Smith's Bible Dictionary

1. Son of Omri, seventh king of Israel, reigned B.C. 919-896. He married Jezebel, daughter of Ethbaal, king of Tyre; and in obedience to her wishes, caused a temple to be built to Baal in Samaria itself; and an oracular grove to be consecrated to Astarte. See 1Ki_18:19.

One of Ahab's chief tastes was for splendid architecture which he showed by building an ivory house and several cities. Desiring to add to his pleasure-grounds at Jezreel, the vineyard of his neighbor Naboth, he proposed to buy it or give land in exchange for it; and when this was refused by Naboth in accordance with the Levitical law, Lev_25:23. A false accusation of blasphemy was brought against him, and he was murdered, and Ahab took possession of the coveted fields. 2Ki_9:26.

Thereupon, Elijah declared that the entire extirpation of Ahab's house was the penalty appointed for his long course of wickedness. See Elijah. The execution, however, of the sentence was delayed in consequence of Ahab's deep repentance. 1Ki_21:1.

Ahab undertook three campaigns against Ben-hadad II, king of Damascus, two defensive and one offensive. In the first, Ben-hadad laid siege to Samaria, but was repulsed with great loss. 1Ki_20:1-21. Next year, Ben-hadad again invaded Israel by way of Aphek, on the east of Jordan; yet Ahab's victory was so complete that Ben-hadad himself fell into his hands, but was released contrary to God's will, 1Ki_20:22-34, on condition of restoring the cities of Israel, and admitting Hebrew commissioners into Damascus.

When buried in Samaria, the dogs licked up his blood as a servant was washing his chariot; a partial fulfillment of Elijah's prediction, 1Ki_21:19, which was more literally accomplished in the case of his son. 2Ki_9:26.

2. A lying prophet, who deceived the captive Israelites in Babylon, and was burnt to death by Nebuchadnezzar. Jer_29:21.