Achab

( 'A'h'abh, Achaab in Jeremiah 29:22 , 'Ehabh, Achiab )

Son of Amri and King of Israel, 918-897 B.C., according to 1 Kings 16:29 , but 875-854 according to the Assyrian documents. The original reading of 1 Kings 16:29 , may have been changed. The King was married to Jezabel, a Sidonian princess, and was misled by her into idolatry ( 1 Kings 16:31 sqq. ) the persecution of the prophets ( 1 Kings 18:13 sqq. ), and a most grievious injustice against Naboth ( 1 Kings 21 ). He was twice victorious in his wars against Syria ( 1 Kings 20:13-28 ), and made an alliance with the Syrian King Benadad in spite of prophetic warning ( 1 Kings 20:33 ). In the sixth year of Salmanassar II the allies were overcome by the Assyrians near Karkar, and their compact ceased. Achab now allied himself with Josaphat, King of Juda, and they began war against Syria in order to conquer Ramoth Galaad ( 1 Kings 22:3 sqq. ). The false prophets foretold victory, while Micheas predicted defeat. The battle was begun in spite of this warning, and an arrow wounded Achab between the lungs and the stomach ( 1 Kings 22:34 ). He died in the evening, and when his chariot was washed in the pool of Samaria, the dogs licked up his blood ( 1 Kings 22:38 ).