Category: Biblical Reflections

After his dramatic victory over the prophets of Baal, Elijah declared an end to the drought and told Ahab to get ready for a meal, and then to go back to Samaria.  Then Elijah went to the top of Carmel and began to pray.  He told his servant to go check for a cloud.  He … Continue reading The Drought Ends and Elijah Runs Away (1 Kings 18:41 – 19:10)

Elijah brought the children of Israel to the showdown at Mt. Carmel.  He called them out as to whom they pledged their allegiance--God or Baal--, and the Israelites were silent.  He confirmed the odds: one Elijah, prophet of the Lord, v. 450 prophets of Baal.  He called for each side to receive a bull to … Continue reading Elijah v. The Prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:20 – 40)

The son of the widow of Zarapheth got sick and quit breathing.  The widow panicked, and called on Elijah.  Elijah took him upstairs to his room and laid him on his own bed.  He stretched out on him 3 times and cried out to the Lord, and the boy revived.  He took the child to … Continue reading Elijah Raises the Widow’s Son and Sends a Message to Ahab (1 Kings 17:17 – 18:19)

After Zimri's ouster, the people of Israel were torn between Tibni and Omri as king.  Omri prevailed and Tibni died.  Omri reigned 12 years, the first six in Tirzah.  After six years, he bought Samaria and built on the hill.  This began the connection of Israel with Samaria that lasted numerous years.  Omri walked in … Continue reading Omri and Ahab in Israel (1 Kings 16:21 – 34)

Baasha was succeeded by Elah, his son.  He reigned briefly, for two years.  Zimri, commander of half his chariots, conspired against him and struck him while he was drunk.  Once Zimri took over, he killed all the house of Baasha, leaving no one.  This fulfilled the prophecy of Jehu for all the sins of Baasha … Continue reading Elah and Zimri in Israel (1 Kings 16:8 – 20)

Nadab reigned in Israel after the death of Jeroboam.  He only lasted two years, and did evil in the sight of God.  Baasha conspired against him and killed him at Gibbethon during a battle with the Philistines.  Baasha then reigned in his place.  He killed all the house of Jeroboam.  This fulfilled the prophecy of … Continue reading Nadab and Baasha in Israel (1 Kings 15:25 – 16:7 )

Asa reigned for forty-one years, and did right in the eyes of the Lord.  He destroyed idols, and cut down the Asherah image of his grandmother.  He did not remove the high places.  He brought the consecrated items into the house of the Lord.  He was at war with Israel all the days of his … Continue reading Asa Regins in Judah (1 Kings 15:9 – 24; 2 Chronicles 14:3 – 18:1)

Rehoboam was king of Judah at age 41.  Judah did evil under his reign.  They built high places, sacred pillars, wooden images.  In his fifth year, Shishak of Egypt came up to fight against Judah.  He took away their treasures and gold shields, so Rehoboam had bronze shields made in their place.  There was war … Continue reading Rehoboam and Abijam (1 Kings 14:21 – 15:8; 2 Chronicles 12:1 – 14:2)