I Kings 21 - Justice and the Vineyard (The Bible’s Answer for Justice, Part 1)

By Ben Quine
**This article is part of a series helping us navigate this issue of justice in our world from a Biblical perspective. To read all of Ben’s articles on this subject - click on his name above by the date published and it will sort all of this articles in one place.

A few years back I was speaking with a friend who is in full-time ministry. I was delighted to hear about their many outreach programs and Bible studies they offer for students. “Oh, and next week we’re going to hold a Justice Week.” I shared the excitement, and then asked, “That’s great! What is justice –  I mean, what does Justice really mean?” The phone line went quiet for a while. “That’s a tough question.” More silence. “I guess I don’t really know.”

It can be difficult to define “justice” when put on the spot. Many of the greatest philosophers of the Western tradition, from the ancient Greeks and Romans to the doctoral professors of the 21st Century have struggled with the question, “what is justice?” But amazingly, even when we can’t define it, we all somehow know that justice is important.

In this series of articles, we will dig deeply into Scripture to see what God’s Word says about justice, and how we can to apply it to our lives and to our culture. The Bible’s teaching may surprise or upset you, but remember that we are seeking wisdom from God — looking to discover what the whole of His Word truly says, not just what we would like it to say. Begin by reading I Kings chapter 21.

Now Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard in Jezreel, beside the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. And after this Ahab said to Naboth, “Give me your vineyard, that I may have it for a vegetable garden, because it is near my house, and I will give you a better vineyard for it; or, if it seems good to you, I will give you its value in money.” But Naboth said to Ahab, “The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.” And Ahab went into his house vexed and sullen because of what Naboth the Jezreelite had said to him, for he had said, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” (I Kings 21:1-4)

This chapter recounts an historical event that occurred during the reign of King Ahab, who ruled Israel from circa 874–853 BC. When God gave the land of Canaan to His people, He divided it according to families, to be their possession forever (Joshua 11:23). Naboth’s property in Jezreel had been given to his ancestors during or immediately following the days when Joshua led the Israelites. Naboth owned a vineyard near the palace, and because of its prime location, the king offered to purchase the property from Naboth for an appropriate price or trade value.

And he lay down on his bed and turned away his face and would eat no food. But Jezebel his wife came to him and said to him, “Why is your spirit so vexed that you eat no food?” And 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 please you, I will give you another vineyard for it.’ And he answered, ‘I will not give you my vineyard.’” And Jezebel his wife said to him, “Do you now govern Israel? Arise and eat bread and let your heart be cheerful; I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.” (I Kings 21:4-7)

Ahab was distraught when he didn’t get his way, but Jezebel wasn’t concerned. She had a plan.

So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name and sealed them with his seal, and she sent the letters to the elders and the leaders who lived with Naboth in his city. And she wrote in the letters, “Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth at the head of the people. And set two worthless men opposite him, and let them bring a charge against him, saying, ‘You have cursed God and the king.’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” And the men of his city, the elders and the leaders who lived in his city, did as Jezebel had sent word to them. As it was written in the letters that she had sent to them, they proclaimed a fast and set Naboth at the head of the people. And the two worthless men came in and sat opposite him. And the worthless men brought a charge against Naboth in the presence of the people, saying, “Naboth cursed God and the king.” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death with stones. Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, “Naboth has been stoned; he is dead.” (I Kings 21:8-14)

Jezebel didn’t accept Naboth’s right to his family property, and instead she organized a conspiracy to slander and murder Naboth. Working in league with the elders and leaders of the city and two villains, she had Naboth falsely accused, tried in a false court, and unjustly executed for a crime he didn’t commit. Jezebel knew that her money, power, and the prestige that went with her title would allow her to carry out this evil plot against an innocent man.

A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established. (Deuteronomy 19:15)

Jezebel even knew the law well enough to know it would take two false witnesses to ensure the success of her conspiracy.

As soon as Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned and was dead, Jezebel said to Ahab, “Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give you for money, for Naboth is not alive, but dead.” And as soon as Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, Ahab arose to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it. (I Kings 21:15-16)

Take a minute and consider the actions of each person in this story… Naboth has been falsely accused and murdered after choosing not to sell his personal property. Jezebel has plotted and arranged for Naboth’s murder in order to steal his land. The town leaders and two henchmen went along with her plan and carried out the deed. And Ahab has now taken possession of the vineyard.

Did Jezebel’s plan succeed? How does all that make you feel?

The story of Naboth’s murder by the command of Jezebel strikes a deep chord in our hearts because of its great injustice. We find ourselves demanding that someone step in and stop the blatant abuse of power. We yearn for this story to be made right — for a hero to appear at the last minute to block the wicked king and queen’s actions, to prevent the mob from killing the innocent, to ensure that Naboth keeps his family’s inheritance and remains alive and well. But this did not happen.

It is deeply upsetting when powerful people exploit their power to hurt or take advantage of others. It is especially provoking when there is no one to challenge them and they emerge unpunished.

But being “powerful” isn’t a prerequisite for sinning against others – it isn’t right when anyone lies, steals, or hurts another person – no matter what their social status.

Sadly, these types of actions are not new, because sin is not new. The Bible contains countless examples of people unjustly injuring their neighbors. Cain murdered his brother Abel, because Abel’s actions were more righteous than his own. Joseph was attacked and sold by his brothers into slavery, where he was falsely accused and imprisoned. Stephen, Paul, and even Jesus suffered unjustly at the hands of wicked men. We look at each of these examples of injustice and cry out, “This is wrong!” And it truly IS wrong. God calls it sin. And because of the pervasive nature of sin, these injustices are often never fully set right here on earth.

So how does God feel about these sorts of human actions? What are we supposed to do about them individually and as a society? And what really is justice? We haven’t answered those questions yet – but we will over the next few articles! And then over the course of this series, we’ll apply God’s principles of Justice to our lives, our culture, and our government.

We are all desperately in need of wisdom on how to deal with the consequences of injustice. You won’t want to miss it!

Or check out our Christians Engaged Store to purchase all 4 of the books - Answers for Difficult Days. (4-Book Bundle $40 , shipping not included).

ABOUT BEN

Connect with him at Cornerstone Curriculum

Ben Quine, the second son of David and Shirley Quine, was blessed to grow up with a Charlotte Mason/Dr. Schaeffer/Biblical Worldview education -- a tremendous gift! Through the years, Ben has served as a Cornerstone consultant, assistant, and co-author. He has written several Bible studies for the Answers for Difficult Days series, which equips churches to address the issues our culture is wrestling with today, from the foundation of Scripture. Ben is also the editor of The Worldview Library, editions of classical literature with student helps that afford the reader a deeper understanding of the concepts presented in each work.

Trained as a classical pianist and instructor, Ben is committed to inspiring his students with the love of great music and equipping them with the tools to perform at the highest level. This training has resulted in his students' successful performances from local festivals and competitions to Carnegie Hall.

Ben loves Shakespeare, Dickens, photography, listening to recordings of "the great pianists", running, biking, and spending time with his wife Julie and their three sons.