To take possession of it - The goods of traitors appear to have been forfeited to the crown by the Jewish law as they still are almost universally throughout the East. Compare 2 Samuel 16:4. read more
1 Kings 21:14. They sent to Jezebel By whom they were not ignorant the affairs of the kingdom were in a great measure managed, and this design contrived: saying, Naboth is stoned Which they knew would be an agreeable piece of news to her who had imbrued her hands in the blood of so many of the Lord’s prophets. Here let us observe, that as obsequious as the elders of Jezreel were to Jezebel’s orders, which she sent from Samaria for the murder of Naboth, so obsequious were the elders of... read more
1 Kings 21:18-19. Arise, go to meet Ahab, which is in Samaria That is, who reigns in Samaria. Behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth Or, rather, he will be there by the time thou comest thither. And speak unto him, Hast thou killed and also taken possession? Thou hast murdered an innocent and righteous man; and, instead of repenting of thy crime, hast added another piece of injustice and violence to it, and art going, confidently and cheerfully, to reap the fruit of thy wickedness. He... read more
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
Arise. This form of the imperative is only found in connection with Jehovah, and always with reference to the promised land. And the lengthened form is found only in Moses' mouth in Numbers 10:35 . read more
ELIJAH APPEARED AND DELIVERED GOD'S JUDGMENT UPON AHAB AND UPON ALL HIS HOUSE"And the word of Jehovah came to Elijah the Tishbite saying, Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who dwelleth in Samaria: for he is in the vineyard of Naboth, whither he is gone down to take possession of it. And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith Jehovah, Hast thou killed, and also taken possession? And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, In the place where the dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall... read more
14-16. Jezebel said to Ahab, Arise, take possession—Naboth's execution having been announced, and his family being involved in the same fatal sentence ( :-), his property became forfeited to the crown, not by law, but traditionary usage (see :-). read more
16. Ahab rose up to go down—from Samaria to Jezreel. :-. ELIJAH DENOUNCES JUDGMENTS AGAINST AHAB AND JEZEBEL. read more
17-19. Hast thou killed, and also taken possession?—While Ahab was in the act of surveying his ill-gotten possession, Elijah, by divine commission, stood before him. The appearance of the prophet, at such a time, was ominous of evil, but his language was much more so (compare Ezekiel 45:8; Ezekiel 46:16-18). Instead of shrinking with horror from the atrocious crime, Ahab eagerly hastened to his newly acquired property. read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 21:18
Arise, go down [Bähr hence concludes that Elijah was at this time in a mountain district. But wherever he might be, this word would probably be used of journey to the plain of Esdraelon] to meet ["The word used 1 Samuel 17:48 of David going out to meet Goliath (Stanley). But the same word is used ( 1 Samuel 18:6 ) of the women going out to meet Saul, and indeed it is the usual word for all meetings. We cannot hence infer, consequently, that Elijah went forth as if to encounter a foe]... read more