An oppressed poor Dalit said that: “The family of Galwan soldier martyr erected a statue in a government land with boundary walls overnight. It has made my land inaccessible. The family protects the land of the Nation, but snatches my land.” (The Print, 8 March 2023) The rich family, not content with what they own, covet others’ land.
Ahab: The king of Israel was not content with the land he had. He coveted the vineyard of Naboth, which he had inherited from his forefathers. (I Kings 21:1-29) Ahab wanted to convert the vineyard into a herb or kitchen garden. Naboth refused to sell it according to the Law of Moses. (Leviticus 25:23: Numbers 36:7)
Dejected: Ahab was not content with so much land he had but was dejected. He did not eat food like a child that did not have his own way. Jezebel, his wife mocked and rebuked him for not acting like a king, and displaying his power. She promised to deliver the land.
Conspiracy: Jezebel was ungodly, unrighteous, and ruthless. She wrote letters with Ahab’s seal to the local authorities. Two scoundrels gave false testimony that Naboth cursed God and the king, and he was stoned to death. (Deuteronomy 17:6) Perhaps, Naboth’s sons were also murdered so that they would not hold claim to the property.
Possession: Jezebel asked Ahab to take possession of the property as there were none to claim rights for the property. As Ahab went to see his newly gained illegitimate property, he was confronted by Elijah the prophet.
Prophecy: Prophet Elijah accused Ahab as the murderer: as husband, king, and the beneficiary he was the first criminal. Dogs will lick his blood as the dogs licked the blood of Naboth. His wife Jezebel will not be buried but eaten by wild animals. Ahab repented, and the punishment came upon his son, all his descendants were killed. (II Kings 9:24-26) Jezebel was eaten by dogs. (II Kings 9:10)
Righteous judge: God is not mocked, what humans sow, so shall they reap. (Galatians 6:7)
Do I guard against covetousness, and be content?