Ahab accomplished many things during his reign over Israel. One of them was the construction of the castle at Jezreel. Ahab had a great deal, but he desired the vineyard of Naboth, which bordered the castle. When he approached Naboth, the man refused to give or sell the property to him because it had been in his family for many years.
Because he couldn't have the vineyard, Ahab was upset. Prideful people are not happy or thankful for what they have. They only look at what they lack.
When Jezebel finds out what's bothering Ahab, she hatches a scheme to get the vineyard. She sends a letter to various people, proclaiming a fast. This was often done when the land was under or threatened by a curse.
Naboth is invited, attends, and is given great honor. Beware of people you don't know very well, who suddenly shower you with honor you don't deserve. They're probably up to no good. Run!
Two unsavory characters are enlisted to make false charges against Naboth, and he's stoned to death. His sons are also killed. By eliminating the heirs, there's no one to inherit the vineyard. Ahab then takes the land.
Why would the king get the land? There was no law directing this, but it followed a pattern in the mosaic law. As the goods of an idolator were devoted (cherem) to God, so the goods of a traitor were given to the king. Ahab twisted this for his own ends.
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