Welcome to Who’s Who in the Bible. Today, we’ll take an overview of the life of Jezebel, the infamous queen of Israel known for her wickedness and opposition to the prophet Elijah.
Jezebel is a significant and controversial figure in the Old Testament. As the wife of King Ahab of Israel, her reign was marked by idolatry, persecution of God’s prophets, and a dramatic confrontation with Elijah.
Jezebel was the daughter of Ethbaal, king of Sidon, and married Ahab, king of Israel, to form a political alliance (1 Kings 16:31). Her marriage introduced the worship of Baal and Asherah into Israel, leading the nation away from the worship of the one true God (1 Kings 16:32-33). Jezebel was a fervent promoter of these pagan practices and sought to eliminate the worship of Yahweh.
One of the most striking moments in Jezebel’s reign was her persecution of God’s prophets. She actively sought to kill the prophets of the Lord, leading to a time of great distress for the faithful (1 Kings 18:4). This period of persecution culminated in a confrontation with Elijah, who challenged the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:19-40). After the dramatic showdown, where God sent fire from heaven to consume Elijah's sacrifice, Jezebel threatened Elijah’s life, forcing him to flee for his safety (1 Kings 19:1-3).
Jezebel's reign of terror continued until her eventual downfall. She orchestrated the murder of Naboth to seize his vineyard, which King Ahab coveted (1 Kings 21:6-16). This act of injustice further demonstrated her disregard for God’s law and the well-being of her subjects. As a result, Elijah prophesied her demise, declaring that dogs would devour her remains (1 Kings 21:23). This prophecy was fulfilled when Jehu, who had been anointed as king of Israel, orchestrated her violent death and the defilement of her body (2 Kings 9:30-37).
Jezebel’s life serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of idolatry and the rejection of God’s commandments. Her actions exemplify the dangers of leading others away from the true worship of God and the ultimate justice that He brings against those who oppose His will. Her story highlights the importance of faithfulness to God and the need to stand firm against forces that seek to undermine His truth.
Jezebel’s legacy is largely one of warning. She represents the archetype of a ruler who uses power for evil purposes and defies the divine will. Her story is a cautionary tale about the perils of idolatry, corruption, and the disregard for God’s justice.
So what’s so special about Jezebel? Her life illustrates the stark consequences of defying God and leading others astray. Despite her tragic end, her story reminds us of the importance of remaining true to God and upholding His righteousness in the face of opposition.
To learn more about Jezebel and the events of her reign, we encourage you to read the Books of Kings in the Old Testament, particularly 1 Kings 16-21 and 2 Kings 9.
