TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
1 Kings 20:1-21:29
Acts 12:24-13:15
Psalm 137:1-9
Proverbs 17:16
1 Kings 20:6 — The dangers of appeasement. When you have given everything they have asked for, be aware that they may ask for more.
1 Kings 20:32 — Ah, the definition of the “good ol’ boys club.” Even though Benhadad threatened to rape and pillage the land, Ahab still thought of him as a brother. But this wasn’t Ahab’s war; this was the LORD’s war (1 Kings 20:28). Compare this situation to Rabshekah and Hezekiah in Isaiah 36:15. 1 Kings 20:42 says that we don’t have authority to make peace with the enemies of the LORD when He has appointed them to destruction. Unless, of course, we want to take their place.
1 Kings 21:4 — Patch the Pirate wrote the song “The Poochie Lip Disease” about the displeasure and pouting that King Ahab did because he couldn’t get a garden.
1 Kings 21:8 — In the University of Chicago’s Oriental Collection, they have a large collection of seals.
1 Kings 21:10, 13 — Interesting that the word “LORD” is not used, but the generic word “Elohim” (god) is. Naboth identified with the LORD, but the sons of Belial identified with just a generic god.
1 Kings 21:29 — It’s interesting that Ahab had a somewhat soft heart; unfortunately, it seems he was stirred up by his wife, Jezebel (1 Kings 21:25). Solomon wrote well of the woman that feareth the LORD (Proverbs 31:30). Many a pastor has been limited in his ministry because his wife was not on the same page. In Bible college the observation was shared that half of all preachers married the wrong woman. On the other hand, I’ve heard of women that felt God’s call to the mission field but married a husband that was not responsive to that calling as well.
Acts 12:24 — Welcome to the theme verse of the Book of Acts. We have seen and will continue to see how the Word of God grew and multiplied!
Acts 12:11 — It is dangerous to interfere with the work of God. In Acts 5, we saw Ananias and Sapphira dead. In Acts 12:23, we see Herod dead.
Psalm 137:9 — The final verse in this psalm of mourning is troubling for some. Atheist debater Dan Barker cites this as proof of the “monster-ship” of God. Some say it’s merely an expression of the feelings of the writer. Jean Jones cites some helpful points, including understanding synecdoche, symbolism, lex talionis, and prophecy. Kyle Butt claims it’s an imprecatory prophecy without divine command.
Proverbs 17:16 — If you aren’t going to learn, don’t bother paying extra for tuition.
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