God's Judgment Regarding King Ahab

King Ahab wholeheartedly committed himself to selfishness, and ruthlessly oppressed those who challenged his evil. The LORD graciously sent prophets, miracles, and rescues to give Ahab opportunities to change his ways, but he unflaggingly persecuted them and bullheadedly continued his sin.

1 Kings 16:30   And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that were before him.

1 Kings 21:25   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. 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.

Ahab had a conversion experience late in life, recorded in 1 Kings 21:27-29. However, his repentance lacked depth. Ahab failed to dismiss his 400 prophets of Asherah, and continued to use their evil services. He also went to war at Ramoth Gilead against the LORD's instructions. This lack of depth, along with the short time between conversion and death, combined to minimize the impact of his conversion. Ahab's legacy is that of the most evil king of Israel up to that point.