2 Kings 9:35

But when they went out to bury her, they found nothing but her skull, her feet, and the palms of her hands.

Study Bible

But when they went out to bury her
This phrase refers to the aftermath of Jezebel's death. Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab, was a notorious queen known for promoting Baal worship in Israel and persecuting the prophets of Yahweh. Her death was prophesied by Elijah (1 Kings 21:23), and Jehu, anointed as king, was the instrument of her demise. The act of going out to bury her indicates a customary respect for the dead, even for someone as reviled as Jezebel, reflecting the cultural norms of burial practices in ancient Israel.

they found nothing but her skull, her feet, and the palms of her hands
This gruesome discovery fulfills Elijah's prophecy that dogs would devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel (1 Kings 21:23). The specific mention of the skull, feet, and palms suggests a divine judgment, leaving only the parts of her body that symbolize her thoughts, actions, and deeds. The dogs consuming her body can be seen as a sign of ultimate disgrace and divine retribution, as dogs were considered unclean animals. This event underscores the theme of divine justice and the fulfillment of prophetic words, serving as a warning against idolatry and wickedness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jezebel
The queen and wife of King Ahab, known for her idolatry and persecution of the prophets of Yahweh. Her death fulfills the prophecy of her demise.

2. Jehu
Anointed king of Israel, tasked with eradicating the house of Ahab and executing divine judgment on Jezebel.

3. Jezreel
The location where Jezebel met her end, a place significant for its association with the house of Ahab and the fulfillment of prophecy.

4. Prophecy of Elijah
The event of Jezebel's death is a direct fulfillment of the prophecy given by Elijah concerning her end.

5. Dogs
Symbolic in this context as agents of divine judgment, fulfilling the prophecy that dogs would devour Jezebel.

Teaching Points

The Certainty of God's Word
God's prophecies are sure and will come to pass. The fulfillment of Elijah's prophecy concerning Jezebel serves as a reminder of the reliability of God's word.

Divine Justice
God's justice may seem delayed, but it is inevitable. Jezebel's end illustrates that no one can escape divine judgment.

The Consequences of Idolatry and Wickedness
Jezebel's life and death serve as a warning against idolatry and leading others away from God. Her fate is a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God.

The Role of God's Instruments
Jehu was used as an instrument of God's judgment. This highlights that God can use individuals to fulfill His purposes, even in executing judgment.

The Importance of Repentance
Jezebel's account underscores the importance of repentance. Her refusal to turn from her ways led to her downfall, emphasizing the need for humility and repentance before God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Jezebel's death encourage us to trust in the promises of God found in Scripture?

2. In what ways can we see the justice of God at work in the world today, and how should this influence our daily lives?

3. What lessons can we learn from Jezebel's life about the dangers of idolatry and leading others away from God?

4. How can we ensure that we are instruments of God's purposes in our communities, like Jehu was in his time?

5. Reflecting on Jezebel's refusal to repent, what steps can we take to cultivate a heart of repentance and humility before God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 21:23
This verse contains the prophecy by Elijah that dogs would devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel, directly connecting to the fulfillment seen in 2 Kings 9:35.

2 Kings 9:10
Jehu is informed that dogs will eat Jezebel, reinforcing the certainty of God's word through His prophets.

Psalm 37:28
This verse speaks of the Lord's justice and His protection of the faithful, contrasting with the fate of the wicked like Jezebel.