Eminent domain is mentioned in the Bible! In today’s reading, we see a selfish, covetous, and corrupt politician who is only concerned about one person: himself. He is also prone to temper tantrums. Times haven’t changed, have they? Notice Ahab’s response when the owner of a vineyard wouldn’t sell him his land. But Naboth replied, “The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance that was passed down by my ancestors.” So Ahab went home angry and sullen because of Naboth’s answer. The king went to bed with his face to the wall and refused to eat! (1 Kings 21:3–4, NLT)
The king’s wife, however, will have none of it. How dare Ahab have to experience denial! So, she conspires against Naboth and has him killed. Notice this magical turn of events…When Jezebel heard the news, she said to Ahab, “You know the vineyard Naboth wouldn’t sell you? Well, you can have it now! He’s dead!” So Ahab immediately went down to the vineyard of Naboth to claim it. (1 Kings 21:15–16, NLT) Ahab, what a covetous king! You don’t suppose he already had enough? How much more does he want? To the covetous, there is no such thing as enough.
Notice the power of covetousness in the life of a selfish person. Their mood is affected. They are easily irritated. They get angry when they don’t get what they want. They even act childish. How beneath a king to act like he did, going to bed early, pouting, refusing to eat. Wow! The only thing a selfishly driven, covetous person sees is their own eminent domain. Life is all about them. Ultimately, covetousness destroys its host (1 Kings 21:17–19). What a powerful reminder to guard against this evil!
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from 1 Kings 20-21.