The blood of Naboth, and the blood of his sons— It is to be observed, that in the history of Naboth, recorded 1 Kings 21 we find no mention made of the death of his sons; but it is no unusual thing for the Scripture to supply in one place that which has been omitted in another. It is not improbable therefore that, as Naboth was accused of high-treason, all his family was involved in his ruin, and all his estate confiscated to the king's exchequer; and what seems to confirm this opinion is, that we find Elijah never once putting the king in mind to restore the vineyard to Naboth's children, nor the king in the time of his repentance ever once thinking to do it, because, to all human appearance, there were no heirs left. Notwithstanding this, Grotius and other learned men have observed, that these words may signify no more than the extreme poverty to which Naboth's family was reduced, by the death of the father and the confiscation of his goods. For among the Hebrews, say they, all punishments and miseries are called blood. Leviticus 17:4. And to take away their estate, upon which they would have lived, was in effect to take away the blood, which is the life of every creature. But this, I think, is a little forced. See Le Clerc and Calmet.
REFLECTIONS.—As success depended upon the swiftness of their march, we have Jehu, his chariots and horsemen, with eager haste pressing toward Jezreel.
1. The watchman on the tower descries at a distance the approaching company, and Joram, desirous to know the cause, sends out repeated messengers, whom Jehu detains. As he drew nearer, the watchman, by his furious driving, concludes that it was Jehu, and the host from Rammoth-gilead. Note; It is too late to inquire, Is it peace? when the sword is unsheathed, and Jesus with his host appears, coming in the clouds of heaven to judge.
2. Unable, through impatience, to wait, or rather through divine infatuation hurried to his ruin, Joram orders his chariot, and hastes to meet Jehu, and Ahaziah accompanies him; and where should they meet but in the very spot of Naboth's vineyard. Joram, unsuspicious of danger, seems only concerned to know, whether they came victors over the Syrians in triumph, or in flight as vanquished; till Jehu's answer undeceived him, and the charge of his mother's idolatry and whoredoms, which he encouraged and copied, bid him despair of peace, and expect the sword of an avenging God. Note; (1.) Providence, in many instances, by strange events makes God's justice appear glorious in the eyes of men. (2.) Peace is still the sinner's cry, when ruin is at his very heels. (3.) The whoredoms which now are the sinner's pleasure, will shortly produce his everlasting pain.
3. Too late the treachery is discovered, and Joram attempts to escape; but the arrow from Jehu's bow stops his flight; and, as the executioner of the divine vengeance, Jehu commands his captain to throw his dead corpse into the vineyard of Naboth, according to the prophesy, 1 Kings 21:19. Nor must Ahaziah be spared: since he is found in such bad company, he must fall with them. Note; (1.) When judgment overtakes the sinner, it is then too late to fly. (2.) They who are found companions of fools, will be destroyed with them.