WAIT… THAT’S IN THE BIBLE? — DAY 34

A lighthearted look at some of the wonderfully unexpected things you discover when you actually read your Bible, context still matters!

“The king of Israel answered, ‘Tell him: “One who puts on his armor should not boast like one who takes it off.” 1 Kings 20:11

OOOH, THAT’S A BIBLICAL BURN.

King Ben-Hadad of Aram has been sending threats to King Ahab of Israel.

And he’s feeling VERY confident.

In fact, just before this, Ben-Hadad basically boasts that he’s going to completely destroy Samaria.

He’s talking like the battle is already over.

Victory apparently guaranteed.

Then Ahab sends back this message:

“One who puts on his armor should not boast like one who takes it off.”

Translation into modern language:

“MATE, YOU HAVEN’T EVEN FOUGHT YET.”

Or perhaps:

“DON’T START CELEBRATING BEFORE THE GAME HAS EVEN STARTED.”

Imagine the messenger arriving back:

BEN-HADAD:
“Well? What did Ahab say?”

MESSENGER:
“Ummm…”

“Basically, he said you’re talking a lot for someone who hasn’t won anything yet.”

ANCIENT TRASH TALK: BIBLICAL EDITION.

It’s the equivalent of somebody walking onto the field wearing their uniform, taking one look at the opposition and immediately beginning their victory speech.

Ahab:

“Perhaps wait until you’re taking the armour OFF before you start boasting.”

Context still matters!

This wasn’t simply two kings exchanging clever insults.

Ben-Hadad had gathered a huge coalition against Samaria and was making arrogant demands of Israel.

Ahab had initially agreed to some of them, but Ben-Hadad kept pushing further.

Then came the boasting.

And Ahab’s reply carries a piece of wisdom that still makes perfect sense thousands of years later:

DON’T BOAST ABOUT A VICTORY YOU HAVEN’T WON YET.

And there’s another important part of the story.

Israel’s eventual victory wasn’t because Ahab was stronger or more impressive.

God sent a prophet and declared that He would deliver the enormous enemy army into Ahab’s hands so that Ahab would know:

“I am the LORD.”

So underneath the legendary comeback is something much bigger.

Human beings can boast about their strength.

Armies can look unbeatable.

Kings can make enormous threats.

But ultimately

GOD HAS THE FINAL WORD.

Still

You have to appreciate Ahab’s response.

Ben-Hadad:

“I’m going to destroy you!”

Ahab:

“Maybe finish the battle before you start giving the victory speech.”

Three thousand years later we might say:

DON’T COUNT YOUR CHICKENS BEFORE THEY HATCH.

Ahab apparently preferred:

DON’T BRAG WHILE YOU’RE STILL PUTTING YOUR ARMOUR ON.

Context still matters!