1 Kings 21:26
1 Kings 21:26 in Multiple Translations
He committed the most detestable acts by going after idols, just like the Amorites whom the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.)
And he did very abominably in following idols, according to all things as did the Amorites, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.
And he did very abominably in following idols, according to all that the Amorites did, whom Jehovah cast out before the children of Israel.)
He did a very disgusting thing in going after false gods, doing all the things the Amorites did, whom the Lord sent out before the children of Israel.)
He did the most despicable things, worshiping idols like the Amorites the Lord had driven out before Israel.)
For he did exceeding abominably in following idoles, according to all that the Amorites did, whom the Lord cast out before the children of Israel.)
and he doth very abominably to go after the idols, according to all that the Amorite did whom Jehovah dispossessed from the presence of the sons of Israel.'
He did very abominably in following idols, according to all that the Amorites did, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.
And he did very abominably in following idols, according to all things as did the Amorites, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.
And he became abominable, insomuch that he followed the idols which the Amorrhites had made, whom the Lord destroyed before the face of the children of Israel.
The most abominable/detestable thing that Ahab did was to worship idols, just like the Amor people-group had done. And that is why Yahweh took the Amor people’s land from them and gave it to the Israelis.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 21:26
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Kings 21:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּתְעֵ֣ב
מְאֹ֔ד
לָ/לֶ֖כֶת
אַחֲרֵ֣י
הַ/גִּלֻּלִ֑ים
כְּ/כֹל֙
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
עָשׂ֣וּ
הָ/אֱמֹרִ֔י
אֲשֶׁר֙
הוֹרִ֣ישׁ
יְהוָ֔ה
מִ/פְּנֵ֖י
בְּנֵ֥י
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וַ/יַּתְעֵ֣ב
taʻâb
H8581
to abhor
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
מְאֹ֔ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
לָ/לֶ֖כֶת
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אַחֲרֵ֣י
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep
הַ/גִּלֻּלִ֑ים
gillûwl
H1544
idol
Art | N-mp
כְּ/כֹל֙
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עָשׂ֣וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
הָ/אֱמֹרִ֔י
ʼĔmôrîy
H567
Amorite
Art | Ngmsa
אֲשֶׁר֙
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
הוֹרִ֣ישׁ
yârash
H3423
to possess
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
מִ/פְּנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 21:26
וַ/יַּתְעֵ֣ב
taʻâb
H8581
"to abhor"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To abhor or detest something is what this Hebrew word means, and it is often used in a moral or ritual sense. It can also mean to cause something to be detested.
Definition: 1) to abhor, be abominable, do abominably 1a) (Niphal) to be abhorred, be detested 1a1) in the ritual sense 1a2) in the ethical sense 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to loathe, abhor, regard as an abomination 1b1a) in the ritual sense 1b1b) in the ethical sense 1b2) to cause to be an abomination 1c) (Hiphil) to make abominable, do abominably 1c1) in the ritual sense 1c2) in the ethical sense Also means: ta.av (תָּאַב "to loathe" H8374)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: (make to be) abhor(-red), (be, commit more, do) abominable(-y), [idiom] utterly. See also: Deuteronomy 7:26; Psalms 53:2; Psalms 5:7.
מְאֹ֔ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
לָ/לֶ֖כֶת
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
אַחֲרֵ֣י
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
הַ/גִּלֻּלִ֑ים
gillûwl
H1544
"idol"
Art | N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to an idol, which is an object worshipped as a god. It literally means a log or a round piece of wood, but it's used to describe false gods and idols in the Bible. It's often used in a negative sense to criticize idol worship.
Definition: idols
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: idol. See also: Leviticus 26:30; Ezekiel 18:12; Jeremiah 50:2.
כְּ/כֹל֙
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
עָשׂ֣וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
הָ/אֱמֹרִ֔י
ʼĔmôrîy
H567
"Amorite"
Art | Ngmsa
An Amorite is a member of a Canaanite tribe, first mentioned in Genesis 10:16, descended from Canaan. The Israelites displaced them as they entered the Promised Land.
Definition: Someone descended from Amor(?), first mentioned at Gen.10.16; descended from Canaan (H3667); along with Sidon (H6721), Heth (H2845), Jebusite (H2983), Girgashite (H1622), Hivite (H2340), Arkite (H6208), Sinite (H5513), Arvadite (H0721), Zemarite (H6786) and Hamathite (H2577) § Amorite = "a sayer" one of the peoples of east Canaan and beyond the Jordan, dispossessed by the Israelite incursion from Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: Amorite. See also: Genesis 10:16; Joshua 9:1; Psalms 135:11.
אֲשֶׁר֙
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
הוֹרִ֣ישׁ
yârash
H3423
"to possess"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
To possess means to take control of something, like a piece of land, by driving out others and occupying it. This word is used in the Bible to describe inheriting property or seizing power.
Definition: : possess/inherit 1) to seize, dispossess, take possession off, inherit, disinherit, occupy, impoverish, be an heir 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take possession of 1a2) to inherit 1a3) to impoverish, come to poverty, be poor 1b) (Niphal) to be dispossessed, be impoverished, come to poverty 1c) (Piel) to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to possess or inherit 1d2) to cause others to possess or inherit 1d3) to impoverish 1d4) to dispossess 1d5) to destroy, bring to ruin, disinherit
Usage: Occurs in 204 OT verses. KJV: cast out, consume, destroy, disinherit, dispossess, drive(-ing) out, enjoy, expel, [idiom] without fail, (give to, leave for) inherit(-ance, -or) [phrase] magistrate, be (make) poor, come to poverty, (give to, make to) possess, get (have) in (take) possession, seize upon, succeed, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 15:3; Joshua 15:63; Psalms 25:13.
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
מִ/פְּנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 21:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 21:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 21:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 21:26
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:26
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:26
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:26
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 21:26
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 21:26
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:26
- Sermons on 1 Kings 21:26
Context — Ahab’s Repentance
24Anyone belonging to Ahab who dies in the city will be eaten by dogs, and anyone who dies in the field will be eaten by the birds of the air.”
25(Surely there was never one like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the LORD, incited by his wife Jezebel.
26He committed the most detestable acts by going after idols, just like the Amorites whom the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.)
27When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and fasted. He lay down in sackcloth and walked around meekly. 28Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying:Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 21:11 | “Since Manasseh king of Judah has committed all these abominations, acting more wickedly than the Amorites who preceded him, and with his idols has caused Judah to sin, |
| 2 | Genesis 15:16 | In the fourth generation your descendants will return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.” |
| 3 | Leviticus 18:25–30 | Even the land has become defiled, so I am punishing it for its sin, and the land will vomit out its inhabitants. But you are to keep My statutes and ordinances, and you must not commit any of these abominations—neither your native-born nor the foreigner who lives among you. For the men who were in the land before you committed all these abominations, and the land has become defiled. So if you defile the land, it will vomit you out as it spewed out the nations before you. Therefore anyone who commits any of these abominations must be cut off from among his people. You must keep My charge not to practice any of the abominable customs that were practiced before you, so that you do not defile yourselves by them. I am the LORD your God.” |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 33:9 | So Manasseh led the people of Judah and Jerusalem astray, so that they did greater evil than the nations that the LORD had destroyed before the Israelites. |
| 5 | 2 Kings 16:3 | Instead, he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and even sacrificed his son in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites. |
| 6 | Ezra 9:11–14 | that You gave through Your servants the prophets, saying: ‘The land that you are entering to possess is a land polluted by the impurity of its peoples and the abominations with which they have filled it from end to end. Now, therefore, do not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters for your sons. Never seek their peace or prosperity, so that you may be strong and may eat the good things of the land, leaving it as an inheritance to your sons forever.’ After all that has come upon us because of our evil deeds and our great guilt (though You, our God, have punished us less than our iniquities deserve and have given us such a remnant as this), shall we again break Your commandments and intermarry with the peoples who commit these abominations? Would You not become so angry with us as to wipe us out, leaving no remnant or survivor? |
| 7 | Ezekiel 16:47 | And you not only walked in their ways and practiced their abominations, but soon you were more depraved than they were. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 16:18 | And I will first repay them double their iniquity and their sin, because they have defiled My land with the carcasses of their detestable idols, and they have filled My inheritance with their abominations.” |
| 9 | Ezekiel 18:12 | He oppresses the poor and needy; he commits robbery and does not restore a pledge. He lifts his eyes to idols; he commits abominations. |
| 10 | 1 Kings 15:12 | He banished the male shrine prostitutes from the land and removed all the idols that his fathers had made. |
1 Kings 21:26 Summary
This verse, 1 Kings 21:26, tells us that Ahab did some very bad things by worshiping idols, just like the Amorites, a pagan nation that God had previously driven out of the land. This was a big sin, because God had commanded the Israelites to worship only Him, as we see in Deuteronomy 6:13. By following idols, Ahab was rejecting God's ways and embracing the sinful practices of the world around him, which is something we should all be careful to avoid, as warned in Romans 12:2. We can learn from Ahab's mistake by remembering to always put God first and worship only Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to commit detestable acts by going after idols?
In the context of 1 Kings 21:26, committing detestable acts by going after idols refers to the sinful practice of worshiping false gods, which is strictly forbidden by God in Deuteronomy 12:31 and other passages. This was a common practice among the Amorites, whom the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.
Who were the Amorites and why are they mentioned in this verse?
The Amorites were a pagan nation that lived in the land of Canaan before the Israelites arrived, as mentioned in Genesis 15:16 and other passages. They are mentioned in 1 Kings 21:26 as an example of a people who engaged in detestable idolatrous practices, which Ahab had also adopted.
What is the significance of Ahab's actions being compared to those of the Amorites?
By comparing Ahab's actions to those of the Amorites, the Bible highlights the severity of Ahab's sin and his rejection of God's ways, as seen in Leviticus 18:3 and other passages. This comparison also serves as a warning to the Israelites to avoid following in the footsteps of the pagan nations they had displaced.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of 1 Kings?
This verse contributes to the overall theme of 1 Kings, which emphasizes the importance of faithful obedience to God and the consequences of disobedience, as seen in 1 Kings 11:33 and other passages. Ahab's actions, as described in 1 Kings 21:26, exemplify the kind of sinful behavior that leads to judgment and punishment.
Reflection Questions
- What are some modern-day idols that people may 'go after' in place of worshiping the one true God?
- How can we, like the Israelites, avoid adopting the sinful practices of the world around us and instead remain faithful to God's commands?
- What does this verse teach us about the dangers of compromise and the importance of wholehearted devotion to God?
- In what ways can we, like Ahab, be tempted to 'sell ourselves' to do evil in the sight of the Lord, and how can we resist such temptations?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 21:26
And he did very abominably in following idols,.... Which were abominable to the Lord; "dunghill gods", as the Tigurine version: according to all things as did the Amorites, whom the Lord cast out
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 21:26
And of Jezebel also spake the LORD, saying, The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:26
The Amorites, i.e. the seven nations of Canaan, all called by this name, as 48:22 ,10.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:26
1 Kings 21:26 And he did very abominably in following idols, according to all [things] as did the Amorites, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.Ver. 26. And he did very abominably.] All idolatries are abominable, both pagan and papagan.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:26
(26) As did the Amorites.—The reference is probably not only to the idolatry and worship of false gods, but to the nameless abominations always connected with such worship.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 21:26
26. he did very abominably] Ahab himself cast aside the worship which his predecessors had inaugurated and followed, and followed Jezebel in her idolatry. according to all things as did the Amorites] Better, with R.V., according to all that the Amorites did. The Amorites are mentioned probably because, being widely spread, the name had become representative of all the nations cast out before the children of Israel. They were the dwellers on the hills, like the Hittite and the Jebusite. It may therefore be that the Amorite worship and customs had lingered in the hill country of Samaria, and been revived during the idolatrous reign of Ahab. whom the Lord cast out] The R.V. has usually changed ‘cast’ into ‘drave’ in these passages. See 1 Kings 14:24. There seems no reason why it should not be done here.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 21:26
The Amorites appear here as representatives of the old Canaanite nations (Genesis 15:16 note). It seems to be implied here that their idolatries were in the main identical with those of the Phoenicians which Ahab had adopted.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:26
25, 26. These two verses are parenthetically added by the writer of this history to intensify the thought of Ahab’s extreme wickedness, and to show the reason of the bitter judgments that were pronounced against him.
Sermons on 1 Kings 21:26
| Sermon | Description | |
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(Genesis) Genesis 15:11-21 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Abraham and God's covenant with him. The preacher highlights the unusual nature of this covenant, where God promises something w |
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When the Wicked Shall Have Filled Up the Measure of Their Sin, Wrath Will Come Upon Them to the Uttermost by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the consequences of continuing in sin and filling up the measure of one's sins, leading to the ultimate wrath of God coming upon them to the uttermo |
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Russian Roulette by Jack Hyles | Jack Hyles preaches about the spiritual Russian Roulette many play, more dangerous than any man-made game, highlighting the certainty of facing three set dates in life: the coming |
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The Optimism of Faith by George Kulp | George Kulp preaches about the importance of having open eyes and a vision from God, using examples from history and the Bible to illustrate how those who trust in God's promises a |
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Why the Wicked Are Spared for a Season. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches about God's patience in waiting for sinners to fill up the measure of their iniquity before executing judgment, emphasizing that every impenitent sinner is c |
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The Outpouring of the Holy Ghost (Part 3) by Robert Wurtz II | Robert Wurtz II preaches on the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, focusing on the Holy Spirit's role in convincing the world of judgment to come. He delves into the concept of judgment |