Jezebel, the infamous queen of Israel, met a violent and ignominious end as prophesied by the prophet Elijah. Her death is recorded in 2 Kings 9, a culmination of her idolatrous and malevolent influence over the kingdom of Israel. Jezebel, the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians, was married to Ahab, king of Israel, and is often remembered for her role in promoting the worship of Baal and persecuting the prophets of Yahweh.

Prophecy Against Jezebel

The prophecy concerning Jezebel's demise was delivered by Elijah after the incident of Naboth's vineyard, where Jezebel orchestrated the murder of Naboth to seize his land for Ahab. Elijah declared, "And the LORD also speaks concerning Jezebel: ‘The dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel’" (1 Kings 21:23). This prophecy underscored the divine judgment that awaited her due to her egregious sins and the leading of Israel into idolatry.

Jehu's Anointing and Mission

The fulfillment of this prophecy began with the anointing of Jehu as king over Israel. Elisha, Elijah's successor, sent a young prophet to anoint Jehu, commanding him to strike down the house of Ahab and avenge the blood of the prophets and servants of the LORD (2 Kings 9:6-7). Jehu's mission was divinely ordained to eradicate the influence of Ahab's house and to bring judgment upon Jezebel.

The Death of Jezebel

Jezebel's death is vividly described in 2 Kings 9:30-37. As Jehu approached Jezreel, Jezebel adorned herself and looked out of a window, taunting Jehu. Jehu commanded her eunuchs to throw her down from the window, and they complied. "So they threw her down, and some of her blood spattered the wall and the horses, and Jehu trampled her underfoot" (2 Kings 9:33). Her body was left to be devoured by dogs, fulfilling Elijah's prophecy. When they went to bury her, they found only her skull, feet, and the palms of her hands, as the dogs had consumed the rest.

Significance and Legacy

Jezebel's death serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of idolatry and defiance against God. Her violent end was not only a fulfillment of prophecy but also a divine act of justice against her wickedness. The eradication of her influence marked a turning point in Israel's history, as Jehu sought to purge the nation of Baal worship. Jezebel's legacy is one of infamy, symbolizing the dangers of leading God's people astray and the inevitable judgment that follows such actions. Her account is a cautionary tale of the perils of abandoning the covenant with the LORD and embracing false gods.