Topical Encyclopedia
Background and Context:Jezebel, the infamous queen of Israel, was the wife of King Ahab. She is often remembered for her idolatry, persecution of the prophets of Yahweh, and her role in the murder of Naboth to secure his vineyard for Ahab (1 Kings 21). Her actions and influence led to significant moral and spiritual decline in Israel. The prophet Elijah, under divine inspiration, pronounced a severe judgment against her, foretelling her violent demise.
Prophetic Pronouncement:The prophecy concerning Jezebel's death is found in
1 Kings 21:23, where Elijah declares, "And the LORD also speaks concerning Jezebel: ‘The dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.’" This prophecy was a direct consequence of her wickedness and her leading Israel into idolatry and sin.
Fulfillment of the Prophecy:The fulfillment of this prophecy is recorded in
2 Kings 9. After the anointing of Jehu as king, he was tasked with eradicating the house of Ahab and executing divine judgment on Jezebel. As Jehu approached Jezreel, Jezebel adorned herself and looked out of a window. Jehu commanded her eunuchs to throw her down, and they complied. Her death is described in
2 Kings 9:33-37 :
"So they threw her down, and some of her blood spattered the wall and the horses as they trampled her underfoot. Then Jehu went in, ate and drank, and said, 'Take care of this cursed woman and bury her, for she was a king’s daughter.' But when they went out to bury her, they found nothing but her skull, her feet, and the palms of her hands. So they went back and told Jehu, who said, 'This is the word of the LORD that He spoke through His servant Elijah the Tishbite: “In the plot of ground at Jezreel the dogs will devour the flesh of Jezebel. Jezebel’s body will be like dung on the surface of the field in the plot of Jezreel, so that no one will be able to say: This is Jezebel.”'"
Significance:The fulfillment of this prophecy serves as a stark reminder of the certainty of God's word and the seriousness with which He regards sin and idolatry. Jezebel's death was not only a fulfillment of Elijah's prophecy but also a demonstration of divine justice. Her demise was both literal and symbolic, as it marked the end of her influence and the beginning of the eradication of Baal worship in Israel. The gruesome nature of her death underscored the severity of her offenses and the righteousness of God's judgment.
Nave's Topical Index
1 Kings 21:23And of Jezebel also spoke the LORD, saying, The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.
Nave's Topical Index2 Kings 9:10,33-37
And the dogs shall eat Jezebel in the portion of Jezreel, and there shall be none to bury her. And he opened the door, and fled.
Nave's Topical Index
Resources
Is Zechariah 11:12-13 a Messianic prophecy? | GotQuestions.orgHave any aspects of end times prophecy been fulfilled? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does Matthew 27:9 attribute the prophecy to Jeremiah when it is from Zechariah? | GotQuestions.orgProphecy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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