Melachim I: Perek 21

Read the text of Melachim I 21

Bullet Point Summary

Melachim I Perek 21

  • Achav wanted to either buy or make a trade for the vineyard of a man named Navos.

  • Navos refused the deal and responded with a sharp retort.

  • Achav came home depressed and told Izevel, his wife, what had happened.

  • Izevel devised a plan without Achav’s knowledge, to get the field from Navos.

  • The plan: Falsify legal documents with Achav’s signature for a communal fast day. Seat two thugs next to Navos. Have them give false testimony that Navos cursed the king and is therefore deserving of death. Have Navos stoned to death.

  • The plan was carried out and the innocent Navos was killed.

  • Izevel told Achav that the vineyard was now his.

  • (Prior to this, Achav had become a decadent, depressed and debased individual, running after his heart’s desire and idol worship. Izevel had caused Achav to descend further than he would have done of his own accord.)

  • Eliyahu delivered a prophecy that every male member of Achav’s family would be killed, including Achav. And Izevel would be eaten by dogs.

  • Achav donned sack cloth, walked bare foot, and humbled himself before Hashem.

  • Hashem told Eliyahu, that Achav had mitigated part of the harsh decree and that the decree would only occur after Achav’s death, to his children.