1 Kings 21:1–9

Ahab Covets Naboth’s Vineyard

1 Now it came about after these things that Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard which was in aJezreel beside the palace of Ahab king of Samaria.

2 Ahab spoke to Naboth, saying, “aGive me your vineyard, that I may have it for a vegetable garden because it is close beside my house, and I will give you a better vineyard than it in its place; if 1you like, I will give you the price of 2it in money.”

3 But Naboth said to Ahab, “The Lord forbid me athat I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.”

4 aSo Ahab came into his house sullen and vexed because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him; for he said, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” And he lay down on his bed and turned away his face and ate no 1food.

5 But Jezebel his wife came to him and said to him, “How is it that your spirit is so sullen that you are not eating 1food?”

6 So he said to her, “Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite and said to him, ‘Give me your vineyard for money; or else, if it pleases you, I will give you a vineyard in its place.’ But he said, ‘I will not give you my vineyard.’ ”

7 Jezebel his wife said to him, “aDo you now 1reign over Israel? Arise, eat bread, and let your heart be joyful; I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.”

8 aSo she wrote letters in Ahab’s name and sealed them with his seal, and sent letters to bthe elders and to the nobles who were living with Naboth in his city.

9 Now she wrote in the letters, saying, “Proclaim a fast and seat Naboth at the head of the people;