Instructions: Do this exercise in quiet surroundings. As you read the scriptures, imagine that you are a bystander watching the events unfold. Visualize the scene. Hear the voices. Feel the emotions of the characters. Let the account come to life.

Main characters: Ahab, Jezebel, Naboth, and Elijah

Summary: Prompted by Jezebel, King Ahab commits murder to obtain a vineyard.

1 ANALYZE THE SCENES.​—READ 1 KINGS 21:1-26.

In your mind’s eye, how do you picture the four characters in this account?

Ahab ․․․․․

Jezebel ․․․․․

Naboth ․․․․․

Elijah ․․․․․

What tone do you detect in the voices of Jezebel and Ahab in verses 5-7?

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Describe the commotion that arises in verse 13, as you imagine it.

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What emotions do you detect in the voices of Elijah and Ahab in the confrontation described in verses 20-26?

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2 DIG DEEPER.

What trait(s) does Jezebel manifest in verses 7 and 25?

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What trait(s) does Ahab manifest in verse 4?

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To obtain Naboth’s vineyard, who else did Ahab have to put to death? (Read 2 Kings 9:24-26.)

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What kind of man was Ahab in Jehovah’s eyes? (Reread verses 25 and 26. See also 1 Kings 16:30-33.)

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  3 APPLY WHAT YOU LEARNED. WRITE DOWN WHAT YOU LEARNED ABOUT . . .

Jehovah’s awareness of unjust acts.

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Jehovah’s concern for those who have been dealt with unjustly.

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How Jehovah shows that he is a God of justice. (Read Deuteronomy 32:4.)

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4 FOR FURTHER APPLICATION.

How might some people today manifest a spirit similar to that of Jezebel? (Read Revelation 2:18-21.)

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In what situations might you need to show courage similar to that of Elijah?

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Of what can you be assured when you observe or experience acts of injustice?

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5 WHAT ASPECT OF THIS ACCOUNT IS MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU, AND WHY?

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Suggestion: Turn this account into a news story. Report the event, and include imaginary interviews with the main characters and eyewitnesses.

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