Jezebel
Gentile Sidonian (Zidonian) · Divided Kingdom · Old Testament
- Role
- Queen of Israel who promoted Baal worship
- When
- c. 874-841 BC (traditional)
What they did
Daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, she married Ahab, killed the prophets of the LORD and threatened Elijah. She arranged Naboth's murder and died as Elijah foretold.
Why it matters: the purpose of their role
Her life warns against idolatry and the abuse of power; her name became a byword in Revelation 2:20 for those who lead God's people astray.
But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up. 1 Kings 21:25 (KJV)
Bible references
And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him. 1 Kings 16:31 (KJV)
For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.) 1 Kings 18:4 (KJV)
Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. 1 Kings 19:2 (KJV)
But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up. 1 Kings 21:25 (KJV)
Wherefore they came again, and told him. And he said, This is the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, In the portion of Jezreel shall dogs eat the flesh of Jezebel: 2 Kings 9:36 (KJV)
Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. Revelation 2:20 (KJV)
Family
- Father
- Ethbaal
- Spouse(s)
- Ahab