1 Kings 20 - G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible

Here begins the actual movement in the downfall of Ahab. Ben-hadad, drunken, profligate, despotic, came in the pride of arms against Samaria. By the voices of prophets Jehovah spoke to Ahab, who, acting under their direction, gained complete victory over his enemies.

Then followed his failure in the very moment of triumph. He made a covenant with the man whom God had devoted to destruction. Pity which produces disobedience to the divine command is sin. In consequence of his disobedience his own doom was uttered, and we are told the king returned heavy and displeased, which we may express as sad and angry. The only way in which any man is able to take advantage of opportunities for repentance offered in the circumstances of his life is by return in heart and soul to loyalty to God. This return Ahab never made.