The Circumstances that Led to the Death of Naboth

Naboth was a man who owned a vineyard which was near the palace of King Ahab in Jezreel.

King Ahab demanded to have the vineyard of Naboth justifying it that it was close to his palace.

King Ahab wanted to use the land on which Naboth's vineyard was located for his vegetable garden.

King Ahab had planned to give Naboth a better vineyard in exchange of his or pay him a fair price if he would prefer it that way.

However, Naboth refused to hand over his vineyard to King Ahab for whatever reason as the king had suggested.

Naboth told King Ahab that he had inherited the vineyard from his ancestors and could not therefore give it to anyone.

Besides, Naboth told King Ahab that the Lord forbade him from letting the king have the vineyard. The land in Israel belonged to the Lord. Therefore, nobody could sell or own it.

Naboth showed the king that selling the land would be a violation of the covenant laws. King Ahab went back home depressed and angry that Naboth had refused to let him have his vineyard to him.

Back at home, the king lay down on his bed, facing the wall and could not eat food. This attracted the attention of his wife, Jezebel.

King Ahab's wife Jezebel demanded to know why he was so depressed to the extent that he could not eat food.

King Ahab justified his depression that Naboth had refused to let him have his vineyard even when he offered to buy it or give him another in exchange.

Jezebel wondered whether Ahab was actually a king or not and urged him to get out of bed, cheer up and eat.

Jezebel went on to assure King Ahab that he would get the vineyard of Naboth. At this point, Jezebel took the matter in her hands and begun plotting to let her husband have the vineyard. 

King Ahab was living under the influence of his wife, Jezebel that he could do and believe in whatever she wanted or said.

Jezebel forged some letters in the name of King Ahab and sent them to the officials and leading .citizens of Jezreel.

Jezebel instructed the officials and the leading citizens of Jezreel to proclaim a day of fasting, call the people together and give Naboth a place of honour.

Besides, Jezebel instructed the officials and leading citizens of Jezreel to get a couple of scoundrels to accuse Naboth of having cursed God and the king of Israel.

The officials and the leading citizens of Jezreel proclaimed a day of fasting and some two scoundrels publicly accused Naboth of having cursed God and the king.

By false accusation against Naboth, he was taken outside the city and stoned to death. Innocent as he was, Naboth met his death through the evil plots by Jezebel.

Upon receiving the news about Naboth's death, Jezebel told King Ahab to go and take possession of the vineyard.

King Ahab at once went to take possession of Naboth's vineyard. He did not bother to find out the possible cause ofNaboth's death. This showed how the king cared less about his people.

Revision Questions

1.          Discuss the circumstances that led to the death of Naboth.

2.          Account for the death of Naboth.

3.          "Naboth died because of his faithfulness to the covenant laws". Discuss or Comment

4.          How did King Ahab come to possess Naboth's vineyard?

THE SINS COMMITTED IN THE STORY OF NABOTH AND HIS VINEYARD

•      Greed

•      Murder

•      Misuse of authority

•      Hypocrisy by Jezebel

•      Jealousy of King Ahab

•      Obsession with materialism

•      King Ahab lived under the influence of his wife

•      Manipulation of Israel's laws by forging of letters

•      False accusation or lying

•      Irresponsibility as King Ahab ignored the death of Naboth

•      Corruption as Jezebel corrupted the minds of the officials

•      Exploitation of an innocent person, Naboth

•      Grabbing of property

•      Ahab coveted or admired Naboth's vineyard

Revision Questions

1.          "King Ahab deserved the Lord's punishment for taking over Naboth's vineyard", Comment/Justify this statement

2.          "In the very place that the dogs licked up Naboth's blood, they will pick up your blood!" (1Kings 21 :19)

(a)   What compelled the Lord to make such a statement to King Ahab?

Or Why was the Lord angry or annoyed with King Ahab?

       (b)   What lessons can modern Christians draw from the death of Naboth?