Compromise

Compromise can lead us away from God’s truth, as Ahab’s alliance with Jezebel did. Stay rooted in His Word and stand firm in your faith.

“As though it had been a trivial thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, he married Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshiped him.”—1 Kings 16:31 NASB

The Phoenicians were masters of the sea. Their influence exploded across the Mediterranean sometime in the twelfth or thirteenth centuries BC, and over the next several centuries, they built a great commercial empire, establishing colonies and exploring much of the known world.

These shrewd entrepreneurs gained influence partly because they controlled important raw materials, such as cedar wood. In the Bible, we read about them in relation to their major cities, which included Tyre and Sidon.

Recognizing their skills, David became a friend to Hiram, king of Tyre, who provided materials and talent for constructing the Temple and other buildings. Solomon used Tyre’s seafaring prowess on voyages of exploration, commerce, and development.

Hiram’s dynasty ended late in the ninth century BC, when Ethbaal revolted and assumed the throne. Ethbaal retained good relations with Israel, to the extent that his daughter Jezebel married Ahab, the king of Israel. But the result of this union was disaster for God’s people, as Ahab abandoned worship of the Lord and embraced the Phoenician gods.

Like David and Solomon, we can learn many things from people like the Phoenicians. They may possess skills that can help us and resources that can empower us. Yet we must be on guard and not give in to compromise. This can happen to anyone, even you. Stay focused on the truth of God’s Word. Worship the Lord, and Him only!

Reflection Question: Where might you be tempted to compromise your devotion to God?