Jezebel, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, is often remembered for her role as an idolatress and a fierce persecutor of the prophets of God. She was the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians, and became the wife of Ahab, king of Israel. Her marriage to Ahab is noted for introducing and promoting the worship of Baal, a Canaanite deity, within the kingdom of Israel, leading to significant religious and moral decline.

Idolatry and Influence

Jezebel's influence over King Ahab and the nation of Israel is evident in her zealous promotion of Baal worship. The Bible records that Ahab "did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him" (1 Kings 16:33). Jezebel's introduction of Baal worship included the construction of a temple and an altar for Baal in Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom (1 Kings 16:32). Her actions directly contravened the commandments of God, which strictly prohibited idolatry and the worship of foreign gods (Exodus 20:3-5).

Persecution of the Prophets

Jezebel's hostility towards the prophets of Yahweh is a significant aspect of her legacy. She is infamous for her relentless persecution and execution of God's prophets. The Bible recounts that Jezebel "cut off the prophets of the LORD" (1 Kings 18:4), a campaign of violence that sought to eradicate the worship of Yahweh from Israel. This persecution led to the hiding of a hundred prophets by Obadiah, a devout servant of Ahab, who concealed them in caves to protect them from Jezebel's wrath (1 Kings 18:4).

Confrontation with Elijah

The prophet Elijah emerged as a central figure in opposing Jezebel's idolatry and persecution. In a dramatic confrontation on Mount Carmel, Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest to demonstrate the power of the true God. The failure of Baal's prophets and the subsequent divine fire that consumed Elijah's sacrifice led to the execution of the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:20-40). Jezebel's response to this defeat was one of unyielding vengeance, as she vowed to kill Elijah, forcing him to flee for his life (1 Kings 19:1-3).

Legacy and Downfall

Jezebel's legacy is one of infamy, symbolizing the dangers of idolatry and the rejection of God's authority. Her eventual downfall was prophesied by Elijah, who declared that dogs would devour her by the wall of Jezreel (1 Kings 21:23). This prophecy was fulfilled when Jezebel was thrown from a window, trampled by horses, and her body consumed by dogs, leaving only her skull, feet, and hands (2 Kings 9:30-37).

Jezebel's life and actions serve as a cautionary tale within the biblical narrative, illustrating the consequences of turning away from God and leading others into idolatry and sin. Her account is a stark reminder of the spiritual and moral decay that can result from the rejection of divine truth and the persecution of those who uphold it.1 Kings 18:4,13,19
For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.)
Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 3:2,13
And he worked evil in the sight of the LORD; but not like his father, and like his mother: for he put away the image of Baal that his father had made.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 9:7,22
And you shall smite the house of Ahab your master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD, at the hand of Jezebel.
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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