Topical Bible: Judgments: Upon Individuals

◄ Judgments: Upon Individuals - Exemplified: Jezebel ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Jezebel: Background and Character

Jezebel, the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians, became the wife of Ahab, king of Israel. Her marriage to Ahab marked a significant turning point in the spiritual and moral decline of the northern kingdom of Israel. Jezebel is often remembered for her idolatry, manipulation, and persecution of the prophets of Yahweh. Her influence over Ahab led to the widespread worship of Baal and Asherah, directly opposing the worship of the God of Israel.

Idolatry and Persecution

Jezebel's introduction of Baal worship into Israel is one of her most notorious acts. She actively promoted the worship of Baal, erecting altars and supporting hundreds of prophets dedicated to this false god. Her actions are recorded in 1 Kings 16:31-33: "And as if it were a trivial thing for Ahab to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, he also married Jezebel, the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and he proceeded to serve and worship Baal. First, Ahab set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he had built in Samaria. Then he set up an Asherah pole."

Jezebel's hostility towards the prophets of Yahweh is further exemplified in her persecution and execution of many of them. She sought to eliminate the worship of Yahweh entirely, as seen in 1 Kings 18:4: "While Jezebel was killing off the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them in two caves, fifty in each, and had supplied them with food and water."

Confrontation with Elijah

The prophet Elijah emerged as a key figure opposing Jezebel's influence. The dramatic confrontation on Mount Carmel, where Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal, highlighted the spiritual battle between the worship of Yahweh and the idolatry promoted by Jezebel. After the prophets of Baal were defeated and executed, Jezebel's wrath was kindled against Elijah, prompting her to threaten his life (1 Kings 19:1-2).

Judgment Pronounced

Jezebel's actions did not go unnoticed by God. The judgment against her was pronounced by Elijah, as recorded in 1 Kings 21:23: "And concerning Jezebel, the LORD also spoke: ‘The dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.’" This prophecy was a direct consequence of her role in the murder of Naboth and the subsequent seizure of his vineyard by Ahab, an act orchestrated by Jezebel herself.

Fulfillment of Judgment

The fulfillment of the divine judgment against Jezebel is vividly described in 2 Kings 9. Jehu, anointed as king of Israel, was the instrument of God's judgment. As Jehu entered Jezreel, Jezebel met her end in a gruesome manner. 2 Kings 9:33-37 recounts her death: "‘Throw her down!’ Jehu shouted. 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 and ate and drank. ‘Take care of that cursed woman,’ he said, ‘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: “On the plot of ground at Jezreel the dogs will devour Jezebel’s flesh. Jezebel’s body will be like dung on the field in the plot of Jezreel, so that no one will be able to say: This is Jezebel.”’"

Jezebel's life and death serve as a sobering example of divine judgment upon individuals who lead others into idolatry and oppose the worship of the true God. Her account is a testament to the seriousness with which God regards the purity of worship and the consequences of leading His people astray.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 9:35
And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands.
Torrey's Topical Textbook