Jezebel is a prominent figure in the Bible, known for her role as a wicked queen in the Old Testament. She is often cited as an example of rebellion against God and a symbol of destructive influence. The Bible portrays Jezebel as a manipulative and idolatrous queen who opposed the worship of the true God and promoted false gods. Her story serves as a warning against the dangers of idolatry, manipulation, and spiritual corruption.
The name “Jezebel” carries a weighty reputation in the Bible, and for good reason. Dive into the intriguing tale of this notorious queen, her tumultuous relationship with the prophet Elijah, and the lasting lessons her story imparts. Discover why Jezebel’s name is synonymous with rebellion and deception in the pages of Scripture.
What Does the Bible Say About Jezebel?
Jezebel is a name that echoes through the pages of the Old Testament, and not in a favorable light. She was a queen of Israel, but her legacy is one of rebellion against God and the promotion of idolatry.
The Bible portrays Jezebel as a strong-willed and manipulative woman who encouraged her husband, King Ahab, to forsake the worship of the God of Israel and embrace the worship of Baal, a false god. This led to widespread idolatry and moral decay in the kingdom of Israel.
One of the most well-known accounts involving Jezebel is her confrontation with the prophet Elijah. In 1 Kings 18, Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to a showdown to prove the true God’s power. Jezebel’s prophets fail, and Elijah’s faith in God is vindicated. However, Jezebel responds with a threat against Elijah’s life, leading him to flee into the wilderness.
Jezebel’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of turning away from God and embracing idolatry. Her influence was pervasive, and her actions led many astray. She is often used as a symbol of a manipulative and wicked woman who seeks to undermine God’s authority.
Jezebel’s ultimate fate is also a significant part of her story. In 2 Kings 9, she meets a gruesome end as she is thrown from a window and devoured by dogs, fulfilling a prophecy of judgment against her.
Bible Verses About Jezebel
- 1 Kings 16:30-31 – “And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the Lord, more than all who were before him. And as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, he took for his wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and went and served Baal and worshiped him.”
- 1 Kings 18:4 – “And when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the Lord, Obadiah took a hundred prophets and hid them by fifties in a cave and fed them with bread and water.”
- 1 Kings 21:25 – “There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the Lord like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited.”
- 2 Kings 9:30 – “When Jehu came to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it. And she painted her eyes and adorned her head and looked out of the window.”
- 2 Kings 9:33 – “He said, ‘Throw her down.’ So they threw her down. And some of her blood spattered on the wall and on the horses, and they trampled on her.”
- 1 Kings 19:1-2 – “Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, ‘So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.'”
- 1 Kings 21:7-15 – This passage narrates how Jezebel orchestrated the murder of Naboth to acquire his vineyard for King Ahab. She wrote letters in Ahab’s name, proclaiming a fast and setting Naboth up to be falsely accused and executed.
- Revelation 2:20 – In the New Testament, Jezebel is metaphorically referred to in a message to the church of Thyatira, representing false prophecy and seduction into sin: “But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.”
- 1 Kings 18:19 – “Now therefore send and gather all Israel to me at Mount Carmel, and the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.”
- 2 Kings 9:36-37 – This fulfills Elijah’s prophecy about Jezebel’s end: “In the territory of Jezreel dogs shall eat the flesh of Jezebel, and the corpse of Jezebel shall be as dung on the face of the field in the territory of Jezreel, so that no one can say, ‘This is Jezebel.’”
These verses collectively illustrate Jezebel’s notorious role in the Bible as a symbol of idolatry, manipulation, and defiance against God. Her actions and their dire consequences serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of faithfulness and integrity in the eyes of God. Jezebel’s story is a vivid example of the destructive power of sin and the eventual justice that prevails according to divine law.