1 Kings 21:17

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Kings 21:17-29

In these verses we may observe, I. The very bad character that is given of Ahab (1 Kgs. 21:25, 26), which comes in here to justify God in the heavy sentence passed upon him, and to show that though it was passed upon occasion of his sin in the matter of Naboth (which David's sin in the matter of Uriah did too much resemble), yet God would not have punished him so severely if he had not been guilty of many other sins, especially idolatry; whereas David, except in that one matter, did that which... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 21:17

And the word of the Lord came to Elijah the prophet ,.... Where he now was, when this word came to him, is not certain; nor what he had been employed in for some time past, since we hear nothing of him since the unction of Elisha, other prophets of lesser note being employed in messages to Ahab from time to time; perhaps Elijah, while Ahab was engaged in war with the king of Syria, spent his time in founding or reviving the schools of the prophets, and instructing and training up those that... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 21:1-24

The Progress of Sin. This chapter describes one of the blackest crimes which ever blotted the page of history. The description is so graphic that we seem eyewitnesses of the tragedy, and so suggestive that we can understand the motives and feelings of the principal actors. Naboth has been blamed sometimes for refusing what appeared a reasonable request that he would sell a piece of land to his rightful king at a fair price. It is evident, however, that he was not only acting within his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 21:15-24

Divine Inquisition. Ahab lost no time in reaping the fruit of Jezebel's wickedness. The next day, after the murder of Naboth and his family, we find him taking possession of the coveted vineyard (see 2 Kings 9:26 ). But in all this dark business there was an invisible Spectator, whose presence does not seem to have been sufficiently taken into the account, I. GOD IS AN OMNISCIENT OBSERVER . 1 . He inspects all human actions . 2 . He surveys all human motives . ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 21:15-29

Guilt and Mercy. I. To ENJOY THE FRUITS OF SIN IS TO TAKE ITS GUILT . "Hast thou killed?" etc. It is not said that Ahab knew of the plot. The plain inference is that he did not. Jezebel wrote to the elders, and to her the tidings were sent that the deed was done. But if Ahab did not know before, he knew after. Knowing how it had been procured he nevertheless received it, and heard as he stood there the word of the Lord: "Hast thou killed , and also taken... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 21:17

And the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying [As in 1 Kings 17:1 , 1 Kings 17:8 ; 1 Kings 18:1 ], read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 21:17-24

Divine Retaliation. We have just seen Naboth martyred because of his fidelity to law; we have seen him murdered by men who in the name of law violated all the laws of God and man. Now the dispensation under which these men lived promised a present recompense, a temporal reward, to obedience, and it denounced temporal punishment against "every transgression and disobedience." We may imagine, consequently, how this tragedy would strike the men of that age. They would see in it a direct... 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

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - 1 Kings 21:17

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

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 1 Kings 21:17

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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