1 Kings 21:15-29
Ahab is a typical example of the man who always wants what he has not got. A king loaded with riches, he was only interested in his neighbour’s vineyard. Our natural hearts are perpetually dissatisfied, "but godliness with contentment is great gain", as Paul reminds Timothy (1 Timothy 6:6).
Lies and murder have given Ahab possession of the object of his desire. He rises up to go down and inspect his new property with a glad heart. But all his pleasure suddenly vanishes! Here is someone he knows only too well, waiting for him in Naboth’s vineyard. It is Elijah! The LORD has charged him to announce to the king the frightful punishment that awaits him, a punishment that makes us think of the horrible end of the one who betrayed "innocent blood": the wretched Judas! (Acts 1:18).
At last, for the first time, Ahab gives evidence of humbling himself. He knows from the experience of his predecessors that the LORD’s word always comes to pass. Does his action amount to "repentance to salvation" (2 Corinthians 7:10)? Alas not, as the next part of his story will show us. It is always by its fruit that true conversion must be judged. However God, watching for any sign of his turning back, takes account of Ahab’s attitude so as to defer his punishment (Ezekiel 33:11).