Title: Naboth: A Man of Conviction

Text: 1 Kings 21:1-14

INTRODUCTION:

During a recent mission trip to Fiji, my wife and I visited the public market to buy vegetables. While there, I tried to bargain whenever possible, and I was successful in getting most items at better prices. Approaching the last vegetable we needed, I asked the man beside me how much it cost; he replied $1.50. I then turned to the woman in front of me and asked her, and she said $2.00. I couldn’t help but laugh and told them, ‘You guys need more practice. Your husband said $1.50, but when I looked at you, you said $2.00. What’s going on?’ In the end, I managed to get the vegetable for $1.50.

This story begins as a simple attempted real estate transaction, but takes a twisted turn, ending with murder of the innocent. Here, we read about a king, a spineless pouting man, who makes an offer to a poor man, owner of the little piece of real estate. The only impediment to his offer was that, Naboth the poor man, was a man of conviction.

As we open 1 Kings 21, we see this exact same childish behaviour. It will not be a child’s but that of a childish man—someone who doesn’t get his way and then pouts. Instead of frowning over toys, gold, or a beautiful woman, he frowns over a garden. The consequences of his tantrums include treachery, forgery, conspiracy, and murder. This story provides important lessons to remember, so our lives are not ruined by dissatisfaction.

On the other hand, we have a man who stands for what is right regardless of the circumstances. He is a man of conviction! According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word ‘conviction’ means a strong belief or persuasion that drives us to act.

Someone said, “Conviction is like living by default, just going with the flow.”

A biblical conviction for us as Christians is not based on impulse, rebellion, or simply going with the flow. It describes a state of being convinced of the truth, with a deep sense of certainty. It requires recognising authority, and in this case the authority of God.

Today, the question is this: Will your life be governed by strong convictions, or by a weak man led by a domineering woman?

That was Ahab. But in this story, we meet Naboth.

Look at him.

Convictions don’t belong on the market; these things are not for sale but are a hope to pass on.

Some things I possess, and you do too, are not for sale. These are inheritances of faith, family, and integrity that we aim to pass down to future generations.

I. The SUBTLE PROPOSAL of Ahab vv.1-2,4

A. A ‘REASONABLE’ OFFER from Ahab vv. 1,2

At first glance, the offer from the king seems reasonable because the place is near Ahab’s palace. He was even willing to give Naboth a better vineyard in exchange or even pay for it. He appears to be treating Naboth quite fairly in the matter. The only hitch was that Naboth did not respond in the manner that Ahab had hoped. His response was an emphatic ‘No.’

What would you do if Prime Minister Lawrence Wong came to you and wanted to buy your land or your HDB flat? This is not an easy decision. It is a big deal and very difficult to reject. Maybe, to some, this might be an honor, but on the other hand, if this is something you inherit from your parents or ancestors, that makes a difference.

Similarly, the world offers many temptations, such as the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life. Many people say that before marriage, they need to experience living together first, and if the relationship doesn’t work out, they believe it’s okay to part ways without any obligation.

It is really scary to know that most of the world’s offerings are instant. That’s why many children today are growing up, but they never grow old.

Let me remind everyone here that temptation rarely comes in a conspicuous manner. It comes subtly and may even appear ‘reasonable’. The enemy will offer us “better deals” to get us to compromise God’s Word. And if we lack conviction to stand by the truth, we will not be like Naboth. We will become like Ahab, and ‘going with the flow’. Ahab’s authority here was not God. It was his wife, a wicked, godless woman.

What “vineyard” is God asking you not to sell?

B. RESULTING in the OUTRAGE of Ahab v.4

Ahab went into his house sullen and displeased. This seemed entirely characteristic of Ahab. He would react this way when he met any kind of adversity. He had wanted someone’s vineyard but was unsuccessful in getting it. He felt resentful because he couldn’t get his way. He was like a child who wants a toy and whose parent says “No.” His main issue was that he hadn’t learned to be satisfied with what he had. As Matthew Henry noted, “Paul found contentment in prison, but Ahab was unhappy even in a palace.” It was clear that the Lord was not lord of his life.

Proverbs 15:16 “Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith.”

By the way, contentment is not natural to man; it is something we learn. Paul said in Philippians 4:11, “Not that I speak in respect of want: FOR I HAVE LEARNED, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Ahab was deeply upset because he longed for something he lacked. The act of acquiring possessions often leaves a sense of emptiness. Although he was king, he felt hollow because he lacked Naboth’s vineyard. He had not yet learned to find happiness with what he already possessed.

Building character is what brings true fulfillment. It enriches your inner self rather than just your external possessions. Fulfillment depends more on your internal state than on external situations. A person with character knows how to be content regardless of circumstances. 1 Timothy 6:6,8 “⁶But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁸And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”

Let me say this: when a person is not right with God, it doesn’t take much to upset them— even the smallest annoyance can ruin their entire day. It was simply a vineyard— a vineyard Ahab didn’t need, but he was a rapacious man, who would resort to unfair means to get what he wants.

Matthew Henry’s commentary says, “A person who is content has mastered self-control and restraint, avoiding desire for what is unavailable. Alexander the Great did not achieve this; instead, he wept because there were no more lands to conquer. To truly learn contentment, we need to direct our affections toward the right things.”

Colossians 3:1,2 “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. ²Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”

Naboth practiced contentment with his possessions and refused to compromise to acquire more. Meanwhile, Ahab was discontented, feeling miserable, restless, and sulky. Have you learned to be satisfied with what you possess? If not, your unhappiness could result in harmful choices. That is what happened to Ahab.

II. The STEADFAST PRINCIPLE of Naboth v.3

 And Naboth said to Ahab, The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.

Even though Ahab is the king, Naboth declines the offer. His rejection was based on what God had expressly forbidden – the alienation of lands from the tribes and families to which they were allotted. Naboth was governed by the authority of God to whom he submitted. It was the guiding principle in his life. God’s Word stated that he should not sell his land and he would abide by it.

A. It was GOVERNED by God’s Word – “…The LORD forbid me…”

“The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee,” replies Naboth. Although the offer was logical, reasonable, and tempting, his decision was guided by conviction. He acted by recognizing God’s authority in his life. Naboth is fully submitted to God’s Word. He understood God’s command regarding his inheritance.

No matter how “reasonable” an opportunity seems, if it contradicts God’s Word, it is wrong. Ahab’s proposal was refused—Naboth firmly responded, “No!” because the Law prohibited him from selling his inheritance (Leviticus 25:23; Numbers 36:7).

Leviticus 25:23–28

“The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land is mine; for ye are strangers and sojourners with me.”

Numbers 36:7 “So shall not the inheritance of the children of Israel remove from tribe to tribe: for every one of the children of Israel shall keep himself to the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers.”

B. It was GROUNDED in God’s Word – “The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.”

Naboth recognized that the land truly belongs to God and is not for sale. His conviction was grounded in acknowledgment, acceptance, and reverence for God’s Word. It wasn’t a reaction. It was the result of consecrated, concentrated thought. This is why convictions don’t belong on the market. Naboth wasn’t negotiating. Some things are just not for sale.

There are some things that are not for sale. These include our stand on the KJV Bible, the church’s locality, our family, the second coming of the Lord, the mode of baptism, and the Lord’s Supper. Naboth was a man of principle. He was among the 7,000 who did not bow to Baal, as stated in 1 Kings 19:18, “Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.”

Likewise, a man of conviction doesn’t negotiate with sin. Negotiating with sin is like playing with fire. Sooner or later, you realize you’ve been burned. Stop playing with fire. Naboth answers with Scripture and principle. The Lord Jesus Christ outlined how to respond when we are tempted. Deal with it by God’s Word.

Let me ask you this question: What is your non-negotiable because of God’s Word?

III. The SCANDALOUS PLAN of Jezebel vv.5-14

Remember, standing in truth often leads to tests from lies and attacks, and in this case, Naboth bears the high cost of being a man of conviction.

A. A CONSPIRACY was set up vv.5-8

We see that the king behaved like a young child upset over not getting what he wanted. He threw tantrums, laid down on his bed, turned his face away, and refused to eat bread. Such childish behaviour! Jezebel confronted Ahab, asking, “Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel?” In this setting, it’s clear who truly held power in Ahab’s household. Ahab was a timid man, often described as a “hen-pecked husband.” She asked, “What’s wrong? Why the gloom and lack of appetite?” He recounted his side of the story, and she responded, “Aren’t you the King? … Cheer up, have some dinner. Leave it to me! I’ll take care of the vineyard.” Ahab didn’t resist or say, “Forget it.” He agreed, wanting Naboth’s vineyard, and if Jezebel could secure it by any means, he was willing to accept it.

Jezebel’s manner of speech to her husband [v7] revealed who really exercised authority in the palace of Israel. Her husband had desired something and he will get it, by any means! She even exploited religion in her devious plan to get what she felt her husband deserved. She orchestrated a scheme by drafting a letter in Ahab’s name, sealing it with his seal, and dispatching it to the elders and nobles of his city, even “proclaim(ing) a fast”.

Verses 9-14

Although the letter appears to be religious in nature, its true purpose was to be used against Naboth. Sin often hides behind a mask of religion and authority just to get what it wants.

B. A CRIME was committed vv.9-14

“So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name, and sealed them with his seal, and sent the letters unto the elders and to the nobles that were in his city, dwelling with Naboth. ^[9] And she wrote in the letters, saying, Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people: ^[10] And set two men, sons of Belial, before him, to bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst blaspheme God and the king. And then carry him out, and stone him, that he may die. ^[11] And the men of his city, even the elders and the nobles who were the inhabitants in his city, did as Jezebel had sent unto them, and as it was written in the letters which she had sent unto them. ^[12] They proclaimed a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people. ^[13] And there came in two men, children of Belial, and sat before him: and the men of Belial witnessed against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, Naboth did blaspheme God and the king. Then they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him with stones, that he died. ^[14] Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, Naboth is stoned, and is dead.”

When compromise fails, corruption ensues. Sin often goes further than expected. Ahab was in agreement with what Jezebel did and was surely aware of the wicked plot. There are 3 types of dangerous characters here. Ahab, who was wicked and weak, Jezebel who was wicked and powerful and the elders of Jezreel who were wicked and subservient. Jezebel controlled and manipulated the whole sinister plot because Ahab lacked strength. Her plan would finally result in the death of an innocent man. She devised a sinister plan to have Naboth made the scapegoat for the supposed ‘evil’ that had come upon Israel. He would be destroyed by lies from the mouths of two scoundrels, then carried out of the city to be stoned to death.

Naboth was falsely accused by villains, men of Belial, of blasphemy, an offense punishable by stoning. Naboth’s sons were also targeted for stoning to eliminate his heirs. 2 Kings 9:26 “Surely I have seen yesterday the blood of Naboth, and the blood of his sons, saith the LORD; and I will requite thee in this plat, saith the LORD. Now therefore take and cast him into the plat of ground, according to the word of the LORD.”

In 2 Kings 9:26, Jezebel is shown to have involved Naboth’s sons in her murderous scheme. Why did the elders not oppose Jezebel’s plan? Why didn’t they warn Naboth? (see Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.). They were, as described, “Sons of Belial” (v. 10)—worthless delinquents—Children of the devil.

The world hates conviction, yet God respects it. Naboth was killed, but God later judged Ahab and Jezebel in vv.17-29.

Are we willing to pay the cost of conviction?

CONCLUSION:

A. Naboth lost his life but kept his integrity. Ahab got the vineyard but lost his eternal soul. Conviction may cost you everything, but compromise will cost you more. Conviction is not going with the flow. It is choosing God’s authority over the world’s offer. Stand firm on God’s Word like Naboth

B. Don’t sell your soul to the devil. Be willing to guard what is not for sale like Naboth.

C. Don’t be manipulated like Ahab. Don’t be a weak man submitting to pressure like Ahab.

D. Don’t scheme like Jezebel. Don’t use ungodly means to get what you want

Beloved brethren, is your biblical conviction based on ‘going with the flow’? Is your conviction for sale? Will you be able to stand like Naboth to the end under pressure, when your conviction is tested?

Are we convinced of the truth, with a deep sense of certainty? Do we recognise the authority of God in our conviction?

We pray that our conviction stays with us and becomes a beacon of light in this dark world.

Today, churches need a man of conviction! Will you respond to the challenge by not compromising the truth you believe from God’s Word and by being willing to stand even if it costs you much? I challenge you today! Make a stand, brethren, in this fallen world.