Elah and Opportunity
In the twenty and sixth year of Asa king of Judah began Elah the son of Baasha to reign over Israel in Tirzah, two years.And his servant Zimri, captain of half his chariots, conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza steward of his house in Tirzah.
1 Kings 16:8-9
Remember Baasha? The Word of the Lord came to the prophet Jehu son of Hanani who declared, I will take away the posterity of Baasha, and the posterity of his house; and will make thy house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat (1 Kings 16:3). God’s prophecy would come true. It is not surprising though that Elah was not doing himself any favors with his choice in entertainment. He was not a righteous king by any means but consider the opportunity that Elah gave for Zimri.
Elah was said to be drinking himself drunk. What could go wrong? When one partakes in alcohol, he opens himself up to all sorts of folly. Proverbs 23:20-21 reads, Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags. Drinking alcohol has led to poverty for many over the years financially, spiritually, and logically. Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. Prov 20:1. It is not ironic that a wicked king would get drunk and be eliminated. He set himself up for failure. If a brother of sister partakes in alcohol, they too will certainly find failure. How many countless lives have ended with alcohol? How many marriages fall in the wake of this mocker? Paul commanded, And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit (cf Eph 5:18). There is a reason why the Lord warns; it is for our good.
When one gives into drinking intoxicating spirits, they are always in the process of getting drunk. Their inhibitions lower and it provides opportunity most often for further sin and sometimes for death. Elah provided an opportunity in his sinful actions for his death. Do not be like wicked Elah. For it is written, Neither give place to the devil (Eph 4:27). Do not give him or alcohol an opportunity ever.
Grace and Peace,
Ryan
