Ahab, Nebuchadnezzar, and Herod, the Wicked Rulers The Kings Who Challenged God

Ahab, the husband of Jezebel, was a king of Israel. Concerning him, the Bible states: "But there was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do wickedness in the Sight of the Lord, because Jezebel his wife stirred him up. And he behaved very abominable in following idols, according to all that the Amorites had done, whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel" (1 Kgs 21:25-26). After God had humbled King Nebuchadnezzar by allowing him to live in the bush for a long time, Nebuchadnezzar said, "At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my honour and splendour returned to me. My counselors and nobles resorted to me, I was restored to my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added to me. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honour the King of Heaven, all of Whose Works are truth, and His Ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down" (Dan. 4:36-37). Concerning Herod, the Bible says, "Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also" (Acts 12:1-3).