Eminent domain is mentioned in the Bible! In today's reading, we see a selfish, covetous, and corrupt politician who is concerned only with 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 refused to sell him the land. He went home angry and sullen — a royal pity party fit.
And Naboth said to Ahab, The Lord forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee. And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him: for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers. And he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread. (1 Kings 21:3–4, KJV)
The king's wife, however, will have none of it. How dare Ahab be denied! So she conspires against Naboth and has him killed. Notice this magical turn of events.
And it came to pass, when Jezebel heard that Naboth was stoned, and was dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give thee for money: for Naboth is not alive, but dead. And it came to pass, when Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, that Ahab rose up to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it. (1 Kings 21:15–16, KJV)
Ahab, what a covetous king! Don't you 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 childishly. How beneath a king to go to bed early, pout, and refuse 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!
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