Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard next to the palace of king Ahab of Samaria. The king asked Naboth for the vineyard that he may have it for a vegetable garden for it is near, next to his house. And in exchange for the garden the king is willing to give Naboth a better vineyard or money for its worth.
And Naboth said to Ahab, “The Lord forbid that I should give the inheritance of my fathers to you!”
So Ahab went into his house sullen and displeased. He lay down on his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no food.
Then Jezebel his wife said to him, “You now exercise authority over Israel! Arise and eat food, and let your heart be cheerful; I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.”
So Jezebel wrote a letter in Ahab’s name, sealed them with his seal and sent the letter to the elders and nobles who were dwelling in the city with Naboth. And she wrote in the letter saying,
“Proclaim a fast, and seat Naboth with high honor among the people, and seat two men, scoundrels, before him to bear witness against him saying, ‘You have blasphemed God and the king!’” Then take him out, and stone him, that he may die.”
The men of the city, the elders and nobles did as Jezebel had sent to them, as it was written in the letters which she had sent to them.
When Jezebel was told of Naboth’s death he said to Ahab, “Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite which he refuses to give you for money; for Naboth is dead.”
So it was when Ahab heard that Naboth was dead that Ahab got up and went down to take possession of the vineyard.
The Lord Condemns Ahab
Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite. ” …You shall speak to Ahab, saying,’ Thus says the Lord:
“Have you murdered and also taken possession ?”‘
“Thus says the Lord:
‘In the place where the dogs licked the blood of Naboth, dogs shall lick your blood, even yours.’”
And concerning Jezebel the Lord also spoke saying, “The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.”— 1Kings 21:17-23
