You Reap What You Sowনমুনা

Jezebel was a treacherous schemer

Even though Jezebel had a finely tuned mind, she used it to devise evil schemes. The tragedy of Naboth and his vineyard reveals how despicable a woman Jezebel was.

Jezebel was prepared to murder in her stride toward the desired objective, as the incident of Naboth’s vineyard reveals. King Ahab happened to see this fruitful vineyard and inquired as to its owner. Learning it belonged to Naboth, Ahab called him to the palace and offered to buy the vineyard. But Naboth said that it was not for sale. It had belonged to his forefathers and had become precious to him, and as an Israelite, Ahab understood his desire to retain it. Thwarted in what he coveted, Ahab sulked, took to his bed and refused food.

When Jezebel came to know what had happened she ordered, by letter, stamped with the royal seal, a public feast. She also planned an assembly of the people of Jezreel to try the pious Naboth for blasphemies against God and the king. Naboth was arrested, tried and condemned on the basis of false witnesses secured by Jezebel. Found guilty, the innocent Naboth was stoned to death, and Ahab took possession of the much-coveted vineyard.

Jezebel had no value for human life. She was concerned only for herself. She thought she was in charge by scheming treacherously, little knowing that God was in charge 

Jezebel’s father, Ethbaal, murdered his predecessor, Phelles. Brought up in such a home of intrigue and massacre what else could we expect but a she-devil as Jezebel became? 

But the blood of godly Naboth did not cry out in vain. God called Elijah out of his retirement to go to Ahab and pronounce the fearful doom awaiting the murderous pair and their unholy seed. The prophet told the king of his fate— “In the place where the dogs licked the blood of Naboth, shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine.”

This prophecy was fulfilled shortly after its pronouncement, for war broke out between the Israelites and the Syrians, and Ahab, while riding in his chariot, received his death wound. The blood-soaked chariot was taken to the spring which ran through Naboth’s vineyard, and the dogs came and licked up the bloody water. Concerning Jezebel, Elijah said, “The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel,” and this prophecy was also fulfilled to the very letter.

Are you a schemer? Do you tickle the ears of the powerful in order to get what you want? Do you lie and tell half truth truths for your own benefit?

Your desire for more and your scheming in order to get it may cost you dearly as it did for Jezebel.

Instead of scheming, learn to trust God to give you His best.

Quote: When I put God first, God takes care of me and energizes me to do what really needs to be done. – David Jeremiah

Prayer: Help me Lord to trust that You have the best for me and not scheme and manipulate my way through life. Amen