‹ Back

1 Kings 20:32; "So they girded sackcloth on their loins, and put ropes on their heads, and went to the king of Israel and said, 'Your servant Benhadad says, 'Pray, let me live.'" And he said, 'Does he still live? He is my brother.'"

 

Ahab certainly is not a great stand-in for God, but this interaction is indicative of the way we can approach God for others, and the importance and efficacy of doing so. Benhadad instigated the battle in which he had just been routed (Kings 20:26), and was so in fear for his life he was hiding in an inner chamber in the city of Aphek to which he had fled. It was his servants who recalled the merciful ways of the kings of Israel and went to Ahab, in sackcloth, to ask for that mercy for their master. (2 Kings 20:30-31) And it worked! Ahab called Benhadad his brother, brought him forth, made a covenant with him, and let him go free.

 

Benhadad received great mercy due to the humble supplication of his servants. We can do the same for others when we approach God on their behalf. "Therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God."