by the wall. The word behel is thought by Ginsburg to be an abbreviation for bthelek = "in the portion of", as in 2 Kings 9:10 , 2 Kings 9:36 : i.e. within the rampart. Jezreel. Not Samaria the capital, but Jezreel where Naboth had been murdered. read more
Ahab’s judgment for his rebellion against Yahweh 21:17-29Again God told Elijah to "go" (1 Kings 21:18; cf. 1 Kings 17:3; cf. 1 Kings 17:9; 1 Kings 18:1; 1 Kings 19:15). As a faithful servant, he went to confront the king again. Compare Samuel’s second announcement of God’s judgment on Saul (1 Samuel 15). Ahab was not in Samaria at this time (1 Kings 21:18), but in Jezreel (1 Kings 21:19). The mention of Samaria was evidently an ironical reference to Ahab’s capital. Murdering someone and taking... read more
Naboth’s Vineyard1. After these things] The LXX places this chapter after 1 Kings 19, and so prevents the separation of 1 Kings 20, 22, which are closely connected.Jezreel] in the plain of Esdraelon.3. The inheritance of my fathers] cp. Leviticus 25:23; Numbers 36:7, Numbers 36:8.8. Unto the elders.. nobles] The administration of justice rested with the chief men of each locality: cp. Deuteronomy 19:12; Deuteronomy 21:2. 9. Proclaim a fast] perhaps intended as a public act of humiliation for... read more
(21-24) Behold, I will bring evil.—Distinct from that message of personal judgment is the doom of utter destruction pronounced on the dynasty of Omri—the same in substance, and almost in word, as that already pronounced in 1 Kings 14:10-11; 1 Kings 16:3-4. It is, indeed, called forth by the last sin of Ahab, but the ground assigned for it (1 Kings 21:22) extends to the whole course of idolatry and apostasy, “making Israel to sin.” It is only this more general sentence which is postponed by the... read more
NABOTH’S VINEYARD1 Kings 21:1-29"The triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the godless is but for a moment."- Job 20:5"If weakness may excuse, What murderer, what traitor, parricide, Incestuous, sacrilegious, but may plead it? All wickedness is weakness."- Samson Agonistes. The chief glory of the institution of prophecy was that it rightly estimated the supremacy of the moral law. The prophets saw that the enforcement of one precept of righteousness involved more true religion than... read more
CHAPTER 21Naboth’s Vineyard 1. Naboth’s refusal (1 Kings 21:1-4 ) 2. Jezebel’s wicked deed (1 Kings 21:5-16 ) 3. Elijah pronounces divine judgment (1 Kings 21:17-24 ) 4. Ahab’s wickedness and confession (1 Kings 21:25-27 ) 5. The LORD’s mercy (1 Kings 21:28-29 ) No comment is needed on the story of Naboth’s vineyard. Jezebel, the wicked, and Ahab’s submission to her was his ruination. On her Satanic suggestion one of the most wicked deeds recorded in Bible history is done. Naboth is... read more
THE COLD-BLOODED MURDER OF NABOTH (vs.1-16) When one adopts a sullen, sulking character, it is likely to develop more seriously. Ahab illustrated this in his dealings with Naboth the Jezreelite. He coveted what belonged to Naboth and offered him either money or another vineyard for Naboth's vineyard, since it was near Ahab's property (v.2). But Naboth had received the vineyard as an inheritance from his father, and told Ahab that his conscience toward the Lord would not allow him to give up... read more
CLOSE OF AHAB ’S REIGN HIS DEALING WITH BEN-HADAD (1 Kings 20:0 ) Among the remarkable chapters of this book the present stands out distinctively, but we shall be unable to give it the consideration it should have if we forget God’s purpose in dealing with Israel. It has been reiterated that He is using that people as an instrument in the redemption of mankind, and especially as a witness to Himself before the nations. This explains everything in their history, and to ignore it is to make... read more
Naboth's Vineyard 1 Kings 21:0 We sometimes hear that Ahab was a covetous man: are we quite sure that the charge is just and that it can be substantiated? How could he be covetous? He proposed terms, saying, "Give me thy vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near unto my house: and I will give thee for it a better vineyard than it; or, if it seem good to thee, I will give thee the worth of it in money" ( 1Ki 21:2 ). The terms do not upon the face of them appear to... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 21:1-29
Naboth’s vineyard (21:1-29)The events so far recorded of Ahab show that his religious, military and trade policies were all contrary to God’s will. The story of his seizure of Naboth’s vineyard shows that he was equally ungodly in the matter of common justice. Ahab at first made an honest offer to buy Naboth’s vineyard. Naboth refused, as land inherited from ancestors was an Israelite’s most valued possession (21:1-4). Jezebel therefore arranged to have Naboth falsely accused and executed.... read more