Topical Encyclopedia Jezebel, a prominent figure in the Bible, is often cited as an archetype of a wicked wife. Her account is primarily found in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings, where she is depicted as the wife of King Ahab of Israel. Jezebel's influence over her husband and her actions have made her a symbol of idolatry, manipulation, and moral corruption.Background and Marriage to Ahab Jezebel was the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians, and her marriage to Ahab was likely a political alliance. This union, however, brought significant religious and moral challenges to the kingdom of Israel. Jezebel was a devoted worshiper of Baal, a Canaanite deity, and she actively promoted the worship of Baal and Asherah in Israel, leading the nation further away from the worship of Yahweh. Religious Corruption and Persecution Jezebel's influence over Ahab is evident in her efforts to establish Baal worship as the state religion. She supported hundreds of prophets of Baal and Asherah, while simultaneously seeking to eradicate the prophets of Yahweh. 1 Kings 18:4 notes, "While Jezebel was killing off the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them in two caves, fifty men in each, and had supplied them with food and water." Her actions culminated in a direct confrontation with the prophet Elijah on Mount Carmel, where the power of Yahweh was demonstrated in a dramatic contest against the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:16-40). Despite this, Jezebel remained unrepentant and continued her campaign against the followers of Yahweh. Manipulation and Injustice Jezebel's manipulation and disregard for justice are further illustrated in the account of Naboth's vineyard. When Naboth refused to sell his vineyard to Ahab, Jezebel orchestrated a scheme to have Naboth falsely accused and executed. 1 Kings 21:8-10 describes her actions: "So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name, sealed them with his seal, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city with him. In the letters she wrote: 'Proclaim a fast and give Naboth a seat of honor among the people. But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify, ‘You have cursed both God and the king!’ Then take him out and stone him to death.'" This act of treachery allowed Ahab to seize Naboth's vineyard, showcasing Jezebel's willingness to use deceit and murder to achieve her ends. Downfall and Legacy Jezebel's life ended violently, as prophesied by Elijah. In 2 Kings 9:30-37, she was thrown from a window by her own eunuchs at the command of Jehu, and her body was consumed by dogs, fulfilling Elijah's prophecy that "dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel" (1 Kings 21:23). Jezebel's legacy is one of infamy, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of idolatry, manipulation, and the rejection of God's commandments. Her name has become synonymous with immorality and wickedness, often used to describe women who lead others astray from righteousness. Her account is a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the destructive power of a corrupting influence within a marriage. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 21:25But there was none like to Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Bad Ecclesiastics and Base Plots Mutual Help. A Message from the Crowned Christ John Knox. Letter xxii. To Eustochium. Faith and Courage. The First Kings. Two Ancient Proverbs Touching the First Subject of all the Forementioned Power of the ... Epistle Lxiii. Limenius, Bishop of Vercell??, Having Died, the See ... Resources What does it mean that husbands are to love their wives? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God allow Solomon to have 1,000 wives and concubines? | GotQuestions.org If a man has multiple wives and becomes a Christian, what is he supposed to do? | GotQuestions.org Wives: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Wives of Ministers should be Exemplary Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To be Faithful to Them Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To be Subject to Them Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Love Them Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Obey Them Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Remain With Them for Life Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Reverence Them Wives: Good are a Blessing to Husbands Wives: Good are a Token of the Favour of God Wives: Good are Benevolent to the Poor Wives: Good are Diligent and Prudent Wives: Good are Praised by Husbands Wives: Good: Bring Honor on Husbands Wives: Good: Duty of, to Unbelieving Husbands Wives: Good: Secure Confidence of Husbands Wives: Good: should be Silent in the Churches Wives: Not to be Selected from Among the Ungodly Wives: should be Adorned with a Meek and Quiet Spirit Wives: should be Adorned with Good Works Wives: should be Adorned with Modesty and Sobriety Wives: should be Adorned: Not With Ornaments Wives: should Seek Religious Instruction from Their Husbands Related Terms |
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