Abuse of Monarchical Power: David and Achav/0

Abuse of Monarchical Power: David and Achav

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Introduction

People in position of power often tend to abuse that power.  Biblical characters are no exception, and the stories of David's sin with Batsheva (Shemuel II 11 and 12) and Achav's acquisition of Navot's vineyard (Melakhim I 21) are two cases in point.  Despite the vastly contrasting reputations of the two kings, the two stories follow surprisingly similar plot lines. In each, a king, who lacks nothing, nonetheless desires a layperson's beloved property. With the aid of others, he orchestrates the owner's death so as to take the item for himself. In the end, he is rebuked by the prophet, but repentance serves to mitigate the punishment. Though the stories contain no significant linguistic parallels, a comparison of the two allows for a deeper understanding of both.

Content Parallels

• The kings – Both David and Achav were powerful kings who had more than their share of wealth and property, but nonetheless wanted more.  Hashem tells David, "וָאֶתְּנָה לְךָ אֶת בֵּית אֲדֹנֶיךָ וְאֶת נְשֵׁי אֲדֹנֶיךָ בְּחֵיקֶךָ וָאֶתְּנָה לְךָ אֶת בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל וִיהוּדָה" (Shemuel II 12:8), clearly emphasizing how since David had been given so much, it was absurd that he should look to take the wife of another. Achav apparently had a palace not only in Shomeron, but also in Yizrael, and owned vineyards that were more valuable than Navot's,¹ but nonetheless was not satisfied.  
• The desired property –  Natan's parable emphasizes that Batsheva was beloved by Uriah, who, in contrast to David, had but one wife.  Similarly, the vineyard of Navot is of special significance to him, being a "נחלת אבות."

Analysis

• Degree of similarity – 
• Distinctive phrases – 

Conclusions

¹ See Melakhim I 21:3 where he offers Navot a better vineyard than his.