Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Kings 20:42

42 And he said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Because thou hast let go out of thy hand a man whom I appointed to utter destruction, therefore thy life shall go for his life , and thy people for his people .

Quest. What was the great Sin of Ahab in this Action, for which God so severely punisheth him? Answ. The great dishonour hereby done to God, in suffering so horrid a Blasphemer, ver. 23. to go unpunished, which was contrary to an express Law, Levit. 24. 16. Obj. What is this to Benhadad, seeing that Law concerned Israelites onely? Answ. It reached both to them that were born in the land, and (as is there expressed) unto strangers that were among them, and in their Power, which was Benhadad's case; for God had delivered him into Ahabs hand, for his Blasphemy, as he promised to do, ver. 28. by which act of his Providence, especially compared with that Law, it was most evident, that this man was appointed by God to Destruction, as is here said. But Ahab was so far from punishing this Blasphemer, that he doth not so much as Rebuke him, but Treats him like a Friend, and a Brother; dismisseth him upon easie terms, and takes his Word for the performance, and takes not the least care for the Reparation of God's Honour, but onely for the Amplification of his own Power.

Quest. Why were the People punished for Ahab's Sin? Answ. 1. Because Ahab was punished in the loss of his People. 2. The people were punished for their own Sins, which were many, and great; though God took this occasion to Inflict it. 3. The great injury and mischief hereby done to [illegible: 1+ letters]is own people; who by this most foolish and wicked act, were exposed to all those Rapines and Slaughters which Benhadad either did commit, or might have committed against them afterwards; of which, consequently Ahab was guilty. And it must be considered, That all the Israelites were the Lords peculiar people; nor did their Apostacy from God, deprive God of his right; and the Kings of Israel and Iudah had these committed to them, in way of Trust, to be Governed and Protected by them. And therefore Ahab for this gross breach of his Trust, was justly liable, though not to the Censures of his People, yet to the hand of God, who was his King and Governour.

Marginal references: Chap. 22. 37.; [illegible: 1 word] if my [illegible: 1 word].