Studying the Old Testament Narratives

Studying the Old Testament Narratives
Passage: 1 Kings 21:1-29

Instructions:
For this assignment, you will be studying the Old Testament story of Elisha and the Widow’s Oil
found in 1 Kings 21:1-29. You will use the template below in order to complete a study of this
passage. In your study, you will use the skills of Observation, Interpretation, Correlation, and
Application that you have become familiar with through your reading in Everyday Bible Study.

I. Observation
A. I have read 1 Kings 21:1-29 in both a formal translation (KJV, NKJV, NASB, ESV, or
CSB) and a functional translation (NIV, NLT, or NCV). Highlight the correct answer.
You will find a copy of the NASB, ESV, CSB, and NLT in your myWSB Library.
o Yes
o No
B. Having read the passage in both formal and functional translation, list at least 2 similarities
and 3 differences between the way both translations cover this story. You may list as many
similarities and differences that you find as long as you meet the minimum amount.
Similarities Differences

Verse 2:
Vineyards and a vegetable garden – Both the
CSB and the NLT state that Naboth has a
vineyard that King Ahab wants for a
vegetable garden and that he is willing to give
Naboth another vineyard as a trade.

Verse 4:
CSB: Ahab’s response to Naboth is given as
“resentful and angry”
NLT: Ahab’s response to Naboth is given as
“angry and sullen.”

Verse 13:
The charge against Naboth is the same in both
the CSB and the NLT. Naboth “cursed God
and the king.”

Verse 7:
CSB: “Get up, eat some food, and be happy.”
NLT: “Get up and eat something, and don’t
worry about it.”

Verse 14:
The pronouncement of Naboth’s death is the
same in both CSB and NLT. The both say,
“Naboth has been stoned to death.”

Verse 13:
CSB says Naboth’s accusers are “the two
wicked men.”
NLT says Naboth’s accusers are “the two
scoundrels.”

Verse 20
In the CSB and the NLT Ahab addresses
Elijah as “my enemy” when they meet.

Verses 21 & 28
CSB describes Elijah as “Elijah the Tishbite”
NLT describes Elijah as “Elijah”
Verse 25:
Description of Ahab: devoted vs. completely
sold
CSB: “Still, there was no one like Ahab, who
devoted himself to do what was evil in
the Lord’s sight…”
NLT: “No one else so completely sold
himself to what was evil in the Lord’s
sight…”

C. Identify the basic elements of the story you are studying
1. Main characters: (List them)
Naboth, Ahab, Jezebel, and Elijah
2. Plot: (50-100 words)
Naboth has a vineyard that Ahab, the King of Israel, want to have for his own. He asks
about acquiring it but his offer is turned down. Ahab dejectedly returns to the palace. His
wife, Queen Jezebel, devises a scheme to have Naboth murdered so that Ahab can claim
the vineyard. Elijah the prophet pronounces God’s judgment on both of them for their
evil actions.
3. Narrative Structure: (50-100 words)
Introduction:
Description of Naboth’s vineyard and its proximity to the place of the king.
Inciting incident:
Naboth’s refusal to sell or trade his vineyard to King Ahab because God forbids it.
Rising action:
Queen Jezebel devices a plan to kill Naboth and the plan is carried out to completion.
Climax:
The prophet Elijah confronts King Ahab in Naboth’s vineyard
Falling Action:
Ahab humbles himself by tearing his clothes, putting on sackcloth, and fasting.
Resolution: God extends mercy to Ahab due to his contrite actions of humility.

C. List basic observations about this passage using the “Key Question” for observation.
1. Who:
 Naboth
 King Ahab
 Queen Jezebel
 Elijah
 the Lord (speaking to Elijah)
 two worthless men
2. What:
Naboth had a vineyard that Ahab wanted to acquire or himself through either a
purchase or trade. Naboth refused to sell or trade his land and told Ahab, “the
Lord forbid me…”
Naboth’s vineyard was his inheritance. The inheritance Naboth is referencing
refers to the way that the Israelites inherited the land through the allocation of
land by God in the book of Joshua. It was to remain with the family and tribe in
perpetuity. Therefore, Naboth was forbidden by God to sell his land.
Naboth’s vineyard was also agriculture property. According to Old Testament law
farmland could only exchange hands through a limited-lease situation. Land could
be leased until the year of Jubilee. Therefore, Naboth was forbidden by God to
sell or trade it because of Old Testament law.
Ahab’s sulks because he cannot get what he wants.
Jezebel schemes to have Naboth killed so that Ahab can claim the land that he
would not sell or trade. Her plan works and Naboth is murdered.
Ahab goes to Naboth’s vineyard to seize it but is met by Elijah who delivers
God’s message of judgment on both Ahab and Jezebel.
3. Where:
 Naboth’s Vineyard
 Israel (Northern Kingdom)
 city of Jezreel
 the palace of
 Ahab
 Samaria (location given to King Ahab)