Ahab Covets Naboth’s Vineyard
October 13, 2021
Commentary
A period of peace followed the battle of Aphek (20:26–34). Some time after the battle the events recorded in chapter 21 took place. Naboth was a neighbor of Ahab in Jezreel. Ahab wanted to buy Naboth’s vineyard to use for a vegetable garden. He offered to pay him in cash or give him a better piece of land elsewhere (vv. 1-2). Naboth was a God-fearing Jew and in obedience to the Mosaic Law he refused to sell this family inheritance to Ahab (Num. 36:7). Because of this Ahab behaved in a very childish manner by pouting. He lay on his bed feeling sorry for himself and even refused to eat (vv. 3-4).
When Jezebel saw him behaving strangely she asked what was wrong. He told her about Naboth’s refusal. She told Ahab that as king he should just take what he wanted and if he didn’t want to do this she would (vv. 5-7). Knowing how to use the laws of Israel she sent letters to the leaders of the community. She asked them to declare a fast and have two men to accuse Naboth of cursing God and Ahab so that the people would stone Naboth.
Jewish law required two witnesses to condemn a person to death (Deut. 17:6-7) and cursing God was a crime punishable by stoning (Lev. 24:16). Cursing the king was not punishable by death but Jezebel added this part because she thought it should also be a part of the law (vv. 8-10). This led to a reappearance of Elijah who went to Ahab to confront him. It is true that Jezebel was directly responsible for Naboth’s death but Ahab was ultimately responsible since the letter she sent to the elders ordering his murder had been sent out under Ahab’s name (v. 8). Ahab had committed the crime of seizing property and killing Naboth.
Application
As stated above, sin has its consequences. God is longsuffering and it may appear for a long period of time that we are getting away with our sin. However we can be sure that there will be a pay day some day as R.G. Lee preached in his famous message, “Pay Day Some Day.” If I have sin in my life the best thing I can do is follow (l John 1:9) and confess it.
Isaiah 5:26– 30 (NET)
26 He lifts a signal flag for a distant nation, he whistles for it to come from the far regions of the earth. Look, they come quickly and swiftly.
27 None tire or stumble, they don’t stop to nap or sleep. They don’t loosen their belts, or unstrap their sandals to rest.
28 Their arrows are sharpened, and all their bows are prepared. The hooves of their horses are hard as flint, and their chariot wheels are like a windstorm.
29 Their roar is like a lion’s; they roar like young lions. They growl and seize their prey; they drag it away and no one can come to the rescue.
30 At that time they will growl over their prey, it will sound like sea waves crashing against rocks. One will look out over the land and see the darkness of disaster, clouds will turn the light into darkness.
Illustration: Do Not Hate Upsets
In the spirit of adventure, young Lord Clive set out from his British home for India. The ship upon which he sailed was caught in a terrific storm, and continuous adverse gales drove it far off the course. Finally it limped into a South American harbor. There he had to remain for many months before being able to get passage to India. But during the long wait, he acquired the Portuguese language, which qualified him when he did reach India to take an important position with the East India Company. This ultimately resulted in his being appointed by the Crown as Governor General of India. Do not deplore upsets; they may be God’s messengers. (King’s Business).