1 Kings 16:31

And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him.

And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing {H7043} for him to walk {H3212} in the sins {H2403} of Jeroboam {H3379} the son {H1121} of Nebat {H5028}, that he took {H3947} to wife {H802} Jezebel {H348} the daughter {H1323} of Ethbaal {H856} king {H4428} of the Zidonians {H6722}, and went {H3212} and served {H5647} Baal {H1168}, and worshipped {H7812} him.

But then, as if it had been a trifling thing for him to commit the sins of Yarov'am the son of N'vat, he took as his wife Izevel the daughter of Etba'al king of the Tzidonim, and went and served Ba'al and worshipped him.

And as if it were not enough for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, he even married Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and he then proceeded to serve and worship Baal.

And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him.

Commentary

Context

First Kings 16:31 marks a pivotal and dark turning point in the spiritual history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. King Ahab, who began his reign in 1 Kings 16:29, is here described as committing acts of wickedness that surpassed all his predecessors. The "sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat" refer to the establishment of golden calves in Dan and Bethel, which became the official state religion of Israel after the kingdom divided (1 Kings 12:28-30). While Jeroboam's idolatry was a grave offense, Ahab's actions plunged Israel into an even deeper apostasy, introducing foreign pagan worship directly into the heart of the nation.

Key Themes

  • Escalating Sin and Spiritual Decline: The phrase "as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam" underscores Ahab's profound disregard for God's law and the spiritual heritage of Israel. He not only continued the existing idolatry but trivialized it by adding a more egregious form of paganism.
  • Dangerous Alliances: Ahab's marriage to Jezebel, the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Zidonians (Sidonians), was a political alliance with devastating spiritual consequences. It directly violated God's commands against intermarriage with pagan nations, which were intended to prevent the introduction of foreign gods into Israel (Deuteronomy 7:3-4).
  • Introduction of Baal Worship: Jezebel actively promoted the worship of Baal, a prominent Canaanite storm and fertility god. This was not merely syncretism (mixing Yahweh worship with pagan practices) but a direct replacement and open confrontation with the worship of the Lord, leading to severe spiritual persecution of God's prophets and followers (1 Kings 18:4).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "as if it had been a light thing for him" translates the Hebrew `qalal` (קלל), which means to be light, trifling, or contemptible. It conveys a sense of casualness, insignificance, or even disdain with which Ahab regarded the already serious sins of Jeroboam. He didn't just fall into sin; he actively chose to deepen Israel's spiritual rebellion with a nonchalant attitude, indicating a hardened heart.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful cautionary tale for believers today:

  • The Slippery Slope of Sin: Sin is rarely static; it tends to escalate if not confronted. What starts as a "light thing" can quickly lead to deeper spiritual compromise and open rebellion against God.
  • The Influence of Relationships: Our closest relationships, especially marriage, have immense spiritual impact. Marrying or closely associating with those who actively promote ungodly values can lead us away from faith and into destructive practices, as seen with Ahab and Jezebel.
  • Guarding Against Compromise: We must be vigilant against any form of spiritual compromise or syncretism that seeks to dilute our devotion to God. True worship demands exclusive allegiance to the Lord, not a blending of Christian faith with worldly values or practices.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 17:16 (6 votes)

    And they left all the commandments of the LORD their God, and made them molten images, [even] two calves, and made a grove, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served Baal.

  • 2 Kings 10:18 (5 votes)

    And Jehu gathered all the people together, and said unto them, Ahab served Baal a little; [but] Jehu shall serve him much.

  • Judges 18:7 (4 votes)

    ΒΆ Then the five men departed, and came to Laish, and saw the people that [were] therein, how they dwelt careless, after the manner of the Zidonians, quiet and secure; and [there was] no magistrate in the land, that might put [them] to shame in [any] thing; and they [were] far from the Zidonians, and had no business with [any] man.

  • Deuteronomy 7:3 (3 votes)

    Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.

  • Deuteronomy 7:4 (3 votes)

    For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.

  • Judges 2:11 (3 votes)

    And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:

  • 1 Kings 21:25 (3 votes)

    But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.