A dramatic example of the James 5 wicked rich man is seen in the story of Naboth and King Ahab.
King Ahab, along with his wife Jezebel (a member of the Biblical Wicked Women Hall of Fame), conspire to "heap up their own treasure" but adding Naboth's vineyard to their own agricultural empire. When Naboth, who is part of the 7000 remnant in Israel that the Lord had assured Elijah still were faithful to the covenant, refuses to sell – a refusal born of his loyalty to God, His Law and his ancestors – Ahab goes home to pout. Jezebel takes over from there and uses the law to subvert the law of inheritance by commanding the elders of Naboth's village to call two false witnesses, accuse Naboth of blasphemy, and take him out of the city gate to stone him. In fear of the King and Queen, and with no regard for the King of Kings, the leaders do as commanded and kill Naboth.
On his way to inspect his vineyard earned by murder, Elijah confronts Ahab, essentially declaring unto him that he is to "weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon him." With the theft of Naboth's vineyard, Ahab has fattened himself for the Day of Slaughter, the Day of Judgement. He is condemned not only for the murder, but also because of their deceitful use of God's law.
It should be noted that Naboath is a type of Christ, as he prefigures the persecution and suffering that our Lord endured: accused by false witnesses, condemned for supposed blasphemy and crucified outside of the city.
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Kurt Snow serves as a ruling elder at Covenant Reformed Church of Sacramento (RCUS). He served as a member of the Board of Governors of City Seminary of Sacramento from 2000 to 2020.
