1 Kings 21:15

And it came to pass, when Jezebel heard that Naboth was stoned, and was dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give thee for money: for Naboth is not alive, but dead.

And it came to pass, when Jezebel {H348} heard {H8085} that Naboth {H5022} was stoned {H5619}, and was dead {H4191}, that Jezebel {H348} said {H559} to Ahab {H256}, Arise {H6965}, take possession {H3423} of the vineyard {H3754} of Naboth {H5022} the Jezreelite {H3158}, which he refused {H3985} to give {H5414} thee for money {H3701}: for Naboth {H5022} is not alive {H2416}, but dead {H4191}.

When Izevel heard that Navot had been stoned to death, she said to Ach'av, "Get up, and take possession of the vineyard that Navot the Yizre'eli refused to sell you, because Navot is no longer alive; he is dead."

When Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned to death, she said to Ahab, โ€œGet up and take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, who refused to give it to you for silver. For Naboth is no longer alive, but dead.โ€

And it came to pass, when Jezebel heard that Naboth was stoned, and was dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give thee for money; for Naboth is not alive, but dead.

Commentary

1 Kings 21:15 marks a chilling turning point in the tragic narrative of Naboth's vineyard, revealing the ruthless efficiency and utter lack of conscience of Queen Jezebel. Having orchestrated the false accusation and execution of Naboth, she swiftly moves to capitalize on the murder, directing King Ahab to seize the coveted land.

Context

This verse immediately follows the unjust stoning of Naboth, a Jezreelite who had refused to sell his ancestral vineyard to King Ahab. Naboth's refusal was based on Israelite law, which forbade the permanent sale of inherited land (Leviticus 25:23). Ahab's subsequent sulking led Jezebel to promise him the vineyard, setting in motion her devious plan involving false witnesses and a rigged trial (1 Kings 21:7-14). Verse 15 shows Jezebel's immediate command to Ahab, confirming Naboth's death and urging him to take possession, demonstrating her callousness and disregard for justice and divine law.

Key Themes

  • Abuse of Power and Tyranny: Jezebel, an ungodly queen, exemplifies the corrupting influence of unchecked power. She uses her authority not for justice, but to facilitate murder and theft, showcasing a tyrannical disregard for the rights of the common Israelite.
  • Covetousness and its Consequences: Ahab's initial covetous desire for Naboth's vineyard (1 Kings 21:2) escalates into a horrific act of injustice, culminating in murder. This story serves as a stark warning against the destructive nature of unchecked longing.
  • Disregard for Divine Law: Jezebel's plot violates multiple commandments: coveting, false witness, and murder. Furthermore, the seizure of Naboth's vineyard directly contravenes the Israelite laws regarding land inheritance, which were designed to preserve tribal family lines and prevent the accumulation of wealth by a few.
  • Wicked Counsel: Jezebel acts as a destructive influence on Ahab, pushing him towards greater sin and away from any potential for righteousness. Her counsel is purely self-serving and devoid of moral consideration.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "take possession" in Hebrew is yarash (ื™ึธืจึทืฉื). While it can simply mean to inherit or possess, in this context, it carries the strong connotation of dispossessing or taking by force or unlawful means. Jezebel's command to "take possession" is not an invitation to a legal transaction, but an instruction to seize what has been unjustly acquired through murder, highlighting the illegitimacy of Ahab's claim.

Reflection and Application

The narrative of Naboth's vineyard serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of unchecked desire and the corrupting influence of power when not submitted to God's law. For believers today, this passage underscores:

  • The Seriousness of Covetousness: Uncontrolled desires can lead to severe sin and injustice, just as Ahab's covetousness led to Naboth's death.
  • The Importance of Justice: We are called to uphold justice and righteousness, protecting the rights of the vulnerable and speaking out against oppression, rather than participating in or condoning it.
  • The Consequences of Sin: The actions of Ahab and Jezebel brought severe divine judgment upon them and their dynasty (1 Kings 21:23). This reminds us that there are spiritual and often temporal consequences for wickedness.
  • Resisting Wicked Influence: The story highlights the importance of choosing godly counsel and resisting those who encourage sin, even if they are in positions of authority or close relationships.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 21:7 (2 votes)

    And Jezebel his wife said unto him, Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel? arise, [and] eat bread, and let thine heart be merry: I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.

  • Proverbs 1:10 (2 votes)

    ยถ My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

  • Proverbs 1:16 (2 votes)

    For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.

  • Proverbs 4:17 (2 votes)

    For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.