The Tragedy of Naboth: Lessons in Pride and Power
Robert Wurtz II
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And he lay down on his bed, turned his face away, and would eat no food. But Jezebel, his wife, came to him and said, “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 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.”
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.” (1 Kings 21:5-7)
The question Jezebel posed to Ahab, “Do you now govern Israel?” highlights that Israel’s seventh king had drifted wildly from God’s design for a kingdom of priests (Exodus 19:6). God intended to rule His people, not a man. Still, the people rejected God, and now it’s come to this (1 Samuel 8:7). Israel had a bully at the helm rather than a man after God’s own heart. The enemy was officially in the camp!
The secular world, with its power structure, operates differently from the Kingdom of God, with its kingdom of priests; here, Jezebel pressures Ahab to govern Israel as the kings of the world rule their domains. This diabolical infiltration and hijacking of God’s designs for the kingdom of God was orchestrated by Satan, who longs to have God’s authority. It occurred when Ahab and Jezebel succumbed to pride and acted in self-will rather than as God’s representatives.
The spirit of the Age
Understand that God is love, but Satan is pride. It’s his defining characteristic. God already knew that pride was in the world, and men and women are of their father the devil (John 8:44). The spirit that now works in the children of disobedience operates in them (Ephesians 2:1-5). He knew that as men organized, they would do so with good intentions, but the outcomes would be disastrous. They would start with the intention of serving the public, but carnal leaders tend to gradually prioritize their own interests over those they were meant to help.
Worldly systems tend to become self-perpetuating bureaucracies that prioritize their existence over their original mission. Think about it. Then we have what’s called the “iron law of oligarchy,” in which organizations tend to concentrate power in the hands of a few, leading to a disconnect between leadership and the people they were initially established to serve. When this happens, there’s no sense in calling what you’re doing “spiritual.” It is as secular as Jezebel and Ahab. God’s word says that in the multitude of counselors there is safety (Proverbs 11:14). The enemy wants to reduce that number to as few as possible because it’s easier for him to control one or two than many.
The Allurement of Kingly Royalty and Power
Many people fantasize about being royalty and the popularity and authority it brings. The allure often includes visions of a life of luxury, power, and influence. Stories, movies, and historical accounts of kings and queens can create an enchanting image of a glamorous lifestyle, filled with privilege and admiration. In the 1980s, a popular comedy featured an African prince who came to America to find a bride. I still recall the rose petals strewn across the ground as the family stepped into the street.
I once spoke with a gentleman who works in high-end retail in an affluent part of his city, who claimed that he “treats his customers like royalty.” I’ve heard that expression before, but what does it mean? While I understand that many people enjoy being pampered on special occasions, if a person views themself as royalty, how will they typically behave? More importantly, how will they view others? For the salesman, it means they open their pocketbook wide. But what does the recipient get for their money?
Kings, Queens, Princes, and Princesses
In a popular American tourist mall, a shop offers children aged 3 to 16 a taste of royal indulgence, featuring throne spa chairs, soothing foot soaks, hand massages, and glamorous nail art. The experience is further elevated by delightful flavor facials, enchanting fairy-dust makeup, and chic hairpieces, all designed to cultivate a sense of luxury and pampering. It makes me wonder: if we treat children as kings, queens, princes, and princesses from such a young age, how might that shape their interactions with others when they grow up? Does it cultivate humility or pride?
It seems so innocent on the surface. But what if they develop narcissistic tendencies and the belief that they are superior to others? If the children were given cocaine, there would be rioting in the streets, but Satan glorifies pride because he knows that God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. We have to be smarter than that. I suggest that pride is more addictive than cocaine. And Satan will NEVER condemn you for it. However, God will RESIST you, and resists in the Greek (ἀντιτάσσομαι) means “to set up in battle.” Is that the life pattern we want for a person from childhood? Train up a child in the way they should go, and that “way” should be humility before God and man.
Monstrous Arrogance
Jezebel grew up in a pagan kingdom as a royal princess and moved with monstrous arrogance. She had a front-row seat to power. Let that sink in. She believed that because Ahab was king, he should get what he wanted, as her father did. However, this was not the city of Sidon; it was the northern nation of Israel. Where did she get that idea for Ahab? It certainly was not scriptural. It’s a pagan outlook antithetical to the kingdom of God.
Obviously, not all secular royalty today or throughout history has behaved arrogantly, but many have, and it is reflected in how they abuse their authority. God never wanted Israel to have a king because He was their King. When they demanded a king he gave them specific instructions on how to behave.
The Right of Kings?
Some ancient cultures believed in the divine right of kings, granting them a special claim to power and privilege sanctioned by God. This doctrine creates a sense of entitlement, implying that kings deserve loyalty and obedience because their authority is divinely ordained. Jesus warned about the way Gentile rulers governed and said, “It shall not be so among you!” (Mark 10:42-45) Therefore, this outlook runs contrary to the kingdom of God. Such beliefs can lead to a lack of accountability and justify absolute power, reinforcing the notion that monarchs are above ordinary laws and societal norms. (Deuteronomy 17:14-20)
For Our Learning
God carefully selected every text in scripture to teach us something. Holy men of God wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21). Paul said that the things recorded were written for our learning and admonition (Romans 15:4, 1 Corinthians 10:11). With this in mind, what is the lesson from the story of Naboth’s vineyard? Clearly, God is teaching us about the destructiveness of abuse of power, arrogance, and pride.
Ahab wanted to purchase Naboth’s vineyard to plant a garden. It was near his home, so he hoped to add it to his estate. Yet Naboth refused to sell because he wanted it for posterity. In those days, God intended for land to remain with families, so he instituted the year of release, returning land to its original owner every seven years, or the Sabbath year (Deuteronomy 15:1-10). It was hard to accumulate houses and land under these conditions.
Unrealistic Expectations
All things are full of weariness; a man cannot utter it; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. (Ecclesiastes 1:8)
Ahab wanted a vegetable garden near his home for convenience. The wealthier and more powerful a person is, the more likely they are to prioritize their time and comfort. They expect efficiency and avoid inconveniences whenever possible. Their resources and status typically allow them to access solutions that minimize disruptions and enhance convenience.
Ahab reached a place in this wealth and power that he wanted to add another “convenience.” But his convenience would come at the expense of Naboth’s inheritance. Unlike Esau, who sold his birthright for a bowl of soup, Naboth rejected Ahab’s offer. His inheritance wasn’t for sale. The attempted land grab failed, and Ahab reacted like a spoiled kid.
Sulking to Get Your Way
Ahab was a sulker, but Jezebel was the brains and brutality behind the operation. She was born into royalty as the daughter of Ethbaal, the king of the Sidonians. Her marriage to King Ahab of Israel not only solidified a political alliance but also brought her idolatrous practices and influence over Israel, leading to God’s judgment during her husband’s reign. Most destructively, she moved in an arrogance that God detests. Consider these passages from Solomon alone:
These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood. (Proverbs 6:16-17)
The LORD will destroy the house of the proud, but he will establish the border of the widow. (Proverbs 15:24-25)
Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. (Proverbs 16:4-5)
Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. (Proverbs 16:18-19)
To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin. (Proverbs 21:3-4)
Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath. (Proverbs 21:23-24)
He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat. (Proverbs 28:24-25)
Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. (Ecclesiastes 7:7-8)
Undoubtedly, Solomon knew something about royalty, but he also learned humility. Jezebel’s background in a worldly royalty contributed to her arrogant, assertive, and often manipulative character, as she usurped power and wielded it in Israel.
Carnality and Pride
In the New Testament, the church known for its carnality was the Corinthians. The recurring theme is that the Corinthians were puffed up. This is a figurative way of saying that they were proud, arrogant, and self-congratulatory. This phrase “puffed up” is the Greek word phusioo, and it is used seven times in the New Testament, and six of them are in 1 Corinthians (1 Cor 4:6, 1 Cor 4:18-19; 1 Cor 5:2; 1 Cor 8:1; 1 Cor 13:4). The ESV translates phusioo as arrogant in 1 Corinthians 5:2. Carnality and arrogance are bedfellows.
The Pride of Royalty
Ahab’s reaction to losing out on Naboth’s property—to cultivate a mere garden—reveals a profound immaturity. When thwarted, Ahab sulked like a petulant child, refusing to eat as if mourning the betrayal of a lover or the death of a close friend. He didn’t lose his wife; he lost out on some property. I have to wonder, was it truly the garden that grieved him, or was it the sting of not getting his way? His pride was hurt, and his wife wasn’t having it.
Jezebel was moving in an arrogant, ancient royal manner, and that type of royalty operates under the delusion of superiority, control, and entitlement. She had an altogether different reaction than Ahab; she didn’t pout, she plotted: She didn’t weep, she wrote. She didn’t cry; she killed.
A godly royalty would have moved on. Not Jezebel. From a child, it is likely her parents followed the ancient patterns of pride and power and raised her to be what she became. Was there anyone in her life to teach her to humble herself and not view herself as superior to others? Did anyone ever use comments such as our proverbial, “You put your pants on one leg at a time just like everyone else! You ain’t better than anybody!” We don’t know, but probably not.
Teaching Humility to Children
Do parents teach their children humility, or do they instead let their own pride move them, teaching their children the opposite? The time would fail to list the times in the Bible that we are called to humility. But it’s cute to be proud, says the Devil! He mocks all calls to humility. Unfortunately, Jezebel never seemed to question her proud upbringing, and as we will see, her lack of conscience eventually got her killed in a gruesomeness that matched her monstrous arrogance.
Parents often strive to raise their children to be “special” or “build a great reputation” as exceptional, driven by a combination of societal pressures, personal aspirations, and a desire for their children to achieve success in a competitive world beyond what they themselves achieved (Romans 12:2-3). This phenomenon, sometimes referred to as “parental narcissism,” can manifest as an expectation for children to excel in academics, sports, accomplishments, or other fields, reflecting a parent’s own ambitions and insecurities. From a biblical perspective, this desire can stem from a misunderstanding of Christianity itself, as Christ made himself of no reputation in humbling himself even to the Cross (Philippians 2:7-9).
Humility and Christianity
As Christianity is introduced into cultures that have historically had monarchies or similar forms of governance, compromises can arise. We end up with a mixture, such as when Ahab ruled Israel. Pastors behave like worldly kings with all of the royal accommodations that come with it. While the congregation lives in poverty, they drive luxury cars, ride in private jets, and live in mansions. How will this impact children who are learning the faith from whom they watch and what they see?
The New Testament emphasizes humility and service over pride and competition, but this has not stopped many Christian parents from falling into the worldly mindset that may ultimately lead the child into monstrous arrogance, as Jezebel had. Instead of fostering a sense of superiority, the Bible encourages humility, love, compassion, and community, reminding parents that true greatness lies in fulfilling God’s will in humility and in serving others rather than exalting oneself above neighbors (Matthew 18:4, 23:12, James 4:6, 4:10, 1 Peter 5:5-6). Ultimately, while the intention behind wanting children to succeed is often rooted in love, it can lead to a skewed sense of self-worth that is contrary to Christ and completely corrupts the humility that children generally have (Matthew 18:4). Kids are typically taught to be arrogant if Matthew 18:4 means anything at all.
Conclusion
If there were ever a couple that God resisted, it was Ahab and Jezebel. God has used their story like a megaphone in our ears to arrest our attention. Satan cultivates pride and arrogance, defending his tactics and scorning any attempt to curtail them. Many individuals who operate among the saints, proudly misbehaving or exhibiting entitlement, were raised to believe they are “better than others.” If this attitude manifests in leadership, God’s hand will lift off, and there will be no fruit, only death. This upbringing instills a dangerous superiority complex that skews their perception of others, leading to a lack of empathy, arrogance, and conflicts. Not only do they act from a place of entitlement, but like Jezebel, they also seek to control others. She believed Ahab, as king of Israel, should “get his way.”
Understanding that such behavior is rooted in this belief system clarifies why some people struggle to form genuine connections or respect others. This mindset not only hinders their personal growth but also contradicts fundamental biblical teachings on humility and the inherent value of every person, providing insight into the underlying reasons for their actions.
We all understand that Naboth was murdered treacherously. Still, we also know that individuals like Ahab and Jezebel, consumed by pride and an insatiable hunger for power, don’t usually murder people. Instead, should one, like Naboth, dare to oppose them, they may not resort to physical violence, but may cut the person off. If they can’t control them, they hate them and engage in a prolonged campaign of psychological, emotional, and reputational annihilation, methodically dismantling their adversary blow by blow. Our only conclusion is that God will repay just as He did Ahab and Jezebel. The solution?
Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. (1 Peter 5:5b ESV)
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End notes
The history of kings of Israel from Jeroboam to Ahab is a sad and disturbing tale indeed. Jeroboam I led a revolt against Rehoboam, becoming the first king of the northern kingdom. He was succeeded by his son Nadab, who ruled until assassinated by Baasha, who took the throne fulfilling a prophecy against Jeroboam’s house. Baasha’s son, Elah, followed him but was quickly killed by Zimri, who ruled for only seven days before committing suicide by fire amidst a siege. Omri assassinated Zimri, established a new dynasty, and moved the capital to Samaria. Ahab, the son of Omri, inherited the throne after his father’s death.
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