1 Kings 21:18

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 21:18

Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, which is in Samaria ,.... Whose seat was there, his palace where he dwelt; and Benjamin of Tudela says F7 Itinerar. p. 38. , that in his time might be discerned in Samaria the palace of Ahab king of Israel, that is, some traces of it; some connect the last clause with Israel, as if the sense was, that Ahab was king over those tribes of Israel, of which Samaria was the head: behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth : or "will be" by the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Kings 21:18

Go down to meet Ahab - This was the next day after the murder, as we learn from the above quotation, 2 Kings 9:26 . 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 21:17-24

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Kings 21:18-19

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

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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