Ahab Promotes Idolatry

16:29 In the thirty-eighth year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Omri’s son Ahab became king over Israel. Ahab son of Omri ruled over Israel for twenty-two years in Samaria.34 16:30 Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the sight of35 the Lord than all who were before him. 16:31 As if following in the sinful footsteps of Jeroboam son of Nebat were not bad enough, he married Jezebel the daughter of King Ethbaal of the Sidonians. Then he worshiped and bowed to Baal.36 16:32 He set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal he had built in Samaria. 16:33 Ahab also made an Asherah pole; he37 did more to anger the Lord God of Israel than all the kings of Israel who were before him.

16:34 During Ahab’s reign,38 Hiel the Bethelite rebuilt Jericho.39 Abiram, his firstborn son, died when he laid the foundation;40 Segub, his youngest son, died when he erected its gates,41 just as the Lord had warned42 through Joshua son of Nun.43