Jezebel is considered one of the most evil characters in the Bible. She certainly did wicked deeds to earn that label: plotted murder, threatened prophets, influenced her husband to do the wrong thing, and brandished power to her own benefit regardless of its cost to others.
How did she become so hated? What propelled her to do these evil things which resulted in her death and the death of her family?
What can today’s Christian woman learn from Jezebel?
Jezebel was born into luxury. As the daughter of Ethbaal, King of the Sidonians, she probably never knew the anxiety of wondering where her next meal would come from. She would have retainers, servants, and others constantly waiting on her every whim. Jezebel may even had some teaching in how to read or write or figure, as her future dealings indicate. These skills were not available for the average 9th century BC person, as a female, it was even more rare.
The Sidonians resided in Phoenicia. Likely living in Tyre, Jezebel’s family worshiped Baal, and it is possible that her name praises the chief storm god of Phoenicia. However, in Hebrew, her name means ”not exalted.”
Jezebel married Ahab, the King of Israel. This meant Ahab was the ruler of the 10 tribes of Israel that did not stay with the House of David. Whether Jezebel actually loved Ahab is a question that we may never answer. Jezebel probably did not have a say in whom she was married to as royal daughters, since the beginning of time were viewed as a way to solidify national ties.
We do know that her husband was greatly influenced by her. Whether that means she was attractive, persuasive, intelligent or some combination, we do not know. But it appears that if Jezebel wanted something, she got it.
Up next: Jezebel’s Religious Beliefs & Tolerance Policy
