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Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 21:9

And she wrote in the letters, saying Proclaim a fast [The object of this ordinance was to give the impression that the city was labouring under, or threatened with, a curse, because of some undiscovered sin ( 2 Samuel 21:1 ; Joshua 9:11 ; Deuteronomy 21:9 ), which must be removed or averted by public humiliation. Cf. Joel 1:14 ; Joel 2:12 ; 1 Samuel 7:6 ; 2 Chronicles 20:3 )], and set Naboth on high among the people. [Heb. at the head of the people . Keil, al . ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 21:10

And set two men [according to the previsions of the law ( Deuteronomy 17:6 , Deuteronomy 17:7 ; Deuteronomy 19:5 ; Numbers 35:30 ). "Even Jezebel bears witness to the Pentateuch" (Wordsworth). Josephus speaks of three witnesses], sons of Belial [ i.e; worthless men. This use of the word "son" (cf. Psalms 89:22 , "son of wickedness"), which is one of the commonest idioms of the East, throws some light on the expression "sons of the prophets" (see 1 Kings 20:35 , note;... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 21:11

And the men of his city, even the elders and the nobles who were the inhabitants in his city, did as Jezebel had sent unto them [Their ready compliance shows not merely the "deep moral degradation of the Israelites" at that period, but also the terror which the name of Jezebel inspired], and as it was written in the letters which she had sent unto them. [That she did not hesitate to put her infamous command into writing shows the character of the woman.] read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Kings 21:9

The object of this fast was at once to raise a prejudice against Naboth, who was assumed by the elders to have disgraced the town; and at the same time to give an air of religion to the proceedings, which might blind persons to their real injustice.Set Naboth on high among his people - This was not an order to do Naboth any, even apparent, honor; but simply a command to bring him forward before a court or assembly, where he might be seen by all, tried, and condemned. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Kings 21:10

Sons of Belial - i. e., “worthless persons” (Deuteronomy 13:13 note). Witnesses must be two in number according to the Law Numbers 35:30; Deuteronomy 17:6; Deuteronomy 19:15.The word rendered “blaspheme” is that which commonly means “bless.” The opposite sense of “cursing,” seems, however, to be required here and in Job 1:5, Job 1:11; Job 2:5. Perhaps the best explanation of the bad sense of the original word is to be found in the practice of blessing by way of salutation, not only on meeting,... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Kings 21:11

The ready submission of the elders and nobles implies a deep moral degradation among the Israelites, the fruit of their lapse into idolatry. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Kings 21:9

1 Kings 21:9. She wrote in the letters, saying, Proclaim a fast As if there had been some grievous crime committed, or some great calamity had befallen them, which all the people were to bewail, and purge themselves from, lest they should become guilty; and consequently they were to see the crime punished very severely; for such days of fasting were spent in punishing offenders, doing justice, and praying to God for pardon. She intended also, by taking this step, to remove all suspicion of... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Kings 21:10

1 Kings 21:10. And set two men before him to bear witness It was the Roman custom also; and was most rational, that the accused should have the accusers face to face, Acts 25:16. Thou didst blaspheme God and the king Hebrew, ברכת , beracta, thou didst bless. Blessing is here put for cursing and blaspheming, as in Job 1:5; Job 2:9, as is apparent, because his blessing God and the king would have been no crime. It was death by the law of Moses to blaspheme God, Leviticus 24:16; and by... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Kings 21:11

1 Kings 21:11. The men of his city did as Jezebel had sent to them Which is not at all strange, considering that they had for a long time cast off the fear of God; prostituted their consciences and religion to please their king; and sold themselves to all manner of wickedness; so that they could not now make a safe and honourable retreat. Besides, they durst not disobey Jezebel’s command, by whom they knew the king was wholly governed, and who could easily have taken away their lives, in... read more

Donald C. Fleming

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

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