What injustices do you observe in the story of Naboth’s vineyard? Why was Naboth so protective of his vineyard? Where do you observe people using their power to take food or income away from people who have little to begin with? What is God’s response to food injustice caused by those with power?
In the US, the Supreme Court has ruled that governments have the right to take private property through legal means and with “fair compensation” for civic improvement. These laws are called “eminent domain.” For example, the city of Chicago has used “eminent domain” laws to force people from their homes for the expansion of O’Hare airport. Farmland has also been taken through these legal mechanisms to build highways, construct prisons, etc. What similarities and differences do you see between the story of Naboth’s vineyard and eminent domain laws?
Tongue on Fire 