Today's Scripture Reading (January
10, 2023): 1
Kings 21
Peter III of Russia rose to
power in Russia on January 5, 1763. But it was not a successful reign. Empress
Elizabeth chose Peter to succeed her on the Russian throne, but by the end of
her life, even she was questioning her decision. Peter looked good as a King.
He was handsome, slight, and shy but friendly. However, Peter had grown up in
Germany. As a result, he didn't speak very good Russian, a trait that did not
endear him to the people of Russia. Peter proved to be a bit of a playboy, and
it didn't take long for him to sink into a pattern of alcoholism. Some have
also argued that he was mentally ill, although I am not sure that that is
really true. But it doesn't seem that Peter ever really grew up. In our
contemporary culture, he might have been an entitled brat who existed on his
parents' money, spending his time, when he wasn't drinking with his friends,
sitting in a room playing video games. Unfortunately, in 1763, there were no
video games, so Peter spent his time running drills with his toy soldiers.
Peter was
joined in marriage to Princess Sophie of
Anhalt-Zerbst, of Prussia. The idea was to
strengthen the relationship between Prussia and Russia, minimizing the
influence of Austria on the nation. Princess Sophie became better known as
Catherine. And the truth was that Catherine was a much better ruler than Peter
III would ever be. But she wasn't patient enough to rule through her husband.
On July 9, 1762, Catherine led an insurrection against her husband. Peter III
was arrested and then disappeared, only to be declared dead eight days later.
The official cause of death was a stroke, although the rumor persists that
Peter III was executed at the order of his wife, Catherine. At the time of his
death, Peter was 34, and his wife Catherine would become Catherine the Great, a
legendary leader of the Russian Empire.
The
Bible's description of Ahab is not a complementary one. He was a pouty,
immature man who had a temper tantrum every time he didn't get his way. And it
is evident that while Ahab was king, he was not the leader of Israel. That
honor went to Ahab's wife, Jezebel. Ahab was nothing more than a puppet leader
that Jezebel was willing to manipulate.
And
that was exactly what she did. Ahab may not have been willing to do what was
necessary to get Naboth's vineyard, but Jezebel was ready to do whatever was required
to put Naboth in his place. She was likely disgusted at Ahab's lack of will and
strength, but at the same time that made it easier for Jezebel to become the nation's
de facto leader. Jezebel would likely have led an insurrection against Ahab if
she thought she could gain the throne through his death, just as Catherine the
Great had deposed Peter III. But Jezebel was not convinced that that would
happen, so she decided on a second path and led the Kingdom through the
presence of her immature husband.
Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 22
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