The Bible Study Podcast, episode 562. Today, the Bible Study podcast continues the study of the

Kings of Israel and Judah with First Kings chapter 20.

Welcome to the Bible Study podcast. I'm your host, Chris Christensen. We continue on with the story of the Kings and, of course, with the two prophets that we left you with last week, Elijah and Elijah. Now, one thing that I do want to tie in last week's episode, remember last week in First Kings 19, Elijah had said, I'm the only one. I'm the only one left,

and he was told by God it's not true. There are 7,000 people who have not bowed a need to the

false gods, to Baal or Ashera. And then he gave him some specific instructions, and that is

relevant to this week,

because one of his things was to go and anoint Hazael king over Aram,

and another was to anoint the new king of Israel in place of Ahab, who he has been on the run from,

and then also to go and an annoyed Elisha as his successor.

Well, and I mention that because the current king of Aram is in this particular chapter.

First Kings 20, Ben Haddad attacks Samaria.

Now, Ben Hadad, king of Aram, mustered his entire army. Accompanied by 32 kings with their horses and chariots,

he went up and besieged Samaria and attacked it. He sent messengers into the city to Ahab, king of Israel,

saying, this is what Ben Hadad says, your silver and gold are mine, and the best of your wives and

children are mine.

The king of Israel answered, just as you say, my lord the king, I and all I have are yours.

The messengers came again and said, this is what Ben Haddad says. I sent to demand your silver and

gold, your wives, and your children, but about this time tomorrow, I'm going to send

my officials to search your palace and the houses of your officials. They will seize everything

you value and carry it away. The king of Israel summoned all the elders of the land and said to them,

see how this man is looking for trouble. When he sent for my wives and my children, my silver and my gold,

I did not refuse him. The elders and the people all answered, don't listen to him or agree to his

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