Ahab and Naboth's Vineyard

Naboth's vineyard, which was coveted by King Ahab, was in the city of Jezreel in the plain of Esdraelon, to the north of Mt. Gilboa. It was on the brow of a steep, rocky descent sloping down toward the north and east. Since the ancient vineyards seem to have been to the east of the city, Ahab's palace was probably on the same side (see on ch. 18:45), affording a splendid view all the way toward Jordan. Ahab spoke with Naboth. This account reveals the covetous, petulant, selfish disposition of the king, and the cold, calculating cruelty of the queen.

Naboth was, of course, not ready to lose his vineyard. To Naboth it seemed wrong to part with his property. The Levitical code provided that "the inheritance of the children of Israel" might not "remove from tribe to tribe," but that everyone should "keep himself to the inheritance of the tribe to tribe," but that everyone should "keep himself to the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers" (Num. 36:7—9). If for any reason property was sold, specific regulations were set forth providing for its periodic return to the families of the original owners (Lev. 25:13—28). Naboth believed it to be against the spiritual purpose of the Levitical law for him to transfer his inheritance to the king.

Ahab had earlier returned home "heavy and displeased" upon learning that his dealings with Ben—hadad were not according to the purpose of God (ch. 20:43). Not being able to secure the vineyard on which he had set his heart, he again went home "heavy and displeased." His attitude was like that of a spoiled, selfish child, interested in no one but himself. When he could not have his own way he became sullen and angry, refused to eat, and threw himself on his bed.

His whole kingdom seemed to mean nothing to him as long as he did not possess the vineyard of Naboth. Jezebel's response was full of bitterness and scorn. Does a man who is lord of the realm need to admit that he cannot secure a small parcel of ground? Is Ahab the king allowing himself to be thwarted by some insignificant subject of his? The item could be easily handled—she would take care of the matter herself and show him how such things are done.

To Ahab it evidently was a matter of no consequence as to how Jezebel secured the vineyard, so long as it was secured. He did not restrain her from writing letters in his name, stamped with his seal, and so became equally responsible with her for the dastardly deed. The ready acquiescence of the rulers of the city in carrying out this foul plot is characteristic of the worst to be found in Oriental despotism. The word of the king was law. Even base murder would be carried out under the pretense of justice. This ready submission of the elders and nobles implied a deep moral degradation among the people.

It appears from 2 Kings 9:26 that not only Naboth but also his sons were stoned. When Achan was put to death his sons and daughters were stoned with him (Joshua 7:24, 25). With Naboth's sons out of the way there would be no heirs to law claim to the vineyard. The crime thus became doubly heinous. Naboth was dead and his sons with him, and all his property now belonged to the royal domain. Heedless of consequences, Ahab immediately took over the property as his own.