When Power Is Abused: God Still Defends The Righteous Series

WHEN POWER IS ABUSED: GOD STILL DEFENDS THE RIGHTEOUS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Kings 21:1-29

Supporting Texts: Micah 6:8; Isaiah 5:20-23; Proverbs 6:16-19; Psalm 94:20-23; Luke 12:15

INTRODUCTION:

1 Kings 21 records one of the darkest moments in King Ahab’s reign—the unjust seizure of Naboth’s vineyard through lies, manipulation, and murder. It is a story of greed, abuse of authority, and the miscarriage of justice. Ahab, motivated by selfish desire and pushed by Jezebel’s wicked counsel, coveted and killed to possess what did not belong to him.

But this chapter is not only about corruption and oppression; it is also about the justice of God. Though Naboth died unjustly, God saw everything. He sent Elijah to pronounce judgment on both Ahab and Jezebel. This narrative reveals God’s faithfulness to defend the innocent and confront wicked leadership, even at the highest levels of power.

In a world where injustice still exists, this chapter reassures us that heaven records every injustice, and God will always respond—either now or in eternity.

1. COVETOUSNESS CAN CORRUPT JUDGMENT AND CHARACTER

Ahab’s desire for Naboth’s land turned into a deadly obsession.

a) “Give me your vineyard, that I may have it for a vegetable garden.” (1 Kings 21:2)

Greed blinds leaders from respecting boundaries and rights.

b) Covetousness is the seed that leads to oppression and corruption

It makes men prioritise possessions over people.

c) God warns against turning wants into idols

Ahab could not rejoice in what he had because of what he lacked.

d) Righteous people like Naboth refuse to sell their inheritance for convenience

He honoured God’s law above the king’s desires.

Biblical Example: Judas betrayed Jesus because of his covetousness for silver (Matthew 26:14-16).

2. WICKED COUNSEL LEADS TO DESTRUCTIVE ACTIONS

Jezebel plotted Naboth’s death through lies and manipulation.

a) “You now exercise authority over Israel! Arise, eat food, and let your heart be cheerful…” (1 Kings 21:7)

Jezebel encouraged misuse of authority to satisfy personal ambition.

b) Evil counsel thrives when godly convictions are weak or absent

Ahab allowed his wife to become his moral compass.

c) Power without righteousness quickly becomes tyranny

Jezebel wrote letters in the king’s name to carry out evil.

d) Leaders must be careful who advises them—destinies can be destroyed by wrong voices

Spiritual and political leadership requires godly discernment.

Biblical Example: Rehoboam’s reign was destroyed because he followed the advice of the young and foolish (1 Kings 12:8-11).

3. GOD SEES INJUSTICE EVEN WHEN MEN COVER IT

Though the plan was carefully orchestrated, God exposed the crime.

a) “Have you murdered and also taken possession?” (1 Kings 21:19)

God confronted Ahab through the prophet Elijah.

b) Heaven records every act of injustice—nothing is hidden from God

Even if human courts are silent, divine justice will speak.

c) The blood of the innocent cries out to God for vengeance

Naboth’s death provoked divine wrath against the royal house.

d) God uses prophets to challenge and correct corrupt systems

Elijah became the voice of justice in an evil time.

Biblical Example: Abel’s blood cried out from the ground after Cain murdered him (Genesis 4:10).

4. DIVINE JUDGMENT AWAITS UNREPENTANT LEADERS

God pronounced specific and terrifying judgment on Ahab and Jezebel.

a) “In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth, dogs shall lick your blood.” (1 Kings 21:19)

God repays evil with measured and just recompense.

b) Judgment may be delayed, but it is never denied

Ahab’s dynasty was doomed by his actions.

c) The higher the position, the greater the accountability before God

Leadership must be exercised in the fear of God.

d) God’s judgment is not only against individuals, but also their legacy

Ahab’s entire house was affected by his sin.

Biblical Example: Saul’s disobedience brought ruin upon his household and lineage (1 Samuel 15:26-28).

5. GOD RESPONDS TO GENUINE HUMILITY AND REPENTANCE

Ahab humbled himself, and God delayed the disaster.

a) “Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before Me?” (1 Kings 21:29)

Even wicked kings can receive mercy if they truly repent.

b) God does not take pleasure in judgment—He longs for repentance

Mercy always triumphs over judgment when hearts are broken before God.

c) Humility can postpone calamity and create space for grace

Ahab's contrition moved God to defer judgment until after his lifetime.

d) There is always hope, even for the worst sinner, if they truly turn to God

The same God who judges is willing to show compassion.

Biblical Example: Manasseh repented in prison, and God restored him (2 Chronicles 33:12-13).

CONCLUSION:

1 Kings 21 is a powerful reminder that no abuse of power escapes the eyes of God. Ahab may have taken Naboth’s vineyard, but he couldn’t take it without consequence. God raised a prophet to confront the evil, pronounce judgment, and preserve the dignity of the innocent. Yet even in judgment, we see a glimpse of divine mercy—when Ahab humbled himself, God responded.