Ahab, Jezebel and Naboth�s Vineyard (1 Kings 21)

by Tony Huddleston

In recent years, it seems more and more corruption is being uncovered in government. Our elected officials are caught taking bribes, using funds inappropriately and other self-serving activities.
Covetousness, envy and jealousy are at the root of the problem and these sins are not new.
During the divided kingdom when Ahab was king of Israel, we find him sullen and distressed because a prophet had confronted him with a sin. While in this frame of mind, he enters into temptation. His neighbor, a man named Naboth, had a vineyard next to the king�s palace which Ahab desired for himself. He first approaches Naboth with an offer to exchange his vineyard for another or to purchase the vineyard.
Ahab begins in the proper way to acquire the vineyard, but his heart was not right. When Naboth refuses to sell because it was an inheritance, Ahab becomes very upset to the point he would eat no food.
Ahab�s wicked wife Jezebel then devises a plot in which Naboth is killed and Ahab takes the vineyard.
The sins of Ahab were covetousness, envy and jealousy, and ultimately murder. Throughout the pages of God�s word, we are warned about these sins, especially by examples and their consequences. In the New Testament, we find Ananias and Sapphira coveting money and Simon the sorcerer exhibiting envy when he tried to buy the miraculous gift of the Holy Spirit.
The sin of covetousness is insidious because so many do not realize it has taken over their lives, but the end is destruction. The best way to overcome any sin is by doing good ( Romans 12:21) and to follow the life and teachings of Jesus our Lord.