SUMMARY
Ahab and Jezebel attempt to acquire the vineyard of Naboth through their political power. Elijah challenges them and announces the destruction of Ahab’s house.
ANALYSIS
AhabKing of Israel who opposed Elijah. More wished to own a vineyard that belonged to Naboth, adjacent to his residence in Jezreel. He made a fair offer of purchase for the vineyard, but Naboth refused because the property was his “ancestral inheritance” (v. 3). This is the crucial aspect of the narrative (Leviticus 25:23): family holdings could not be transferred permanently, because the land belonged to God, not the “landholder.”
Ahab’s sullen and resentful response was due, in part, because he knew Naboth was legally right. Jezebel’s response was more direct. She had Naboth executed by stoning, on trumped up charges in a “kangaroo court” (vv. 8-16). ElijahA miracle working Israelite prophet who opposed worship of Baal. More is incensed at Jezebel’s actions and condemns Ahab to the same fate as Jeroboam and Baasha (vv. 17-29). JezebelQueen who promoted worship of Baal and who opposed Elijah. More is seen as the real power behind the throne in this passage (compare 1 Kings 18:4; 1 Kings 19:1-2). Having the power to act, however, is not the same as having the right to act.
