The Reply of Naboth, and its Lessons
W. D. Horwood. 1 Kings 21:3 And Naboth said to Ahab, The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers to you. I. THE REPLY OF NABOTH. 1. It first assures us that he is a conscientious man, and a worshipper of Jehovah. No; but from a conviction of his duty to God as the Supreme Lawgiver: and, therefore, rather than offend Him, or violate His will, he would incur the anger and vengeful power of Ahab. 2. Hence the moral heroism of the reply — similar to that which distinguished the answer of the apostles, in after history, when forbidden by the magistrates to preach in the name of Jesus. These brave men recognised the Divine authority; and, basing their publication upon its evidence, they were ready to undergo any persecution, any torture, any death, rather than disobey God. And it was according to this spirit that Naboth uttered the words to Ahab. 3. In this reply of Naboth, there is also the recognition of an old fundamental law, unrepealed, among the Hebrews, respecting landed property: and this recognition stands out in direct opposition to the loose practices of Ahab, the priests, and all the followers of Baal. II. ITS LESSONS. 1. The great value which every professing Christian ought to set upon his inheritance, as purchased for him, and handed down to him by Christ, and that no man ought to part with it through the force of temptation. 2. We learn furthermore from the reply of Naboth the great importance of decision of character, or as it is directed towards a right purpose. 3. Naboth openly avowed his belief in God and His laws before Ahab, and a nation given up to idolatry. And thus we are taught not to be ashamed of confessing our faith in Christ. (W. D. Horwood.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Naboth said to Ahab, The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee. WEB: Naboth said to Ahab, "May Yahweh forbid me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers to you!"