1 Kings 21:15

When Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned to death, she said to Ahab, "Get up and take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, who refused to give it to you for silver. For Naboth is no longer alive, but dead."

Study Bible

When Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned to death
Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab, was a Phoenician princess and a fervent worshiper of Baal. Her influence over Ahab led to the promotion of idolatry in Israel. The stoning of Naboth was a result of Jezebel's manipulation and misuse of power, reflecting the corruption and moral decay in the kingdom. Stoning was a method of execution prescribed in the Mosaic Law for certain offenses, but in this case, it was a perversion of justice. This event highlights the theme of injustice and the abuse of authority, which is condemned throughout Scripture.

she said to Ahab, “Get up and take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite
Jezebel's command to Ahab to take possession of Naboth's vineyard demonstrates her disregard for God's laws regarding property and inheritance. According to Levitical law, land was to remain within the family and tribe to which it was allotted (Leviticus 25:23-28). Naboth's refusal to sell his vineyard was an act of obedience to God's command. Jezebel's actions show a blatant violation of these divine principles, emphasizing the conflict between pagan practices and the covenantal laws of Israel.

who refused to give it to you for silver
Naboth's refusal to sell his vineyard to Ahab was based on his adherence to the law and his respect for his ancestral heritage. This refusal is significant as it underscores the importance of faithfulness to God's commandments over material gain. Naboth's integrity contrasts sharply with the greed and covetousness displayed by Ahab and Jezebel. This narrative serves as a reminder of the spiritual battle between righteousness and wickedness.

For Naboth is no longer alive, but dead.”
The death of Naboth marks a turning point in the narrative, as it sets the stage for divine retribution. The unjust killing of Naboth is a grave sin that calls for God's judgment. This event foreshadows the eventual downfall of Ahab and Jezebel, as prophesied by Elijah (1 Kings 21:19-24). It also serves as a type of Christ, as Naboth, an innocent man, suffers death at the hands of corrupt authorities, prefiguring the unjust trial and crucifixion of Jesus. The story of Naboth is a powerful illustration of the consequences of sin and the certainty of divine justice.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jezebel
The wife of King Ahab, known for her idolatry and manipulation. She orchestrated Naboth's death to secure his vineyard for Ahab.

2. Ahab
The King of Israel, who desired Naboth's vineyard and allowed Jezebel to execute her wicked plan.

3. Naboth
A Jezreelite who owned a vineyard that Ahab coveted. He was unjustly accused and stoned to death due to Jezebel's scheme.

4. The Vineyard
The piece of land that Naboth owned, which Ahab desired for a vegetable garden.

5. Jezreel
The location of Naboth's vineyard, significant as a place of injustice and later, divine retribution.

Teaching Points

The Dangers of Covetousness
Ahab's desire for Naboth's vineyard led to grave sin. Coveting can lead to destructive actions and must be guarded against.

The Consequences of Injustice
Jezebel's manipulation and false accusations resulted in Naboth's death. God sees and will judge injustice.

The Role of Influence
Jezebel's influence over Ahab led him to sin. We must be cautious of the influences we allow in our lives.

God's Justice Prevails
Despite human schemes, God's justice will ultimately prevail, as seen in the eventual downfall of Ahab and Jezebel.

The Importance of Integrity
Naboth's refusal to sell his vineyard shows integrity and faithfulness to God's laws. We should strive to maintain integrity even under pressure.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Ahab's coveting of Naboth's vineyard relate to the commandment in Exodus 20:17, and what can we learn about contentment?

2. In what ways does Jezebel's manipulation reflect the warnings in Micah 2:1-2, and how can we guard against similar schemes in our lives?

3. How does the account of Naboth's vineyard illustrate the consequences of injustice, and what other biblical examples can you find?

4. What role does influence play in Ahab's actions, and how can we ensure that our influences align with biblical principles?

5. How does the eventual downfall of Jezebel and Ahab demonstrate God's justice, and how can this encourage us in facing injustices today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:17
This verse highlights the commandment against coveting, which Ahab violated by desiring Naboth's vineyard.

Micah 2:1-2
These verses condemn those who devise iniquity and covet fields, reflecting Jezebel's actions.

2 Kings 9:30-37
This passage describes Jezebel's eventual downfall, showing God's justice against her wickedness.

Proverbs 6:16-19
Lists things the Lord hates, including a heart that devises wicked schemes, which applies to Jezebel's actions.