Jezebel, the infamous queen of Israel, met a dramatic and prophesied end as recorded in the Old Testament. Her death is a significant event that underscores the themes of divine justice and the fulfillment of prophecy.

Background

Jezebel was the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians, and became the wife of Ahab, king of Israel. Her marriage to Ahab marked a period of significant religious and moral decline in Israel, as she actively promoted the worship of Baal and Asherah, leading the nation into idolatry and apostasy. Jezebel's influence was marked by her ruthless actions, including the persecution of the prophets of Yahweh and the orchestration of Naboth's murder to seize his vineyard for Ahab (1 Kings 21).

Prophecy of Her Death

The prophet Elijah, a central figure in opposing Jezebel's idolatry, delivered a chilling prophecy concerning her demise. In 1 Kings 21:23, Elijah declared, "And concerning Jezebel, the LORD also spoke: ‘The dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.’" This prophecy highlighted the certainty of divine retribution for her actions.

The Fulfillment of Prophecy

Jezebel's death is recounted in 2 Kings 9. After the anointing of Jehu as king of Israel, he was tasked with eradicating the house of Ahab and executing divine judgment on Jezebel. As Jehu approached Jezreel, Jezebel, aware of her impending fate, adorned herself and looked out from a window. In 2 Kings 9:30-33, the narrative describes how Jehu confronted her:

"When Jehu came to Jezreel, Jezebel heard about it. So she painted her eyes, arranged her hair, and looked out of a window. As Jehu entered the gate, she asked, 'Have you come in peace, O Zimri, murderer of your master?' He looked up at the window and called out, 'Who is on my side? Who?' Two or three eunuchs looked down at him. 'Throw her down!' yelled Jehu. So they threw her down, and some of her blood spattered the wall and the horses as they trampled her underfoot."

Following her death, Jehu entered the palace, and later, when he ordered her burial, they found only her skull, feet, and hands, fulfilling Elijah's prophecy. As recorded in 2 Kings 9:36-37, Jehu remarked, "This is the word of the LORD that He spoke through His servant Elijah the Tishbite: ‘In the plot of ground at Jezreel the dogs will devour the flesh of Jezebel. Jezebel’s body will be like dung on the field in the plot of Jezreel, so that no one will be able to say: This is Jezebel.’"

Significance

Jezebel's death serves as a powerful testament to the sovereignty of God and His justice. Her demise was not only a personal judgment but also a symbolic act that marked the end of Baal worship's dominance in Israel. The narrative of Jezebel's death is a sobering reminder of the consequences of idolatry and rebellion against God, as well as the certainty of His prophetic word.