Topical Encyclopedia The persecution of prophets during the reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel is a significant event in the history of Israel, illustrating the conflict between the worship of Yahweh and the idolatrous practices introduced by Jezebel. This period is marked by the systematic oppression and martyrdom of the prophets of the Lord, as recorded in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings.Historical Context Jezebel, a Phoenician princess and the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians, married Ahab, the king of Israel. Her marriage to Ahab is noted for bringing the worship of Baal and Asherah into the northern kingdom of Israel. Jezebel's influence over Ahab led to the establishment of Baal worship as a state religion, directly opposing the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. Persecution and Martyrdom Jezebel's campaign against the prophets of Yahweh is vividly described in 1 Kings 18:4: "For when Jezebel had slaughtered the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty men to a cave, and had provided them with food and water." This verse highlights the severity of Jezebel's actions, as she sought to eradicate the prophets who remained faithful to Yahweh. The prophet Elijah emerges as a central figure during this time, confronting Ahab and challenging the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. Elijah's victory over the prophets of Baal, as described in 1 Kings 18:20-40, is a pivotal moment that underscores the power of Yahweh over the false gods promoted by Jezebel. Obadiah's Role Obadiah, a devout believer in Yahweh and the steward of Ahab's household, played a crucial role in protecting the prophets. Despite the risk to his own life, Obadiah hid a hundred prophets in two caves, providing them with sustenance. His actions are a testament to the faith and courage of those who remained loyal to Yahweh during this period of intense persecution. Elijah's Flight and God's Assurance Following the events on Mount Carmel, Jezebel vowed to kill Elijah, prompting him to flee for his life. In 1 Kings 19:2-3, Jezebel sends a messenger to Elijah, saying, "So may the gods do to me, and even more, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like the lives of those you killed." Elijah's subsequent flight into the wilderness and his encounter with God at Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:9-18) reveal God's continued presence and assurance to His prophets, even in times of great danger. Legacy and Theological Significance The persecution of the prophets by Jezebel serves as a stark reminder of the spiritual warfare between the forces of idolatry and the worship of the one true God. It highlights the courage and faithfulness required to stand for truth in the face of opposition. The narrative also emphasizes God's sovereignty and His ability to preserve a remnant of faithful followers, as He assures Elijah that He has reserved "seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him" (1 Kings 19:18). This period of persecution is a profound example of the trials faced by those who are called to speak God's truth, and it underscores the enduring conflict between righteousness and wickedness throughout biblical history. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 18:4For 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 Library Epistles to the Seven Churches. The People on the Earth: Chapters 2-3 Resources If I convert to Christianity, my family will disown me, and I will be persecuted. Should I follow Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake? | GotQuestions.org What is Novatianism? | GotQuestions.org Persecution: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Persecution is Inconsistent With the Spirit of the Gospel Persecution is Sometimes to Death Persecution of John the Baptist Persecution of Prophets Martyred by Jezebel Persecution of Saints, is a Persecution of Christ Persecution of the Congregation at Smyrna Persecution of the Ekklesia (Body of Christ) Persecution of the Righteous: A Mode of Divine Chastisement Persecution of the Righteous: Deliverance From Persecution of the Righteous: Diffuses the Gospel Persecution of the Three Hebrew Young Men (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego) of the Captivity Persecution: All That Live Godly in Christ, Shall Suffer Persecution: Blessedness of Enduring, for Christ's Sake Persecution: Cannot Separated from Christ Persecution: Christ Voluntarily Submitted To Persecution: Christ Was Patient Under Persecution: False Teachers Shrink From Persecution: God Delivers out of Persecution: God Forsakes not his Saints Under Persecution: Hypocrites Cannot Endure Persecution: Lawful Means May be Used to Escape Persecution: Men by Nature Addicted To Persecution: Originates: Hated to God and Christ Persecution: Originates: Hatred to the Gospel Persecution: Originates: Ignorance of God and Christ Persecution: Originates: Mistaken Zeal Persecution: Originates: Pride Persecution: Pray for Those Suffering Persecution: Preacher of the Gospel Subject To Persecution: Saints May Expect Persecution: Saints Suffer, for the Sake of God Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Commit Themselves to God Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Exhibit Patience Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Glorify God Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Pray for Deliverance Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Pray for Those Who Inflict Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Rejoice Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Return Blessing For Persecution: Spirit of Chaldeans Persecution: Spirit of Gentiles Persecution: Spirit of Jezebel Persecution: Spirit of Pharaoh Persecution: Spirit of Pharisees Persecution: Spirit of Zedekiah Persecution: Suffering of Apostles Persecution: Suffering of Daniel Persecution: Suffering of David Persecution: Suffering of Hebrews Persecution: Suffering of Jeremiah Persecution: Suffering of Micaiah Persecution: Suffering of Paul and Barnabas Persecution: Suffering of Paul and Silas Persecution: Suffering of Peter Persecution: Suffering of Saints of Old Persecution: Suffering of The Church Persecution: Suffering of The Prophets Persecution: The Hope of Future Blessedness Supports Under Persecution: The Wicked: Active In Persecution: The Wicked: Addicted To Persecution: The Wicked: Encourage Each Other In Persecution: The Wicked: Illustrated Persecution: The Wicked: Punishment For Persecution: The Wicked: Rejoice in Its Success Related Terms |
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