Ahab said to Naboth, “Let me have your vineyard to use for a vegetable garden since it is close to my palace. In exchange I will give you a better vineyard or, if you prefer, I will pay you whatever it is worth.” But Naboth replied, “The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my ancestors.”
1 Kings 21:2-3
King Ahab coveted. | WATCH ON YOUTUBE
King Ahab asked Naboth for his vineyard and promised to pay for it. But Naboth refused the offer. Naboth’s response was out of reverence and obedience to God’s command, not because he was selfish. He had a God-given right to keep his land and not sell it (Numbers 36:7).
King Ahab was evil and did not respect God’s laws (1 Kings 16:30). He married Jezebel, who was not an Israelite, but an idol worshipper (2 Kings 9:22). Jezebel killed the Lord’s prophets (1 Kings 18:4).
When Ahab did not get what he wanted, he pouted rather than repent and turn away from it. When Jezebel finds out, she takes matters into her own hands. She has Naboth, an innocent man, put to death so that her husband could now own the vineyard he wanted (v7-16).
But God sees everything and remains the Righteous Judge. Ahab had no excuse for living a wicked life. God had sent him prophets with His truth. And now He sends Elijah to Ahab to tell him what punishment his wickedness would bring on him (v17-19).
God reveals His truth to us each time we hear God’s Word. To walk in His light or continue in a life darkened by sin, is a choice we make.
What’s your choice?
Help me, Lord, to respond in obedience each time, I pray.
Extended Reading — 1 Kings 20-21
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