In brief
Jezebel is the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians, who marries Ahab, king of Israel. She introduces the worship of Baal and persecutes the prophets of Yahweh. She has Naboth executed so that her husband can take his vineyard, and she threatens Elijah after Carmel. Elijah announces her judgment, which is fulfilled when Jehu has the queen thrown from a window. Her story is a warning about the influence of idolatry and pride, and about God's patience but also his justice.
What does the name Jezebel mean?
The name Jezebel is of foreign origin and its meaning is debated; it is sometimes linked to an expression evoking Baal, which would fit her Sidonian family. The Bible gives no explanation of the name and only states that she is the daughter of Ethbaal (1 Kings 16:31).
The story of Jezebel
The marriage to Ahab
1 Kings 16:29-33Ahab, son of Omri, reigns over Israel in Samaria and does evil in the eyes of Yahweh, more than all his predecessors. He marries Jezebel, daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians, serves Baal and bows down to him. He even builds a temple to Baal in Samaria.
She persecutes the prophets
1 Kings 18:1-19During the drought, Jezebel kills prophets of Yahweh, and Obadiah hides a hundred of them in caves. She also feeds four hundred prophets of Asherah at her table. At Elijah's command, Ahab summons all Israel to Mount Carmel with the prophets of Baal.
Naboth's vineyard
1 Kings 21:1-16Ahab wants Naboth's vineyard, but Naboth refuses to sell it because it is the inheritance of his fathers. Ahab sulks, and Jezebel writes letters in the king's name to have Naboth accused by false witnesses. Naboth is stoned, and Jezebel tells Ahab that he can take the vineyard.
Elijah announces her judgment
1 Kings 21:17-26Yahweh sends Elijah to meet Ahab in the vineyard. The prophet announces that disaster will strike the house of Ahab, and that dogs will eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel. The text stresses that no one sold himself to evil like Ahab, stirred up by his wife Jezebel.
The end of Jezebel
2 Kings 9:30-37Jehu arrives at Jezreel. Jezebel paints her eyes and stands at the window. Jehu calls to the eunuchs, who throw her down. Later, only a few remains of her are found, and Jehu recalls that the word Yahweh spoke through Elijah has been fulfilled.
What Jezebel teaches us
- Influence matters: Ahab let himself be led by Jezebel, and a whole people was affected by their choice.
- Power without the fear of God quickly becomes oppressive; God's justice always ends up showing itself.
- The enemy's threats can wear down even a great servant like Elijah: we must seek God and not merely resist.
- God leaves time for repentance, but he does not leave injustice unanswered.
- We must discern the spirit of idolatry and domination in our own relationships, and refuse it.
Key verses
Ahab takes as wife Jezebel, daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians, then serves Baal and bows down to him. This marriage opens the way to a foreign worship that deeply divides Israel.
The text judges that there was no one like Ahab for selling himself to do evil in the eyes of Yahweh, stirred up by his wife Jezebel. It shows the weight of influences in a life.
Jehu recalls that the dogs will eat Jezebel's flesh, according to the word of Yahweh spoken by Elijah. The queen's end confirms that what God announces through his prophets comes to pass.
Sermons about Jezebel
- Elijah's Burning Prayer: Three Keys to Praying Without CovetousnessA sermon on Elijah's prayer, in the context of the reign of Ahab and Jezebel.
- Rebuilding the Broken Altar: Three Decisions of FaithA sermon drawn from Carmel, where Elijah rebuilds the altar of Yahweh facing the prophets of Baal backed by Jezebel.
- Take Off the Disguise: Five Lessons From Ahab on Being RealFive lessons drawn from Ahab, Jezebel's husband, on authenticity before God.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Jezebel in the Bible?
Jezebel is the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians, and the wife of Ahab, king of Israel. She promotes the worship of Baal, persecutes the prophets of Yahweh and arranges the death of Naboth. She dies under the judgment announced by Elijah, when Jehu has the queen thrown from a window.
What does the name Jezebel mean?
The meaning of the name Jezebel is debated; it is sometimes linked to an expression evoking Baal, which would fit her Sidonian origin. The Bible gives no explanation of it: it only states that she is the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians.
Where can I find Jezebel's story in the Bible?
Jezebel's story is in the books of Kings: her marriage in 1 Kings 16, the persecution of the prophets in 1 Kings 18, the affair of Naboth's vineyard in 1 Kings 21, and her death in 2 Kings 9.