The Justice of God

Sometimes it may seem as though evil people are getting away with murder! But, there is a payday. Though the wheels of God’s justice may turn slowly, they turn surely.

Note: the proof that what God told Elijah about other godly prophets is found in the fact that he uses other prophets in the surrounding chapters to confront Ahab.

Corrupt Conspiracy

Ahab’s greed led to corruption. When lust it conceived in the heart it brings forth sin.

Ahab’s pouting gave Jezebel the excuse she needed to concoct a corrupt scheme: false accusations, false witnesses, unjust trial and sentence.

Everything looked like it succeeded. But God knew!

Condemnation by God

God is just and will not allow the guilty to go unpunished in their sin. Ahab repeatedly chaffed at God’s prophets throughout his lifetime. 1 Kings 18:17; 20:43; 21:20; 22:8, 18 “And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “Did I not tell you that he would not prophesy good concerning me, but evil?””

The prophecy is specific. Ahab’s decedents will be cut off. The dogs will lick up his blood. Jezebel will be eaten by dogs (unthinkable for royalty).

Consequences

Ahab is killed by a arrow shot at “random.”

9 years go by, then Jehu is anointed king and kills Joram, Ahaziah (son-in-law king of Juah), and Ahab’s 70 sons (2 Kings 9-10)

Jezebel is eaten by dogs.

Application: In times like these we can be tempted to grow anxious over the prosperity of wicked rulers. We need to know that God will bring justice. Our hope is in HIM!

Psalm 37:1 “Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers!”

Psalm 37:35-38 “I have seen a wicked, ruthless man, spreading himself like a green laurel tree. But he passed away, and behold, he was no more; though I sought him, he could not be found. Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace. But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed; the future of the wicked shall be cut off.”