Evil and pride
Four generations after Solomon, with his kingdom long split into two, we now see the third (Baasha), fourth (Elah), fifth (Zimri), sixth (Omri) and seventh (Ahab) kings of the northern kingdom of Israel.
Beginning with Baasha, who was a usurper himself (1 Kings 15:27), we see a chain of evil idol-worshipping kings, each described to have either imitated Jeroboam’s evil or, for Omri and Ahab, surpassed Jeroboam’s level of evilness. There are many gruesome curses and chaotic events recorded in this chapter, such as:
The curse against Baasha (16:4) and its fulfilment through Zimri’s assassination of Elah, Baasha’s son (16:9-12)
Zimri committing arson and suicide by burning the king’s house over himself, when Israel revolted against him by making Omri king (16:16, 18)
Further internal clashes as Israel became divided in their allegiance between Omri and another man named Tibni (16:21-22)
The uncanny deaths of Hiel’s eldest and youngest sons when he rebuilt Jericho (16:34), as prophesied by Joshua when he cursed Jericho after conquering it (Joshua 6:26).
God’s words to Baasha, in verse 2 of this chapter, stood out to me: “I exalted you out of the dust and made you leader over my people Israel.”
Note the word “dust” – it is what we are literally made of (Genesis 2:7), and a reminder of our lowliness and insignificance before God (Psalm 103:14-15; Job 42:5-6).
The Almighty and all-knowing God was the One who appointed these imperfect individuals to lead His people. Yet, time and time again, these kings forgot their place before God, that they were but dust and were supposed to submit themselves to Him. Instead, they did as they pleased, giving rein to their greed and bloodlust. They completely disregarded God’s ways out of pride.
Consequently, within this chapter, we see God’s timely punishment of the third to sixth kings. As for Ahab, later he also met with a violent end (1 Kings 22:34-35).
Therefore, an important lesson for us: “‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.” (1 Peter 5:5-6)
Also: “Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD; be assured, he will not go unpunished.” (Proverbs 16:5)
Reflection questions:
Reflect on your successful moments and where God has placed you in life. Do you see God’s hand in them? If so, how? Give God the due gratitude and glory.
Have you ever felt like “dust” – weak, fragile, helpless, insignificant? How did God help you through your weakest moments? Let them be reminders for you to boast in your weaknesses and God’s empowerment (2 Corinthians 12:9), instead of your perceived abilities.
There are many verses in the Bible that warn against pride and idolatry. Can you recall more of them, and how do they (or any one of the verses) relate to you in your current situation?
