King Ahab marks a new low in Israel’s relationship with God. There is the entry of a powerful woman, Jezebel, who brings her gods from Sidon to Samaria. There is no-longer any pretence that they are really worshipping God, as they have done in the past but now there is no room for God at all. The official state religion is now “Baalism” and woe to those who do not conform! For us it is to be aware that if Israel could fail as the Old Testament Church that we should always be vigilant and always be determined to make our calling and election sure.