Jezebel, the infamous queen of Israel, is a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, particularly known for her role in the unjust execution of Naboth, a righteous Israelite. Her actions are recorded in 1 Kings 21, where her manipulation and disregard for God's law are vividly depicted.

Background

Jezebel 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 Israel's history, as she introduced and fervently promoted the worship of Baal, leading the nation further into idolatry and apostasy. Her influence over Ahab was profound, often steering him away from the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel.

The Vineyard of Naboth

The account of Naboth's vineyard is a testament to Jezebel's ruthless ambition and her willingness to subvert justice for personal gain. Naboth, a Jezreelite, owned a vineyard adjacent to Ahab's palace in Jezreel. Ahab desired this vineyard to convert it into a vegetable garden, offering Naboth a better vineyard or monetary compensation in exchange. However, Naboth refused, citing the inheritance laws of Israel, which prohibited the permanent sale of family land: "The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers" (1 Kings 21:3).

Jezebel's Scheme

Ahab returned home sullen and displeased, lying on his bed and refusing to eat. Jezebel, upon learning the cause of his distress, chastised him for his weakness and took matters into her own hands. She devised a sinister plan to secure the vineyard for Ahab, demonstrating her utter contempt for righteousness and the law of God.

Jezebel wrote letters in Ahab's name, sealed them with his seal, and sent them to the elders and nobles of Naboth's city. She instructed them to proclaim a fast and seat Naboth in a prominent place among the people. Then, she ordered two scoundrels to accuse Naboth of cursing God and the king, a crime punishable by death under Mosaic Law. The elders and nobles, complicit in her scheme, carried out her instructions, and Naboth was falsely accused and stoned to death outside the city.

Aftermath

With Naboth dead, Jezebel informed Ahab that he could now take possession of the vineyard. Ahab, complicit in her wickedness, went down to claim the land. However, the LORD sent the prophet Elijah to confront Ahab, pronouncing divine judgment upon him and his house for this grievous sin. Elijah declared, "In the place where the dogs licked up the blood of Naboth, there also the dogs will lick up your blood—yes, yours!" (1 Kings 21:19).

Jezebel's actions in orchestrating Naboth's death exemplify her flagrant defiance of God's commandments and her willingness to employ deceit and murder to achieve her ends. Her legacy is one of idolatry, manipulation, and moral corruption, serving as a stark warning against the perils of abandoning God's law for personal ambition and power.1 Kings 21:5-16
But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said to him, Why is your spirit so sad, that you eat no bread?
Nave's Topical Index

Why was Elijah afraid of Jezebel? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Naboth in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was King Ahab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Jezebel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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