Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, a queen is typically understood as the wife of a king, holding a position of significant influence and responsibility within the royal household and, at times, within the broader governance of the kingdom. The role and depiction of queens in the Bible vary, reflecting both the cultural norms of the ancient Near East and the theological themes of the biblical narrative.Prominent Queens in the Bible: 1. Queen Esther: One of the most notable queens in the Bible, Esther was a Jewish woman who became the queen of Persia. Her account is recounted in the Book of Esther, where she is portrayed as a courageous and wise woman who uses her position to save her people from annihilation. Esther's bravery and faith are highlighted in Esther 4:14 : "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" 2. Queen Jezebel: In stark contrast to Esther, Jezebel is depicted as a queen who led Israel into idolatry and immorality. The wife of King Ahab, Jezebel's influence is seen as negative, promoting the worship of Baal and opposing the prophets of Yahweh. Her account is a cautionary tale of the dangers of turning away from God, as seen in 1 Kings 21:25 : "There was never anyone like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the LORD, incited by his wife Jezebel." 3. Queen of Sheba: The Queen of Sheba is another significant figure, known for her visit to King Solomon to test his wisdom. Her account is found in 1 Kings 10 and 2 Chronicles 9. She is portrayed as a seeker of wisdom and truth, bringing gifts and questions to Solomon, and ultimately praising the God of Israel for Solomon's wisdom and prosperity. 1 Kings 10:9 records her words: "Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel. Because of the LORD’s eternal love for Israel, He has made you king to carry out justice and righteousness." Role and Influence: The role of a queen in biblical times often extended beyond mere ceremonial duties. Queens could wield considerable influence over their husbands and, by extension, the kingdom. This influence could be used for good, as in the case of Esther, or for evil, as seen with Jezebel. The Bible presents these queens as complex characters whose actions and decisions have profound implications for their people and their relationship with God. Theological Implications: The accounts of queens in the Bible often carry deeper theological messages. They illustrate themes of providence, as seen in Esther's rise to power; the consequences of idolatry and moral corruption, as exemplified by Jezebel; and the pursuit of wisdom and truth, as demonstrated by the Queen of Sheba. These narratives serve as reminders of the importance of faithfulness to God and the impact of leadership on a nation's spiritual and moral direction. In summary, the biblical portrayal of queens reflects a diverse range of characters and roles, each contributing to the overarching narrative of God's interaction with His people. Through their accounts, the Bible offers insights into the responsibilities and potential influence of those in positions of power, emphasizing the need for righteousness and devotion to God. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 11:19And Hadad found great favor in the sight of Pharaoh, so that he gave him to wife the sister of his own wife, the sister of Tahpenes the queen. Nave's Topical Index Strong's Hebrew 348. Izebel -- queen of Isr. with King Ahab... derivation Definition queen of Isr. with King Ahab NASB Word Usage Jezebel (21), Jezebel's (1). Jezebel. From 'iy and Zbul; Izebel, the wife of king Ahab ... /hebrew/348.htm - 6k Library How Queen Ethelthryth Always Preserved Her virginity, and Her Body ... Helen, the Queen of the Osrhoenians. Esther, the Queen. How Helena the Queen of Adiabene and Her Son Izates, Embraced the ... The Murder of Aristobulus and Hyrcanus, the High Priests, as Also ... Queen Esther's Love for Her People Women of the Frankish Church In what Manner the Iberians were Converted to Christianity. How the Iberians Received the Faith of Christ. How Ahab when He had Taken Jezebel to Wife Became More Wicked than ... Resources What is the Queen James Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho is the Queen of Heaven? | GotQuestions.org Who was the Queen of Sheba? | GotQuestions.org Queen: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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