I have hidden Thy word in my heart.
(Picture by Lisa R)

1 Kings 20. “And he hastened to take the bandage away from his eyes; and the king of Israel recognized him as one of the prophets. Then he said to him, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Because you have let slip out of your hand a man whom I appointed to utter destruction, therefore your life shall go for his life, and your people for his people.’ So the king of Israel went to his house sullen and displeased, and came to Samaria” (Verses 41-43). Obedience. The King wanted to be nice, but God required obedience. If Ahab’s mercy had been an act of God’s will, or because he wanted Ben Hadad to know God, I believe that God’s punishment may have been abated. But Ahab wanted to be recognized and praised, and to gain recognition he disobeyed God’s direct command. Here is what we know and this truth will NEVER change: God requires OBEDIENCE.