College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
1 Kings 20 - Introduction
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
THREE GREAT CRISES IN ISRAEL
Three great crises which occurred during the reign of Ahab are discussed in Chapter s 19-21. These crises were very different from one another. The first one was spiritual in nature and pertains to that great theocratic trooper Elijah who, because of overwhelming discouragement, had momentarily become inoperative as far as the great struggle against Baal was concerned (1 Kings 19:1-21). An invasion by Benhadad of Damascus triggered the second crisis (1 Kings 20:1-43). The third crisisa social onethreatened to disrupt the very fabric of Israelite society (1 Kings 21:1-29).
REVIEW OF CHAPTER FOURTEEN
I. FACTS TO MASTER
A. Important persons to identify in relation to this chapter:
1. Hazael
5. Ahab
2. Jehu
6. Naboth
3. Elisha
7. Jezebel
4. Benhadad
8. Elijah
B. Important places in this chapter to identify:
1. Beersheba
5. Aphek
2. Abel-meholah
6. Damascus
3. Horeb
7. Jezreel
4. Samaria
C. Important numbers to know:
1.
Number of days it took Elijah to travel from the juniper tree to Horeb
2.
Number in Israel who had not bowed the knee to Baal
3.
Number of pairs of oxen plowing in a field
4.
Number of kings who accompanied Benhadad during his attempted siege of Samaria
5.
Number of young men Ahab used in gaining the victory over Benhadad
6.
Number of troops Ahab had in Samaria
7.
Number of Arameans smitten in the battle of Aphek
8.
Number of Arameans killed when a wall fell
9.
Number of witnesses who testified against Naboth
D. Words and phrases which should recall to mind key events in this chapter:
1. juniper tree
10. a lion will kill you
2. bread cake
11. bandage over his eyes
3. cave
12. talent of silver
4. wind, earthquake, fire
13. vineyard
5. still small voice
14. seal
6. sword
15. fast
7. drinking himself drunk
16. stones
8. gods of the mountains
17. dogs
9. ropes on their heads
II. QUESTIONS TO PONDER
1.
A caption for chapter 19 might be God's Cure for the Blues. What does God do to aid Elijah in this period of deep discouragement?
2.
Why did God provide food for Elijah under the juniper tree? To what extent was Elijah's mental attitude and outlook affected by his lack of rest and low physical ebb?
3.
What lessons did Elijah learn at Horeb?
4.
Why did Elijah flee all the way to Horeb? What circumstances might make a Christian retreat from the main stream of life? What does God say to those who wish to practice their religion in safe solitude?
5.
What attributes about Elisha are revealed in chapter 19?
6.
Why was there no rebuke for Elisha when he requested time to say good-bye to his parents?
7.
The Naboth vineyard episode illustrates the difference in the approach of Yahwism and Baalism toward social relationships. What did Baalism champion? Yahwism?
8.
What role do the sons of the prophets play in this section? Were they hostile or favorable toward Ahab?
9.
What tactics did Jezebel use to secure Naboth's vine yard for her husband? Why the fast?
10.
Why was Elijah's prophecy against Ahab not literally fulfilled?
11.
Was it fair for God to delay the punishment against Ahab until the reign of his son?
12.
What vital lessons was the wounded prophet trying to drive home to Ahab?