Topical Bible: Homicide: Felonious: Ahab and Jezebel

◄ Homicide: Felonious: Ahab and Jezebel ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The account of Ahab and Jezebel is a poignant example of felonious homicide in the Bible, illustrating the depths of moral corruption and the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. Ahab, the seventh king of Israel, and his wife Jezebel, a Phoenician princess, are central figures in the narrative of 1 Kings, particularly in the account of Naboth's vineyard.

Background and Context

Ahab, son of Omri, reigned over Israel in Samaria for 22 years. His marriage to Jezebel, daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians, marked a significant turning point in Israel's history, as it led to the introduction and promotion of Baal worship in the kingdom. The Bible describes Ahab as doing "more evil in the eyes of the LORD than all those before him" (1 Kings 16:30).

The Crime

The felonious act of homicide committed by Ahab and Jezebel is detailed in 1 Kings 21. Ahab desired the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which was adjacent to his palace in Jezreel. Naboth, adhering to the Mosaic Law that prohibited the sale of family inheritance (Leviticus 25:23-28), refused to sell or exchange his vineyard. Ahab returned home "sullen and angry" (1 Kings 21:4).

Jezebel, upon seeing Ahab's distress, took matters into her own hands. She orchestrated a scheme to falsely accuse Naboth of blasphemy against God and the king. Jezebel wrote letters in Ahab's name, sealed them with his seal, and sent them to the elders and nobles of Naboth's city, instructing them to proclaim a fast and seat Naboth in a prominent place among the people. Two scoundrels were then to testify that Naboth had cursed both God and the king, a crime punishable by death. The plan was executed, and Naboth was stoned to death outside the city (1 Kings 21:8-13).

Moral and Theological Implications

The murder of Naboth is a stark violation of the sixth commandment, "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13). It also highlights the abuse of power and the perversion of justice, as Ahab and Jezebel manipulated legal and religious systems to achieve their ends. Jezebel's actions reflect a blatant disregard for God's law and a willingness to commit murder to satisfy personal desires.

Divine Judgment

The LORD, through the prophet Elijah, pronounced judgment on Ahab and Jezebel for their wickedness. Elijah confronted Ahab, declaring, "Have you not murdered a man and seized his property?" (1 Kings 21:19). The LORD decreed that disaster would come upon Ahab's house, cutting off every male, and that dogs would devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel (1 Kings 21:21-23).

Ahab's response to Elijah's prophecy was one of repentance; he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and fasted. As a result, the LORD postponed the disaster on Ahab's house until after his death (1 Kings 21:27-29). However, the judgment on Jezebel was fulfilled as prophesied (2 Kings 9:30-37).

Legacy

The account of Ahab and Jezebel serves as a sobering reminder of the destructive power of sin and the importance of adhering to God's commandments. Their actions and the subsequent divine judgment underscore the biblical principle that God is just and will hold individuals accountable for their deeds. The narrative also illustrates the dangers of idolatry and the moral decay that can result from turning away from the LORD.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 21:10-24
And set two men, sons of Belial, before him, to bear witness against him, saying, You did blaspheme God and the king. And then carry him out, and stone him, that he may die.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 6:32
But Elisha sat in his house, and the elders sat with him; and the king sent a man from before him: but ere the messenger came to him, he said to the elders, See you how this son of a murderer has sent to take away my head? look, when the messenger comes, shut the door, and hold him fast at the door: is not the sound of his master's feet behind him?
Nave's Topical Index