CROWNED | 1 Kings Chapter 21

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Week 5 / Day 21

Written by Becky Ladd

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INTRODUCTION

In today’s passage, we are going to continue the storyline we have been in with many of the same key players; however, today we will also meet someone new, Naboth.  Who is he? 

• Naboth: A prominent and wealthy Jezreelite land owner who, as you will learn today, remains faithful to God by not agreeing to sell his land to King Ahab, staying in alignment with the covenant made between the Lord and His people back in Numbers 36:7 and Leviticus 25:23.  

READ

Now, if you haven’t done so already, go ahead and take a moment to read 1 Kings 21.

REFLECT

This chapter opens up with Ahab throwing a bit of a pity party for himself over his desire to acquire Naboth’s vineyard, showing clearly the covetousness within his heart.  You see, despite being a King, Ahab was not satisfied with what he had and so said to Naboth, “Give me your vineyard so I may have it for a vegetable garden because it is near my house.”  

Despite the large amounts of wealth and land he already had at his disposal, this need for more, for nothing more than a garden, I might add, reflects how something as seemingly harmless as discontent can lead to sinful actions. For it is from Ahab’s showing of discontent that his wife Jezebel - a woman known for her knack for manipulation and misuse of power - steps in with a plan, orchestrating Naboth’s death by deceit, and highlighting for us even more clearly the dangers of ungodly influence.  Her heart and motive shine through clearly in verse 7, which says: 

“Jezebel said to Ahab: "Do you not govern Israel?  Arise, eat bread and let your heart be merry.  I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite."

But even though Jezebel appears to be a woman on an unstoppable mission to eradicate God from the equation,  God’s response in sending Elijah reminds us not only of His power but also of His justice.  

You see, if you remember, the Bible has already told us that Ahab was a king who was more evil than any other king before him, and yet despite Ahab’s previous actions, and despite his position and power as an earthly king, God, the King of Kings, still offers repentance and redemption in sending Elijah to “call him out” and address his wicked and wayward ways. This call to action from the Lord is a reminder to us all that no one, not even the king more evil than any other king before him, is beyond God’s reach.

From what we know of Ahab this far, you would think that his response to Elijah’s word of warning would be one of staunch rejection; however, when Ahab heard what Elijah said from God, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and fasted.  And it is from Ahab’s eventual repentance that we see God’s mercy is available to us all, no matter our past.  And God’s response to Ahab’s humility teaches us that He is always ready and willing to forgive.

RESPOND

1.  Today’s passage reminds us once again that we must beware of ungodly influences in our lives.  Take a moment to reflect on the voices in your life. Who are the Elijahs, speaking truth even when it is difficult?  Who are the Jezebel’s?  In what ways can you cultivate deeper relationships with the Elijah’s?  In what ways can you draw boundary lines to help quiet the voice and influence of the Jezebel’s?

2.  Naboth faced a difficult task in standing up to the word of the king.  Have you even been faced with the difficult task of standing for God’s word?  How did you respond?  How can you help ensure you will stand firm on His word and truth in the future?

3. Today’s passage also reminded us that we are never so far gone that the Lord can’t and won’t redeem and restore us to Him.  So no matter if it’s you or someone else in your life who others have written off as a “lost cause,” I want to encourage you today - Always seek repentance, no matter how far you have strayed or think you have strayed.  Genuine humble repentance always leads to His grace-filled mercy.

4. Finally, as Christians, we must examine our hearts on a regular basis and make sure that we guard our hearts and minds against covetousness (wanting what someone else has). One way to do that is to cultivate gratitude for what we have and what God has provided for us.  Take a moment today to reflect on all He has done for you, taking time to write down a prayer of thanksgiving, as Psalm 126:3 says,

“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”  (NIV)