EPIC Daily Reading

EPIC: The Story of God
Weekend
April 11-12

Ahab Wins Battle, Rejects Warning, Dies
1 Kings 20-22

Summary
In this passage, God extends his grace to King Ahab three times. First, Ben-Hadad, the King of Samaria, raises a large army with 32 other kings against Israel. King Ahab, bows to their first demands and gave them his silver, gold, wives and children, but refuses their second demand to give up his kingdom. A prophet comes to Ahab and tells him that God would defeat Ben-Hadad so that Ahab would know that He is God. The defeat happens as was prophesied. Ahab gives no credit to God. Again God extends his grace to Ahab. This time the prophet tells Ahab that Ben-Hadad will attack again, so he needs to ready his army. Ben-Hadad does attack and Ahab is prepared. Again the prophet assures Ben-Hadad of victory so that Ahab will know that He is God. Again, Ahab is victorious, but gives no credit to God. Instead, Ahab spares the life of the idol-worshiping Ben-Hadad. Sometime later Ahab sees and covets a nearby vineyard, but the owner refuses to sell. Jezebel loathes her husband’s weakness and orders the owner to be killed. While Ahab is on his way to claim the land, Elijah meets him with a new prophecy in response to the murder of the vineyard owner: Ahab’s entire family will all die and Jezebel will experience a particularly gruesome death. At hearing this, Ahab shows signs of repentance and God in his mercy and grace postpones Ahab’s previous sentence to take place after his dies. Ahab’ demise transpires when he joins Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, to fight against a common enemy. A summoned prophet foretells their defeat. The kings choose to believe the more favorable prophecies and die in battle. Then the rest of the foretold events unfold.

Sample of Today's Reading:
I Kings 20:13: “This is what the LORD says: ‘Do you see this vast army? I will give it into your hand today, and then you will know that I am the LORD.”

To read today's full reading click here: 1 Kings 20-22

Question of the Day
Why would God extend his grace to Ahab who kept ignoring him? Do I ignore God? What is God trying to show me about himself?

Prayer Focus
Thank you for your grace that comes to me each and everyday. Open my eyes and my heart to see what I may be missing.