The comparison of Ahav’s House to the Houses of Yerovam and Basha implies that the House of Ahav will be nothing but a brief episode, devoid of influence, in the stormy history of the Kingdom of Israel. All of the enormous efforts at which Omri and Ahav had excelled – the creation of the new capital city and other cities, the forging of courageous political ties, the reinforcement of Israel's army – all of this will be counted for nothing! All of Ahav's positive qualities as the king of Israel, seeking the welfare of his nation, were dealt a mortal blow with Eliyahu's message that his royal line was about to end. This causes Ahav to repent.

Courtesy of the Virtual Beit Midrash, Yeshivat Har Etzion