Matthew Henry on 1 Kings 21:17–end
In these verses we may observe,
I. The very bad character that is given of Ahab (Kg1 21:25, Kg1 21:26), which comes in here to justify God in the heavy sentence passed upon him, and to show that though it was passed upon occasion of his sin in the matter of Naboth (which David's sin in the matter of Uriah did too much resemble), yet God would not have punished him so severely if he had not been guilty of many other sins, especially idolatry; whereas David, except in that one matter, did that which was right. But, as to Ahab, there was none like him, so ingenious and industrious in sin, and that made a trade of it. He sold himself to work wickedness, that is, he made himself a perfect slave t…
Read the whole note in the consoleJamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 21:21
will make thine house, &c.--(see on Kg1 15:29 and Kg1 16:3-12). Jezebel, though included among the members of Ahab's house, has her ignominious fate expressly foretold (see Kg2 9:30).
Adam Clarke on 1 Kings 21:23
The dogs shall eat Jezebel - This was most literally fulfilled; see Kg2 9:36. The carcasses of poor Hindoos, and of persons who have received public punishment, are thrown into the rivers, and floating to the side, are devoured by dogs, vultures, and crows.
John Gill on 1 Kings 21:24
Him that dieth of Ahab in the city the dogs shall eat, and him that dieth in the field the fowls of the air shall eat. That is, they shall have no burial, see 1 Kings 14:11 hitherto are the words of the Lord by Elijah; next follow the remarks of the historian.
Keil & Delitzsch on 1 Kings 21:20-24
Ahab answered, "Hast thou found me (met with me), O mine enemy?" (not, hast thou ever found me thine enemy? - Vulg., Luth.) i.e., dost thou come to meet me again, mine enemy? He calls Elijah his enemy, to take the sting from the prophet's threat as an utterance caused by personal enmity. But Elijah fearlessly replied, "I have found (thee), because thou sellest thyself to do evil in the eyes of the Lord." He then announced to him, in Kg1 21:21, Kg1 21:22, the extermination of his house, and to Jezebel, as the principal sinner, the most ignominious end (Kg1 21:23). הרע לעשׂות חתמכּר to sell one's self to do evil, i.e., to give one's self to evil so as to have no will of one's own, to make one'…
