1 Kings 21:1-7 ▼

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.”