Jezebel, a prominent and controversial figure in the Bible, is often remembered as one of the most infamous queens of Israel. Her account is primarily found in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings, where she is depicted as a powerful yet malevolent influence over the kingdom of Israel during the reign of her husband, King Ahab.

Background and Marriage to Ahab

Jezebel was the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians, and she was a devoted worshiper of Baal, a Canaanite deity. Her marriage to Ahab, the king of Israel, was likely a political alliance that brought significant religious and cultural changes to the Israelite kingdom. The Bible describes Ahab's reign as one that "did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him" (1 Kings 16:33), largely due to Jezebel's influence.

Religious Influence and Persecution of Prophets

Jezebel's introduction of Baal worship into Israel was a direct challenge to the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. She actively promoted the worship of Baal and Asherah, erecting altars and supporting hundreds of prophets dedicated to these deities. Her zeal for Baal worship led to the persecution and killing of the prophets of Yahweh, as noted in 1 Kings 18:4: "Jezebel had slaughtered the prophets of the LORD."

Conflict with Elijah

One of the most notable confrontations involving Jezebel was with the prophet Elijah. Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest on Mount Carmel to demonstrate the power of the true God. After Yahweh's decisive victory, Elijah ordered the execution of the prophets of Baal. Jezebel's response was one of fury, and she vowed to kill Elijah, forcing him to flee for his life (1 Kings 19:1-3).

Naboth's Vineyard

Jezebel's influence extended beyond religious matters to political and legal affairs. A stark example of her manipulation is the incident involving Naboth's vineyard. Ahab desired Naboth's vineyard, but Naboth refused to sell it, adhering to the laws of inheritance. Jezebel orchestrated a scheme to falsely accuse Naboth of blasphemy, leading to his execution and allowing Ahab to seize the vineyard (1 Kings 21:1-16). This act further exemplified her disregard for justice and the law of God.

Downfall and Legacy

Jezebel's end came as prophesied by Elijah. After Ahab's death, her son Joram became king. However, during a coup led by Jehu, Jezebel was thrown from a window, and her body was consumed by dogs, fulfilling Elijah's prophecy (2 Kings 9:30-37). Her death marked the end of her direct influence, but her legacy endured as a symbol of idolatry and immorality.

Jezebel's account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of idolatry, the corrupting influence of power, and the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. Her life and actions are often cited in discussions about the perils of ungodly alliances and the importance of faithfulness to God.1 Kings 18:4,13
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.)
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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.
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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?
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