Day 139

Murder for a Vineyard

1 Kings 21:1–29

Next to Ahab’s palace was a vineyard belonging to Naboth. “Let me buy your vineyard,” said Ahab. “I want to plant vegetables there.”

“This vineyard was my great-grandfather’s,” Naboth replied. “I won’t sell.”

Jezebel heard Ahab was angry. He couldn’t have Naboth’s vineyard. She plotted, had Naboth killed, and called Ahab. “Take Naboth’s vineyard,” she said. “He’s dead.”

Ahab and Jezebel walked in the vineyard. Elijah appeared. “God will make your family like Jeroboam’s,” he said. “They’ll be destroyed for what you’ve done. As for you, Jezebel, the dogs will gnaw on your bones in Jezreel.”

Questions: Why wouldn’t Naboth sell his vineyard? Why was God angry at Ahab and Jezebel?