Who was King Ahab?: Episode 6

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King Ahab is a villain in the Hebrew Bible, famously always “doing evil in the eyes of the LORD” and married to his evil queen Jezebel. But who was Ahab? He was the son of King Omri, a man who founded the Omride Dynasty. The Omrides went on to be one of the most powerful entities in the region as the Northern Kingdom of Israel, conquering their neighbors and even standing up against the Assyrians in battle. This episode explores the archaeological evidence of the Omrides and the Northern Kingdom.
Producer: Andrew Henry
Consultant: Melissa Cradic
Writer: Bailey Benson
Special thanks to the Jezreel Expedition and the Jezreel Valley Regional Project.
Learn more about King Ahab and the Omride Dynasty here:
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bit.ly/2NrscPb
Website: www.patheos.com​​
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[@florian8599]

Suddenly the "The King shall not be to rich and not have too many horses" Rule in Deuteronomy makes sense...

[@kiritugeorge4684]

Omri was the king of Israel and he oppressed Moab for many days And his son succeeded him and he said "I too will oppress Moab." Dunno why I laughed so hard when he said this😂😂😂Like, it sounds like a some bit or scene from a comedy show😂

[@cleitonfelipe2092]

I could listen to this for hours. All the biblical names and stuff, you really fit into telling these stories and archaeology things and I don't know why.

[@lashram32]

Maybe cuz Andrew has a PhD in what he is talking about and has forgotten more about this stuff than you or I will ever learn.

[@ReligionForBreakfast]

@@lashram32 My own PhD helps, but this was a collaborative effort with several archaeologists and biblical scholars. Couldn't have made this series without their help!

[@theexile1155]

You were predestined to be different(Romans 8:29). HALLELUYAH!(PRAISE YE YAH!)

[@MrFrog-rc3zx]

You guys are fooled. The Bible was written by Constantine at the council of Nicaea

[@cleitonfelipe2092]

@@MrFrog-rc3zx Even if I tried to believe you, this doesn't make any sense.

[@beachmasterX]

It is beyond fascinating how much we know about our history, keep em coming I love it!!!

[@amiralitehranchi8862]

What is even more fascinating is how much we don’t know about out history

[@marcussapir3245]

This has become my favorite series on all of KZbin. Great work!!

[@PatheosOfficial]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@annawarren-sullivan7630]

Likewise. 👊

[@scottduke]

I really appreciate these history/archaeology videos!

[@DiscipleToki]

You know what Doc Andrew, this series made me want to rekindle my religious studies which I left due to lack of faith but it is still damn interesting history. I could not stop watching. I love it. Well done and thank you.

[@DiscipleToki]

@The Matrix The no faith approach to religious study.

[@LandgraabIV]

Loving this series!

[@pattiann6800]

I love this series. Thank-you Andrew !!

[@ReligionForBreakfast]

Thank you! Glad you're enjoying it.

[@grimmace2131]

Cannot wait for the next episode!

[@johnbecker7792]

Amazing info! I would love to hear more long format content from you. The information you are aware of has to be greater than most people who are interested in the history of early religious beliefs. Do you have a podcast?

[@Emymagdalena]

Ugh! love it when things I'm currently researching just fall into my lap

[@robbabcock_]

Great video!

[@parentalbliss4247]

Thanks!! Great video

[@christianmartinez774]

Good stuff

[@tomuchfortwo]

Good job

[@bv6086]

Thank you for this video...

[@maldonadoruthie]

Great video thank you ❤

[@PatheosOfficial]

Thanks for watching!

[@alanjohnson6398]

'Evil' (whatever that means) or not, Ahab's reign likely represented the zenith of Israel as a political entity in the Old Testament era.

[@OrchestrationOnline]

I always roll my eyes when I hear the expression "a painted Jezebel" in characterising a woman whom the speaker disapproves of for wearing makeup in an attractive way. The original Jezebel painted her face because she knew that she was probably going to be killed by Jehu's forces, and she wanted to show that she wasn't afraid. It had nothing to do with trying to look attractive - rather, it was probably makeup that would be used when fulfilling ceremonial duties as queen. Her last duty was to perish bravely as a ruler.

[@dovbarleib3256]

She murdered hundreds of G-d's prophets, at least 100 that were being protected personally by the Biblical prophet Obadiah,..... but she was an all around good gal?

[@OrchestrationOnline]

@@dovbarleib3256 Just as Elijah ordered the the crowd to massacre of 950 prophets of Ba'al and Asherah after making it rain, you mean? Get real. No bigwig was "all around good" back then. They were all in it for their own game, just like today. Where's the concern in your riposte about the hundreds of children of the Ba'al worshippers who were invited by Jehu with their parents to a "great sacrifice" at their temple, then locked in while soldiers burnt that temple down? Did they deserve that because their parents worshipped the wrong deity? It was a bloody, brutal time - and the more we try to understand the real reasons why people did things back then, the more realistic we can be about our motives today.

[@hb8213]

awesome

[@katew.9402]

Great video, I love this stuff! I have already read Israel Finkelstein's book, it's fascinating.

[@matty9460]

Jehu "so youre telling you want me to kill ahab?" God to elijah "yes" God to hosea "wait, no"

[@andrewsuryali8540]

Jehu didn't kill Ahab, though.

[@chinalover2798]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYq5qJp4a7BjpLM

[@GerardPerry]

@@andrewsuryali8540 Yes, it was about extirpating the line of Ahab. Cleansing Israel of his house and avenging the blood of the prophets. 2 Kings, Chapter 9.

[@GerardPerry]

I think Jehu's actions were condemned because he disobeyed. He exceeded God's command. Disobeying his remit from God. Just like Saul did in not completely slaying Malek, albeit in the opposite direction.

[@angelusvastator1297]

@@GerardPerryno it’s because he had impure motives. He killed in the name of the Yahweh represented by Jeroboams cult

[@tomskih203]

Wouldn't it be cool to have a time machine and go back to see how much archeologists got right and how much they've gotten wrong.

[@Imperiused]

Great series. Never knew the Israelites made so much wine!

[@ReligionForBreakfast]

Yeah, the Jezreel wine facility is impressive. I should have spent more time discussing it.

[@nietzschesghost8529]

Scholars convincingly argue that the book of Kings' negative portrayal of the northern kingdom of Israel was in large part a political propaganda campaign by King Josiah. The Deuteronomistic History as a whole creates the idea of Jerusalemite superiority under the fabled golden age of David and Solomon, which deteriorated because of Solomon's alleged sinfulness, resulting in the scepter being passed to Israel. But Israel also sins by following other gods, and so they too get punished. The D.H. thus allows Josiah to justify consolidating power after Israel's fall under the Assyrians: since Israel at one time allegedly belonged to David, then Josiah, as a descendant of David, has a right to those lands. Furthermore, since Israel, according to Kings, fell due to their idolatry, then Josiah's court was able to argue that the remnants of Israel should come under the yoke of the Jerusalem temple and reject the cults of northern Israel. We're fortunate to live in an age when archaeology and scholarship can shed light on these matters.

[@dovbarleib3256]

The Tel Dan inscription also mentions the Judean House of David.

[@kaka3630]

thank you for the interesting topic, my question is as you mentioned the Omaride dynasty ruled only for 50 years, and then then you mentioned that their kingdom overtook by Assyrians a little over-century later from the last Omaride king, then the questions is who was ruling the kingdom of Israel after last Omarides (short-lived), until their collapse under Assyrians a century afterward.? Thank you.

[@pansepot1490]

The inference is that it was kings from a different dynasty. If a king has no surviving issue or is deposed by a rival the dynasty ends and the kingdom continues with a new, different dynasty.

[@Dybbouk]

This seems to overlook the most important point: the cult of Yahvé starts under the Omrids.

[@manvmachable]

Cant believe its thousands of like minded dorks out there like me.

[@jam1087]

I first learned of Ahab through the philosophical writings of Ray Stevens

[@Emymagdalena]

I'm seeing a lot of parallels to David and Solomon

[@Sweet92879]

Some modern archeologists believe that the biblical depictions of Solomon were based on the northern kings Omri and Ahab.

[@benjaminvazquez1243]

Is there an episode 5? I'm not finding it and I'm thinking I may be missing something.

[@andrewsuryali8540]

Episode 5 was City of David. It's right before this one in the videos list.

[@albertdadzie4567]

Nobody is asking the questions Where is King Ahab? How is King Ahab? and when is King Ahab?

[@Sweet92879]

Low key slipping in the attribution of the six chambered gate at Megiddo to "the Canaanites" is slick. Even Israel Finkelstein wouldn't go that far, and he's still arguing that the split baby skeleton found in Jerusalem actually dates to Omri rather than Solomon. J/k, enjoyed this video as always and hoping you're not done with this sort of project.

[@robertdubs9466]

In a way King Ahab was a lot like King Herod from the New Testament. Both were corrupt enough on their own, but then they took on a wife (Jezebel/Heridias) who corrupted them to a point beyond redemption. Both also had a prophet (Elijah/John the Baptist) who was on their case, challenging their corrupt ways, and while both kings sort of respected said prophets, it wasn't enough to deter them from their wicked ways.

[@wordart_guian]

Wait which "Herod" are you talking about? Antipas or Boethus?

[@robertdubs9466]

@@wordart_guian Antipas. The one who ordered (reluctantly) John the Baptist's execution.

[@wordart_guian]

@@robertdubs9466 i think that's Antipas But wasn't he advised by his stepdaughter (and greatniece)?

[@robertdubs9466]

@wordart_guian Correct. It was his stepdaughter who did a dance for him, and he foolishly promised her anything, up to half his kingdom. She, with Herodias's guidance, demanded the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Herod was appalled at the request, but because of his oath, he reluctantly carried out his end of the the deal.

[@stevenv6463]

The Mesha stele also talks about the historical Balaam and caused a lot of debate about the Israelite tribes living on the other side of the Jordan. Some suggest it points that they were not originally Israelites.

[@robertkirby8685]

You're thinking of the Deir Alla inscription.

[@stevenv6463]

@@robertkirby8685 Yes, you are right. Thanks

[@HiltonFernandes]

An interesting point is why Herman Melville chose Ahab as the name of his captain.

[@stevenv6463]

Could you hazard a guess? For me, it made me feel sympathetic for the biblical Ahab and makes me feel he is a tragic character. But maybe Melville meant to color our perception of his captain Ahab and not the biblical one.

[@moodist1er]

Or maybe the bloody conquest of Christianity has cultivated identities to the point that we give children and fictional characters "biblical" names, even if they're not really biblical because Abrahamic religions like all religions are fictions.

[@stevenv6463]

@@moodist1er Yes because everyone and their mama is called Ahab so Melville just picked it because he thought it sounded nice.

[@kenhankin5073]

@@moodist1er well you are entitled to your opinions because LORD GOD has given you that right

[@mrjdgibbs]

@@moodist1er You've clearly never read Melville.

[@theexile1155]

You were predestined to be different(Romans 8:29). HALLELUYAH!(PRAISE YE YAH!)

[@ManahManah77]

I think Ray Stevens wrote a song about him.

[@georgem7502]

Huge C9th palace showing a dedicated military and infrastructure? Pretty sure that Omri is actually David - later southern writers use the Omri story and swap out the name and have him be David-who-worships-YHWH....

[@alanjohnson6398]

I think you are probably correct although I dont know if there was the intentionalness to it that you describe. It seems clear to me that The Deuteronomist (and maybe the famous 'J' as well) were aware of the once fabulous wealth and power of the Omrides and wanted to ascribe that to David and even more so Solomon. Its one reason I cant bring myself to characterize Ahab as 'evil'. But I dont think that that means there was no King David or King Solomon. One of the battle steles from, I believe, the Edomites (but I could be wrong) plainly states that their army defeated the army of "The House of David". I am inclined to believe that his original kingdom was rudimentary compared to Ahab but it did exist and it was there first.

[@bl5752]

Are you going to cover the polytheist roots of Judaism?

[@Xcongetsfollowedbyantiterrorsq]

Do you think Arab and ahab have something in common did Arabs develop from Arabs

[@wordart_guian]

Obviously not.

[@williamwatson4354]

Contrary to the Bible, it was the north that was powerful, not the south.

[@judeanjay9837]

The Bible never said the south was more powerful it just lasted longer

[@greatwolf5372]

The North is always depicted as the more powerful. They had 10 tribes compared to the 2 tribes of Judah after all.

[@yaelthesnail]

The North is always depicted as more powerful and wealthy, but also more decadent and corrupt. It describes in detail how Ahab extorted and abused his people, for example.

[@robertkirby8685]

I'm not sure it said anything about the Kingdom of Judah being more powerful, just that it was ruled by the house of David and it was more royal to YHWH longer than the north.

[@chriscuomo9334]

I notice no one has cited scripture It’s gros how ppl desire to h8 the Bible

[@moofoogee]

I don’t think they killed all of Ahab’s family. See 1 downvote ^.

[@Alexandroslav]

well, actually They didn't. when Jehu slaughtered the Omrides, in Judah reigned Ahabs daughter Athalia (sister of the israelite king Jehoram) for a decade longer, her husband the king of Judah Ahazia was also killed simultaneously with the omrides, the bible tells us the she was the reigning sovereign.

[@danpride2804]

You are wrong on the gates, They are now definately Solomonic and Finkelstein is wrong

[@alanjohnson6398]

What is your source on this? I havent seen anything to show that the 6 room gates were ever other than Omride and probably specific to Ahab. Id like to see your basis for this. I hope you are right!

[@danpride2804]

@@alanjohnson6398 I dug up the Gate at Gezer for Yigael Yadin and Dever in 71 and have been staff at the dig on several years. The Gate was burned by Shishak shortly after Solomon Built it. I spent days in that Black Soot. my sight about it is banned but if you combine King Solomon with gate in one word (and add an s to solomon to make it possesive) you will find some weird stories and see photos of me with Dever at the Gate right at the top of the first page

[@annawarren-sullivan7630]

Jezebel eaten by 🐕 🐶

[@AJK17.5]

Pro palestinians whp try to change history should watch this video

[@pasquino0733]

Um… the Palestinians have the same dna dating back to the Iron Age and much earlier! The archeology here refutes the biblical narrative ie a kingdom of Israel existed to the north but never a Davidic kingdom a century prior. And no archeological evidence exists for observance of the Mosaic Law until the Hasmonean period.

[@BBBB-nd8pl]

And people are still waiting for an antichrist when it was Ahab. Lol

[@yoursotruly]

Let me tell you 'bout Ahab The Arab The Sheik of the burning sand He had emeralds and rubies just dripping off 'a him And a ring on every finger of his hands He wore a big ol' turban wrapped around his head And a scimitar by his side And every evening about midnight He'd jump on his camel named Clyde...and ride