Editing Elijah (section)

==== Vineyard of Naboth ====
Elijah encounters Ahab again in 1 Kings 21, after Ahab has acquired possession of a [[vineyard]] by [[murder]]. Ahab desires to have the vineyard of [[Naboth]] of [[Jezreel (city)|Jezreel]]. He offers a better vineyard or a fair price for the land. But Naboth tells Ahab that God has told him not to part with the land. Ahab accepts this answer with sullen grace. Jezebel, however, plots a method for acquiring the land. She sends letters in Ahab's name to the elders and nobles who live near Naboth. They are to arrange a feast and invite Naboth. At the feast, false charges of cursing God and Ahab are to be made against him. The plot is carried out and Naboth is stoned to death. When word comes that Naboth is dead, Jezebel tells Ahab to take possession of the vineyard.

God again speaks to Elijah and sends him to confront Ahab with a question and a [[prophecy]]: "Have you murdered, and also taken possession?" and, "In the place where [[dog]]s licked up the blood of Naboth, dogs will also lick up your [[blood]]."<ref>{{bibleref2|1 Kings|21:19|NRSV}} ''New Revised Standard Version''</ref> Ahab begins the confrontation by calling Elijah his enemy. Elijah responds by throwing the charge back at him, telling him that he has made himself the enemy of God by his own actions. Elijah tells Ahab that his entire kingdom will reject his authority; that Jezebel will be eaten by dogs within Jezreel; and that his family will be consumed by dogs as well (if they die in a city) or by [[Vulture|bird]]s (if they die in the country). When Ahab hears this he repents so sincerely that God stays his hand in punishing Ahab, choosing instead to vent his wrath upon Jezebel and her son by Ahab, [[Ahaziah of Israel|Ahaziah]].