Topical Encyclopedia Ethba'al, also spelled Ithbaal, is a significant figure mentioned in the context of the Old Testament, particularly in relation to the history of the Phoenician city of Sidon and the Kingdom of Israel. He is primarily known as the father of Jezebel, the infamous queen of Israel, who was married to King Ahab. Ethba'al's influence is noted in the biblical narrative due to his daughter's marriage, which had profound religious and political implications for the Kingdom of Israel.Historical Background Ethba'al was the king of the Sidonians, a people known for their maritime prowess and significant cultural influence in the ancient Near East. The Phoenicians, of whom the Sidonians were a part, were renowned for their trade networks and the spread of the alphabet. Ethba'al's reign is typically placed in the 9th century BC, a period marked by the expansion of Phoenician influence across the Mediterranean. Biblical References Ethba'al is mentioned in 1 Kings 16:31: "And as if it were a trivial thing for Ahab to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, he also married Jezebel daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and he proceeded to serve and worship Baal." . This passage highlights the political alliance formed through the marriage of Jezebel to Ahab, which was common practice among ancient Near Eastern monarchies to secure political alliances and peace treaties. Religious and Cultural Influence The marriage of Jezebel to Ahab brought significant religious changes to the Kingdom of Israel. Jezebel, as the daughter of Ethba'al, was a fervent worshiper of Baal, a prominent deity in the Canaanite and Phoenician pantheon. Her influence led to the promotion of Baal worship in Israel, which was in direct opposition to the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. This religious syncretism and the subsequent persecution of Yahweh's prophets, such as Elijah, are central themes in the biblical narrative concerning Ahab and Jezebel's reign. Ethba'al's Legacy Ethba'al's legacy is largely viewed through the lens of his daughter's actions and the resulting conflict between the worship of Yahweh and Baal. The introduction and promotion of Baal worship in Israel under Jezebel's influence led to significant religious and social turmoil, as documented in the books of Kings. This period is characterized by prophetic confrontations, notably between Elijah and the prophets of Baal, culminating in dramatic events such as the contest on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18). Archaeological and Historical Corroboration While the biblical account provides the primary source of information about Ethba'al, extrabiblical sources, such as the writings of Josephus, offer additional insights. Josephus, the first-century Jewish historian, refers to Ethba'al as a priest of Astarte who usurped the throne, further illustrating the intertwining of religious and political power in Phoenician society. Ethba'al's role as a king and priest underscores the theocratic nature of Phoenician city-states, where rulers often held religious authority. This dual role may have influenced Jezebel's assertive promotion of Baal worship in Israel, reflecting the religious practices of her homeland. Conclusion Ethba'al's mention in the Bible, though brief, is significant due to the far-reaching consequences of his daughter's marriage to Ahab. The religious and political dynamics introduced during this period had lasting effects on the history of Israel, as depicted in the biblical narrative. Ethba'al's legacy, therefore, is intricately linked to the broader themes of idolatry, prophecy, and divine judgment that permeate the Old Testament. Concordance Ethba'al (1 Occurrence)1 Kings 16:31 Thesaurus Ethba'al (1 Occurrence)Ethba'al. Eth-baal, Ethba'al. Ether . Multi-Version Concordance Ethba'al (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 16:31 And it came to pass, as if ... /e/ethba'al.htm - 6k Ether (2 Occurrences) Ethbaal (1 Occurrence) Eth-baal Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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