1 Kings 21

14-16. Jezebel said to Ahab, Arise, take possession--Naboth's execution having been announced, and his family being involved in the same fatal sentence ( 2 Kings 9:26 ), his property became forfeited to the crown, not by law, but traditionary usage (see 2 Samuel 16:4 ).

16. Ahab rose up to go down--from Samaria to Jezreel.

1 Kings 21:17-29 . ELIJAH DENOUNCES JUDGMENTS AGAINST AHAB AND JEZEBEL.

17-19. Hast thou killed, and also taken possession?--While Ahab was in the act of surveying his ill-gotten possession, Elijah, by divine commission, stood before him. The appearance of the prophet, at such a time, was ominous of evil, but his language was much more so (compare Ezekiel 45:8 , 46:16-18 ). Instead of shrinking with horror from the atrocious crime, Ahab eagerly hastened to his newly acquired property.

19. In the place where dogs licked, &c.--a righteous retribution of Providence. The prediction was accomplished, not in Jezreel, but in Samaria; and not on Ahab personally, in consequence of his repentance ( 1 Kings 21:29 ), but on his son ( 2 Kings 9:25 ). The words "in the place where" might be rendered "in like manner as."

20. thou hast sold thyself to work evil--that is, allowed sin to acquire the unchecked and habitual mastery over thee ( 2 Kings 17:17 , Romans 7:11 ).

21, 22. will make thine house, Jezebel, though included among the members of Ahab's house, has her ignominious fate expressly foretold (see 2 Kings 9:30 ).

27-29. Ahab . . . rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly--He was not obdurate, like Jezebel. This terrible announcement made a deep impression on the king's heart, and led, for a while, to sincere repentance. Going softly, that is, barefoot, and with a pensive manner, within doors. He manifested all the external signs, conventional and natural, of the deepest sorrow. He was wretched, and so great is the mercy of God, that, in consequence of his humiliation, the threatened punishment was deferred.