Naboth’s Vineyard
The chapter opens with a simple property dispute: Ahab asks to buy or exchange Naboth’s vineyard, and Naboth refuses because it is his fathers’ inheritance.
S1ome time after these events, Naboth the Jezreelite owned a vineyard in Jezreel next to the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. 2So Ahab said to Naboth, “Give me your vineyard to use as a vegetable garden, since it is 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.” 3But Naboth replied, “The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.”
Ahab withdraws in anger and self-pity when he does not get the vineyard. Jezebel sees his mood, hears the complaint, and promises to secure the land for him.
4So Ahab went to his palace, sullen and angry because Naboth the Jezreelite had told him, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” He lay down on his bed, turned his face away, and refused to eat. 5Soon his wife Jezebel came in and asked, “Why are you so sullen that you refuse to eat?” 6Ahab answered, “Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite and told him, ‘Give me your vineyard for silver, or if you wish, I will give you another vineyard in its place.’ And he replied, ‘I will not give you my vineyard!’” 7But his wife Jezebel said to him, “Do you not reign over Israel? Get up, eat some food, and be cheerful, for I will get you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.”