1 kings 21:13 - The two men, the wicked fellows, came in and sat before him. The wicked fellows testified against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, “Naboth cursed God and the king!” Then they carried him out of the city and stoned him to death with stones.
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What does "1 kings 21:13" mean?
This verse is a pivotal part of the story of Naboth's vineyard in 1 Kings 21. It describes the final act of injustice orchestrated by Queen Jezebel to seize Naboth's land for her husband, King Ahab. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"The two men, the wicked fellows, came in and sat before him": Jezebel has hired two unscrupulous men (often called "sons of Belial" in Hebrew, meaning "worthless" or "wicked" men) to carry out her plan. They are brought before Naboth, likely in a public setting where accusations could be made.
"The wicked fellows testified against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people": These hired men falsely accuse Naboth of a crime he did not commit. The accusation is public, to give it the appearance of legitimacy and to publicly shame Naboth.
"Naboth cursed God and the king!": This is the false accusation. Blaspheming God was a serious offense punishable by death under Mosaic Law (Leviticus 24:16). Cursing the king was considered treason and also punishable by death. This dual accusation makes the charge especially damning. It is almost certain that Naboth had done no such thing, and the "witnesses" were lying to secure a conviction and a death sentence.
"Then they carried him out of the city and stoned him to death with stones": Based on the false testimony and the laws concerning blasphemy and treason, Naboth is convicted and executed by stoning, which was a common form of capital punishment in ancient Israel. The fact that he is taken "out of the city" suggests that this was done in accordance with the law requiring executions to take place outside the city walls.
Significance of the Verse
Injustice and Abuse of Power: This verse is a stark example of injustice and abuse of power. Jezebel, a foreign queen with no regard for Israelite laws or customs, uses her influence to manipulate the legal system and orchestrate Naboth's murder to acquire his land for her husband.
False Accusation: The use of false witnesses highlights the importance of truthful testimony and the dangers of relying on unreliable sources.
Violation of Divine Law: Naboth's murder is a direct violation of the Ten Commandments ("You shall not murder" and "You shall not covet") and a profound disrespect for God's laws regarding property and justice.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: This event sets the stage for God's judgment upon Ahab and Jezebel, as prophesied by the prophet Elijah, who condemns them for their wickedness and foretells their demise.
In short, this verse depicts a deliberate act of evil and corruption designed to rob an innocent man of his life and his property. It serves as a powerful illustration of the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of upholding justice and righteousness.
1 kings 21:13 - The two men, the wicked fellows, came in and sat before him. The wicked fellows testified against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, “Naboth cursed God and the king!” Then they carried him out of the city and stoned him to death with stones.
What does "1 kings 21:13" mean?
This verse is a pivotal part of the story of Naboth's vineyard in 1 Kings 21. It describes the final act of injustice orchestrated by Queen Jezebel to seize Naboth's land for her husband, King Ahab. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"The two men, the wicked fellows, came in and sat before him": Jezebel has hired two unscrupulous men (often called "sons of Belial" in Hebrew, meaning "worthless" or "wicked" men) to carry out her plan. They are brought before Naboth, likely in a public setting where accusations could be made.
"The wicked fellows testified against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people": These hired men falsely accuse Naboth of a crime he did not commit. The accusation is public, to give it the appearance of legitimacy and to publicly shame Naboth.
"Naboth cursed God and the king!": This is the false accusation. Blaspheming God was a serious offense punishable by death under Mosaic Law (Leviticus 24:16). Cursing the king was considered treason and also punishable by death. This dual accusation makes the charge especially damning. It is almost certain that Naboth had done no such thing, and the "witnesses" were lying to secure a conviction and a death sentence.
"Then they carried him out of the city and stoned him to death with stones": Based on the false testimony and the laws concerning blasphemy and treason, Naboth is convicted and executed by stoning, which was a common form of capital punishment in ancient Israel. The fact that he is taken "out of the city" suggests that this was done in accordance with the law requiring executions to take place outside the city walls.
Significance of the Verse
Injustice and Abuse of Power: This verse is a stark example of injustice and abuse of power. Jezebel, a foreign queen with no regard for Israelite laws or customs, uses her influence to manipulate the legal system and orchestrate Naboth's murder to acquire his land for her husband.
False Accusation: The use of false witnesses highlights the importance of truthful testimony and the dangers of relying on unreliable sources.
Violation of Divine Law: Naboth's murder is a direct violation of the Ten Commandments ("You shall not murder" and "You shall not covet") and a profound disrespect for God's laws regarding property and justice.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: This event sets the stage for God's judgment upon Ahab and Jezebel, as prophesied by the prophet Elijah, who condemns them for their wickedness and foretells their demise.
In short, this verse depicts a deliberate act of evil and corruption designed to rob an innocent man of his life and his property. It serves as a powerful illustration of the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of upholding justice and righteousness.