Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Ethbaal, also known as Ithobaal I, was a prominent king of the Sidonians, a Phoenician people, during the 9th century BC. His reign is noted for its significant influence on the political and religious landscape of the ancient Near East, particularly through his daughter Jezebel's marriage to Ahab, king of Israel. Ethbaal's name, meaning "With Baal," reflects the deep-seated worship of Baal, a Canaanite deity, which was prevalent in Phoenician culture and subsequently introduced into Israel through Jezebel.Historical Context Ethbaal ascended to the throne of Tyre and Sidon after a period of political turmoil. According to historical sources, he was originally a priest of Astarte, a goddess associated with fertility and war, before seizing the throne. His reign marked a period of prosperity and expansion for the Phoenician cities, which were renowned for their maritime trade and cultural influence across the Mediterranean. Biblical References Ethbaal is mentioned indirectly in the Bible through his daughter Jezebel. In 1 Kings 16:31 , it is recorded: "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 marriage alliance between Ahab and Jezebel was politically advantageous but spiritually detrimental to Israel, as it led to the introduction and promotion of Baal worship within the kingdom. Religious Influence The marriage of Jezebel to Ahab had profound religious implications for Israel. Jezebel, a fervent devotee of Baal, actively promoted the worship of her native gods, leading to the construction of altars and temples dedicated to Baal and Asherah in Israel. This incursion of idolatry provoked the ire of the prophets, most notably Elijah, who confronted Ahab and Jezebel's apostasy. The narrative of Elijah's challenge to the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18) underscores the spiritual conflict initiated by Jezebel's influence, which can be traced back to her father Ethbaal's religious legacy. Cultural and Political Impact Ethbaal's reign exemplifies the interconnectedness of political alliances and religious practices in the ancient Near East. His daughter's marriage into the Israelite royal family illustrates the strategic use of marriage to secure political alliances and extend cultural influence. The Phoenician cities under Ethbaal's rule were centers of commerce and culture, and their religious practices, particularly the worship of Baal, had a lasting impact on neighboring regions, including Israel. Legacy Ethbaal's legacy is primarily seen through the lens of his daughter Jezebel's actions and the subsequent religious turmoil in Israel. The introduction of Baal worship and the ensuing conflict with the worship of Yahweh highlight the dangers of syncretism and the erosion of covenantal faithfulness. Ethbaal's influence, therefore, serves as a cautionary tale within the biblical narrative, emphasizing the importance of maintaining spiritual integrity amidst external pressures and cultural exchanges. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary EthbaalSmith's Bible Dictionary Ethbaal(with Baal), king of Sidon and father of Jezebel. (1 Kings 16:31) Josephus represents him as a king of the Tyrians as well as of the Sidonians. We may thus identify him with Eithobalus, who, after having assassinated Pheles, usurped the throne of Tyre for thirty-two years. The date of Ethbaal's reign may be given as about B.C. 940-908. Easton's Bible Dictionary With Baal, a king of Sidon (B.C. 940-908), father of Jezebel, who was the wife of Ahab (1 Kings 16:31). He is said to have been also a priest of Astarte, whose worship was closely allied to that of Baal, and this may account for his daughter's zeal in promoting idolatry in Israel. This marriage of Ahab was most fatal to both Israel and Judah. Dido, the founder of Carthage, was his granddaughter. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ETHBAALeth-ba'-al, eth'-ba-al ('ethba`al, "with Baal"): Strong's Hebrew 856. Ethbaal -- "with Baal," a king of Sidon... 855b, 856. Ethbaal. 857 . "with Baal," a king of Sidon. Transliteration: Ethbaal Phonetic Spelling: (eth-bah'-al) Short Definition: Ethbaal. ... /hebrew/856.htm - 6k Library How Ahab when He had Taken Jezebel to Wife Became More Wicked than ... History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 Elijah and the Widow's Son Concerning Nebuchadnezzar and his Successors and How their ... National Apostasy How Jehu was Anointed King, and Slew Both Joram and Ahaziah; as ... Demonstration vi. --Of Monks. The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Thesaurus Ethbaal (1 Occurrence)... Dido, the founder of Carthage, was his granddaughter. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ETHBAAL. ... Multi-Version Concordance Ethbaal (1 Occurrence). ... /e/ethbaal.htm - 7k Jezebel (20 Occurrences) Zidonians (11 Occurrences) Nebat (25 Occurrences) Jez'ebel (19 Occurrences) Worshipper (15 Occurrences) Trivial (3 Occurrences) Eth-baal Ethba'al (1 Occurrence) Ethanus Resources Who was Jezebel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of Ahab and Jezebel? | GotQuestions.org What is the Jezebel spirit? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Ethbaal (1 Occurrence)1 Kings 16:31 Subtopics Related Terms |
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