Who Was Jezebel?

1. Jezebel’s Background

Jezebel was the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians (1 Kings 16:31, NIV). The Sidonians, located in what is now modern-day Lebanon, were known for their idolatry and devotion to Baal, a Canaanite storm and fertility god. Ethbaal himself was not only a king but also a priest of Baal, which explains Jezebel’s strong religious convictions and her later influence over Israel’s spiritual decline.

“He not only considered it trivial to commit the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, but he also married Jezebel daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and began to serve Baal and worship him.” – 1 Kings 16:31 (NIV)

2. Jezebel’s Marriage to Ahab

When she married King Ahab of Israel, Jezebel brought her pagan religious practices with her, leading Ahab into Baal worship. Under her influence, temples and altars for Baal were built in Israel (1 Kings 16:32-33). This was a direct violation of the First Commandment, which forbids the worship of other gods (Exodus 20:3-5).

3. Persecution of God’s Prophets

Jezebel wasn’t content with simply introducing Baal worship—she sought to eliminate the worship of Yahweh altogether. She ordered the execution of many of the Lord’s prophets (1 Kings 18:4), while promoting hundreds of prophets of Baal and Asherah (1 Kings 18:19). This led to a spiritual crisis in Israel, culminating in the dramatic confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:20-40).

“While Jezebel was killing off the Lord’s prophets, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them in two caves, fifty in each, and had supplied them with food and water.” – 1 Kings 18:4 (NIV)

4. Jezebel’s Character and Sorcery

Jezebel is also associated with witchcraft and immorality. Her influence extended beyond politics into the realm of spiritual corruption. In 2 Kings 9:22, Jehu confronts King Joram and accuses Jezebel of idolatry and witchcraft:

“When Joram saw Jehu he asked, ‘Have you come in peace, Jehu?’ ‘How can there be peace,’ Jehu replied, ‘as long as all the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abound?’” – 2 Kings 9:22 (NIV)

She even manipulated legal systems to have Naboth unjustly executed so Ahab could seize his vineyard (1 Kings 21), showing a ruthless and manipulative character.

5. Jezebel in the New Testament

In the Book of Revelation, Jezebel is used as a symbol of a corrupting influence within the church. Jesus, speaking to the church in Thyatira, rebukes them for tolerating a false prophetess likened to Jezebel:

“Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.” – Revelation 2:20 (NIV)

This shows that Jezebel became an archetype of spiritual adultery, manipulation, and false teaching.

6. Jezebel’s Death and Divine Judgment

Jezebel’s death came as prophesied by the prophet Elijah. She was thrown from a window by her own servants at the command of Jehu, trampled by horses, and eaten by dogs—fulfilling Elijah’s prophecy (1 Kings 21:23-24; 2 Kings 9:30-37).

“They went out to bury her, but they found nothing except her skull, her feet and her hands. They went back and told Jehu, who said, ‘This is the word of the Lord that he spoke through his servant Elijah the Tishbite: On the plot of ground at Jezreel dogs will devour Jezebel’s flesh.’” – 2 Kings 9:35-36 (NIV)

7. Jezebel’s Legacy

Jezebel’s daughter, Athaliah, followed her mother’s footsteps in wickedness. She usurped the throne of Judah, murdered members of the royal family, and promoted Baal worship (2 Kings 11:1-3). Jezebel’s legacy was one of spiritual corruption, violence, and rebellion against God, making her one of the most infamous women in biblical history.

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