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false confidence

1 Kings 20:1-43 (JDV)

1 Kings 20:1 Now King Ben-hadad of Aram assembled his entire army. Thirty-two kings, along with horses and chariots, were with him. He marched up, besieged Samaria, and fought against it.
1 Kings 20:2 He sent agents into the city to King Ahab of Israel and said to him, “This is what Ben-hadad says:
1 Kings 20:3 ‘Your silver and your gold are mine! And your best wives and children are mine as well! ‘”
1 Kings 20:4 Then the king of Israel answered, “Just as you say, my lord the king: I am yours, along with all that I have.”
1 Kings 20:5 The agents then returned and said, “This is what Ben-hadad says: ‘I have sent messengers to you, saying: You are to give me your silver, your gold, your wives, and your children.
1 Kings 20:6 But at this time tomorrow I will send my servants to you, and they will search your palace and your servants’ houses. They will lay their hands on and take away whatever is precious to you.'”
1 Kings 20:7 Then the king of Israel called for all the elders of the land and said, “Recognize that this one is only looking for trouble, for he demanded my wives, my children, my silver, and my gold, and I didn’t turn him down.”
1 Kings 20:8 All the elders and all the people said to him, “Don’t listen or agree.”
1 Kings 20:9 So he said to Ben-hadad’s agents, “Say to my lord the king, ‘Everything you demanded of your servant the first time, I will do, but this thing I cannot do.'” So, the messengers left and took word back to him.
1 Kings 20:10 Then Ben-hadad sent messengers to him and said, “May the gods punish me and do so severely if Samaria’s dust amounts to a handful for each of the people who follow me.”
1 Kings 20:11 The king of Israel answered, “Say this: ‘Don’t let the one who puts on his armor boast like the one who takes it off.'”
1 Kings 20:12 When Ben-hadad heard this response, while he and the kings were drinking in their quarters, he said to his servants, “Take your positions.” So, they took their positions against the city.
1 Kings 20:13 A prophet approached King Ahab of Israel and said, “This is what Yahveh says: ‘Do you see this whole huge army? Watch, I am handing it over to you today so that you may know that I am the Lord.'”
1 Kings 20:14 Ahab asked, “By whom?” And the prophet said, “This is what Yahveh says: ‘By the young men of the provincial leaders.'” Then he asked, “Who is to start the battle?” He said, “You.”
1 Kings 20:15 So Ahab mobilized the young men of the provincial leaders, and there were 232. After them, he mobilized all the Israelite troops: 7,000.
1 Kings 20:16 They marched out at noon while Ben-hadad and the thirty-two kings who were helping him were getting drunk in their quarters.
1 Kings 20:17 The young men of the provincial leaders marched out first. Then Ben-hadad sent out scouts, and they reported to him, saying, “Men are marching out of Samaria.”
1 Kings 20:18 So he said, “If they have marched out in peace, take them alive, and if they have marched out for battle, take them alive.”
1 Kings 20:19 The young men of the provincial leaders and the army behind them marched out from the city,
1 Kings 20:20 and each one struck down his opponent. So the Arameans fled and Israel pursued them, but King Ben-hadad of Aram escaped on a horse with the cavalry.
1 Kings 20:21 Then the king of Israel marched out and attacked the cavalry and the chariots. He inflicted a severe slaughter on Aram.
1 Kings 20:22 The prophet approached the king of Israel and said to him, “Go and make yourself strong, then consider carefully what you should do, for in the spring the king of Aram will attack you.”
1 Kings 20:23 Now the king of Aram’s servants said to him, “Their gods are gods of the hill country. That’s why they were stronger than we were. Instead, we should fight with them on the plain; then we will certainly be stronger than they are.
1 Kings 20:24 Also do this: remove each king from his position and appoint captains in their place.
1 Kings 20:25 Raise another army for yourself like the army you lost– horse for horse, chariot for chariot– and let’s fight with them on the plain; and we will certainly be stronger than they are.” The king listened to them and did it.
1 Kings 20:26 In the spring, Ben-hadad mobilized the Arameans and went up to Aphek to battle Israel.
1 Kings 20:27 The Israelites mobilized, gathered supplies and went to fight them. The Israelites camped in front of them like two little flocks of goats, while the Arameans filled the landscape.
1 Kings 20:28 Then the man of God approached and said to the king of Israel, “This is what Yahveh says: ‘Because the Arameans have said: Yahveh is a god of the mountains and not a god of the valleys, I will hand over all this whole huge army to you. Then you will know that I am the Lord.'”
1 Kings 20:29 They camped opposite each other for seven days. On the seventh day, the battle took place, and the Israelites struck down the Arameans– one hundred thousand foot soldiers in one day.
1 Kings 20:30 The ones who remained fled into the city of Aphek, and the wall fell on those twenty-seven thousand remaining men. Ben-hadad also fled and went into an inner room in the city.
1 Kings 20:31 His servants said to him, “Consider this: we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful kings. So, let’s put sackcloth around our waists and ropes around our heads, and let’s go out to the king of Israel. Perhaps he will spare your life.”
1 Kings 20:32 So they dressed in sackcloth around their waists and ropes around their heads, went to the king of Israel, and said, “Your servant Ben-hadad says, ‘Please spare my life.'” So, he said, “Is he still alive? He is my brother.”
1 Kings 20:33 Now the men were looking for a sign of hope, so they quickly picked up on this and responded, “Yes, it is your brother Ben-hadad.” Then he said, “Go and bring him.” So, Ben-hadad came out to him and Ahab had him come up into the chariot.
1 Kings 20:34 Then Ben-hadad said to him, “I restore to you the cities that my father took from your father, and you may set up marketplaces for yourself in Damascus like my father set up in Samaria.” Ahab responded, “On the basis of this treaty, I release you.” So, he made a treaty with him and released him.
1 Kings 20:35 One of the sons of the prophets said to his fellow prophet by the word of Yahveh, “Strike me!” But the man refused to strike him.
1 Kings 20:36 He told him, “Because you did not listen to the Lord, mark my words: When you leave me, a lion will kill you.” When he left him, a lion attacked and killed him.
1 Kings 20:37 The prophet found another man and said to him, “Strike me!” So, the man struck him, inflicting a wound.
1 Kings 20:38 Then the prophet went and waited for the king on the road. He disguised himself with a bandage over his eyes.
1 Kings 20:39 As the king was passing by, he cried out to the king and said, “Your servant marched out into the middle of the battle. Suddenly, a man turned aside and brought someone to me and said, ‘Guard this man! If he is ever missing, it will be your life in place of his life, or you will weigh out seventy-five pounds of silver.’
1 Kings 20:40 But while your servant was busy here and there, he disappeared.” The king of Israel said to him, “That will be your sentence; you yourself have decided it.”
1 Kings 20:41 He quickly removed the bandage from his eyes. The king of Israel recognized that he was one of the prophets.
1 Kings 20:42 The prophet said to him, “This is what Yahveh says: ‘Because you released from your hand the man I had set apart for destruction, it will be your life in place of his life and your people in place of his people.'”
1 Kings 20:43 The king of Israel left for home resentful and angry, and he entered Samaria.

false confidence

The most amazing part of this whole story is that the LORD had condescended to back king Ahab. He was a selfish and evil man. But the LORD chose to give him victory over a greater army twice – for the LORD’s name sake. Then, Ahab ruined it by choosing to let Ben Hadad go, after the LORD had already devoted him to destruction. Ahab had mistaken victory and prosperity for the LORD’s favor. We are at our most vulnerable not when we are poor and sick, but when we are rich and healthy. It is then that we are in danger of presuming that we can choose to keep sin among us. There is always a price to pay for that presumption. The prophet reminded Ahab of that price.

LORD, thank you for times of victory and prosperity, but may we learn to be careful not to let those times give us false confidence.

Books by Jefferson Vann

• 148 Days with the Coming King is a compelling devotional journey designed to inspire spiritual growth and reflection over a period of 148 days. Throughout this transformative experience, readers will engage with profound insights, reflective prompts, and meditative practices aimed at deepening their understanding of faith. It includes a full new translation of Matthew’s Gospel.

• An Advent Christian Systematic Theology (volume 1) – This book is the first volume in a comprehensive series exploring the doctrinal foundations and theological interpretations of the Advent Christian denomination, aiming to provide readers with an in-depth understanding of its unique beliefs and practices as they relate to systematic theology. This volume introduces the study, and answers questions about God and how he has revealed things to humans. It also includes an appendix of selected articles on the exclusive immortality of God.

• An Advent Christian Systematic Theology (volume 2) – A comprehensive exploration of doctrines and theological concepts within the Advent Christian tradition, this volume offers readers insights into historical context, biblical references, and practical applications for contemporary faith practice. Whether for personal study or academic research, it serves as a valuable resource for understanding the depth and richness of Advent Christian theology. This volume specifically covers the doctrine humanity and sin. It also includes an appendix on human mortality and on the intermediate state.

• An Advent Christian Systematic Theology (Volume 3) – This volume is part of a comprehensive series that delves deeper into the systematic theology from an Advent Christian perspective, providing insightful analysis and interpretation of theological concepts, offering both historical context and contemporary relevance for readers interested in the rich tradition of Advent Christian beliefs and practices. This volume treats the doctrines concerning Christ, the Holy Spirit, Angels and Demons, Salvation and the Church.

• An Advent Christian Systematic Theology (Volume 4) – This volume represents a comprehensive exploration of the theological tenets unique to the Advent Christian denomination. It delves deeply into topics such as salvation, the nature of God, and eschatology, offering readers an in-depth understanding of Advent Christian beliefs. Essential for both scholars and laypeople interested in systematic theology, this work is a crucial addition to any theological library. This volume treats the doctrine of eschatology and includes indices on the resurrection and final punishment.

• Another Bible Commentary – This commentary offers insightful interpretations and detailed analysis of all the biblical texts, making it valuable for both scholars and readers seeking to deepen their understanding of scripture. The author, Jefferson Vann, has crafted a resource that blends traditional biblical scholarship with contemporary relevance, appealing to a broad audience interested in theological studies and practical application of biblical principles in everyday life.

• Devotions from Exodus – A profound collection that offers rich reflections and spiritual insights, ideal for both personal contemplation and group study, leading readers through the important themes and lessons within the Book of Exodus, promoting a deeper understanding of faith and divine guidance. It includes a new translation from the original Hebrew.

• Devotions from Leviticus – A comprehensive devotional that deeply explores themes found in the book of Leviticus, offering insights and reflections to guide personal spiritual growth and understanding of biblical principles in everyday life. . It includes a new translation from the original Hebrew.

• Devotions from Mark’s Gospel – A comprehensive and inspiring collection of spiritual reflections and meditations based on the Gospel of Mark, aimed at deepening one’s faith and understanding of the teachings of Jesus. This work can serve as a valuable resource for personal study, group discussions, or devotional reading, encouraging readers to engage more deeply with the scriptures and apply their lessons to daily life. It includes a new translation from the original Greek.

• finding gold in Genesis – This fascinating book delves deep into the transformative messages within the Book of Genesis, providing readers with practical insights and a fresh perspective on biblical stories, making it an invaluable resource for personal growth and spiritual enrichment. . It includes a new translation from the original Hebrew.

• The Coming King – This book offers a profound insight into the themes and messages found within the text of Matthew’s Gospel. It serves not only as a translation but also as an illuminating commentary that guides readers through the intricate layers of meaning and interpretation, making it an essential read for anyone interested in biblical studies and spiritual growth. . It includes a new translation from the original Greek.

• The Piney Grove Pulpit #1 – This gripping book is an essential read for anyone interested in profound spiritual insights and valuable lessons from the pulpit, aptly highlighting the wisdom and teachings that have resonated through years within the Piney Grove community. It contains sermons preached from October 2019 to October 2020.

• The Piney Grove Pulpit #2– This gripping book is an essential read for anyone interested in profound spiritual insights and valuable lessons from the pulpit, aptly highlighting the wisdom and teachings that have resonated through generations within the Piney Grove community. It contains sermons preached from September to December 2020.

• The Piney Grove Pulpit #3 – This gripping book is an essential read for anyone interested in profound spiritual insights and valuable lessons from the pulpit, aptly highlighting the wisdom and teachings that have resonated through generations within the Piney Grove community. It contains sermons preached from January to April 2021.

• The Piney Grove Pulpit #4 – This gripping book is an essential read for anyone interested in profound spiritual insights and valuable lessons from the pulpit, aptly highlighting the wisdom and teachings that have resonated through generations within the Piney Grove community. It contains sermons preached from April to August 2021.

• The Piney Grove Pulpit #5 – This gripping book is an essential read for anyone interested in profound spiritual insights and valuable lessons from the pulpit, aptly highlighting the wisdom and teachings that have resonated through generations within the Piney Grove community. It contains sermons preached from August to November 2021.

• Words from the Collector is a captivating exploration of the Old Testament Book of Ecclesiastes. It includes a new translation and devotional commentary of the book. The Collector is Solomon as an old man, who collected wisdom to pass on to the next generation. It includes a new translation from the original Hebrew.