Ahab

OmriEnglish

A king of Northern Israel, living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.16.28.

Ahab was the son of Omri and the seventh king of Israel, reigning for 22 years in Samaria. He did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of his predecessors. Ahab married Jezebel, daughter of the king of Sidon, and began to worship Baal. He built a temple and altar for Baal in Samaria and made an Asherah pole, provoking the anger of the Lord. (1 Kings 16:28-33) During Ahab's reign, the prophet Elijah declared a drought in Israel. Later, Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, proving the Lord to be the true God. (1Ki.17-18) Ahab fought wars against Ben-Hadad, king of Aram, with the Lord granting him victories. (1Ki.20).