WHY THE LAND WAS NEEDED

 Rows of vines in a vineyard

Naboth's vineyard had belonged to his family for centuries. One can only imagine his pride in ownership.

But it was a valuable piece of land, perfect for a 'Home Farm' for the palace further up the hill.

There were many mouths to feed in the palace - dozens, perhaps hundreds of administrators and servants, all of whom had to eat every day. 

Each of these received an annual allocation of grain, oil and wine, but there is no mention in ancient records of them receiving a specified allocation of fruit, vegetables or dairy products like cheese. These must have been produced locally and doled out on a daily basis.

There was also the extended family of the king - we know there were seventy young princes alone, all with healthy young appetites.

Naboth's vineyard lay on a sloping piece of fertile land near the palace - ideal farm land that had been fertilized and carefully tended for centuries.

King Ahab wanted the land for vegetables, and one can imagine Naboth's chagrin at the possible destruction of his beloved vineyard.