Jezebel’s Plot
October 25, 2021
Commentary
Directed by Jezebel the men of Naboth’s city carried out her plans by accusing Naboth of blasphemy and having him stoned to death outside the city (vv. 11-14). Then Jezebel announced to Ahab that he could take possession of Naboth’s vineyard because he was now dead. Immediately the king got up from his bed and went to take possession of the land he had coveted (vv. 15-16). But we know that Ahab understands all along that it’s a dirty deed that gets him the land. This whole crime unfolds when Ahab sees a vineyard, that he wants. He’s got plenty of land and vineyards but he wants this one. Covetousness, greed, envy, and pride creep in. God chose Elijah to bear a message of judgment to Ahab, who was then in Naboth’s vineyard (vv. 17-18). God told Elijah just what to say (v. 19).
Elijah told Ahab that his days were numbered because of this crime that he had committed. He told him how all of his sons would die (vv. 20-26). He also told him that in the place where Naboth died the dogs would lick his blood and the dogs would lick Jezebel’s blood in the ditch at Jezreel (vv. 19, 23). At that time wild dogs lived off the garbage dumps of the cities like Jezreel. When Ahab heard these dreadful words he ripped his clothes and put on sackcloth to show he was sorrowful (v. 27). To me, his phony repentance stinks, but God accepts it. When God saw Ahab’s change of mind and behavior he promised to postpone the destruction of Ahab’s house until the days of his son (vv. 28-29). The slightest movement toward repentance moves God’s heart to compassion. However, Jezebel did not repent and she suffered all that God promised she would get (2 Kings 9:30-37)
Application
No matter how dark the day may get today I can be sure that light is just around the corner. I should be looking and anticipating His return each day. What a day of rejoicing that will be.
Isaiah 4:1– 6 (NET)
1 Seven women will grab hold of one man at that time. They will say, “We will provide our own food, we will provide our own clothes; but let us belong to you — take away our shame!”
2 At that time the crops given by the Lord will bring admiration and honor; the produce of the land will be a source of pride and delight to those who remain in Israel.
3 Those remaining in Zion, those left in Jerusalem, will be called “holy,” all in Jerusalem who are destined to live.
4 At that time the Lord will wash the excrement from Zion’s women, he will rinse the bloodstains from Jerusalem’s midst, as he comes to judge and to bring devastation.
5 Then the Lord will create over all Mount Zion and over its convocations a cloud and smoke by day and a bright flame of fire by night; indeed a canopy will accompany the Lord’s glorious presence.
6 By day it will be a shelter to provide shade from the heat, as well as safety and protection from the heavy downpour.
Illustration: Lincoln Don’t Hang But Hang on to
After Lee’s surrender, Lincoln spoke to a large crowd from the balcony of the White House. He told them about the considerate policy he had in mind for the South. At the end of his speech, Senator Harlan asked, “What shall we do with the rebels?” The vindictive crowd shouted back, “Hang them!” Tad then turned to his father and said, “No, no, Papa. Not hang them. Hang on to them!” “That’s it!” replied Lincoln joyfully. “Tad has it. We must hang on to them!” At the time, Tad was only eleven. He must have acquired his compassionate spirit of mercy from his father! (Encyclopedia of Illustrations #7592).