Ahab and Naboth
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Ahab and Naboth: Summary and Critical Analysis |
Literal Comprehension:
Once Ahab, the king of Israel, desired to own the vineyard of Naboth, a resident of Jezreel, for the king wanted to have it for a garden of herbs and it was also nearby his palace. He became ready to give either a better vineyard or the cost of it depending upon the wish of Naboth. But, contrary to the king's will, Naboth refused to sell or exchange the vineyard extending the reason that the Lord had forbidden him to give the inheritance of his father to others. Being displeased, he, going to his house, lay on his bed and didn't have his meal. His wife, coming to know about the event that took place with the king, consoled him and reminded him of his power as a king.
As such, the queen herself using the power and authority of the king .treacherously conspired and plotted against the innocent Naboth. He was charged of blaspheming the god and the king and was stoned to death. Soon after this event, the king went down to the vineyard to possess it as he was inspired by his wife to do so. But in the meantime, one angel of the Lord ‘Elijah’ appeared before the king with the warning from the Lord that the dogs might lick his blood where they licked the blood of Naboth. He was also warned that his evil work was evidenced by the Lord and so evil might befall him on his position and life.
Interpretation
'Ahab and Naboth' sketches a vivid picture of kingship with a king entertaining near-absolute power. An absolute monarchy, by using any means, has his desires fulfilled. The wishes and necessities of the people don't value much for him before his luxury and comfort. He always thinks about the well-being of himself, not of the welfare of the people. And, similarly, conspiracies and treacherous plans are almost common in an absolute rule. All these characteristics of an authoritarian rule and its ruler are clearly visualized in the story. Dictatorship always gives rise to misuse of power. And in this concern, people become the victim of it and they happen to lose their life which is exemplified by the murder of Naboth in the story.
This story has presented us the fact undeclared regents of an absolute ruler are found to be ahead in misusing the power bringing the ruler's life at risk and danger. King Ahab's wife has played a vital role in this connection. The exposition of one important fact 'Truth can never be hidden, it is disclosed ultimately 'is another appreciable aspect of this story. Though the king and his wife were fully assured and confident about their secrecy, the god's all-pervasive existence shattered all their dreams into pieces. It helped to increase the value of truth. The story conveys the message that 'immoral and evil-minded persons ultimately have to bow themselves down before truth since truth is extremely powerful and can't be hidden.
Critical Thinking
The strong aspect of this story is that real events have been presented here coherently and in an interesting manner. The message about the victory of truth over falsity is worth-appreciating. But, plenty of loopholes have somehow weakened the strength of the story so far. Some doubts prevalent in our mind about the credulity of some events displayed have overpowered its powerful aspects.
As such, some questions arise in our mind as to how the king's wife could get the authority to use the king's power which led to Naboth's death. Why did an absolute ruler become so upset about Naboth's ignoring his request that he lay down on his bed and didn't have his meal? Why didn't he use his power to encroach Naboth's vineyard forcefully? Similarly, people in absolute rule follow the order of the king without any question. But how does Naboth dare to defy the request of the king is aware of the outcome of his refusal? People can't give blind support to falsity. In this democratic world, they even raise voices against the king or other authorities for their mistreatment of the people.
The King like Ahab and his mischievous wife's autocratic ruling is not possible in this democratic world. Similarly, the existence of god and god's protection of truth is fully unbelievable aspects of the story. The story has focused on the assumption that fact can never be hidden but if that is so, then immoral people, as well as evil-doers, could be easily detected and they wouldn't get a chance to roam committing treacheries. People would fear God and wouldn't dare to think about these plots.
Assimilation
As I read the story, I came to understand that in absolute rule immoral plots and conspiracies are common. The person holding supreme power uses his power for his benefit only. He /she never thinks about the welfare of the people. He/she doesn't have any fear of any power. This understanding sometimes reminds me of the time in Nepal when Rana ruled over the country. During that time, conspiracies, immoral plots, killings, murders were frequent to grab the power and fulfil their desires and wishes. In Nepal's history, Junga Bahadur Rana also came to power by using the same means.
Another significant aspect that was imprinted in me is the message that we should always adhere to the truth since it can't be hidden from anybody because god always appears as the witness to it. So evil deeds and illicit acts of ours are always liable to penalty ultimately which are always in the sight of the god. I also came to understand that God always makes his presence to show the path of truth to human beings.