The story of Jezebel
Where do I even begin?
For so it was, while Jezebel massacred the prophets of the LORD…1 Kings 18.4a
Jezebel was the daughter of the king of Sidon, which was a pagan country committed to the worship of Baal, including the sacrificing of young children by their parents to the god. Jezebel was a devout follower of Baal.
She married Ahab and converted him to Baal’ism, and, Ahab was an active participant with his wife in her efforts to make Baal the god of Israel.
Jezebel, an opponent of God
She had one goal in mind – to eradicate all of God’s prophets in Israel. Not only the prophets but, also all who worshiped Jehovah God. Her main campaign? Total extermination of God’s men and the prophet Elijah.
Jezebel’s marriage
She exercised dominance over her husband, Ahab, king of Israel who reigned over Israel in Samaria for twenty-two years.
Now, Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD, more than all kings who were before him. 1 Kings 16.30
Once they were married Ahab became a Baal’ist and went so far as setting up an altar for Baal in a temple in Samaria.
The God of Israel was greatly provoked to anger.
Jezebel and Elijah
She loathed Elijah, the prophet of God and, was determined to see him killed. Elijah ran for his life (1 Kings 19.3).
God restored Elijah and spoke a word of prophecy to him concerning Jezebel…
The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel. (1 Kings 21.23)
Jezebel stirred the pot
Ladies, within the sight of these words, oh be careful how we treat our husbands! We can wield our power toward good or evil – I know because I’m guilty of both.
But there was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do wickedness in the sight of the LORD, because Jezebel his wife stirred him up. 1 Kings 21.25
Once God says it – count it as done
The Biblical account of evil king Ahab and his wicked wife Jezebel is written up between 1 Kings 16.29 through 2 Kings 10.17, and the story is not pretty. Everything that God said would happen to them? Happened.
Ahab died in battle. (1 Kings 22.29-40)
The dogs licked his blood. (1 Kings 22.38)
Jezebel died a violent death and the dogs ate every part of her except her skull, feet, and the palms of her hands. (2 Kings 9.30-37)
Ahab’s entire family was killed. (2 Kings 10)
What can we learn from Jezebel?
All the things not to do! There is no doubt Jezebel was a strong woman but she used her strength in the most wicked of ways. From that we can learn that our strengths and gifts are from the Lord therefore, are to be used to glorify Him only. We want to build up, NOT tear down.
Jezebel’s very name is synonymous with a woman of very low morals and character. For instance, have you ever heard the term, the spirit of Jezebel? I have and it is NOT a good thing. Jezebel left a legacy of evil. What legacy am I, are you, leaving for those who come after us?
There was no good thing said of Jezebel.
I love the way you explain it. Have a lovely weekend.
Ali, the weekend was hot and long!
I recently heard of the Jezebel spirit, it is around like the Spirit of Antichrist, but is not all women who teach or preach, there is still much debate about women in ministry. If there was anything to like about Jezebel she put on her make up and remained a queen to the bitter end,what a different story had she served the living God.
Yes, she did. And, all for naught. Man looks at the outward appearance BUT….
This is such a great reminder, Susan, to use our strengths to stir the pot for good, not for evil. Not only with our family, but with everyone around us. Thank you. Love and blessings of hope to you!
Trudy, we are called to build, aren’t we?
Thanks, Susan for this post on Jezebel. It’s such a sad thing that just a simple first name can be so synonymous with a woman of bad character. You are certainly right in that we can learn from her life is what not to do. Thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements!
Reminds me of Old Testament names always fit the character…
So very sad, she had strength and influence but used it for evil, such a waste. We don’t realize how much influence we have on our husbands and family. May they see us as strong praying women of God. To lift up, not tear down to watch what we say. To encourage and to stand on the word of God. I’m sharing honey
You hit the nail on the head HM. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, now that you mention it, I’ve never met anyone named Jezebel, so I guess her reputation does precede her. And her story is a caution to all of us.
Your post makes me wonder what ever got the woman started on her anti-God crusade. I wonder if she felt threatened by the power and reputation of the God of her husband’s heritage.
Well, she was raised in a Pagan family and yet she married Ahab who WAS God-fearing. Her hatred for Jehovah was pronounced in her marriage and the headiness of Queen-dom.
Jezebel is an excellent reminder of what I do not want to be! Great play by play. I just read the actual event of her death yesterday.
XO
It was ugly!!!
No wonder you never hear people naming their daughter’s Jezebel!!! Ha! laurensparks.net
I mean, right?
Such a sad story, but the truth and reminders in it are like gold nuggets. I always love your writing Sus, consistently down to earth, honest, and insightful, without a trace of legalism. : )
Jan, what an encouraging thing to say – thank you!
Love your telling of the story of Jezebel and Ahab! Good question: what legacy are we leaving? Our actions speak for us.
Yes, they do. I just said to my granddaughter today, “Our choices determine our lives.”
This cautionary tale is important for us to understand, especially in an era that is recognizing the strength women have. I need to remember my strength doesn’t come from my womanhood or the things I do. My strength comes from God. And all I do should come from that.
Amen, Rebecca.