1. Unacceptable demands (1-12)

Ben-Hadad was king of Israel's neighbor Aram. He made very heavy demands on King Ahab of Israel. At first, he relented and gave Ben-Hadad what he wanted. But when the demands increased, he consulted with the elders of Israel and refused to consent. Ben-Hadad allied himself with 32 other kings and vowed to turn Samaria to dust.

2. You will know I am the Lord (13-21)

Ahab was a wicked king who cared nothing for the Lord. But the Lord was faithful to Israel. Even though Ahab was weak and afraid of Ben-Hadad, the Lord sent a prophet to Ahab and told him that the Lord would give the army of Ben-Hadad over to them by using his junior officers. He even gave Ahab a battle plan. They would attack first. With these young officers, Ahab overran the Arameans. The Lord did this so that Ahab would know that He is the Lord.