1 Kings 21:5

¶ But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him, Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread?

But Jezebel {H348} his wife {H802} came {H935} to him, and said {H1696} unto him, Why is thy spirit {H7307} so sad {H5620}, that thou eatest {H398} no bread {H3899}?

Izevel his wife went and said to him, "Why are you so depressed that you refuse to eat?"

Soon his wife Jezebel came in and asked, “Why are you so sullen that you refuse to eat?”

But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him, Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread?

Commentary

1 Kings 21:5 captures a pivotal moment in the tragic narrative of Naboth's vineyard, revealing the character of Queen Jezebel and setting the stage for her infamous actions. The verse shows Jezebel confronting her husband, King Ahab, who is deeply despondent and refusing to eat.

Context

This verse immediately follows King Ahab's intense disappointment. Ahab had expressed a strong, covetous desire for Naboth's vineyard, which was conveniently located near his palace in Jezreel. However, Naboth had steadfastly refused to sell or exchange it, citing ancestral inheritance laws that prohibited the permanent sale of family land (Leviticus 25:23-28). Ahab's reaction to this refusal was one of profound sulking and sadness, as described in the preceding verse: he went home "heavy and displeased," lying on his bed and refusing food. Jezebel, known for her strong will and pagan influence, enters the scene to inquire about his unusual behavior, not out of genuine concern, but to discover the cause of his weakness and exploit it for her own ends.

Key Themes

  • Jezebel's Dominance and Manipulation: This verse immediately highlights Jezebel's forceful personality and her significant influence over King Ahab. Her direct question, "Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread?", is not merely inquisitive but sets the stage for her to take control of the situation and devise a wicked plan to satisfy Ahab's desire.
  • Ahab's Weakness and Passivity: Ahab's deep sorrow and refusal to eat over a denied request underscore his spiritual weakness and lack of resolve. He is easily overcome by discontent and relies on Jezebel to solve his problems, even if it means resorting to injustice.
  • The Seeds of Injustice: Jezebel's inquiry marks the beginning of a chain of events that leads to the unjust murder of Naboth and the seizure of his vineyard. Her question, though seemingly innocuous, is born of a ruthless determination to fulfill Ahab's desires by any means necessary, regardless of divine law or moral principle.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "thy spirit so sad" uses the Hebrew word sār (סַר), which conveys a sense of being "sullen," "morose," or "displeased." It's a stronger term than simple sadness, suggesting a deep, brooding resentment or vexation that has completely consumed Ahab, affecting even his basic bodily functions like eating. The word "spirit" (ruach, רוּחַ) here refers to Ahab's inner disposition or emotional state, highlighting the depth of his internal distress.

Practical Application

The interaction in 1 Kings 21:5 serves as a powerful cautionary tale. It illustrates the dangers of allowing discontent and covetousness to fester, especially when coupled with a lack of moral fortitude. It also warns against the influence of ungodly counsel; Jezebel's "solution" to Ahab's problem leads to severe sin and divine judgment. For believers today, this verse underscores the importance of:

  • Contentment: Learning to be content with what God provides, rather than allowing covetous desires to consume us (cf. Hebrews 13:5).
  • Righteous Influence: Choosing to be surrounded by those who encourage righteousness and discourage sin, rather than those who enable or even orchestrate evil, as Jezebel did for Ahab. Jezebel's manipulative nature, which later leads to her infamous plot, reminds us of the destructive power of ungodly counsel.
  • Addressing Discontent Righteously: When faced with disappointment or unfulfilled desires, we are called to respond with prayer and trust in God's sovereignty, rather than succumbing to bitterness or resorting to unrighteous means. The severe consequences for Jezebel's actions and Ahab's complicity serve as a stark reminder. This narrative also serves as a stark warning against the sin of covetousness.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 3:6 (2 votes)

    ¶ And when the woman saw that the tree [was] good for food, and that it [was] pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make [one] wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

  • 1 Kings 16:31 (2 votes)

    And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him.

  • Esther 4:5 (2 votes)

    ¶ Then called Esther for Hatach, [one] of the king's chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her, and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to know what it [was], and why it [was].

  • Nehemiah 2:2 (2 votes)

    Wherefore the king said unto me, Why [is] thy countenance sad, seeing thou [art] not sick? this [is] nothing [else] but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid,

  • 1 Kings 21:25 (2 votes)

    But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.

  • 1 Kings 18:4 (2 votes)

    For it was [so], when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.)

  • 2 Samuel 13:4 (2 votes)

    And he said unto him, Why [art] thou, [being] the king's son, lean from day to day? wilt thou not tell me? And Amnon said unto him, I love Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister.