Jezebel, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, is often remembered for her vehement opposition to the prophet Elijah and her role in promoting the worship of Baal in Israel. She was the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians, and became the wife of Ahab, king of Israel. Her marriage to Ahab marked a significant turning point in the spiritual decline of the northern kingdom, as she actively sought to replace the worship of Yahweh with that of Baal and Asherah.

The narrative of Jezebel's vow to kill Elijah is found in 1 Kings 19. This event occurs shortly after the dramatic confrontation on Mount Carmel, where Elijah, through the power of God, defeated the prophets of Baal. In this contest, Elijah challenged the prophets to call upon their god to send fire from heaven to consume a sacrifice. When Baal failed to respond, Elijah prayed to the LORD, who sent fire to consume the offering, demonstrating His supremacy. Following this, Elijah ordered the execution of the prophets of Baal, which incited Jezebel's wrath.

1 Kings 19:1-2 recounts Jezebel's reaction: "Now Ahab told Jezebel everything that Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, 'May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.'"

Jezebel's vow to kill Elijah underscores her determination to uphold Baal worship and her willingness to use her royal authority to eliminate those who opposed her religious agenda. Her threat forced Elijah to flee for his life, demonstrating the extent of her influence and the fear she instilled even in a prophet of God.

Jezebel's actions are often interpreted as a direct challenge to the authority of Yahweh and His prophets. Her relentless pursuit of Elijah highlights her role as an antagonist in the biblical narrative, representing the spiritual and moral corruption that had infiltrated Israel under her influence. Her legacy is one of idolatry, manipulation, and defiance against God's chosen messengers.

Throughout the biblical account, Jezebel is portrayed as a figure who embodies the conflict between the worship of the one true God and the pagan practices that threatened to lead Israel astray. Her vow to kill Elijah is a pivotal moment that illustrates the spiritual battle between the forces of righteousness and the forces of idolatry and apostasy.1 Kings 19:1-3
And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and with how he had slain all the prophets with the sword.
Nave's Topical Index

Demonstration xxi. --Of Persecution.
... This is the heir; come, let us kill him. ... Jephthah vowed a vow and offered up his
firstborn ... Jezebel the murderess persecuted Elijah; and the persecuting and ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xxi of persecution.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... xvii., xviii., where the conflict between Elijah and the ... and said, "Draw thy sword,
and kill me, that ... Some think she was vowed to perpetual virginity, while ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

What is the Jezebel spirit? | GotQuestions.org

What is the story of Ahab and Jezebel? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Jezebel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Jezebel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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