Introduction to Jezebel
Jezebel is a widely known biblical character, though often misunderstood or misinterpreted. Her story is mainly found in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings in the Old Testament. Married to King Ahab of Israel, Jezebel is often remembered for being a fervent worshiper of the Phoenician deity Baal and for influencing the kingdom of Israel toward the worship of pagan gods.
Origins and Marriage
Jezebel was the daughter of King Ethbaal of Tyre, a Phoenician city-state. She was given in marriage to Ahab, king of Israel, in a political alliance designed to strengthen ties between Tyre and Israel. This marriage brought the introduction of Baal and Ashtoreth worship to Israel, a cult that Jezebel actively supported and promoted among the court and the Israelite people.
Jezebel’s Religious Influence
Jezebel not only introduced the worship of Baal in Israel but also used her power to establish it as the official religion, challenging the worship of Yahweh, the God traditionally venerated by the Israelites. Her influence over Ahab and her passionate promotion of Canaanite deities led to a period of significant religious conflict within the kingdom.
Persecution of Yahweh’s Prophets
One of the most notorious aspects of Jezebel’s reign was her persecution of Yahweh’s prophets. According to the Bible, she ordered many of them to be killed, earning her a notorious reputation both in her time and throughout history. The prophet Elijah became one of her strongest adversaries, confronting her and the prophets of Baal in several dramatic episodes described in the books of Kings.
The Conflict with Elijah
The most famous confrontation between Jezebel and Elijah took place on Mount Carmel, where Elijah challenged Baal’s prophets to a contest to call down fire from heaven to consume a sacrifice. Elijah’s success in this challenge was not only a demonstration of Yahweh’s power but also a significant blow to the Baal worship that Jezebel had promoted. Despite the defeat of Baal’s prophets, Jezebel continued her persecution of Elijah and other Yahweh prophets.
Downfall and Death
The end of Jezebel’s life is marked by violence and tragedy. After Ahab’s death, her son Joram ascended to the throne of Israel. During his reign, Jehu, a general who rebelled against Ahab’s house, was anointed by one of Yahweh’s prophets to be the new king of Israel. Jehu killed Joram and then headed to Jezreel, where Jezebel resided.
Jezebel’s Tragic End
When Jehu arrived in Jezreel, Jezebel painted her eyes and adorned herself, facing her fate with dignity. From the window, she challenged Jehu, who in turn instructed Jezebel’s eunuchs to throw her out of the window. She died from the fall, and her body was devoured by dogs, fulfilling Elijah’s prophecy that Jezebel would meet an ignoble end.
Jezebel’s Legacy
Despite the criticisms and predominantly negative view of Jezebel in the Bible, some modern scholars and theologians argue that her portrayal should be understood in the context of her time and culture. Jezebel can be seen as a powerful woman who fought for her beliefs in a male-dominated society. However, her legacy in biblical tradition is primarily that of a formidable and decisive adversary of Yahweh’s prophets.