Ahab

Ahab, the son and successor of Omri, was king of Israel from 918 to 896 B.C. He married Jezebel, the daughter of Ethbaal, king of Sidon. Through his wife's influence the Phœnician worship of Baal was introduced, and the priests and prophets of Jehovah cruelly persecuted. Yet the prophets retained their influence over the people; and Elijah dared openly to attack the priests of Baal, and reprove the wickedness of the king. Ahab was a public-spirited king, with a passion for splendid buildings. Mesha, king of Moab, was tributary to him. He prosecuted two successful wars against Benhadad, king of Syria; but in a third campaign he was killed by an arrow. His daughter Athaliah was married to Jehoram of Judah. His whole family was afterwards extirpated under Jehu.