Nevot is known to every student of Biblical history as the tragic victim of the avaricious idol-worshipping King Achav. When Nevot refused to sell to King Achav his vineyard adjoining the royal winter palace, Achav followed the suggestion of his wicked wife Izevel (Jezebel). He framed him on a false charge of blasphemy and had him executed, so that he could then appropriate the desired property.
The Midrash states that Nevot was thus punished by Heaven for withholding his beautiful voice from serving G-d. When he would make his regular pilgrimage to Yerushalayim during the Festivals, people would gather to hear him sing praises to Heaven. It was after he was negligent and failed to travel once to Yerushalayim and share his talent with those who came to the Beit Hamikdash that this tragedy befell him.
