(27) And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly. (28) And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, (29) Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before me? because he humbleth himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days: but in his son's days will I bring the evil upon his house.
Though Ahab humbled himself before the Lord, and like another Felix, trembled; yet we read nothing of his heart being turned towards the Lord. But behold the graciousness of God. The evil day is postponed, intimating the Lord's readiness to pardon, and his reluctance to punish. How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel; how shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboim? Hosea 11:8.