1 Kings 20:30-43

False Mercy.

The first army with which Ben-hadad invaded Israel was defeated with "great slaughter," and the king saved himself by flight. The defeat of the second was even more complete, when 127,000 men were destroyed and the king had to surrender at discretion. But Ahab, for his false mercy in sparing the life of Ben-hadad, brought judgment upon himself and upon his people.

I. MERCY IS FALSE WHEN IT OPPOSES THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD .

1 . That righteousness dooms the incorrigible to death .

2 . Ben-hadad was obnoxious to that doom .

3 . But Ahab opposed his mercy to the righteousness of God .

II. THOSE WHO SHOW SUCH MERCY ENCOUNTER THE JUDGMENT OF GOD .

1 . Because thereby they encourage evil .

2 . Hence Ahab was held to be an accomplice with Ben-hadad .

3 . Ahab in consequence was doomed to die .

HOMILIES BY J. URQUHART