Introduction

Jezebel, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, is often remembered for her idolatry, manipulation, and opposition to the prophets of Yahweh. 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 sin. Her life and actions have made her a symbol of wickedness and apostasy in biblical literature.

Background and Marriage to Ahab

Jezebel was the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians, and she married Ahab, the king of Israel. This marriage was politically advantageous, strengthening alliances between Israel and Phoenicia. However, it also introduced significant religious and cultural challenges. Jezebel was a devoted worshiper of Baal, a Canaanite deity, and she actively promoted Baal worship in Israel, leading to a spiritual decline in the nation.

1 Kings 16:31-33 states, "And as if following the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat were not enough, he also married Jezebel, the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and he proceeded to serve and worship Baal. First, Ahab set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he had built in Samaria. Then he set up an Asherah pole. Thus Ahab did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel before him."

Promotion of Idolatry

Jezebel's influence over Ahab and her active promotion of Baal worship marked a significant departure from the worship of Yahweh. She supported the construction of temples and altars for Baal and Asherah, leading to widespread idolatry. Her actions directly challenged the covenantal relationship between Yahweh and Israel, as she sought to replace the worship of the one true God with that of pagan deities.

Persecution of Prophets

Jezebel's hostility towards the prophets of Yahweh is well-documented. She orchestrated the killing of many prophets, seeking to silence those who opposed her religious agenda. Her most notable adversary was the prophet Elijah, who confronted Ahab and Jezebel about their idolatry and called the people of Israel back to the worship of Yahweh.

1 Kings 18:4 notes, "While Jezebel was killing off the LORD’s prophets, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them in two caves, fifty men in each, and had supplied them with food and water."

The Naboth Incident

Jezebel's manipulation and ruthlessness are further illustrated in the account of Naboth's vineyard. When Naboth refused to sell his vineyard to Ahab, Jezebel devised a scheme to have Naboth falsely accused and executed, allowing Ahab to seize the property. This incident highlights her willingness to use deceit and murder to achieve her goals.

1 Kings 21:7-10 describes her actions: "Jezebel his wife said to him, 'Do you now govern Israel? Arise, eat bread, and let your heart be merry. I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.' So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name and sealed them with his seal, and she sent them to the elders and nobles who lived with Naboth in his city. In the letters she wrote: 'Proclaim a fast and seat Naboth at the head of the people. But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify, “You have cursed both God and the king!” Then take him out and stone him to death.'"

Downfall and Legacy

Jezebel's life ended violently, fulfilling the prophecy of Elijah that she would be eaten by dogs. Her death symbolized the ultimate defeat of her idolatrous influence and the restoration of justice. Her legacy, however, continued to serve as a warning against idolatry and moral corruption.

2 Kings 9:30-37 recounts her demise: "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, and he said, 'Throw her down!' So they threw her down, and some of her blood spattered the wall and the horses as they trampled her underfoot. Then Jehu went in, ate and drank, and said, 'Take care of that cursed woman and bury her, for she was a king’s daughter.' But when they went out to bury her, they found nothing but her skull, her feet, and the palms of her hands. So they went back and told Jehu, who said, '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 Jezebel’s flesh. 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.”'"

Symbolism in Revelation

In the New Testament, Jezebel's name is used symbolically in the book of Revelation to describe a false prophetess who leads believers astray. This reference underscores her enduring legacy as a symbol of false teaching and moral compromise.

Revelation 2:20 states, "But I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads My servants to be sexually immoral and to eat food sacrificed to idols."

Jezebel's role in the biblical narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of idolatry, manipulation, and the rejection of God's truth. Her account continues to be a cautionary tale for those who would turn away from the worship of the one true God.