1 Kings 21:13

“And there came in two men, children of Belial, and sat before him, etc.] Which position showed that they were his accusers, and had a charge against him; it being usual for the accusers and accused to be set face to face, as it was the manner of the Romans in later times, (<442516>Acts 25:16). Josephus says f448 there were “three” men to accuse him; but the Targum, and all the ancient versions, have only “two”: and the men of Belial witnessed against him, [even] against Naboth, in the presence of the people; both before the judges of the court, and before all the people that filled it, who came to hear the trial; so bold and impudent were they: saying, Naboth did blaspheme God and the king;…”

“there came in two men--worthless fellows who had been bribed to swear a falsehood. The law required two witnesses in capital offenses (Deu 17:6; Deu 19:15; Num 35:30; Mat 26:60). Cursing God and cursing the king are mentioned in the law (Exo 22:28) as offenses closely connected, the king of Israel being the earthly representative of God in His kingdom. they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him--The law, which forbade cursing the rulers of the people, does not specify the penalty for this offense but either usage had sanctioned or the authorities of Jezreel had originated stoning as the proper punishment. It was always inflicted out of the city (Act 7:58).”

“Naboth had sons who were also put to death at this time (marginal reference). It is not improbable that they were stoned together with their parent (compare Joshua 7:24-25). In the East, a parent’s guilt constantly involves the punishment of his children. Contrast 2 Kings 14:6. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Stoned him - And it seems his sons too, either with him or after him. For God afterward says, ( Kg2 9:26) I have seen the blood of Naboth and the blood of his sons. Let us commit the keeping of our lives and comforts to God; for innocence itself will not always be our security. 3 Kings (1 Kings) 21:19”

“21:13-14 As with Achan (Josh 7:24-26), Naboth’s sons were killed at the same time (see 2 Kgs 9:26), in this case to prevent the property from passing on to them. Because the charge carried the penalty of state execution (Deut 13:10-11; 17:5) and because Naboth no longer had male heirs, Ahab exercised the royal prerogative of confiscating the property (see 1 Sam 8:14).”

“the men of Belial: Exo 20:16; Deu 5:20, Deu 19:16-21; Psa 27:12, Psa 35:11; Pro 6:19, Pro 19:5, Pro 19:9, Pro 25:18; Mal 3:5; Mar 14:56-59 blaspheme God: Job 1:5, Job 1:11, Job 2:9; Mat 9:3; Act 6:11 the king: Ecc 10:20; Isa 8:21; Amo 7:10; Luk 23:2; Joh 19:12; Act 24:5 they carried him: Lev 24:11-16; Num 15:35, Num 15:36; Deu 13:10, Deu 21:21, Deu 22:21, Deu 22:24; Jos 7:24, Jos 7:25; Kg2 9:26; Ecc 4:1; Act 7:57-59 3 Kings (1 Kings) 21:14”