King Ahab wants the farm that belongs to Naboth. Naboth refuses to sell. Ahab's wife, Queen Jezebel, is determined to get the land for her husband.
The original distribution of land (I'm not looking it up right now, but it's in Numbers at the end of the exodus journey just before they cross over into the promised land) was intended to make sure that each and every person got a fair share, a fair chance to prosper in the new land. Even if somebody had to give up the land because of financial problems, they would get it back (see Leviticus 25).
Jezebel doesn't get the fairness part. What's important to her is that her family gets what her family wants--after all, she is married to the king.
Following her instruction, the ruling authorities in the city accuse Naboth of cursing God and the king. Naboth is found guilty and is stoned to death.
Sad irony. Naboth is accused of cursing God. By finding him guilty of this false accusation, they themselves by their action have violated the wishes of God. They, rather than Naboth, have cursed God.
No comments:
Post a Comment