Ahab rebuked by Elijah

17Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite: 18“Go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who rules in Samaria. He is now in Naboth’s vineyard, where he has gone to take possession of it. 19Say to him, ‘This is what the Lord says: Have you not murdered a man and seized his property?’ Then say to him, ‘This is what the Lord says: In the place where dogs licked up Naboth’s blood, dogs will lick up your blood—yes, yours!’ ”

20Ahab said to Elijah, “So you have found me, my enemy!”

“I have found you,” he answered, “because you have sold yourself to do evil in the eyes of the Lord. 21He says, ‘I am going to bring disaster on you. I will wipe out your descendants and cut off from Ahab every last male in Israel—slave or free.^a 22I will make your house like that of Jeroboam son of Nebat and that of Baasha son of Ahijah, because you have aroused my anger and have caused Israel to sin.’ (2 Kings 20)

Thoughts: Ahab wanted Naboth's vineyard as Naboth had made it beautiful- it was his family's land.  But because Naboth wouldn't sell it, Ahab sulked and his wife Jezebel developed a plan.  She would set Naboth up and have him unjustly condemned and killed.  Then they would take the vineyard.  This happened.  But God cares for everyone and cares that kings treat his subjects justly. 
     Elijah was called by God to rebuke Ahab.  Ahab, as evil as he was, repented and God delayed his family's punishment.  Anyone can be forgiven- even Ahab.  

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you care and want us to act kindly and justly toward others.