Topical Encyclopedia Jezebel, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, is known for her role as the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians, and as the wife of Ahab, king of Israel. Her account is primarily found in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings, where she is depicted as a powerful and influential queen who led Israel into idolatry and conflict with the prophets of Yahweh.Background and Marriage to Ahab Jezebel was the daughter of Ethbaal, the king of Sidon, a city-state of the Phoenicians. Ethbaal was not only a king but also a priest of Baal, a Canaanite deity. This background played a significant role in Jezebel's influence over Israel. Her marriage to Ahab, as recorded in 1 Kings 16:31, was likely a political alliance that brought the worship of Baal into the heart of Israel. The Berean Standard Bible states, "And as if following the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat were not enough, he married Jezebel, the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and he proceeded to serve and worship Baal." Promotion of Baal Worship Jezebel is infamous for her zealous promotion of Baal worship in Israel. She actively supported the prophets of Baal and Asherah, providing for them at the royal table (1 Kings 18:19). Her influence led to the construction of a temple and an altar for Baal in Samaria, further entrenching idolatry in the nation. This provoked the anger of Yahweh and set the stage for a dramatic confrontation with the prophet Elijah. Conflict with Elijah The most notable conflict involving Jezebel is her opposition to the prophet Elijah. In 1 Kings 18, Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to a contest on Mount Carmel to demonstrate the power of the true God. After Yahweh answers Elijah's prayer with fire from heaven, Elijah orders the execution of the prophets of Baal. Jezebel's response is one of fury, and she vows to kill Elijah, forcing him to flee for his life (1 Kings 19:1-3). Naboth's Vineyard Jezebel's ruthlessness is further illustrated in the account of Naboth's vineyard. Ahab desired Naboth's vineyard, but Naboth refused to sell it, adhering to the laws of inheritance. Jezebel orchestrated a scheme to falsely accuse Naboth of blasphemy, leading to his execution. This allowed Ahab to seize the vineyard (1 Kings 21:1-16). Her actions prompted Elijah to prophesy the downfall of Ahab's house, declaring that dogs would devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel (1 Kings 21:23). Death and Legacy Jezebel's death is recorded in 2 Kings 9. Jehu, anointed as king to execute judgment on the house of Ahab, confronts Jezebel in Jezreel. She is thrown from a window by her own eunuchs at Jehu's command, and her body is trampled by horses. As prophesied, dogs consume her flesh, leaving only her skull, feet, and hands (2 Kings 9:30-37). Jezebel's legacy is one of idolatry, manipulation, and defiance against God. Her name has become synonymous with wickedness and immorality, often used to describe individuals who lead others away from righteousness. Her account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of idolatry and the consequences of turning away from the commandments of God. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 16:31And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him. Nave's Topical Index Resources Who was Athaliah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Ahaziah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was King Joash in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Jezebel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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