The writer uses the usual formula in verses 39-40 to summarize and present some highlights of the reign of Ahab. Regarding the translation of this rhetorical question and the title of the book noted here, see the comments on 1 Kgs 14.19. See also the comments on the similar-type verse in 1 Kgs 11.41.

The words ivory house do not mean that the palace was built entirely of ivory, but rather it was “decorated with ivory” (Good News Translation, Parole de Vie) or “richly decorated with ivory” (Bible en français courant). See the discussion on “ivory throne” in 1 Kgs 10.18.

All the cities that he built: In some contexts the Hebrew verb rendered built clearly means “rebuilt” or “fortified.” Such a meaning is also possible here. 1 Kgs 16.34, for example, says that Jericho was rebuilt during the reign of Ahab. Archaeological evidence shows that during the time of Ahab, construction took place on the capital city of Samaria, which had been founded by Ahab’s father Omri. Other archaeological evidence from the ancient cities of Megiddo and Hazor also suggests that Ahab fortified these existing towns. Since Ahab himself did not build these cities, it will be necessary in some languages to say that he “had” them built (so Bible en français courant, Parole de Vie).

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .