1 Kings 21:1

ยถ And it came to pass after these things, [that] Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which [was] in Jezreel, hard by the palace of Ahab king of Samaria.

And it came to pass after {H310} these things {H1697}, that Naboth {H5022} the Jezreelite {H3158} had a vineyard {H3754}, which was in Jezreel {H3157}, hard by {H681} the palace {H1964} of Ahab {H256} king {H4428} of Samaria {H8111}.

A while later, an incident occurred involving Navot the Yizre'eli. He owned a vineyard in Yizre'el, right next to the palace of Ach'av king of Shomron.

Some time later, Naboth the Jezreelite happened to own a vineyard in Jezreel next to the palace of Ahab king of Samaria.

And it came to pass after these things, that Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel, hard by the palace of Ahab king of Samaria.

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Kings 21:1

This verse introduces the pivotal narrative of Naboth's vineyard, a story that profoundly illustrates themes of covetousness, injustice, and the abuse of power during the reign of King Ahab. The phrase "after these things" links this account to the preceding events in 1 Kings chapter 20, where Ahab had been rebuked by a prophet for his leniency towards Ben-Hadad, king of Syria. This immediate preceding context highlights Ahab's spiritual state and his ongoing disregard for divine warnings.

Historical and Cultural Context

King Ahab ruled Israel from Samaria, the capital city, but also maintained a royal residence in Jezreel. Jezreel was a strategic and fertile location in the Jezreel Valley, often used by Israelite kings. Naboth, a local resident of Jezreel, owned a vineyard that was "hard by" (very close to) Ahab's palace. In ancient Israelite society, land was not merely property; it was an ancestral inheritance, a sacred trust passed down through generations. According to Mosaic Law, particularly as detailed in Leviticus 25:23, land could not be permanently sold, as it ultimately belonged to God. This understanding of land as an inalienable family inheritance is crucial to understanding Naboth's later refusal to sell his vineyard.

Key Themes

  • Ancestral Inheritance: The verse immediately sets up the importance of Naboth's ownership, which was rooted in his family's heritage. This highlights the deep cultural and religious significance of land in Israel.
  • Proximity and Desire: The vineyard's location "hard by the palace" is not coincidental. It directly fuels King Ahab's covetous desire, setting the stage for the conflict that unfolds in the subsequent verses. This proximity is a key plot device.
  • Foreshadowing Injustice: While only an introductory verse, the specific mention of Naboth's vineyard and its location next to the king's property subtly foreshadows the abuse of royal authority and the grave injustice that will be perpetrated against Naboth.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "hard by" (Hebrew: ืึตืฆึถืœ - 'etsel) simply means "beside" or "near to." This emphasizes the immediate vicinity of Naboth's vineyard to Ahab's royal property, making it an object of convenience and desire for the king. The term "Jezreelite" (Hebrew: ื™ึดื–ึฐืจึฐืขึตืืœึดื™ - Yizre'eli) identifies Naboth as a native of Jezreel, underscoring his local connection to the land.

Practical Application

This verse, though seemingly simple, lays the groundwork for a profound moral lesson. It reminds us of the dangers of unchecked desire, particularly the sin of covetousness, which is forbidden by the Tenth Commandment. It also subtly introduces the theme of respecting property rights and the inherent dignity of individuals, even when faced with overwhelming power. The story of Naboth serves as a timeless warning against the abuse of authority and the consequences of sacrificing justice for personal gain.

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 19:18 (3 votes)

    And their border was toward Jezreel, and Chesulloth, and Shunem,

  • Judges 6:33 (3 votes)

    ยถ Then all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the children of the east were gathered together, and went over, and pitched in the valley of Jezreel.

  • 2 Chronicles 28:22 (3 votes)

    And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this [is that] king Ahaz.

  • 1 Kings 18:45 (3 votes)

    And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel.

  • 1 Kings 18:46 (3 votes)

    And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.

  • Isaiah 9:13 (2 votes)

    For the people turneth not unto him that smiteth them, neither do they seek the LORD of hosts.

  • 1 Kings 20:35 (2 votes)

    And a certain man of the sons of the prophets said unto his neighbour in the word of the LORD, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man refused to smite him.