Who was Ahab?

King of Israel

The story of Ahab

Ahab - King of Israel
Ahab - King of Israel
Died: -851King of Israel

Ahab was the 7th King of Israel who ruled the country from 869 BC to 850 BC. He is most famously known for his marriage to the powerful and influential Queen Jezebel and his role in the worship of the god Baal. According to the Bible, Ahab was a wicked king who did evil in the sight of the Lord, leading Israel away from the worship of God and towards idolatry. Despite being warned by the prophet Elijah, Ahab refused to repent and instead plotted to kill Elijah. Ahab died in battle when he was struck by an arrow and his blood soaked the chariot. He was succeeded by his son Ahaziah.

Name meaning

The name "Ahab" is of Hebrew origin and is most commonly associated with a biblical figure, King Ahab of Israel, who is mentioned in the Old Testament. The name Ahab (אחאב) is thought to mean "father's brother" or "uncle." In the Bible, Ahab was the son of Omri and is known for his marriage to Jezebel, as well as for his conflicts with the prophet Elijah. Ahab's reign is marked by his promotion of the worship of Baal, which led to significant religious and political turmoil in Israel. The name is also recognized in literature, notably as the character Captain Ahab in Herman Melville's novel *Moby-Dick*.

Name origin

Hebrew

Role

King of Israel

First mention

Genesis 36:39

Appearances in the Bible

95 mentions

Family

Relatives of Ahab

Ahab in the Bible

Explore all 18 chapters where Ahab appears

1 Kings

Chapter 16

The Reign of Baasha in Israel

Baasha becomes king of Israel and continues in the sins of Jeroboam.

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1 Kings

Chapter 17

Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath

Elijah is sustained by God during a famine and performs miracles, including raising a boy from the dead.

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1 Kings

Chapter 18

Elijah Confronts Ahab and Baal

Elijah confronts Ahab and the prophets of Baal in a dramatic showdown on Mount Carmel.

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1 Kings

Chapter 19

Elijah Flees from Jezebel

Elijah flees from Jezebel after she threatens his life.

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1 Kings

Chapter 20

Ahab's Wars

Ahab continues his idolatry and goes to war against Ben-hadad, the king of Syria.

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1 Kings

Chapter 21

Naboth's Vineyard

Ahab wants Naboth's vineyard and Jezebel arranges for him to be falsely accused and executed.

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1 Kings

Chapter 22

Ahab and Jehoshaphat Against Syria

Ahab and Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, join forces against Syria, but Ahab is killed in the battle.

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2 Kings

Chapter 1

Elijah Confronts Ahaziah

Jehoshaphat becomes king of Judah and follows the Lord, leading to a time of peace and prosperity.

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2 Kings

Chapter 3

Moab Rebels Against Israel

Moab rebels against Israel and Jehoram, the king of Israel, seeks the help of Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah.

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2 Kings

Chapter 8

Jehoram's Reign and Death in Israel

Jehoram becomes king of Israel and leads the people into idolatry, eventually dying a painful death.

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2 Kings

Chapter 9

Jehu Anointed King of Israel

Jehu is anointed king of Israel by one of the sons of the prophet Elisha.

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2 Kings

Chapter 10

Jehu's Purge of the House of Ahab

Jehu carries out a violent purge of the house of Ahab, eliminating all the remaining members of the dynasty.

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2 Kings

Chapter 21

Manasseh's Reign in Judah

Manasseh becomes king of Judah and leads the people into great evil, including idol worship and child sacrifice.

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2 Chronicles

Chapter 18

Jehoshaphat and Ahab's Alliance

The narrative unfolds the consequences of Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab, highlighting the dangers of compromising wit...

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2 Chronicles

Chapter 21

Jehoram's Reign in Judah

Jehoram's reign characterized by disobedience and idolatry, underscoring the spiritual decline and repercussions of stra...

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2 Chronicles

Chapter 22

Athaliah's Usurpation

The narrative unfolds the turbulent period of Athaliah's usurpation, highlighting the struggles faced by the legitimate ...

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Micah

Chapter 6

The Lord's Case Against Israel

The Lord brings a case against Israel, accusing them of disobedience and rebellion, and calls on them to turn back to Hi...

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Jeremiah

Chapter 29

God's Plan for His People

In chapter 29 of the book of Jeremiah, God sends a message to the exiles in Babylon through the prophet Jeremiah. He tel...

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Showing all 18 chapter appearances