The tenth commandment forbade covetousness. It forbids going after what one’s neighbour has. A case of forceful take-over is reported in I Kings 21, a clear violation of the law. Ahab became interested in the vineyard of Naboth because it was near to his palace in Jezreel. He requested to buy it off Naboth or swap it with another one instead. Naboth refused both offers, for the singular reason that it was an inheritance handed down through several generations of fathers. To proof that Naboth was not just trying to call the bluff off the king, we will read instructions from God’s law. “So the inheritance of the children of Israel shall not change hands from tribe to tribe, for every one of the children of Israel shall keep the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers” (Numbers 36:7). By asking for the vineyard, Ahab acted in total disregard to God’s command. Naboth’s refusal pointed to the fact that he obeyed the word of God.

Through lies and manipulation, Naboth was killed and his inheritance was forcefully taken over. However, God rose to avenge that wrong. Ahab died as well as his wife, the body of the latter was eaten by dogs. A general application of this principle for our world today is not to defraud others, particularly the weak and the defenseless. We are to keep boundaries and abide by agreements. Going contrary to this may attract sanctions from God. Throughout the Bible, a call always goes out for the need to exercise justice and equity. God is just in His dealings with all of creation. We are to follow in His steps.