I Kings 16:8-14, Proverbs 23:29-35 — King Elah is a very minor figure in the broad sweep of Biblical history. His reign covers barely two verses in the Book of I Kings. All that’s recorded is where he was, and what he was doing, when he was killed by one his servants. He was drinking himself drunk in the house of his chief steward.
The historical account does not speak of a life well-lived, or of a life that made a positive difference. Rather, it speaks of waste and irresponsibility. So what are supposed to learn? What’s the message for us? At the very least Elah’s life ought to cause us to think about the consumption of alcohol and the choices we make.