FocusElijah, Ahab, and the word of the LORD
1 Kings 21:7
KJVAnd Jezebel his wife said unto him, Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel? arise, and eat bread, and let thine heart be merry: I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The later reigns are framed by prophetic encounters that expose idolatry and demonstrate the consequences of responding to God's word.
- 21:1 And it came to pass after these things, that Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel, hard by the palace of Ahab king of Samaria.
- 21:2 And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, Give me thy vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near unto my house: and I will give thee for it a better vineyard than it; or, if it seem good to thee, I will give thee the worth of it in money.
- 21:3 And Naboth said to Ahab, The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.
- 21:4 And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him: for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers. And he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread.
- 21:5 But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him, Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread?
- 21:6 And he said unto her, Because I spake unto Naboth the Jezreelite, and said unto him, Give me thy vineyard for money; or else, if it please thee, I will give thee another vineyard for it: and he answered, I will not give thee my vineyard.
- 21:7 And Jezebel his wife said unto him, Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel? arise, and eat bread, and let thine heart be merry: I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Jeremiah is the traditional Jewish attribution. The history draws on earlier records, and its final compiler is not independently identifiable with certainty. Biblical references: 1 Kings 11:41; 1 Kings 14:19. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Kings 21:1–21:29): Ahab, Jezebel, Naboth, the city elders, and Elijah are involved in the seizure of Naboth's vineyard and the prophetic judgment. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Israel and Judah's later community, especially readers confronting the history that led to exile. First and Second Kings originally form one continuous work. Biblical references: 1 Kings 9:6; 1 Kings 9:7; 2 Kings 25:27. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Naboth’s Vineyard. Read 1 Kings 21:1 through 1 Kings 21:7 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The later reigns are framed by prophetic encounters that expose idolatry and demonstrate the consequences of responding to God's word. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account begins in David's last days, follows Solomon's reign, and continues into the divided kingdoms and the ministries associated with Elijah. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Jerusalem and the temple are central early; later events move through Judah, the northern kingdom, and neighboring regions. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Naboth’s Vineyard (1 Kings 21:1 to 1 Kings 21:7). Start reading at 1 Kings 21:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus refers to Solomon's wisdom while declaring that a greater than Solomon is present. The comparison directs attention to Jesus without endorsing Solomon's later unfaithfulness. See 1 Kings 11:4, Matthew 12:42. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Distinguish outward prosperity and impressive religious buildings from covenant faithfulness. Attend to the reasons the narrative gives for its evaluations of kings and prophets. interpretation
Cited: 1 Kings 21:1, 1 Kings 21:7, 1 Kings 11:4, Matthew 12:42
Who wrote it, and how we know
Related passages
- Dost thou now 1 Sam 8:4 2 Sam 13:4 Prov 30:31 Eccl 4:1 Eccl 8:4 Dan 5:19-21
- I will give thee 1 Kgs 21:15-16 Mic 2:1-2 Mic 7:3
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 1 Kings 21
1 Kings 2:3 1 Kings 11:9 1 Kings 12:20
Jezebel’s Plot
1 Kings 21:8–16FocusElijah, Ahab, and the word of the LORD
Elijah Denounces Ahab and Jezebel
1 Kings 21:17–24FocusElijah, Ahab, and the word of the LORD
Ahab’s Repentance
1 Kings 21:25–29FocusElijah, Ahab, and the word of the LORD
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 1 Kings
1 Kings 2:3 1 Kings 11:9 1 Kings 12:20
Succession to David
1 Kings 1:1–2:46FocusSolomon's throne secured
Solomon's kingdom and temple
1 Kings 3:1–10:29FocusWisdom, worship, and wealth
The kingdom divided
1 Kings 11:1–16:34FocusUnfaithfulness and rival kingdoms
FocusElijah, Ahab, and the word of the LORD
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.