1. Naboth owned a vineyard in Jezreel near King Ahab's palace.
2. One day, Ahab said, “Naboth, your vineyard is near my palace. Give it to me so I can turn it into a vegetable garden. I'll give you a better vineyard or pay whatever you want for yours.”
3. Naboth answered, “This vineyard has always been in my family. I won't let you have it.”
4. So Ahab went home, angry and depressed because of what Naboth had told him. He lay on his bed, just staring at the wall and refusing to eat a thing.
5. Jezebel his wife came in and asked, “What's wrong? Why won't you eat?”
6. “I asked Naboth to sell me his vineyard or to let me give him a better one,” Ahab replied. “And he told me I couldn't have it.”
7. “Aren't you the king of Israel?” Jezebel asked. “Get out of bed and eat something! Don't worry, I'll get Naboth's vineyard for you.”
11. After receiving her letters, they did exactly what she had asked.
12. They told the people that it was a day to go without eating, and when they all came together, they seated Naboth at the front.
13. The two liars came in and sat facing Naboth. Then they accused him of cursing God and the king, so the people dragged Naboth outside and stoned him to death.
14. The leaders of Jezreel sent a message back to Jezebel that said, “Naboth is dead.”
15. As soon as Jezebel got their message, she told Ahab, “Now you can have the vineyard Naboth refused to sell. He's dead.”
16. Ahab got up and went to take over the vineyard.
17. The Lord said to Elijah the prophet,