Set two men, wicked fellows, before him, and let them testify against him, saying, ‘You cursed God and the king!’ Then carry him out, and stone him to death.”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 10. Belial, without restraint or conscience.—Blasphemed. Hebrew “blessed.”—Elohim, ( Bible.) or god, the gods, magistrates, and so forth Calmet.—Blessing is equally put, to avoid the horrible sound of blaspheming. Worthington. Job 1:5 and 2:9.—Martin de Roa (1:9) maintains, that the word implies to “bid adieu,” or quit; as if Naboth had relinquished the service both of God and of the king. He was accused as a traitor. The law did not condemn the person to death who had spoken ill of the prince. Exodus 22:28. But the wicked judges complied with the intimation of Jezabel; ( Calmet.) as she pretended that he had also blasphemed God. Bible.—Josephus introduces three witnesses, which was more conformable to the practice of the Jews. Grot.—But the text specifies two; and that number would suffice. Bible.—All Naboth’s family were involved in his ruin; (4 Kennicott. 9:26. Tirinus.) as it was necessary for Achab’s purpose. So Achan’s children perished with him. Joshua 7:25. Bible.—What a complication of crime! Tirinus.—“They proclaimed a fast, in order to commit murder.” Saint John Chrysostom ser. 68. Hypocrisy, falsehoods, perjury, perversion of justice, all are employed to take away the life, honour, and property of the innocent. See Saint Ambrose Seneca Benef. ii. 27. Tirinus.