Ahab (Hebrew: אָחָב, Modern: Aháv, Tiberian: ʼĀḥāḇ) was a king of Israel who reigned from 874 to 853 BCE according to the Hebrew Bible. The name Ahab is derived from the Hebrew root א-ח-ב (ʼ-ḥ-b), which means "father's brother" or "uncle". In the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible, Ahab is described as having "sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the Lord" (1 Kings 21:25), indicating his wickedness and idolatry. Ahab is known for his marriage to Jezebel, a Phoenician princess, who promoted the worship of the god Baal in Israel. This period is marked by significant religious and political conflicts, as Ahab's reign is characterized by his opposition to the prophets of Yahweh, particularly Elijah. The story of Ahab and Jezebel is a prominent narrative in the Books of Kings, illustrating the consequences of idolatry and the power of prophetic intervention. In Islamic tradition, Ahab is also mentioned, often referred to as Achab in Arabic (عَخَاب), and is similarly depicted as a wicked ruler.
Biblical King of Israel (c. 874 – c. 853 BC)
Ahab was a king of the Kingdom of Israel (Samaria), the son and successor of King Omri, and the husband of Jezebel of Sidon, according to the Hebrew Bible. He is depicted in the Bible as a Baal worshipper and is criticized for causing moral decline in Israel, though modern scholars argue that Ahab was a Yahwist himself.