Naboth was a righteous man who kept the Lord’s command by refusing to sell his inheritance in Israel (Lev 25:23). Ahab was a selfish, petty man who sulked like a child when he didn’t get his way (4b). But Jezebel had no conscience at all. In order to seize Naboth’s vineyard, she created a conspiracy and had him put to death on false charges.

The Lord sent Elijah to rebuke Ahab for murdering an innocent man in order to steal his property. Ahab did not stop Jezebel and was responsible before God for Naboth’s death. The judgment for this utterly wicked sin would extend to Ahab’s entire family line (21-22). Amazingly, at Elijah’s rebuke, Ahab was convicted and displayed genuine remorse (27). Because he humbled himself, the Lord showed mercy and promised not to bring judgment in Ahab’s own time (29).

The more wicked our sin, or the longer we have persisted in a sin, the harder it is to face it and repent. But no matter what, God is always pleased to show mercy when we repent. In the Lord’s work, we can leave behind a good legacy if we stay humble enough to be convicted of sin and repent, even as we get older.
Application: Father, thank you that you extend grace to even the most wicked who repent. Help me continually be open to hear your rebuke.
One Word: It’s not too late to repent