Is there no previous discussion of this passage? (DGinNYC)
What are some of your thoughts about Ahab taking responsibility for Jezebel's actions? Apparently, Ahab did not know anything about the conspiracy. Even after Naboth died Ahab was simply told that he was dead, not how or why. (Of course, he much reason to be suspicious!)
I wonder if the same rules apply to us. How responsible are we for our loved ones' actions? Furthermore, are we to be held responsible for what our companies or governments do?
To change the subject slightly, what do you make of Elijah's statement, "...you have sold yourself to do what is evil...?" It is an interesting take on sin. While we are used to the idea of someone "selling his soul to the devil," what did Elijah mean?
DSS
DSS -- Ahab not knowing about Jezebel's actions was hardly an excuse. Ahab was a brat, plain and simple -- anyone who owns their own vinyard does not need another one. He also knew Jezebel was going to take action, he just decided not to ask what it was, following the ignorance-is-bliss dictum. And taking the vinyard was the equivalent of dancing on Nabby's grave... One more point before I get too annoying... The idea back then was that the woman served the man in marriage (the stupidity of which is unequaled in this time or any other except in the inexplicable popularity of boy bands). Jezebel was conditioned throughout her life that her hubby would be right no matter what, and it was her job to help him obtain those goals; the blame inevitably falls on her in a male-dominated (or so thinketh men) society because she was smart, something Ahab couldn't boast.
An awesome tale! Much like the major theivery which goes on and on with large businesses consuming small ones...the one redeeming line has to do with selling oneself to evil. It's early in the week to consider the preachability out of this one. Sue in BC
I am early in my thoughts about this passage but for Father's Day it could bring some good application when you consider the inner character of Naboth, refusing to give up his ancestral inheritance, for money or another vineyard. What temptations do modern families face, in particular Dad's. Many "offers" can come to us that can be attractively packaged but will not be in God's will. Sometimes our choices are not between good and evil, but the choice between competing claims or interests. Most of our failure is due to the slow erosion of principles. Undisciplined in our commitments we can soon find ourselves drifting from the harbor of faith into an ocean of regrets. I like Naboth, how he answered clear and with conviction: "The Lord forbid that I should give you my ancestral inheritance." vs.3 It sound's like he knew what building blocks are never to be removed or the house will fall.
Bobby in Texas
To Bobby in Texas, I too am headed in the direction of the importance of inheritance in today's faith life. Don't know that I can add too much here, but am thinking of contrasting this Scripture with the story of the Prodigal son. King Ahab wants what's not his. The Father freely gives what is His. Naboth recognizes the importance of his inheritance and the Prodigal comes to recognize the importance of his. Just some thoughts. Bob in VT
This is such a rich text for Father's Day!
I too am heading toward talking about the importance of the inner character (for Fathers' Day, of fathers) being the real inheritance that sons receive, as Bobby in Texas says. I'm more interested in the importance of the truth that underlies the faithful practice of protecting one's inheritance: I didn't make a not of which resource says it, but one source says, that "Naboth...is aware that all persons have rights, even persons who till the land, and not even the kings of the earth may deprive these persons of those rights without violating God's intention for human life." All these wonderful old stories illustrate deep principles of human understanding that deserve more than just "faithful following", I think.
Another interesting point might be that Ahab didn't tell Jezebel the whole truth, and although her "unfaithfulness" to the Israelite religious tradition that Naboth displays may be true enough, without the full truth, it's certainly possible that she might have just seen the whole issue as one of the king's rightful power and a subject's insubordination. Baal worship was, after all, a pretty practical one, aimed at results in the form of fertility of crops, etc. Admittedly, though, the knowledge of the law she shows in getting other suborbinates to help her do Naboth in, does suggest that she wasn't ignorant of the law, but we can't absolve Ahab of his passivity and deviousness quite so easily. Half truths do lead to all sorts of injustices. And who of us is never guilty of half-truths? Another resource suggests a whole line of compounding evils, resulting from Ahab's initial self-centered reasons for wanting the land and then pouting about not getting it.
I, too, think this is a great text for Father's day. I'm wondering if Jezebel could have sent the letters that she did in the King's name without his consent/seal. Wouldn't this mean the Ahab had to approve, even participate in what she had sent to the elders of the town?
I like the principle that Naboth upholds - There are just some things that money can't buy. The sad thing is some learn this too late, like Ahab.
The story is so full of insight, but what's the good news? The message seems to come via negativa. Naboth lives by principle and still gets stiffed! Ahab sells himself to do evil and suffers the consequences. I know the good news is in there somewhere. What do you think?
A connection might be made is Ps 5:4&8 - "You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil . . . Lead me Lord in your righteousness." Galatians? Luke?
Any thoughts?
Bill in DC
Thank you Bobby in Texas for the insight... and those of you who added to his ideas. I have been lead to this passage all week but without any "kernal" of how to preach it. There is a lot to learn from a man we know so little about...namely Naboth. it reminds me of how popular Jabez has become...and what do we know about him? I am beginning to see the implications fro fathers to follow the course of Naboth. Do not hesitate to stand up for what what God has given you through inheritance. That being the case, we must stand up and speak out for our inheritance of the kingdom of God. wha in NC
The story also has political and economic implications: Historically, intermarriage between the ancient families of different nations created political and economic advantages - trade and military alliances, access to territory and resources hitherto forbidden by both political and religious barriers. According to archeological records of the time, Ahab's reign was prosperous and strong. He had made these alliances to further both his political influence and the economic prosperity of his country.
Ahab's action's regarding Naboth's vineyard will have to be read in this context, since, according to both the writer of Kings and to the prophet Elijah, the spiritual poverty of the ruling classes far exceeded that of any economic and political gain they might have enjoyed. They had convinced the nation that the actions of the powerful were for the nation`s good. It made good business sense. Jezebel said as much when she urged the Ahab to be an example of decisiveness.
If you take the Naboth incident as a parable of what Ahab and Jezebel and the ruling classes were doing to the lives and religious traditions of the common people, much in the same way as the prophet Nathan's parable spoke to David's abuse of power, this story only needs a few contemporary substitutions to make a powerful indictment on the North American way of life and the effects of corporate globalization.
I would venture to say that God was not only infuriated then, he is furious now.
Anybody willing to take this tack?
Blessings
RevEd in Ontario
Right on, Rev Ed in Ontario (...what Ahab and Jezebel were doing to the lives and traditions of the common people")! I will preach that line, and the good news, Bill in DC, is that there are fortunately always Naboths in the world -- some of them our fathers and brothers and parishioners. Men who struggle against the tide to walk with God and with integrity.
More good news is that God did NOT consume Ahab entirely, because Ahab humbled himself. God is a forgiving God, though our children will pay the price for our moral sins... I don't think we can cushion the truth of that without becoming shallow. The longing in human hearts is for truth, and hope, and they lie in our moral decision-making.
I am planning on using this passage to talk and warn about how we are also responsible for injustices done around the world, even though we may not be directly involved. For example as a Canadian I wonder about my implication in the injustices in Sudan, where Talisman (a Calgary based Company) is the #1 oil company in the Sudan and even though it is not intentional they are a major source of funding for a civil war that is devestating the country and killing and/or displacing millions of people.
Ignorance may be bliss but it is no excuse. My mother had a powerful dream that a woman brought her some babies to look after. My mother put them upstairs to bed and then proceeded on with her day. In all of the busyness she forgot about the babies until several days later she saw the woman comming up the walk. In horrow my mother ran up the stairs to find the babies blue, severely malnurished and just barely clinging to life. She started saying in defence over and over, even before the woman arrived "but I didn't hear them crying!" ..and then she woke up. She realized that in the dream the woman represented God, and that God had entrusted her with children and people in the 3rd world to care for and that she had forgotten them in the busyness of her life. How flimsy an excuse it will be when we stand before God on jugement day and say "but I didn't hear them cry".
I don't preach social justice/ judgement sermons very often but I feel called to this time around. I too am serching for the grace in this text. Perhaps it is in the forgiveness found in the Luke text. KB in AB
Wow!
I am a little late getting in the game. VBS will do that to a preacher.
One of the early questions was in regard to Ahab being held accountable for the sins of Jezebel.
One of the important and reoccurring themes of First and Second Kings is that the actions of the King (Who is considered to be God's appointed ruler) bear directly on the people.
Ahab knew the strict Jewish restrictions against marrying a Baal worshipper like Jezebel, yet he did it anyway. Ahab knew better than to allow her to sway his heart away from God. Therefore, the ability given to Jezebel (the power she had to frame and murder Naboth) was a direct result of Ahab's sin. If Ahab had not "done what was evil in the sight of the Lord," then Naboth would never have lost his life to such an underhanded scam.
Ok, So this is Father's day.
Here's the point. The Father has tremendous power and authority as a leader, guide, and example for the family. We could read this as an example of privileged position lost to sin, and a family out of control.
The extremes of the story illustrate the volatility of what we are dealing with. So Ahab worshipped other Gods and married a woman who didn't give a flying flip about God. (So what if I go to the golf course on Sunday morning in stead of church....so what if the ball game is more important than the church elder's meeting....so what if I'd rather listen to Sunday's "Meet the Press" than the preacher, We don't really need to cause a scene and actually pray for a meal when we are at the restaurant since religion should stay in the home) God won't mind.
So it gives a message to the family that God is not as important as the Bible says God is. "If Dad doesn't have to respect God, why should us kids?"
Time goes on...the kids don't get any influence (or little influence from the church) and eventually they start hanging out with a bunch of other kids that don't care about the church. Perhaps their behavior is innocent childhood mischievousness. But, for some, it becomes drug use, gang violence, or…even murder? (If the Darren Clebold’s and Timothy McVeighs of the world had an active and authentic church life would history have been different?)
Some would argue that the example goes to extremes. I say no! The potential is all to real.
Dad’s, we have more influence than we know! Just like Ahab, the choices we make today regarding our family’s spiritual life WILL affect the future of that family!
On Father’s day, this text provides phenomenal challenge to all fathers…including the men of the church who are looked up to as father figures and the men of the neighborhood who are also looked up to as fathers.
Peace,
DWR
You don't have to give a direct order to be responsible for an action. Witness Watergate or Iran Contra. Thanks to the good insight from Bobby in Texas and ff I am going with a sermon entitled. Holding On to your Heritage. Both Naboth and Ahab held on to their heritage. The difference is in the hertiage that they held on to. Ahab's father Omri relied on manipulation of foreign powers to achieve economic and military power. He was a success measured by those standards so that the Moabite Stone refers to Israel is "the land of Omri" Ahab grows up getting everything he wants. Is it any wonder that Ahab is such a whiner when he does not get his way, that he uses Jezebel to get his way, that he uses religion (prophets) to his advantage and that at the end he gets Jehoshaphat to dress like a king while he goes into battle incognito. Do you really think he married Jezebel because she was such a sweetie pie or was it to profit from a relationship with Pheonicia? ie. ever know children whose heritage is getting everything materially that they want, viewing success only in materialistic terms, using manipulation and power to get what they want irregardless of who they hurt along the way. Ahab held on to his family heritage despite the warning of a prophisied famine, witnessing the contest on Mt. Carmel, being protected by God in battles both on the hills and in the plains with Syria, the constant conscience pricking voice of Elijah and the example of Naboth's integrity. And he raised a son who held on to that same family tridition. Ahaziah "did evil in the sight of the Lord and walked in the way of his father Ahab who made Israel to sin." No wonder Ahab couldn't understand Naboth who said no to name his own price. But can our society understand Naboth either? "Take the money", "Avoid the conflict" "Scrap your heritage" "Compromise your principles" This may be a Sunday to resolve to hold on to our family heritage, or it may be a week to re examine our family heritage and turn loose of that which is passed down from the Heavenly Father. Dear Friends, I thank you for the insight and welcome more. jrbnrnc
OOps! "from that which is NOT passed down from the Heavenly Father". jrbnrnc
As an Anglican (Episcopal) priest in Australia, I am experiencing a great deal of challenge to the traditional teachings of the Scriptures and Creeds as various senior clergy are tending towards the beliefs of such as Bishop John Spong. I know that Episcopalians in the US are experiencing similar challenges.
As I read of Ahab and Naboth, I can't help identifying with Naboth who refuses to give up his ancestral inheritance.
It seems that many of us of a more "evangelical" persuasion are struggling against the loss of our inheritance - the "faith once delivered".
I see a sermon on Sermon Central which touches on all this. Its URL is:
http://www.sermoncentral.com/sercentral/sermon.asp?SermonID=31044&ContributorID=1227
Tomorrow I aim to preach for the retention of our inheritance regardless of cost. Pray for us!
Steve in Western Australia
As a Southern Baptist I can never read this passage without thinking of the sermon by R.G. Lee of Memphis entitled "Payday Someday". As a boy, I heard Lee, dressed in his white suit, preach that sermon. Whether you agree with his theology or evangelistic approach, you have to admire the sermon as a remarkable piece of literature and his delivery that could keep a boy spellbound for the one and one half hour it took to preach it. Does anyone know where I can get a copy of it preferably on a website? thanks jrbnrnc
jrbnrnc,
I think you may have some luck going to http://www.baptistfire.com/gospel/lee.shtml .
They have a link where you can download the sermon or listen to it on real audio.
I also found a real audio version on http://www.sbc.net/default.asp?url=sbvoices.html .
Hope these help.
DWR