Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the "Spirit of Jezebel" is often discussed within Christian circles as a metaphorical representation of certain destructive behaviors and attitudes that oppose the work of God. This term is derived from the biblical account of Queen Jezebel, a Phoenician princess who became the wife of King Ahab of Israel. Her account is primarily found in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings.Biblical Background Jezebel is introduced in 1 Kings 16:31, where it is noted that Ahab "not only considered it trivial to commit the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, but he also married Jezebel daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and began to serve Baal and worship him." Jezebel's influence led Ahab and the nation of Israel into idolatry and the worship of Baal, a Canaanite deity. Her actions were in direct opposition to the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. Jezebel's persecution of the prophets of Yahweh is a significant aspect of her legacy. In 1 Kings 18:4, it is recorded that "while Jezebel was killing off the LORD’s prophets, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them in two caves, fifty in each, and had supplied them with food and water." This act of persecution highlights her aggressive stance against the true prophets of God and her determination to suppress the worship of Yahweh. Characteristics of the Spirit of Jezebel The "Spirit of Jezebel" is often characterized by several key traits that are seen as antithetical to Christian values: 1. Idolatry and False Worship: Just as Jezebel promoted the worship of Baal, the spirit associated with her name is seen as encouraging idolatry and leading people away from true worship of God. 2. Manipulation and Control: Jezebel's influence over Ahab and her ability to manipulate situations to her advantage, such as orchestrating the death of Naboth to seize his vineyard (1 Kings 21:1-16), exemplify a spirit of manipulation and control. 3. Persecution of the Righteous: The spirit is also associated with the persecution of those who stand for truth and righteousness, as seen in Jezebel's relentless pursuit of Elijah and the prophets of Yahweh. 4. Immorality and Deception: In Revelation 2:20, the church in Thyatira is warned about a woman who "calls herself a prophetess" and leads God’s servants into immorality and idolatry, reminiscent of Jezebel's actions. This passage is often linked to the spirit of Jezebel, highlighting themes of immorality and deception. Impact on the Church The spirit of Jezebel is believed to manifest in various ways within the church and society, often through individuals or ideologies that seek to undermine biblical authority and promote ungodly practices. This spirit is seen as a source of division, strife, and moral compromise, challenging the church to remain vigilant and steadfast in its commitment to biblical truth. Response to the Spirit of Jezebel Believers are encouraged to respond to the spirit of Jezebel with discernment and spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:12 reminds Christians that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Prayer, adherence to Scripture, and reliance on the Holy Spirit are essential in combating the influence of this spirit. In summary, the spirit of Jezebel represents a formidable challenge to the faith and integrity of the Christian community, calling for a resolute commitment to the principles of God's Word and the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome its influence. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 19:2Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not your life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Demonstration xxi. --Of Persecution. The Spirit and Power of Elias. Epistles to the Seven Churches. A Message from the Crowned Christ Peace "What Doest Thou Here?" Endurance of the World's Censure. The Laodicean State of Christendom. Obadiah; Or, Early Piety Eminent Piety The Second Part. Resources What is Donatism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was early Christianity like? | GotQuestions.org What is totalitarianism? | GotQuestions.org Persecution: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Persecution is Inconsistent With the Spirit of the Gospel Persecution is Sometimes to Death Persecution of John the Baptist Persecution of Prophets Martyred by Jezebel Persecution of Saints, is a Persecution of Christ Persecution of the Congregation at Smyrna Persecution of the Ekklesia (Body of Christ) Persecution of the Righteous: A Mode of Divine Chastisement Persecution of the Righteous: Deliverance From Persecution of the Righteous: Diffuses the Gospel Persecution of the Three Hebrew Young Men (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego) of the Captivity Persecution: All That Live Godly in Christ, Shall Suffer Persecution: Blessedness of Enduring, for Christ's Sake Persecution: Cannot Separated from Christ Persecution: Christ Voluntarily Submitted To Persecution: Christ Was Patient Under Persecution: False Teachers Shrink From Persecution: God Delivers out of Persecution: God Forsakes not his Saints Under Persecution: Hypocrites Cannot Endure Persecution: Lawful Means May be Used to Escape Persecution: Men by Nature Addicted To Persecution: Originates: Hated to God and Christ Persecution: Originates: Hatred to the Gospel Persecution: Originates: Ignorance of God and Christ Persecution: Originates: Mistaken Zeal Persecution: Originates: Pride Persecution: Pray for Those Suffering Persecution: Preacher of the Gospel Subject To Persecution: Saints May Expect Persecution: Saints Suffer, for the Sake of God Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Commit Themselves to God Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Exhibit Patience Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Glorify God Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Pray for Deliverance Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Pray for Those Who Inflict Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Rejoice Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Return Blessing For Persecution: Spirit of Chaldeans Persecution: Spirit of Gentiles Persecution: Spirit of Jezebel Persecution: Spirit of Pharaoh Persecution: Spirit of Pharisees Persecution: Spirit of Zedekiah Persecution: Suffering of Apostles Persecution: Suffering of Daniel Persecution: Suffering of David Persecution: Suffering of Hebrews Persecution: Suffering of Jeremiah Persecution: Suffering of Micaiah Persecution: Suffering of Paul and Barnabas Persecution: Suffering of Paul and Silas Persecution: Suffering of Peter Persecution: Suffering of Saints of Old Persecution: Suffering of The Church Persecution: Suffering of The Prophets Persecution: The Hope of Future Blessedness Supports Under Persecution: The Wicked: Active In Persecution: The Wicked: Addicted To Persecution: The Wicked: Encourage Each Other In Persecution: The Wicked: Illustrated Persecution: The Wicked: Punishment For Persecution: The Wicked: Rejoice in Its Success Related Terms |