Acting on Jezebel’s Urging
Ahab, the king of Israel, wants a vineyard belonging to Naboth. It’s close to the palace and a perfect spot for Ahab to plant his vegetable garden.
In exchange for Naboth’s vineyard, Ahab offers to give him an even better vineyard someplace else or to pay him what his is worth.
As a matter of principle, Naboth declines.
Ahab sulks.
The Crime
When the pouting king explains the situation to his wife, Jezebel. She says, “This isn’t how a king should act. Don’t worry. I’ll get you the vineyard.”
Ahab can stop her from doing it. He should, but he doesn’t. The king wants the vineyard more than he wants to do what is right. He is evil.
Jezebel concocts a plan to have Naboth falsely accused of cursing both God and the king—a crime punishable by stoning. She sends her plan under the king’s seal.
The officials were Naboth lives do as Jezebel requests. Two scoundrels accuse the innocent man of cursing both God and King. Based on their corroborating testimony, the townspeople stone Naboth to death.
When confirmation of Naboth’s passing reaches Jezebel, she tells her husband that Naboth is dead. “Go take his vineyard.”
Ahab can decline taking what isn’t his. He should, but he doesn’t. The king takes what he wants, because he is evil.
The Confrontation
Hearing of this, the prophet Elijah confronts Ahab and prophesies the King’s and Jezebel’s death for their evil actions.
If this story isn’t enough to show it, Scripture confirms the evil nature of the king and his wife. It says there was never anyone like the evil King Ahab, who was urged on by his wife, Jezebel.
This doesn’t mean that Ahab’s sins are the fault of his wife. Ahab, and he alone, is responsible for his actions. He deserves the punishment that his evil behavior warrants. He dies as the prophet predicted.
Jezebel could have influenced her husband for good or for evil. She chooses to encourage him to be selfish and act greedily.
She then facilitates her husband’s wickedness and is likewise guilty, bringing about her own death just as Elijah proclaimed (2 Kings 9:30-37).
The Warning
Let us guard who we let influence us. May we likewise be a good influence on others.
[Read through the Bible with us this year. Today’s reading is 1 Kings 21-22, and today’s post is on 1 Kings 21:25-26.]
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront a status quo faith and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.
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