Who Was Jezebel in the Bible?

Jezebel, one of the most infamous figures in the Bible, is often remembered as a symbol of idolatry, manipulation, and immorality. Her life and actions are detailed in the Old Testament, primarily in the books of 1 and 2 Kings. As the wife of King Ahab, Jezebel played a significant role in the spiritual and political turmoil of ancient Israel. This article explores her background, her influence on Israel, and her ultimate downfall.

Jezebel’s Background

Jezebel was a Phoenician princess, the daughter of King Ethbaal of Sidon. Ethbaal was not only a ruler but also a high priest of Baal, a prominent Canaanite god associated with fertility, weather, and agriculture. As a result, Jezebel grew up deeply entrenched in the worship of Baal and Asherah, another pagan deity.

When Jezebel married King Ahab of Israel, their union was likely a political alliance aimed at strengthening ties between Israel and Phoenicia. However, this marriage brought significant religious and cultural consequences for Israel, as Jezebel sought to introduce and institutionalize the worship of Baal and Asherah in the northern kingdom.

Jezebel’s Influence on King Ahab and Israel

Jezebel’s influence over King Ahab was profound. She encouraged him to abandon the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel, and to promote the worship of Baal. Under her direction, Ahab built a temple and altar for Baal in Samaria, the capital of Israel (1 Kings 16:32-33). Jezebel also supported hundreds of prophets of Baal and Asherah, while actively persecuting the prophets of Yahweh.

One of her most heinous acts was the systematic killing of Yahweh’s prophets (1 Kings 18:4). This persecution led to a spiritual crisis in Israel, with many Israelites abandoning their faith or practicing it in secret. Jezebel’s actions set the stage for a dramatic confrontation between the prophets of Baal and Elijah, a prophet of Yahweh.

The Showdown on Mount Carmel

The climax of Jezebel’s opposition to Yahweh came in the famous showdown on Mount Carmel, described in 1 Kings 18. At Elijah’s challenge, 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah gathered to demonstrate the power of their gods. Elijah, as the sole representative of Yahweh, proposed a test: each side would prepare a sacrifice and call upon their deity to send fire from heaven to consume it.

Despite hours of prayers and rituals by Baal’s prophets, no fire came. When Elijah prayed to Yahweh, fire immediately descended from heaven, consuming the sacrifice, the altar, and even the surrounding water. This miraculous display led the people of Israel to declare, “The Lord—he is God!” Elijah then ordered the execution of Baal’s prophets, further humiliating Jezebel and her agenda.

Jezebel’s Role in Naboth’s Vineyard

Jezebel’s manipulation and ruthlessness are further illustrated in the story of Naboth’s vineyard, found in 1 Kings 21. King Ahab coveted a vineyard owned by Naboth, but Naboth refused to sell it, as it was part of his family inheritance. Ahab was disheartened, but Jezebel took matters into her own hands.

Jezebel orchestrated a scheme to falsely accuse Naboth of blasphemy and treason. She arranged for false witnesses to testify against him, leading to Naboth’s execution by stoning. With Naboth dead, Ahab took possession of the vineyard. This act of injustice drew the ire of God, and Elijah prophesied the downfall of Ahab’s dynasty and Jezebel’s violent death.

Jezebel’s Death and Legacy

Jezebel’s death is recorded in 2 Kings 9, during the reign of Jehu, a military commander anointed by God to overthrow Ahab’s dynasty. As Jehu approached Jezebel’s palace in Jezreel, she adorned herself in makeup and royal attire, perhaps to intimidate or seduce him. However, Jehu ordered her eunuchs to throw her from the palace window. She fell to her death, and her body was trampled by horses. Later, when servants went to bury her, they found only her skull, feet, and hands, fulfilling Elijah’s prophecy that dogs would devour Jezebel’s flesh (1 Kings 21:23).

Jezebel’s violent end marked the conclusion of her reign of terror, but her name and legacy lived on. In the Bible and beyond, Jezebel became synonymous with wickedness, idolatry, and moral corruption.

Jezebel’s Symbolism in the New Testament

Jezebel’s name is mentioned again in the New Testament, in Revelation 2:20. Here, Jesus rebukes the church in Thyatira for tolerating a woman referred to as “Jezebel,” who leads believers into immorality and idolatry. While this Jezebel is likely not the same historical figure, the reference underscores the enduring association of Jezebel’s name with rebellion against God and corrupting influence.

Lessons from Jezebel’s Story

Though Jezebel’s story is a cautionary tale of unchecked power and spiritual rebellion, it also offers important lessons for modern readers:

1. The Dangers of Idolatry: Jezebel’s life illustrates how idolatry can lead to spiritual and moral decay. Her actions show the destructive consequences of turning away from God and promoting false worship.
2. The Power of Influence: Jezebel’s manipulation of Ahab and the nation of Israel highlights the importance of righteous leadership and the far-reaching impact of personal choices.
3. God’s Justice: Despite her apparent success in opposing Yahweh, Jezebel ultimately faced divine judgment. Her story reminds us that God’s justice is inevitable, even when evil seems to prevail.

Conclusion

Jezebel remains one of the most notorious figures in biblical history. As a queen who led Israel into idolatry and defied God’s prophets, her life serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of rebellion against God. Yet, her story also highlights the faithfulness of God in preserving His people and executing justice. While Jezebel’s name is often associated with evil, her legacy underscores the triumph of God’s truth over human wickedness.