Elijah Rebukes Ahab

GOLDEN TEXT: “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor’s.” —Exodus 20:17

I KINGS 21:1-4, 16-20

ONE would think that as a result of witnessing such an outstanding demonstration of divine power as occurred on Mt. Carmel, when fire came out from the Lord and consumed the sacrifice prepared by Elijah, King Ahab would have been more circumspect in his adherence to the principles of God’s Law. If it had not been for the conniving spirit of Queen Jezebel, perhaps King Ahab would have been a better king over Israel. But, by nature being selfish of heart, he fell a ready prey to the seductive influences of’ his wife, the queen—“that woman Jezebel.”

To begin with, Ahab negotiated fairly enough with Naboth in an effort to acquire possession of his vineyard. He offered him another piece of land—“a better vineyard”—to take its place; or, if it would be more satisfactory, he indicated his willingness to pay Naboth cash for the land. This particular vineyard plot was particularly desirable to Ahab because it adjoined his own property. To him there seemed no good reason why he should not be able to purchase it.

But Naboth had inherited this particular vineyard. Doubtless it had been in the family for some time, and to him it possessed a great deal of sentimental value. So he was quite within his rights when he refused to sell it, even to Israel’s king. The king was greatly disturbed that his will and wish had been thwarted, so he went to bed, turned his face toward the wall and pouted.

Perhaps Ahab himself would have carried the matter no further, except for Jezebel. She was the type of person to do more than pout. She began at once to plot the death of Naboth in order that the king might acquire the vineyard. Evidently this was with the king’s knowledge, and probably also done with his consent; for, when Naboth had been murdered, the Lord held him responsible for it.

The Lord informed Elijah of what had occurred, and instructed him to go to the vineyard of Naboth where he would find Ahab, who had gone there to possess it. Elijah was told to say to Ahab, “Hast thou killed, and also taken possession?” And then the pronouncement of divine judgment, “In the place where the dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine.” And then, concerning the position of his family as the ruling house of Israel, the Lord said, I “will make thine house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah, for the provocation wherewith thou hast provoked me to anger, and made Israel to sin.”

In verse 25 we read that Ahab “did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the Lord, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.” From this we gather that Ahab himself was not the instigator of the sins with which the Lord charged him, but nevertheless was just as guilty from the divine standpoint because he allowed himself to be used to further the schemes of the wicked queen. This is a principle which all the Lord’s people will do well to observe.

In last week’s lesson we were brought face to face with a flagrant violation of the commandment, “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” (Deut. 6:13; 13:4; Matt. 4:10) Under Jezebel’s influence, working through her husband, King Ahab, Israel had been led into the worship of Baal. In our lesson we find Ahab guilty of breaking another commandment, the one outlined in our Golden Text, the commandment which forbids covetousness. In the New Testament we read that “godliness with contentment is great gain,” and we are admonished to be content with such things as we have. (I Tim. 6:6; Heb. 13:5) Just because we have a great desire to possess that which is enjoyed by another is not a valid reason why we should have it, or be concerned because we cannot acquire it.

Those who, during this age, have made a consecration to do God’s will have entered into a covenant with him by sacrifice. (Ps 50:5) This means that they have voluntarily agreed to give up all earthly things, and to set their affections on things above. The Lord, in turn, makes them stewards of that which they have presented to him, and expects them to use his “goods” wisely to the furtherance of his cause, and to his glory.

To these it should matter very little just how much of earthly possessions the Lord permits them to retain for use in his service. But even so, we need to be on guard lest the cares of this life and the deceitfulness of riches lure us away from the straight and narrow path of sacrifice and service. It is so easy to covet a little more time and comfort for the flesh than it really needs.

QUESTIONS

What great demonstration of divine power did Ahab witness prior to the circumstances of today’s lesson?

Would Ahab of his own volition have plotted the death of Naboth?

Was Ahab any less guilty because Jezebel plotted the sins to which he gave his consent?

How may the sin of covetousness manifest itself in the Christian life?

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