1 Kings 21:9 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

She wrote in the letters, saying, Proclaim a fast As if there had been some grievous crime committed, or some great calamity had befallen them, which all the people were to bewail, and purge themselves from, lest they should become guilty; and consequently they were to see the crime punished very severely; for such days of fasting were spent in punishing offenders, doing justice, and praying to God for pardon. She intended also, by taking this step, to remove all suspicion of evil design in Ahab, and to beget a good opinion of him among his people, as if he were grown zealous for God's honour, and careful of his people's welfare, and therefore was desirous to inquire into all those sins which provoked God against them. And set Naboth on high On a scaffold, or high place, where he might be seen and heard by the people; for persons accused and arraigned were wont so to appear before the judges, that all the people might see them, and hear what was alleged against them, and the proofs of it, and their defence.