
6. God told Elijah to anoint ___________, _____________, and ___________

Ahab-Elijah Runs for His Life

By Mary Vee
I Kings 18

From Elijah's Notes

A messenger from Jezebel found me and presented her message. She said she would kill me by this time tomorrow. 

I admit, I was afraid.

That woman was vicious. I didn't wait for the messenger to leave my hiding place. I grabbed my cloak, staff, and ran out the door. My servant kept up with me as we ran to Beersheba in Judah. I took a quick break to catch my breath and drink some water.

Beersheba would not be a good place for me to hide either. I had but one choice. Flee to the desert. I told my servant to stay in Beersheba where he could find food, water, and shelter, and not to follow me. 

From there I journeyed, running most of the time into the desert. I came to a broom tree. My legs could carry me no farther. I didn't have the strength to search for food or water. All I could do was sit under the tree and pray. "Lord, I have had enough. Please, take my life. I am no better than my ancestors."

I remember falling over and not caring about the hard ground where my head rested. For a time, that was all I remembered.

I felt someone touching me. I opened my eyes and found an angel standing over me. He said, "Get up and eat." 

I didn't want to. More sleep seemed like the better idea, but my heart told me to obey the angel. I looked around and there, by my head, was a cake of bread baked over hot coals and a jar of water. It looked and smelled delicious. I grabbed the bread, stuffed it into my mouth, and barely chewed before swallowing then took the water and poured it into my mouth so fast it dripped down my face. It tasted cool, refreshing, and moistened my lips.

I could do no more. I'm sorry to say I didn't even say thank you for the food. I lay back down and fell asleep.

I don't know how much time passed, but the same angel woke me again. He said, "Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you."

I sat up and ate the bread and drank all the water. This time my strength returned enough to let me stand. The only reason for the angel to give urgent instructions was to get me moving for my safety. I picked up my staff and cloak and continued my journey in the desert.

God has done so much for me. He put in Jezebel's heart to send a messenger instead of a band of soldiers. He gave me strength to run to Beersheba and find a safe place for my servant. He helped me journey to a place where I could sleep safely under a tree. He sent an angel to give me food and drink two times. And now he has sent me on my way to hide from Jezebel.

Praise be to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob for He has protected me.

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photo courtesy of christianimagesource.com

1. What did the messenger tell Elijah? Who sent the messenger?
2. Who is Jezebel and why was Elijah afraid of her?
3. Where did Elijah take his servant for safety?
4. Where did Elijah find a broom tree?
5. Who woke Elijah and served him fresh baked bread and water?
6. What did the angel tell Elijah the second time?

Ahab-Elijah-Jezebel's Vicious Threat

By Mary Vee
I Kings 18, 19

Journal Entry from Jezebel' Messenger

I had a job in the palace. I kind of liked it. 

Several years ago, Ahab assigned me to work for his wife, Jezebel. Basically, I did a little cleaning around her palace until she called me to deliver a message. We didn't have cell phones, or texting. I guess you could say I was the text messenger. 

Where ever and to whom ever she wanted a message delivered to, I got the job. It kept me in shape and let me visit interesting places.

Of late Jezebel has not been in a good mood. She was angry at the prophet Elijah. 

I'd never risk telling her my opinion, but I can write it here. I saw the challenge Elijah gave to the prophets of Baal. All day I watched, waiting for Baal to set the sacrifice on fire and prove to Elijah he was wrong. But Baal didn't. Elijah prepared his sacrifice, and to make the challenge more difficult, he poured water over the entire altar. One prayer. That was all it took. One prayer from him. My heart still pumps hard when I recall the scene. A blaze of fire poured down from heaven and burned every part of the sacrifice, including the altar. It took my breath away.

Jezebel is the one who insisted we, the people of Israel, worship Baal. To please her, Ahab set up Baal temples. It all made sense. We could see the statues and honestly felt the words of the prophets of Baal rang true. After a while, few questioned if Baal was real--until Elijah's challenge. 

Following the challenge all the people of Israel confessed the truth of the Almighty God of Israel. The same day rain fell on the land. We hadn't had rain for a several years. God blessed our confession with rain. We didn't deserve it, but He did it. How could we have ever doubted the God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?

Jezebel still believed in her Baal. I hadn't seen her face turn such a crimson angry red before. She'd been made at others, but never this angry. She called me into her chambers. One look at her face let me know her wrath would soon fall on some soul.

"Messenger." She paced and huffed with each breath. "Go to the prophet Elijah and tell him this message: 'May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not kill you as you have killed my prophets serving Baal.'"

I bowed in respect to her after she finished speaking and hurried out of the room. A messenger's job did not allow for breaks, meals, or walking. I had to find the prophet Elijah quickly and give him Jezebel's message.

I asked a few people on the way if they knew where Elijah might be staying. When I found the home, I knocked on the door. "Elijah?"

The door opened. "Yes?"

"I am Jezebel's messenger. She sent me with these words." I told him her message she sent.

I have never seen a prophet of God frightened before that day. He hurried to the back room and gathered his walking stick and coat. He didn't even say good bye.

Since I'd delivered the message I returned to Jezebel's palace, waited for my next assignment, and hoped Elijah would find a good place to hide.

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photo courtesy of christiansourceimages.com

1. Describe the job of a messenger.
2. Who insisted the people worship Baal?
3. Who agreed and had the Baal temples built?
4. After the challenge, Jezebel became angry. What message did she want to give Elijah.
5. Did Elijah believe her? How do you know?