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1 Kings 20 · Grade 5

Grace to an Unfaithful King

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Read and Think

Chapter 20 surprises the reader. Ahab, the worst king yet, receives two prophetic promises of victory. Ben Hadad's demands grew from tribute to total humiliation, and his boast was answered by Ahab's proverb: do not let the one putting on armor brag like the one taking it off. God's purpose was stated plainly through the prophet: you will know that I am Yahweh. Grace was offered to Ahab to draw him to repentance.

The second battle was a theological contest. The Syrians decided Israel's God was only a god of the hills and would be powerless in the plain. God answered by giving an even greater victory, to show that He is Lord of all places. Pagan religion imagined local gods with limited territories, but Israel's God is the Creator of heaven and earth.

Yet Ahab squandered the gift. When Ben Hadad's servants came in sackcloth, Ahab called him brother and made a treaty, sparing a man God had devoted to judgment. A prophet then enacted a parable, much like Nathan did with David. He disguised himself as a wounded soldier who let a prisoner escape, and Ahab pronounced judgment on himself without realizing it. Ahab went home sullen and angry. In the New Testament, Paul says that God's kindness is meant to lead us to repentance (Romans 2:4).

Show What You Know

  1. Why did God give Ahab victory, according to the prophet?

  2. What did pagan religion imagine about gods?

  3. Which earlier prophet used a parable in a similar way?

  4. What does Paul say in Romans 2:4 in the New Testament?

Crossword

42315

Across

  1. Their god is a god of the ____.
  2. A ____ came near to Ahab king of Israel.
  3. He went up and besieged ____.

Down

  1. The king of ____ will come up against you.
  2. A prophet came near to ____ king of Israel.

Think About It

  1. God showed kindness to Ahab, but Ahab did not turn. How do you respond when God is kind to you?

  2. Ahab went home sullen and angry after being corrected. How can you respond well when you are corrected?

Memory Verse

Behold, a prophet came near to Ahab king of Israel, and said, “Yahweh says, ‘Have you seen all this great multitude? Behold, I will deliver it into your hand today. Then you will know that I am Yahweh.’”

1 Kings 20:13 (WEB)

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Prayer

Dear God, thank You for being with me everywhere. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

  • Why did the Syrians think they could win in the valley?
  • How does Romans 2:4 explain God's kindness?
  • What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?

Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.