1 Kings 21:1-29

21:2-3 | Israelites were not to sell their land permanently, for the Promised Land belonged to God (Lev. 25:23; Num. 36:7). Naboth knew the dangers of disobeying a ruthless king, but refused to violate God’s law and courageously refused Ahab’s request for his land.

21:8-14 | To acquire Naboth’s vineyard for her husband, Queen Jezebel committed several crimes: forgery, hypocrisy (using the religious ritual of fasting to cover up her scheme), perjury, and murder. She even had Naboth’s sons killed (2 Kgs. 9:26).

21:19 | Ahab died in battle shortly after these events, and dogs licked his blood at the pool in Samaria (22:34-38). Confidence in God’s willingness to avenge wickedness is what gives believers the courage not to take revenge into their own hands (Rom. 12:19).

21:23-24 | This prophecy concerning Jezebel was fulfilled during the reign of Jehu (2 Kgs. 9:30-37).

21:25-29 | Despite his idolatry and evil deeds, God had mercy when Ahab repented and did not bring judgment on his house during his lifetime. Even the worst Israelite king (there was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do wickedness) was not beyond the mercy of God. There were still consequences – God brought judgment on Ahab’s house – just not during Ahab’s lifetime (in his days). God gives grace to the humble (Prov. 3:34; James 4:6).