In the letters she wrote: "Proclaim a fast and give Naboth a seat of honor among the people. In the letters she wroteThe phrase "In the letters she wrote" indicates the premeditated and deliberate nature of Jezebel's actions. The Hebrew root for "letters" (סֵפֶר, sefer) often refers to written documents or scrolls, suggesting an official and authoritative communication. This highlights the misuse of power and authority, as Jezebel, the queen, manipulates the legal system for her own ends. Historically, letters were a primary means of communication for royal decrees, emphasizing the gravity and formality of her conspiracy. Proclaim a fast
The command to "Proclaim a fast" is deeply ironic and hypocritical. Fasting in the Hebrew tradition was a time of repentance and seeking God's favor, often in times of crisis or judgment. The Hebrew word for "fast" (צוֹם, tzom) signifies abstaining from food for spiritual purposes. Jezebel's use of a fast as a pretext for her plot against Naboth is a perversion of a sacred practice, turning a spiritual act into a tool for deceit and murder. This reflects the moral corruption present in the kingdom under Ahab and Jezebel's rule. and give Naboth a seat of honor among the people
The phrase "and give Naboth a seat of honor among the people" is a strategic move in Jezebel's scheme. The Hebrew word for "seat of honor" (רֹאשׁ, rosh) can mean "head" or "chief," indicating a place of prominence. By placing Naboth in a position of honor, Jezebel sets the stage for false accusations, as it would draw public attention to him. This tactic of elevating Naboth before his downfall is reminiscent of the way false witnesses were used in other biblical narratives to bring about unjust outcomes. It underscores the theme of false appearances and the manipulation of justice for personal gain. Persons / Places / Events 1. JezebelThe wife of King Ahab, known for her manipulation and idolatry. She orchestrates the plot against Naboth. 2. NabothA righteous Israelite who owns a vineyard that King Ahab desires. His refusal to sell it leads to his unjust death. 3. AhabThe King of Israel, who covets Naboth's vineyard and allows Jezebel to execute her wicked plan. 4. SamariaThe capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where these events take place. 5. The Elders and NoblesLocal leaders in Jezreel who are complicit in Jezebel's scheme by carrying out her orders. Teaching Points The Dangers of CovetousnessCoveting can lead to a cascade of sins, as seen in Ahab's desire for Naboth's vineyard. Believers must guard their hearts against covetousness. The Consequences of InjusticeJezebel's plot highlights the destructive power of injustice. Christians are called to stand for truth and justice, even when it is costly. The Role of Complicity in SinThe elders and nobles' compliance with Jezebel's plan shows how silence and inaction can contribute to evil. Believers should be vigilant and courageous in opposing wrongdoing. The Cost of RighteousnessNaboth's account reminds us that standing for righteousness may lead to persecution. However, God honors those who remain faithful. God's Sovereignty and JusticeDespite human schemes, God’s justice prevails. This encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the account of Naboth's vineyard challenge us to examine our own desires and motivations? 2. In what ways can we ensure that we are not complicit in injustice, like the elders and nobles in Jezreel? 3. How can we find strength and encouragement to stand for righteousness in the face of persecution, as Naboth did? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to promote justice and truth in our communities? 5. How does understanding God's sovereignty and justice help us respond to the injustices we see in the world today? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 20:17This verse addresses the sin of coveting, which is central to Ahab's desire for Naboth's vineyard. Micah 6:8This verse calls for justice, mercy, and humility, contrasting with the actions of Jezebel and Ahab. Matthew 5:10-12Jesus speaks about the blessedness of those who are persecuted for righteousness, similar to Naboth's situation. James 5:1-6This passage warns the rich about the consequences of exploiting the righteous, paralleling Ahab's actions. Proverbs 6:16-19Lists things the Lord hates, including a lying tongue and hands that shed innocent blood, reflecting Jezebel's actions. People Ahab, Ahijah, Amorites, Baasha, Elijah, Jeroboam, Jezebel, Jezreel, Melech, Naboth, NebatPlaces Jezreel, SamariaTopics Cause, Fast, Fasting, Fixed, Letter, Letters, Naboth, Proclaim, Prominent, Public, Saying, Seat, Sit, Sorrow, Writeth, WroteDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 21:9 8430 fasting, nature of 1 Kings 21:1-13 4366 stones 1 Kings 21:1-14 5550 speech, negative
5951 slander 1 Kings 21:1-16 5714 men
6710 privileges 1 Kings 21:1-19 4538 vineyard
5440 perjury 1 Kings 21:1-25 5745 women 1 Kings 21:2-16 8716 dishonesty, examples 1 Kings 21:7-13 5969 treachery 1 Kings 21:7-14 5202 accusation, false 1 Kings 21:8-10 5348 injustice, nature and source
5798 betrayal
8841 unfaithfulness, to people 1 Kings 21:8-11 5638 writing 1 Kings 21:8-13 5201 accusation
5625 witnesses, false 1 Kings 21:8-14 7719 elders, as leaders 1 Kings 21:9-10 5463 proclamations 1 Kings 21:9-13 5800 blasphemy Library Ahab and Elijah
'And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy!'--1 KINGS xxi. 20. The keynote of Elijah's character is force-the force of righteousness. The New Testament, you remember, speaks of the 'power of Elias.' The outward appearance of the man corresponds to his function and his character. Gaunt and sinewy, dwelling in the desert, feeding on locusts and wild honey, with a girdle of camel's skin about his loins, he bursts into the history, amongst all that corrupt state of society, with the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureElijah
(Tenth Sunday after Trinity.) 1 Kings xxi. 19, 20. And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the Lord, Hast thou killed, and also taken possession? and thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the Lord, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth, shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine. And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found thee: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the Lord. Of all the grand personages …
Charles Kingsley—Town and Country Sermons Whether all Dissimulation is a Sin?
Objection 1: It seems that not all dissimulation is a sin. For it is written (Lk. 24:28) that our Lord "pretended [Douay: 'made as though'] he would go farther"; and Ambrose in his book on the Patriarchs (De Abraham i) says of Abraham that he "spoke craftily to his servants, when he said" (Gn. 22:5): "I and the boy will go with speed as far as yonder, and after we have worshipped, will return to you." Now to pretend and to speak craftily savor of dissimulation: and yet it is not to be said that there …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Touching Jacob, However, that which He did at his Mother's Bidding...
24. Touching Jacob, however, that which he did at his mother's bidding, so as to seem to deceive his father, if with diligence and in faith it be attended to, is no lie, but a mystery. The which if we shall call lies, all parables also, and figures designed for the signifying of any things soever, which are not to be taken according to their proper meaning, but in them is one thing to be understood from another, shall be said to be lies: which be far from us altogether. For he who thinks this, may …
St. Augustine—Against Lying Blessed are they that Mourn
Blessed are they that mourn. Matthew 5:4 Here are eight steps leading to true blessedness. They may be compared to Jacob's Ladder, the top whereof reached to heaven. We have already gone over one step, and now let us proceed to the second: Blessed are they that mourn'. We must go through the valley of tears to paradise. Mourning were a sad and unpleasant subject to treat on, were it not that it has blessedness going before, and comfort coming after. Mourning is put here for repentance. It implies …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Repentance
Then has God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.' Acts 11: 18. Repentance seems to be a bitter pill to take, but it is to purge out the bad humour of sin. By some Antinomian spirits it is cried down as a legal doctrine; but Christ himself preached it. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent,' &c. Matt 4: 17. In his last farewell, when he was ascending to heaven, he commanded that Repentance should be preached in his name.' Luke 24: 47. Repentance is a pure gospel grace. …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
BY JOHN BUNYAN PREFATORY REMARKS BY THE EDITOR This important treatise was prepared for the press, and left by the author, at his decease, to the care of his surviving friend for publication. It first appeared in a collection of his works in folio, 1692; and although a subject of universal interest; most admirably elucidated; no edition has been published in a separate form. Antichrist has agitated the Christian world from the earliest ages; and his craft has been to mislead the thoughtless, by …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 21:9 NIV1 Kings 21:9 NLT1 Kings 21:9 ESV1 Kings 21:9 NASB1 Kings 21:9 KJV
1 Kings 21:9 Commentaries
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