For example, some of them even practiced child sacrifice in honor of the god Molech! And if that wasn’t bad enough, there were also beliefs around temple and shrine prostitution – which makes those passages talking about reformers driving out male prostitutes make so much more sense. It’s fascinating to discover how much archeological studies have revealed about these cultures, but they weren’t exactly known for their kindness. Jezebel in the Bible was a princess from an ancient Canaanite nation. However, digging deeper into what we do know suggests that certain motivations may have been behind her controversial actions. Jezebel’s story is shrouded in mystery, with the Bible providing few clues about her life before she became Queen of Israel. We need to consider, however, why Jezebel was so broken. Ahab did more to provoke the Lord, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him. 1 Kings 21:25 reads, “(There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the Lord like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited.”Īnd Ahab made an Asherah. Despite this, he still had to face up to the consequences of his actions. He didn’t shy away from blaming those around him for his own misfortunes, but it was often Jezebel who pulled the strings behind the scenes. Ahab’s story is one of dejected sulking and scapegoating. However, his behavior stands out most because of his passive nature. The Bible says that Ahab “did more to provoke the Lord, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him.”. “Now therefore send and gather all Israel to me at Mount Carmel, and the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.” 1 Kings 18:19 (ESV) Why Was Jezebel in the Bible so Evil? She had an army of 850 prophets, 450 who ministered under her care to Baal, and another 400 “prophets of the groves” – her rule encouraged a whole new level of debauchery. Queen Jezebel was the kind of ruler that any true believer in God would dread. Her devotion to idolatry was unyielding as she went to great lengths to ensure it endured throughout her reign. Jezebel’s notorious name still resonates today her story is one of Machiavellian scheming, vengefulness, and heartless cruelty.ĭriven by her heathen faith, she led the charge against God’s believers with little restraint or regard for consequences. Israel had never seen a foreign princess wed to its king before – this particular union was particularly ill-fated. She has gone on throughout history as an example for others not to follow, embodying cruelty, greediness & vanity like none before or since. it was discovered dogs had eaten most of her body, according to Elijah’s fatal prophecy about poor wicked old Jezebel. With just a command, he had her eunuchs toss her right out of that same window! When they went to bury what remained of her body, Jehu commanded that she be buried as a king’s daughter. Decked out in her finest, she mockingly looked down from the window – but it would be her last look at this world. She was waiting with eager anticipation when Jehu came calling. Jehu then killed Jehoram and sought to overthrow Jezebel and take his place as ruler of Israel. He appointed militant leader Jehu as king of Israel – effectively setting off a civil war since it was contrary to Jezebel’s son, who reigned at that time. Years later, after Ahab’s death in battle against the Syrians and Jezebel still ruling for nearly a decade onward, Elijah’s successor Elisha sought to bring an end to Baal worship. When he refused to sell it due to being inherited from his ancestors, Queen Jezebel falsely accused him of cursing God and king resulting in death via stoning! Ultimately Elijah faced King Ahab at the same spot, declaring that all his line would be slain and none other than dogs would consume this wicked queen. Her husband, King Ahab, coveted a nearby vineyard owned by Naboth of Jezreel. Queen Jezebel quickly became known for her notoriously cruel acts -and one of the most famous was in I Kings 21. Furious and vengeful, Queen Jezebel vowed his death, leading him to flee for his life. Though it didn’t bring back those falsely accused, it undoubtedly left its mark on history!Īfter a daring challenge to prove the power of Yahweh over Baal, Elijah emerged victorious – though at a significant cost. Elijah rightfully foresaw God’s justice in this situation his word sent chills down their spines as he predicted an unforgettable drought that would befall them all at once. When Jezebel married Ahab, her thirst for power had a chilling effect – she led him to worship Baal and ordered the execution of Yahweh’s prophets.
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