Risk and Relationship

In 1 Kings 21, based on covenant law, Naboth refuses King Ahab's desire for his vineyard. Rather than reflecting on this as a spiritual leader, Ahab withdraws emotionally, avoiding confrontation and responsibility. Merida (2015) notes that Jezebel mocks his passivity and takes control, orchestrating Naboth's death to satisfy her husband's selfish desires. An action that begins as unchecked desire quickly escalates into injustice and invites God's judgment on Ahab's family.

Kretzschmar (2023) highlights that biblical leadership must align with God's truth and justice, requiring ethical conduct and transparency. Ahab's failure to uphold these principles reveals how the absence of spiritual accountability can lead to moral collapse. The silence of the city leaders, who comply with Jezebel's plan out of fear and neglect their duty to defend the innocent, further compounds the tragedy (Merida, 2015).

Perlstein (2023) emphasizes that risk is not managed in isolation; it is shaped by how individuals perceive it in relationships. In the text, Ahab's avoidance, Jezebel's control, and the elder's silence reflect failures in spiritual risk management. Wright (2017) notes that people's response to risk is deeply influenced by their worldview and values. Ahab, Jezebel, and the city leaders each approach risk based on personal motivations and disregard for God's commands, revealing a breakdown in spiritual risk perception.

However, Ahab's eventual humility delays judgment, showing that God's grace is available through repentance. This passage illustrates that righteous leadership requires a courageous and faithful response to God’s commands and relationship with others.

References

English Standard Version. (2016). BibleGateway. https://www.biblegateway.com

              (Original work published 2001)

Kretzschmar, L. (2023). A Christian ethical analysis of the importance of prophetic leadership for sustainable leadership. Verbum et Ecclesia. https://doi.org/10.4102/ve.v44i1.2685.

Merida, T. (2015). Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Kings: Christ-centered exposition commentary series. B&H Publishing Group.

Perlstein, S. (2023). Risk perception and interpersonal discussion on risk: A systematic literature review. Risk analysis : an official publication of the Society for Risk Analysis. https://doi.org/10.1111/risa.14264.

Wright, L. (2017). People, risk, security: How to prevent your greatest asset from becoming your greatest liability. Macmillan Publisher, Ltd. (UK).