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Naboth's Vineyard and the Foundation of Jezreel

Department of Jewish History, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel

This article examines the possible historical background of the story of Naboth's vineyard. It opens with a methodological introduction to the problem of the historicity of prophetic stories, which is followed by a short analysis of the story's date, its literary structure and plot. The results of the excavations at Tel Jezreel are compared with the biblical description and archaeological evidence of the foundation of Samaria. In light of the archaeological and textual analysis and some extra-biblical sources, it is suggested that the story takes place in Jezreel and refers to the time when Ahab was planning to build a new royal centre in the place and negotiated with the local inhabitants about purchasing their lands. The article compares the different descriptions of Naboth's murder in 1 Kings 21 and 2 Kgs 9.25-26, and makes clear distinction between the original historical episode and the literary and ideological details that were added by the author in order to fill the gaps and elaborate the plot.

Key Words: prophetic stories • Naboth's vineyard • Ahab • Omrides • Samaria • Jezreel • Deuteronomistic history.

Journal for the Study of the Old Testament, Vol. 33, No. 2, 197-218 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/0309089208099256


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