The Wages of Sin is Death

Reflecting on the Lessons of Kings (2 of 2)

When Omri dies, Ahab comes to the throne of northern Israel (1 Kings 16:29). Ahab’s mission is now to crystallize the independence and identity of the northern kingdom in a way that will endure through time. This, I believe, is what explains his program of marrying into the royal family of Sidon and elevating Baal to the national god of Israel. In his reign, Jericho is rebuilt (1 Kings 16:34). As David built Jerusalem as capital and Solomon built the temple of God in Jerusalem, so Omri builds Samaria as capital and Ahab builds the temple of Baal in Samaria. Sidon was the firstborn son of Canaan, whose city had never been conquered (Genesis 10:15, Judges 1:31).