Ahab, Jezebel and Naboth
1 Kings 21:1-16
Reflection and Question: Here we have the first half of the story in which Ahab, king of Israel, covets the vineyard of his neighbor Naboth. Ahab offers to swap or pay, but Naboth will have none of it. He says no. While Ahab sulks, Jezebel, the queen, takes ruthless action and her two hit men successfully cover their tracks as Naboth is stoned to death. When told that Naboth is dead, Ahab asks no questions. He merrily heads out to take possession of Naboth’s vineyard. There is more yet to come, but there are lessons enough in this part. What lessons do you take from this story?
Prayer: Eternal God, we so wish that the cruelty of Ahab and Jezebel were a thing of the ancient past, even as it is present in today’s headlines of mortgage foreclosures and seven-figure bonuses. Forgive our sins and cleanse our hearts. Amen.
This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).
