A. SETTING: 1 KINGS 21:1-23
1. Why was king Ahab whining? “Go to bed … with his face to the wall and refused to eat? (v. 4).
a. Ahab wanted to expand his vegetable garden (v. 2), but Naboth refused to sell to him. Why?
b. “The Lord forbid that I give … the inheritance ... from my ancestors” (v. 3). (See Leviticus 25:23; Numbers 36:7; selling was against Scriptures).
2. Wife Jezebel was diabolical:
a. Forgery. “Wrote letters in Ahab’s name” (v. 8).
b. Deliberate hypocrisy. “For fasting and prayer” (v. 9).
c. Got men to testify falsely perjury. “Accuse him (Naboth) blasphemed God” (v. 10).
3. Jezebel dragged city elders into the lie. “Elders … followed … instruction” (v. 11). They stoned Naboth.
4. Jezebel not a Hebrew: lust for power, lies, stole, murdered. She is picture of heretic and hypocrite. “To the church in Thyatira … you allow [that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols (Revelation 2:18, 20).
5. King Ahab claimed Naboth’s vineyard. “Jezebel said … ‘the vineyard ... you can have it now, he (Naboth) is dead’ … (Ahab) went immediately to claim it” (vv. 15-16).
6. God arranges a meeting. “Ahab … went down to the vineyard … the Lord said to Elijah, ‘go meet Ahab … he will be at Naboth’s vineyard … claiming it’” (v. 17-18).
7. Startled. “So, my enemy, you have found me!” Ahab exclaimed to Elijah” (v. 20). God’s message to Ahab, “Wasn’t it enough that you killed Naboth? Must you rob him, too?” (v. 19).
8. Punishment. “Dogs will lick your blood at the very place where they licked the blood of Naboth!” (v. 19). Divine purpose, “An Aramean soldier, however, randomly shot an arrow at the Israelite troops and hit the king of Israel between the joints of his armor” (1 Kings 22:34).”Ahab … propped up in his chariot … and died at evening” (v. 33). “His (Ahab) chariot was washed … and dogs came and licked his blood at the place … just as the Lord had promised” (v. 38, NLT).
B. TEN APPLICATIONS FOR YOUR LIFE
1. You own property for God’s purpose in your life. “Man’s life consisteth not in … things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15, KJV).
2. Ahab is a picture of miserable rich man whose life was wrapped up in money, property, and stock.
3. Sometimes, good men (Naboth) die because of the plans of evil people. It was a pity Naboth died (Romans 8:28).
4. God sees all evil acts, He knows all evil plans, and you cannot hide evil thoughts from Him.
5. While men can be entirely evil, sometimes a woman can be equally evil.
6. While God seemed to be a silent observer of evil in the world and He doesn’t stop it, remember there is coming payday someday.
7. No one (Ahab) could hide from God. “Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the Lord” (Jeremiah 23:24, KJV).
8. Never be startled. “Be sure your sins will find you out” (Numbers 32:23).
9. While God’s judgment seems to be put off and comes slowly, it surely will come.
10. Those who falsely profess the faith, but are driven by evil can hurt the work of God.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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