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CHAPTER 21 (ESV)

 

1 Now Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard in Jezreel, beside the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. 2 And after this Ahab said to Naboth, “Give me your vineyard, that I may have it for a vegetable garden, because it is near my house, and I will give you a better vineyard for it; or, if it seems good to you, I will give you its value in money.” 3 But Naboth said to Ahab, “The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.” 4 And Ahab went into his house vexed and sullen because of what Naboth the Jezreelite had said to him, for he had said, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” And he lay down on his bed and turned away his face and would eat no food.

 

5 But Jezebel his wife came to him and said to him, “Why is your spirit so vexed that you eat no food?” 6 And he said to her, “Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite and said to him, ‘Give me your vineyard for money, or else, if it please you, I will give you another vineyard for it.’ And he answered, ‘I will not give you my vineyard.’” 7 And Jezebel his wife said to him, “Do you now govern Israel? Arise and eat bread and let your heart be cheerful; I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.”

 

REFLECTION

1. Ahab wanted a vineyard which belongs to Naboth. Old Testament Law forbade permanent sale of family land for it’s regarded as God’s gift. Thus Naboth refused the king’s offer to buy or trade his vineyard. The king went home and sulked. Jezebel scornfully told him to “act as king” (v7), and promised to get him the vineyard. To Jezebel, a king could use his royal power anyway he wished to get what he wanted.
2. Christian parents and leaders need to realize that we’ve been given a commission to servanthood not kingship. As Jesus said, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the son of man did not come to be served, but to serve”. (Matt 20:26-28)
3. Have I ever used my position for my own benefit, even at the loss of another? Recall the situation and converse with God.

 

PRAYER

Use the following paragraph to continue the conversation with God.

 

“Meekness was the method that Jesus used with the apostles. He put up with their ignorance and roughness and even their infidelity. He treated sinners with a kindness and affection that caused some to be shocked, others to be scandalized, and still others to gain hope in God’s mercy. Thus, he bade us to be gentle and humble of heart”. – John Bosco