819
THE KING’S BUSINESS
them, against an overwhelming force. Every soldier did his part. “They slew every one his man.” This is the way to win a fight, each man doing his duty, each man slaying his man. “And the Syrians tied, and Israel pursued them; and Ben-hadad the king of Syria es caped on a horse with the horsemen." It is a great sight to see a countless host of God’s enemies in full flight, and a handful of God’s people in full pursuit. The defeat of the Syrians was a complete fulfillment not only of God’s immediate promise to Ahab, but also of the promise made long before (Lev. 26:8, cf. Judges 7:20-22; 1 Sam. 14:13-15; 2 Kings 7:6, 7; Ps. 33:16). v. 21. “And the king of Israel went out, and smote the horses and chariots, and slew the Syrians with a great slaughter." The victory of Ahab and Israel was overwhelm ing, When we trust God and obey Him ex actly our victory will be overwhelming, no matter how numerous is the host that comes against us. Is there room for the flesh to boast? 1 Cor. 1 :27. What does God call the boaster? Luke 12:19, 20. How was the king of Babylon punished? Daniel 5 :20, 21. How does God characterize strong drink? Prov. 20:1; 23:29-31. Can the drunkard enter the Kingdom of Heaven ? 1 Cor. 6:10. What curse is pronounced upon the ttw" who gives drink to his fellows ? Heb. 2:15. (2) The Promise of Victory, vs. 13,14. God sends a prophet to king Ahab, v. 13. He promises delivery to Israel, v. 13. Ahab is to secure the victory, v. 14. Questions: Was Ahab a good king? 2 Kings 9:7. Why did God come to his relief? Ezek. 36:21, 22.
Jehovah’s way. Happy is the people whose “young men go out first” to the battle. v. 18. “And he said, Whether they he come out for peace, take them alive; or whether they be come out for war, take them alive.” Ben-hadad’s liquor had filled him with self-confidence and boasting. That is the usual effect of strong drink. But Ben-hadad’s self-confidence was to land him in utter ruin (vs. 20, 21). We have in this instance but one more among countless il lustrations that “Pride goeth before destruc tion, and a haughty spirit before a- fall” (Prov. 16:18; 1 Sam. 2:3; 14:11, 12; 17: 44; 2 Kings 14:8-12; Prov. 18:12; Luke 18: 14). vs. 19, 20. "So these young men of the princes of the provinces came out of the city, and the army which followed them; and they slew every one his man." The army of Israel was small, but they were all men of faith, at least in this instance. Trusting in the Word of God though there were but a mere handful of them, they came out of the city, with a handful of soldiers following (1) The Pompous King, vs. 10-12. King Ben-hadad sends a presumptuous message to king Ahab, v. 10. King Ahab sends back a scathing rebuke, v. 11. Ben-hadad sets the army in array for the conflict, v. 12. Questions: What is an abomination to the Lord? Prov. 16:5. What is the road to destruction? Prov. 16:18. What was the iniquity of Sodom? Ezek. 16:49. What woe does God pronounce upon the crown of pride? Isa. 28:1. What is the inception of pride? Mark 7 :21-23. What brought Herod to an untimely grave? Acts 12:20-23. Whom does God resist? Jas. 4:16; Prov. 29:33. LESSON
OUTLINE
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online