June 20, 2024 • 17 mins
In this Bible Story, we dive more into the mind of the Witch Queen Jezebel. Her evil and twisted ways have a hold on King Ahab, as she enacts cruelty on his behalf. After she has a farmer killed for his land, Elijah confronts Ahab, and he repents before the Lord. This story is inspired by 1 Kings 21. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.
Today's Bible verse is 1 Kings 21:3 from the King James Version.
Episode 125: In Israel, there was a man named Naboth who lived close to the land of the king. Naboth had a beautiful vineyard that had been handed down in his family for generations. Naboth loved his vineyard and saw it as a gift from God to himself. But King Ahab also saw it and wanted it for himself. When Naboth refused Ahab, he left to go sulk to his wife. Jezebel was quick to plan and execute Naboth’s murder. Though she was crafty, her involvement did not go unseen. And God would not let her or her husband go unpunished.
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Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max Bard
Producer: Ben Gammon
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Music by: Andrew Morgan Smith
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Let us pray, and Naboth said to Ahab, the Lord
forbid it that I should give the inheritance of my
fathers unto thee First Kings twenty one three. As I
sit and ponder on the truths in to day's reading
of First Kings twenty one, I'm reminded how critical it
(00:20):
is to operate my life in complete honesty and integrity.
Through the life of Ahab and Jezebel, I will do
everything in my power to only go after what You've
positioned for me to possess. I bind any thoughts that
would have me act in any deceitful way to obtain
some one else's inheritance. I declare that what God has
(00:44):
for me is perfect for every need I will ever have.
Forgive me for any jealous thoughts and actions I may
have committed, both knowing and unknowing. In addition, I declare
that any blessing that was wrongfully taken from me be replaced,
and that I would receive extra for the wrong committed
(01:06):
against me. I know you are a just God and
that justice is part of your character. Move on my
behalf today, Lord, so that I can continue to flourish
in the promised place You've prepared for me in Jesus name. Amen,
(01:28):
thank you for making prayer a priority in your day.
To learn more about the Bible, stay tuned for today's story,
brought to you by Bible in a Year dot.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
Com Nabeth's Vineyard.
Speaker 3 (01:49):
In our last story, we learned about Elijah meeting with
God on Mount Sinai. He had fled from Jezebel, the
witch queen, and was afraid for his life. His troubled
and weary mind was met with the gentle touch of
God's presence and direction. The Lord gave guidance to Elijah
and told him that there was a civil war approaching
(02:11):
that would topple the kingdom of AaB and Jezebel. Now
we see Jezebel working behind the scenes to shed blood
and corruption, and Elijah finally returns to confront the king
and enact the judgment of God inspired by the book
The First Kings.
Speaker 4 (02:32):
Hello, this is Jack Graham with today's episode of the
Bible in a Year. In our last time together, we
heard how Elijah fled the ruthless and violent queen Jezebel.
She wanted to kill him for humiliating and killing the
prophets of her false god, Bail. Elijah was frightened, and
he became depressed, even asking God to take his life
(02:54):
and end his misery. But the Lord came to Elijah
on a mountain and gave him assurance and direc He
told Elijah that there was a war coming and new
kings who would help cleanse the land of the worship
of Bail. He also led Elijah to find a new prophet, Elijah,
who would learn from him and live with him and
(03:14):
follow in his footsteps. Today we will return to Ahab,
the King and the wicked queen Jezebel, and discover how
God dealt with them for their unrighteousness, unfaithfulness, and sheer evil.
Jezebel will prove as bloodthirsty and evil as ever, but
God will prevail against those who mock his name, and
Elijah will appear again before Ahab to bring forth God's judgment.
(03:38):
So get ready and listen now to today's scripture.
Speaker 3 (03:43):
Naboth was tending to the soil of his vineyard. The
sun was high in the sky, but the breeze provided
a cool respite from the heat. Naboth smiled and breathed
in deeply. He loved his land. He loved his vineyard.
It had been passed down from many generations, and he
saw vine dressing as his true passion in life. Naboth
(04:06):
looked to his left to see a massive home in
the distance, King Ahab's palace. It was ideal for him
to be so close to the king. It made Naboth
feel safe, knowing that the palace guard was so close
to his little vineyard. As he was peering into the distance,
he saw a horse approaching with a rider from the palace.
(04:26):
Upon further inspection, Naboth realized that it was King Ahab himself. Flustered,
Naboth dusted off his clothes and ran towards him. Before
Naboth could greet the king, he spoke saying, since your
vineyard is so close to my home, I would like
to buy it from you. Perhaps I will plant a
vegetable garden. Of course, I will not leave you empty handed.
(04:49):
I shall either buy it outright from you or find
you a better vineyard in a different location.
Speaker 5 (04:54):
Which do you prefer.
Speaker 3 (04:57):
Naboth was surprised at the King's candidness. He bowed his
head and said, oh, the Lord forbid that I just
give away the inheritance of my father, grandfather, and great grandfather.
It has been passed down for many generations. Naboth was
nervous at the king's response. He had heard stories of
(05:17):
Ahab's volatility. He prepared himself for a lashing of the
whip or tongue. However, to Naboth's surprise, Ahab said nothing. Instead,
he simply walked away with his head held low, like
a sulking child. Ahab departed. Ahab slammed the door to
his chambers. His anger burned against Naboth.
Speaker 5 (05:40):
He hated him.
Speaker 3 (05:41):
Food was waiting for him at the table beside his bed.
He refused it, took off his robe, and laid face
down on his bed. Jezabel slithered into the room with
barely a sound. She sat beside Ahab on his bed
and began stroking his hair. What is the matter, my king,
she whispered, do you refuse to eat? Ahab rolled over
(06:03):
on his side to look at her. His eyes were
red with tears and rage. This small and insignificant vineyard
truly bothered Ahab. Na both will not sell or trade
his vineyard to me, Ahab said. Jezebel sighed. She stroked
Ahab's head. Vexed by her husband's weakness.
Speaker 5 (06:23):
Are you not the king?
Speaker 3 (06:25):
She said sternly. Ahab shrugged and put his face back
on his pillow. Jezebel rolled her eyes back and twitched
her neck. She stood to her feet and looked at
her pathetic husband. When he looked back at her, she
forced a smile and said, get up and eat something.
I will go get you Naboth's vineyard. With that word,
(06:45):
she slowly closed the chamber doors. Jezebel's evil heart knew
no conviction. She was a brutal and bloodthirsty woman.
Speaker 5 (06:56):
However, she was wise.
Speaker 3 (06:57):
She was tactful and careful to never get her hands
dirty unless it was absolutely necessary. She gathered together letters
under Ahab's name and sent them to the elders and
other leaders around the city, saying, call every citizen to
a time of fasting. Give Naboth a place of very
special honor when he is reveling in his newfound glory,
(07:19):
have two scoundrels accuse him of treason before everyone, hold
no trial, take him out and stone him to death.
Jezebel sealed the letters and sent them away.
Speaker 5 (07:31):
In this Jezebel was tactful.
Speaker 3 (07:33):
Not only were the elders the ones to kill Naboth,
but they will think they are doing so under orders
of Ahab.
Speaker 5 (07:40):
This is how Jezebel operated.
Speaker 3 (07:42):
She was secretive and outsmarted everyone under and over her
in command. All that Jezebel ordered had taken place. Naboth
was elevated to a seat of honor as he gleamed
with the adoration of his peers.
Speaker 5 (07:56):
He was torn down and brutally stoned.
Speaker 3 (08:00):
Jezebel was not around to hear them, but she assumed
his screams for mercy were great. She closed her eyes
and imagined Naboth dying before her. The very thought of
it made her feel alive. As soon as Jezebel knew
Naboth was dead, she entered into her husband's chambers. She
sat beside his bed again and stroked his hair. You
(08:23):
know the vineyard Naboth refused to sell you. Ahab sat
up in attention. It is yours now, my king, he
is dead. Ahab leaped out of his bed in excitement.
Jezabel watched him dance like a little child. That's who
he was to her, a simple child. Ahab wasted no
(08:43):
time and mounted his horse to go and claim the vineyard.
He rode fast and excitedly. What a pleasant surprise it
was for him to discover Naboth was dead. He was
sure his wife arranged something, as she always does. However,
it benefited Ahab to not ask questions about his wife's methods.
The wind began to pick up slightly. Evening was only
(09:05):
a few hours away, and Ahab wanted to get the
plans started for his new garden. Ahab looked at the land,
imagining himself like King Solomon, with vast gardens to prove
his wealth. As Ahab was basking in his victory, he
saw a dark figure in the corner of his eye.
Ahab jolted behind him to find Elijah standing ten feet
(09:27):
away from him. His brow was furrowed and his gaze
was piercing. Ahab felt the blood leave his face as
Elijah looked straight through his soul. So it was not
enough to kill na Bath, Elijah said, now you must
rob him too. The words shot force like arrows towards
Ahab's chest. The conviction of the Lord was looking to
(09:50):
penetrate Ahab's heart. Listen to me, Ahab, because you have
done this, dogs will lick the blood off your lingering
corpse on this very ground.
Speaker 5 (10:00):
Ahab did his best not.
Speaker 3 (10:01):
To seem frightened by Elijah. Last time he saw him,
Elijah was calling down fire from heaven and summoning tempests.
Ahab stood upright with his shoulders back. So you have
finally found me, O enemy of mine, Ahab said. He
forced a sly grin, but had only served to reveal
his nervousness. It is true, Elijah said, as he took
(10:25):
a step closer.
Speaker 5 (10:26):
I have come.
Speaker 3 (10:27):
Because you have hored yourself off to evil. The Lord
is not pleased. Elijah took another step towards Ahab. Ahab's
heart began to beat faster as Elijah approached him. Elijah
spoke for the Lord, saying, I will bring destruction upon you.
I will destroy all of who you are. Your descendants, servants,
(10:48):
and live.
Speaker 5 (10:48):
Stock will be consumed.
Speaker 3 (10:50):
My anger is targeted towards you, oh Ahab, for you
have led my children into sin. At this point, Ahab
was stepping back from Elijah, breathing heavily in fear. Elijah
was close enough to grab Ahab now. And as for Jezebel,
your witch queen, Elijah paused dogs will eat her body.
(11:12):
On the wicked land of Jezreel, all the members of
your family will be picked apart by vultures. The Lord's
anger burned against Ahab for allowing his heart to slip
into complete corruption.
Speaker 5 (11:25):
He had sold.
Speaker 3 (11:25):
Himself to the powers of darkness and allowed Jezebel to
poison his mind.
Speaker 5 (11:31):
No one else in Israel.
Speaker 3 (11:32):
Had completely given themselves over as he had. However, upon
hearing this rebuke, the heart of Ahab began to melt.
He tore his clothing, dressed in burlap, and fasted before
the Lord. He humbled himself towards the point of poverty
to prove his sorrow to God. Elijah learned of this,
and God spoke, saying, do you see how Ahab has
(11:55):
humbled himself. Although his dynasty will still be cut off,
we will not deliver my judgment to him while he lives.
God always honors.
Speaker 5 (12:05):
A repentant heart.
Speaker 3 (12:06):
As far gone as Ahab seemed. There is no one
so far gone that God will not hear their cries
for mercy.
Speaker 4 (12:16):
In today's passage, we meet a man named Naboth, who
owned a vineyard near the palace of King Ahab. The
King wants Naboth's land for himself, so he tells Naboth
to sell it to him or trade it for an
even better plot of ground, But Naboth is unwilling to
part with his family land that he had inherited from
(12:37):
his father. Ahab doesn't respond in violence, but he goes
home and sulks like a child, whining to his wicked
wife Jezebel, that Nabath refused to give him what he wanted,
what a weak king he is. But if Ahab was
unwilling to take what he wanted by force, Jezebel had
(13:00):
no issue with taking what he wanted and what she wanted,
so she told Ahab that as ruler of Israel, he
could have whatever he wanted, and that she would make
sure that he got the vineyard. She was very cunning
and knew how she could use deception to accomplish her plan,
so she wrote letters in Ahab's hand telling the elders
(13:21):
to call a fast and to put Naboth in a
place of prominence. This wasn't meant to honor Naboth, but
bring false charges against him. The punishment would be given
then and there, a public stoning. Her plan went off
without a problem, and Naboth was killed by the elders.
(13:42):
The vineyard Ahab wanted was as good as his now,
and Jezebel delivered the news to the king. Ahab was overjoyed.
He knew Jezebel had employed unscrupulous, methis evil methods to
get him what he desired, but he asked no quoest questions.
Jezebel was wicked to the core, and our heart was
(14:05):
on evil continually. Ahab was guilty by compliance, giving consents
through his silence and his own personal wickedness. And for
the moment, it seems that the plans of these evil
people had prevailed. In the Psalms, we read about how
it seems at times wicked people prevail and boasting their
(14:27):
triumph over good people. But as the Psalms would proclaim,
God will always avenge his people, and judgment does come
in due time. Whatever a man sows, he will reap.
So as Ahab stood in his vineyard, basking in his conquest,
a familiar figure approached. It is Elijah, a haveb seemed
(14:50):
to know that the end was near. His choices had consequences,
and rather than run, he listened to what God was
saying through Elijah in First Kings twenty one, twenty and
twenty one, this is what God says to Ahab, because
you have sold yourself to do what is evil in
the sight of the Lord. Behold, I will bring disaster
(15:14):
upon you. I will utterly burn you up and will
cut off from Ahab every male bond or free in Israel.
Elijah went on, telling him that he would take from
him the kingdom because he had led so many people astray.
Ahab had given himself over to evil, though he was
the king of the nation. God would judge both Ahab
(15:38):
and Jezebel, and their sin would cost them their lives.
Jezebel would be thrown off a balcony and die and
be eaten, her blood lapped up by the dogs in
Jezreel and many others would die there to be eaten
by dogs or carried away by birds who foolishly turned
from the Lord. It was surely payday someday for Ahab
(16:01):
and Jezebel. Ahab was cut to the heart with these
words and tore his clothes as a sign of mourning
and repentance. He fasted and wore sackcloth. God seemingly had
gotten through to him, and the Lord was moved by
Ahab's humility and contrition. He spoke again through Elijah, telling
Ahab that his life would be spared because he humbled himself,
(16:24):
but disaster would still be visited upon his household. The
stain of his sin would have consequences. You see, the
Lord is always near to those who seek him. There's
no lost cause in God's grace, and God stands ready
to forgive anyone who would earnestly repent and return to him,
(16:45):
even Ahab, even you and me. Dear God, we thank
you that you are a God of justice, but that
you are also a God of great mercy. Thank you
for your love intended all the way to Jesus and
his cross and resurrection, and through your grace, amazing as
(17:06):
it is, we can have forgiveness and eternal life in
Jesus's name. Amen. Thank you for listening to today's Bible
in a Year podcast. I'm pastor Jack Graham from Dallas, Texas.
Let me encourage you to download the Prey dot com
app and always make Bible reading and Bible study a
(17:26):
priority in your life, along with prayer. If you enjoyed
this podcast, share it, with someone you love. Let someone
know because by sharing this podcast you can truly make
a difference in someone's life. And if you want more
resources from me, Jack Graham as to how you can
grow in your Christian life, then go to Jack Graham
(17:47):
dot org. That's Jack Graham dot org. God bless you.
Let us pray, and Naboth said to Ahab, the Lord
forbid it that I should give the inheritance of my
fathers unto thee First Kings twenty one three. As I
sit and ponder on the truths in to day's reading
of First Kings twenty one, I'm reminded how critical it
(00:20):
is to operate my life in complete honesty and integrity.
Through the life of Ahab and Jezebel, I will do
everything in my power to only go after what You've
positioned for me to possess. I bind any thoughts that
would have me act in any deceitful way to obtain
some one else's inheritance. I declare that what God has
(00:44):
for me is perfect for every need I will ever have.
Forgive me for any jealous thoughts and actions I may
have committed, both knowing and unknowing. In addition, I declare
that any blessing that was wrongfully taken from me be replaced,
and that I would receive extra for the wrong committed
(01:06):
against me. I know you are a just God and
that justice is part of your character. Move on my
behalf today, Lord, so that I can continue to flourish
in the promised place You've prepared for me in Jesus name. Amen,
(01:28):
thank you for making prayer a priority in your day.
To learn more about the Bible, stay tuned for today's story,
brought to you by Bible in a Year dot.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
Com Nabeth's Vineyard.
Speaker 3 (01:49):
In our last story, we learned about Elijah meeting with
God on Mount Sinai. He had fled from Jezebel, the
witch queen, and was afraid for his life. His troubled
and weary mind was met with the gentle touch of
God's presence and direction. The Lord gave guidance to Elijah
and told him that there was a civil war approaching
(02:11):
that would topple the kingdom of AaB and Jezebel. Now
we see Jezebel working behind the scenes to shed blood
and corruption, and Elijah finally returns to confront the king
and enact the judgment of God inspired by the book
The First Kings.
Speaker 4 (02:32):
Hello, this is Jack Graham with today's episode of the
Bible in a Year. In our last time together, we
heard how Elijah fled the ruthless and violent queen Jezebel.
She wanted to kill him for humiliating and killing the
prophets of her false god, Bail. Elijah was frightened, and
he became depressed, even asking God to take his life
(02:54):
and end his misery. But the Lord came to Elijah
on a mountain and gave him assurance and direc He
told Elijah that there was a war coming and new
kings who would help cleanse the land of the worship
of Bail. He also led Elijah to find a new prophet, Elijah,
who would learn from him and live with him and
(03:14):
follow in his footsteps. Today we will return to Ahab,
the King and the wicked queen Jezebel, and discover how
God dealt with them for their unrighteousness, unfaithfulness, and sheer evil.
Jezebel will prove as bloodthirsty and evil as ever, but
God will prevail against those who mock his name, and
Elijah will appear again before Ahab to bring forth God's judgment.
(03:38):
So get ready and listen now to today's scripture.
Speaker 3 (03:43):
Naboth was tending to the soil of his vineyard. The
sun was high in the sky, but the breeze provided
a cool respite from the heat. Naboth smiled and breathed
in deeply. He loved his land. He loved his vineyard.
It had been passed down from many generations, and he
saw vine dressing as his true passion in life. Naboth
(04:06):
looked to his left to see a massive home in
the distance, King Ahab's palace. It was ideal for him
to be so close to the king. It made Naboth
feel safe, knowing that the palace guard was so close
to his little vineyard. As he was peering into the distance,
he saw a horse approaching with a rider from the palace.
(04:26):
Upon further inspection, Naboth realized that it was King Ahab himself. Flustered,
Naboth dusted off his clothes and ran towards him. Before
Naboth could greet the king, he spoke saying, since your
vineyard is so close to my home, I would like
to buy it from you. Perhaps I will plant a
vegetable garden. Of course, I will not leave you empty handed.
(04:49):
I shall either buy it outright from you or find
you a better vineyard in a different location.
Speaker 5 (04:54):
Which do you prefer.
Speaker 3 (04:57):
Naboth was surprised at the King's candidness. He bowed his
head and said, oh, the Lord forbid that I just
give away the inheritance of my father, grandfather, and great grandfather.
It has been passed down for many generations. Naboth was
nervous at the king's response. He had heard stories of
(05:17):
Ahab's volatility. He prepared himself for a lashing of the
whip or tongue. However, to Naboth's surprise, Ahab said nothing. Instead,
he simply walked away with his head held low, like
a sulking child. Ahab departed. Ahab slammed the door to
his chambers. His anger burned against Naboth.
Speaker 5 (05:40):
He hated him.
Speaker 3 (05:41):
Food was waiting for him at the table beside his bed.
He refused it, took off his robe, and laid face
down on his bed. Jezabel slithered into the room with
barely a sound. She sat beside Ahab on his bed
and began stroking his hair. What is the matter, my king,
she whispered, do you refuse to eat? Ahab rolled over
(06:03):
on his side to look at her. His eyes were
red with tears and rage. This small and insignificant vineyard
truly bothered Ahab. Na both will not sell or trade
his vineyard to me, Ahab said. Jezebel sighed. She stroked
Ahab's head. Vexed by her husband's weakness.
Speaker 5 (06:23):
Are you not the king?
Speaker 3 (06:25):
She said sternly. Ahab shrugged and put his face back
on his pillow. Jezebel rolled her eyes back and twitched
her neck. She stood to her feet and looked at
her pathetic husband. When he looked back at her, she
forced a smile and said, get up and eat something.
I will go get you Naboth's vineyard. With that word,
(06:45):
she slowly closed the chamber doors. Jezebel's evil heart knew
no conviction. She was a brutal and bloodthirsty woman.
Speaker 5 (06:56):
However, she was wise.
Speaker 3 (06:57):
She was tactful and careful to never get her hands
dirty unless it was absolutely necessary. She gathered together letters
under Ahab's name and sent them to the elders and
other leaders around the city, saying, call every citizen to
a time of fasting. Give Naboth a place of very
special honor when he is reveling in his newfound glory,
(07:19):
have two scoundrels accuse him of treason before everyone, hold
no trial, take him out and stone him to death.
Jezebel sealed the letters and sent them away.
Speaker 5 (07:31):
In this Jezebel was tactful.
Speaker 3 (07:33):
Not only were the elders the ones to kill Naboth,
but they will think they are doing so under orders
of Ahab.
Speaker 5 (07:40):
This is how Jezebel operated.
Speaker 3 (07:42):
She was secretive and outsmarted everyone under and over her
in command. All that Jezebel ordered had taken place. Naboth
was elevated to a seat of honor as he gleamed
with the adoration of his peers.
Speaker 5 (07:56):
He was torn down and brutally stoned.
Speaker 3 (08:00):
Jezebel was not around to hear them, but she assumed
his screams for mercy were great. She closed her eyes
and imagined Naboth dying before her. The very thought of
it made her feel alive. As soon as Jezebel knew
Naboth was dead, she entered into her husband's chambers. She
sat beside his bed again and stroked his hair. You
(08:23):
know the vineyard Naboth refused to sell you. Ahab sat
up in attention. It is yours now, my king, he
is dead. Ahab leaped out of his bed in excitement.
Jezabel watched him dance like a little child. That's who
he was to her, a simple child. Ahab wasted no
(08:43):
time and mounted his horse to go and claim the vineyard.
He rode fast and excitedly. What a pleasant surprise it
was for him to discover Naboth was dead. He was
sure his wife arranged something, as she always does. However,
it benefited Ahab to not ask questions about his wife's methods.
The wind began to pick up slightly. Evening was only
(09:05):
a few hours away, and Ahab wanted to get the
plans started for his new garden. Ahab looked at the land,
imagining himself like King Solomon, with vast gardens to prove
his wealth. As Ahab was basking in his victory, he
saw a dark figure in the corner of his eye.
Ahab jolted behind him to find Elijah standing ten feet
(09:27):
away from him. His brow was furrowed and his gaze
was piercing. Ahab felt the blood leave his face as
Elijah looked straight through his soul. So it was not
enough to kill na Bath, Elijah said, now you must
rob him too. The words shot force like arrows towards
Ahab's chest. The conviction of the Lord was looking to
(09:50):
penetrate Ahab's heart. Listen to me, Ahab, because you have
done this, dogs will lick the blood off your lingering
corpse on this very ground.
Speaker 5 (10:00):
Ahab did his best not.
Speaker 3 (10:01):
To seem frightened by Elijah. Last time he saw him,
Elijah was calling down fire from heaven and summoning tempests.
Ahab stood upright with his shoulders back. So you have
finally found me, O enemy of mine, Ahab said. He
forced a sly grin, but had only served to reveal
his nervousness. It is true, Elijah said, as he took
(10:25):
a step closer.
Speaker 5 (10:26):
I have come.
Speaker 3 (10:27):
Because you have hored yourself off to evil. The Lord
is not pleased. Elijah took another step towards Ahab. Ahab's
heart began to beat faster as Elijah approached him. Elijah
spoke for the Lord, saying, I will bring destruction upon you.
I will destroy all of who you are. Your descendants, servants,
(10:48):
and live.
Speaker 5 (10:48):
Stock will be consumed.
Speaker 3 (10:50):
My anger is targeted towards you, oh Ahab, for you
have led my children into sin. At this point, Ahab
was stepping back from Elijah, breathing heavily in fear. Elijah
was close enough to grab Ahab now. And as for Jezebel,
your witch queen, Elijah paused dogs will eat her body.
(11:12):
On the wicked land of Jezreel, all the members of
your family will be picked apart by vultures. The Lord's
anger burned against Ahab for allowing his heart to slip
into complete corruption.
Speaker 5 (11:25):
He had sold.
Speaker 3 (11:25):
Himself to the powers of darkness and allowed Jezebel to
poison his mind.
Speaker 5 (11:31):
No one else in Israel.
Speaker 3 (11:32):
Had completely given themselves over as he had. However, upon
hearing this rebuke, the heart of Ahab began to melt.
He tore his clothing, dressed in burlap, and fasted before
the Lord. He humbled himself towards the point of poverty
to prove his sorrow to God. Elijah learned of this,
and God spoke, saying, do you see how Ahab has
(11:55):
humbled himself. Although his dynasty will still be cut off,
we will not deliver my judgment to him while he lives.
God always honors.
Speaker 5 (12:05):
A repentant heart.
Speaker 3 (12:06):
As far gone as Ahab seemed. There is no one
so far gone that God will not hear their cries
for mercy.
Speaker 4 (12:16):
In today's passage, we meet a man named Naboth, who
owned a vineyard near the palace of King Ahab. The
King wants Naboth's land for himself, so he tells Naboth
to sell it to him or trade it for an
even better plot of ground, But Naboth is unwilling to
part with his family land that he had inherited from
(12:37):
his father. Ahab doesn't respond in violence, but he goes
home and sulks like a child, whining to his wicked
wife Jezebel, that Nabath refused to give him what he wanted,
what a weak king he is. But if Ahab was
unwilling to take what he wanted by force, Jezebel had
(13:00):
no issue with taking what he wanted and what she wanted,
so she told Ahab that as ruler of Israel, he
could have whatever he wanted, and that she would make
sure that he got the vineyard. She was very cunning
and knew how she could use deception to accomplish her plan,
so she wrote letters in Ahab's hand telling the elders
(13:21):
to call a fast and to put Naboth in a
place of prominence. This wasn't meant to honor Naboth, but
bring false charges against him. The punishment would be given
then and there, a public stoning. Her plan went off
without a problem, and Naboth was killed by the elders.
(13:42):
The vineyard Ahab wanted was as good as his now,
and Jezebel delivered the news to the king. Ahab was overjoyed.
He knew Jezebel had employed unscrupulous, methis evil methods to
get him what he desired, but he asked no quoest questions.
Jezebel was wicked to the core, and our heart was
(14:05):
on evil continually. Ahab was guilty by compliance, giving consents
through his silence and his own personal wickedness. And for
the moment, it seems that the plans of these evil
people had prevailed. In the Psalms, we read about how
it seems at times wicked people prevail and boasting their
(14:27):
triumph over good people. But as the Psalms would proclaim,
God will always avenge his people, and judgment does come
in due time. Whatever a man sows, he will reap.
So as Ahab stood in his vineyard, basking in his conquest,
a familiar figure approached. It is Elijah, a haveb seemed
(14:50):
to know that the end was near. His choices had consequences,
and rather than run, he listened to what God was
saying through Elijah in First Kings twenty one, twenty and
twenty one, this is what God says to Ahab, because
you have sold yourself to do what is evil in
the sight of the Lord. Behold, I will bring disaster
(15:14):
upon you. I will utterly burn you up and will
cut off from Ahab every male bond or free in Israel.
Elijah went on, telling him that he would take from
him the kingdom because he had led so many people astray.
Ahab had given himself over to evil, though he was
the king of the nation. God would judge both Ahab
(15:38):
and Jezebel, and their sin would cost them their lives.
Jezebel would be thrown off a balcony and die and
be eaten, her blood lapped up by the dogs in
Jezreel and many others would die there to be eaten
by dogs or carried away by birds who foolishly turned
from the Lord. It was surely payday someday for Ahab
(16:01):
and Jezebel. Ahab was cut to the heart with these
words and tore his clothes as a sign of mourning
and repentance. He fasted and wore sackcloth. God seemingly had
gotten through to him, and the Lord was moved by
Ahab's humility and contrition. He spoke again through Elijah, telling
Ahab that his life would be spared because he humbled himself,
(16:24):
but disaster would still be visited upon his household. The
stain of his sin would have consequences. You see, the
Lord is always near to those who seek him. There's
no lost cause in God's grace, and God stands ready
to forgive anyone who would earnestly repent and return to him,
(16:45):
even Ahab, even you and me. Dear God, we thank
you that you are a God of justice, but that
you are also a God of great mercy. Thank you
for your love intended all the way to Jesus and
his cross and resurrection, and through your grace, amazing as
(17:06):
it is, we can have forgiveness and eternal life in
Jesus's name. Amen. Thank you for listening to today's Bible
in a Year podcast. I'm pastor Jack Graham from Dallas, Texas.
Let me encourage you to download the Prey dot com
app and always make Bible reading and Bible study a
(17:26):
priority in your life, along with prayer. If you enjoyed
this podcast, share it, with someone you love. Let someone
know because by sharing this podcast you can truly make
a difference in someone's life. And if you want more
resources from me, Jack Graham as to how you can
grow in your Christian life, then go to Jack Graham
(17:47):
dot org. That's Jack Graham dot org. God bless you.
Host
Jack Graham
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