1 Some time passed after these events. Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard; it was in Jezreel next to the palace of Ahab king of Samaria.
2 So Ahab spoke to Naboth, saying, “ Give me your vineyard so I can have it for a vegetable garden, since it is right next to my palace. I will give you a better vineyard in its place, or if you prefer , I will give you its value in silver.”
3 But Naboth said to Ahab, “ I will never give my fathers’ inheritance to you.”
4 So Ahab went to his palace resentful and angry because of what Naboth the Jezreelite had told him. He had said, “ I will not give you my fathers’ inheritance.” He lay down on his bed, turned his face away, and didn’t eat any food.
5 Then his wife Jezebel came to him and said to him, “ Why are you so upset that you refuse to eat? ”
6 “ Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite,” he replied. “ I told him: Give me your vineyard for silver, or if you wish, I will give you a vineyard in its place. But he said, ‘ I won’t give you my vineyard! ’ ”
7 Then his wife Jezebel said to him, “ Now, exercise your royal power over Israel. Get up, eat some food, and be happy . For I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.”
8 So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name and sealed them with his seal. She sent the letters to the elders and nobles who lived with Naboth in his city.
9 In the letters, she wrote: Proclaim a fast and seat Naboth at the head of the people.
10 Then seat two wicked men opposite him and have them testify against him, saying, “ You have cursed God and the king! ” Then take him out and stone him to death.
