Ahab repents

Some people pun on the word "history", saying "History is his story." There is a grain of truth in it. History has been written by men and from the perspective of men. Naturally, women become scapegoats of whatever failures and disasters inflicted on men. This is doing history in a lazy way. If we cut corners and find an easy way to explain away an issue, we will never be able to unearth the truth.

Jezebel was a Sidonian princess. Ahab took her for wife (1 Kings 16:31). Then the author of the Kings blames her for all the idolatry flourishing in Israel.
There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the LORD like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited.
He did very abominably in going after idols, as the Amorites had done, whom the LORD cast out before the people of Israel (1 Kings 21:25-26)
It was Jezebel who acted on behalf of Ahab to murder Naboth (1 Kings 21:8). It was Jezebel who murdered the prophets of Yahweh (1 Kings 18:4). Whenever her name was mentioned, she was described as a murderess and Ahab her puppet. But it was Ahab who reaped the benefits. I have no intention to defend Jezebel because I am not a historian and evidence is lacking. I think we cannot ignore the syncretism happening in Canaan at that time. Yahwehism had to fight its way into Canaan. Prophets and Sidonian princess were only players in this drama under the influence of historical forces.

God pronounced His judgment.
And you shall say to him, 'Thus says the LORD, "Have you killed, and also taken possession?"' And you shall say to him, 'Thus says the LORD: "In the place where dogs licked up the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick your own blood." (1 Kings 21:19)
Ahab was guilty of two sins: murder and stealing. Therefore, blood for blood. Dogs would lick Ahab's blood where they licked up Naboth's blood. Ahab was expected to die a violent death. However, historical legends cannot go against history. Ahab did not die a violent death, though he was bled slowly to death in a battle (1 Kings 22:34-37). To harmonize historical facts and to save the dignity of King Ahab, the author of Kings made Ahab repent.
And when Ahab heard those words, he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted and lay in sackcloth, and went about dejectedly (1 Kings 21:27).
When sinners repent, God repents. No matter how bad a sinner is, God changes His mind when sinners change their way of life.
Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days; but in his son's days I will bring the evil upon his house." (1 Kings 21:29)
In delaying the punishment, God retains His justice. Therefore, seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near (Isaiah 55:6).

Dear Lord, Ahab's story gives us confidence in Your mercy. Let us ignore not our minor offences and become complacent. Make us turn away our selfish and sinful ways of life. Amen.