Definition: And it came to pass, when Jezebel heard that Naboth was stoned, and was dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give thee for money: for Naboth is not alive, but dead.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 21:15. It’s a really important and dramatic passage about injustice and betrayal. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Naboth was a wealthy man: This verse tells us about a powerful and respected man named Naboth who owned a vineyard in Jerusalem. He was incredibly wealthy and held a significant position in the kingdom. Jezebel, Ahab’s wife, learns of the news: Jezebel, Ahab's wife, discovers that Naboth has been stoned to death. “Stoned” means he was killed by being beaten with stones. Jezebel tells Ahab to take possession: Jezebel urges Ahab, Naboth's friend and advisor, to legally claim the vineyard for himself. She says, “Arise, take possession of the vineyard….” Naboth refuses: But Naboth refuses to give Jezebel any money for it. He’s refusing to sell his land. Jezebel is angry and furious: Seeing this refusal, Jezebel becomes incredibly upset and enraged. She tells Ahab to take action . What the Verse Means – It’s About Justice & Betrayal: This verse is a powerful example of unfair treatment and betrayal . Here's what it highlights: Jezebel’s anger stems from injustice: She’s angry because she feels robbed of something that rightfully belongs to her. She believes Naboth was being taken advantage of. Jezebel’s actions are wrong: She uses her position and influence to pressure Naboth into giving her money, which is a violation of his trust and property rights. It's a clear act of betrayal: Jezebel turns on her friend and advisor in a moment of anger. The Significance – It’s a Warning: This verse is often seen as a warning to us about the dangers of: Favoritism & Corruption: It highlights how power can be abused when people are driven by personal greed rather than justice. Ignoring Justice: It underscores the importance of upholding fair laws and protecting property rights – something that was violated in this story. In short, this verse is a dramatic account of a betrayal that sparked a conflict and set a warning about the potential for injustice. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect this passage to a larger theme in the Bible (like justice, greed, or power)?