But Naboth replied, "The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers." But Naboth repliedThe name "Naboth" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "fruits" or "produce." Naboth's response is significant as it sets the stage for a confrontation between divine law and royal authority. His reply is not just a personal refusal but a declaration of adherence to God's commandments. In the historical context, Naboth's vineyard is more than property; it is a sacred trust passed down through generations, symbolizing God's covenant with Israel. The LORD forbid
The phrase "The LORD forbid" is a strong expression of piety and reverence for God's law. In Hebrew, "Yahweh" is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. Naboth invokes God's authority, indicating that his decision is not based on personal preference but on divine command. This reflects the deep-seated belief in the inviolability of God's law, particularly concerning land inheritance as outlined in Leviticus 25:23-28. that I should give you
The act of "giving" in this context is not merely a transaction but a relinquishment of a divine trust. The Hebrew word for "give" can also imply "surrender" or "yield," underscoring the gravity of what is being asked. Naboth's refusal is a testament to his faithfulness and integrity, prioritizing God's commandments over royal demands. This highlights the tension between earthly authority and divine mandate. the inheritance of my fathers
The "inheritance" refers to the ancestral land allotted to Naboth's family, a tangible representation of God's promise to the tribes of Israel. In ancient Israel, land was not just economic capital but a spiritual heritage, a perpetual reminder of God's provision and faithfulness. The phrase "of my fathers" emphasizes the generational aspect, linking Naboth to his forebears and their covenantal relationship with God. This inheritance is a sacred trust, not to be sold or transferred lightly, as it is bound by divine law and familial duty. Persons / Places / Events 1. NabothA Jezreelite who owned a vineyard adjacent to King Ahab's palace. He is a man of integrity and faithfulness to God's laws. 2. King AhabThe king of Israel, known for his wickedness and idolatry, who desires Naboth's vineyard for a vegetable garden. 3. JezreelThe location of Naboth's vineyard, a city in the northern kingdom of Israel. 4. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, whose laws and commandments Naboth is committed to obeying. 5. Inheritance of my fathersRefers to the ancestral land that was allotted to Naboth's family, which he is forbidden to sell according to the Mosaic Law. Teaching Points Faithfulness to God's LawNaboth's refusal to sell his vineyard is rooted in his commitment to God's commandments. As believers, we are called to uphold God's principles even when faced with pressure or temptation. The Value of InheritanceNaboth's respect for his ancestral inheritance teaches us the importance of valuing and preserving the spiritual and moral legacies passed down to us. Courage in the Face of AuthorityNaboth's boldness in standing up to King Ahab serves as an example of courage. We are encouraged to stand firm in our convictions, even when confronted by those in power. The Consequences of CovetousnessAhab's desire for Naboth's vineyard illustrates the destructive nature of covetousness. We must guard our hearts against envy and greed, which can lead to sin and injustice. Trust in God's SovereigntyNaboth's account reminds us that God is ultimately in control. Even when we face unjust situations, we can trust that God sees and will act according to His justice and righteousness. Bible Study Questions 1. What does Naboth's response to King Ahab reveal about his character and priorities? How can we apply this to our own lives when faced with ethical dilemmas? 2. How does the concept of inheritance in ancient Israel relate to our understanding of spiritual inheritance today? What are some ways we can honor and preserve our spiritual heritage? 3. In what ways can we demonstrate courage and faithfulness to God's Word in our daily interactions, especially when dealing with authority figures? 4. Reflect on a time when you experienced covetousness. How did it affect your actions and relationships? What steps can you take to cultivate contentment and gratitude? 5. How can we find comfort and assurance in God's sovereignty when we encounter injustice or unfair treatment? What scriptures can we meditate on to strengthen our trust in God's justice? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 25:23-28This passage outlines the laws regarding the sale of land in Israel, emphasizing that the land belongs to God and should not be sold permanently. Numbers 36:7This verse highlights the importance of keeping the inheritance within the family tribe, which is a principle Naboth adheres to. Ezekiel 46:18Warns against rulers taking property unjustly, which is relevant to Ahab's desire to take Naboth's vineyard. People Ahab, Ahijah, Amorites, Baasha, Elijah, Jeroboam, Jezebel, Jezreel, Melech, Naboth, NebatPlaces Jezreel, SamariaTopics Ahab, Fathers, Forbid, Giving, Heritage, Inheritance, Naboth, RepliedDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 21:3 4208 land, divine responsibility
5219 authority, human institutions
5701 heir
7482 Year of Jubilee 1 Kings 21:1-4 5476 property 1 Kings 21:1-13 4366 stones 1 Kings 21:1-14 5550 speech, negative
5951 slander 1 Kings 21:1-16 5714 men
6710 privileges 1 Kings 21:1-19 4538 vineyard
5440 perjury 1 Kings 21:1-25 5745 women 1 Kings 21:2-3 5257 civil authorities 1 Kings 21:2-4 8780 materialism, and sin 1 Kings 21:2-16 8716 dishonesty, examples Library Ahab and Elijah
'And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy!'--1 KINGS xxi. 20. The keynote of Elijah's character is force-the force of righteousness. The New Testament, you remember, speaks of the 'power of Elias.' The outward appearance of the man corresponds to his function and his character. Gaunt and sinewy, dwelling in the desert, feeding on locusts and wild honey, with a girdle of camel's skin about his loins, he bursts into the history, amongst all that corrupt state of society, with the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureElijah
(Tenth Sunday after Trinity.) 1 Kings xxi. 19, 20. And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the Lord, Hast thou killed, and also taken possession? and thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the Lord, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth, shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine. And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found thee: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the Lord. Of all the grand personages …
Charles Kingsley—Town and Country Sermons Whether all Dissimulation is a Sin?
Objection 1: It seems that not all dissimulation is a sin. For it is written (Lk. 24:28) that our Lord "pretended [Douay: 'made as though'] he would go farther"; and Ambrose in his book on the Patriarchs (De Abraham i) says of Abraham that he "spoke craftily to his servants, when he said" (Gn. 22:5): "I and the boy will go with speed as far as yonder, and after we have worshipped, will return to you." Now to pretend and to speak craftily savor of dissimulation: and yet it is not to be said that there …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Touching Jacob, However, that which He did at his Mother's Bidding...
24. Touching Jacob, however, that which he did at his mother's bidding, so as to seem to deceive his father, if with diligence and in faith it be attended to, is no lie, but a mystery. The which if we shall call lies, all parables also, and figures designed for the signifying of any things soever, which are not to be taken according to their proper meaning, but in them is one thing to be understood from another, shall be said to be lies: which be far from us altogether. For he who thinks this, may …
St. Augustine—Against Lying Blessed are they that Mourn
Blessed are they that mourn. Matthew 5:4 Here are eight steps leading to true blessedness. They may be compared to Jacob's Ladder, the top whereof reached to heaven. We have already gone over one step, and now let us proceed to the second: Blessed are they that mourn'. We must go through the valley of tears to paradise. Mourning were a sad and unpleasant subject to treat on, were it not that it has blessedness going before, and comfort coming after. Mourning is put here for repentance. It implies …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Repentance
Then has God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.' Acts 11: 18. Repentance seems to be a bitter pill to take, but it is to purge out the bad humour of sin. By some Antinomian spirits it is cried down as a legal doctrine; but Christ himself preached it. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent,' &c. Matt 4: 17. In his last farewell, when he was ascending to heaven, he commanded that Repentance should be preached in his name.' Luke 24: 47. Repentance is a pure gospel grace. …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
BY JOHN BUNYAN PREFATORY REMARKS BY THE EDITOR This important treatise was prepared for the press, and left by the author, at his decease, to the care of his surviving friend for publication. It first appeared in a collection of his works in folio, 1692; and although a subject of universal interest; most admirably elucidated; no edition has been published in a separate form. Antichrist has agitated the Christian world from the earliest ages; and his craft has been to mislead the thoughtless, by …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 21:3 NIV1 Kings 21:3 NLT1 Kings 21:3 ESV1 Kings 21:3 NASB1 Kings 21:3 KJV
1 Kings 21:3 Commentaries
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