"
The account of the execution of these commands by Elijah is at
present wanting; we shall soon see why it was omitted. The
conclusion of chapter xix. only tells us that he called Elisha
from the plough to follow him. Of the account of the judgment
which overtook the worshippers of Baal, this group of
narratives contains only the beginning, in chapter xxi. Ahab
wanted to have a vineyard which was situated beside his palace in
Jezreel, his favourite residence: but Naboth, the owner, was
unwilling to enter on a sale or an exchange. The king was angry,
yet thought he could do no more in the matter; but Jezebel of
Tyre had other notions of might and right and said to him,
"Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel? be of good courage;
I will get thee the vineyard."
She wrote a letter to the authorities of the town, and got Naboth
put out of the way by means of corrupt judges. As Ahab was just
going to take possession of the vineyard which had fallen into his
hands, his enemy came upon him. The prophet Elijah, always on the
spot at the right moment, hurled the word at him,
"Hast thou killed and also taken possession? Behold, in the place
where dogs licked the blood of Naboth, shall dogs lick thy blood also.
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