The Tragic Tale of Jezebel: Queen of Idolatry and Destruction
Jezebel, the infamous queen from the Bible, led her husband and the nation of Israel astray with her worship of false gods like Baal and Ashtoreth. Her corrupt practices and influence ultimately led to wickedness, the persecution of God's followers, and a legacy of destruction. Despite her power, Jezebel's actions brought about her own downfall and the demise of her family. The story serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of idolatry and the consequences of turning away from God's laws.
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Bad Girls of the Bible Jezebel: the Heathen Queen 1 Kings16:29-31
Jezebel -- The Pagan Princess Daughter of the King of Sidon (1 Kings 16:31) Long history of idol worship (Jdg 10:6, 1 Ki 11:5) Future history of wickedness (Matt 11:22) Fierce in her worship of false gods Baal - nature-god, believed to control fertility in agriculture, animals & humans; son of Dagon, grain god of the Amorites (1 Kings 17:1-7, 1 Sam 5:2-7) Ashtoreth - mother & companion to Baal, cultic worship encouraged sexual abandon (Judges 2:13) Ahab took her as his queen in direct opposition to the will of God (Deut 7:3-4) This intensified an ongoing problem that began with Solomon (1 Kings 11:1-5)
Jezebel Led Her Husband Astray Encouraged a corrupt worship to false gods Served & worshiped Baal (1 Kings 16:31) Built a temple for Baal in Samaria (1 Kings 16:32) Maintained 450 false prophets in palace (1 Kings 18:19) Persecuted God s followers (1 Kings 18:4, 13; 19:1-3) Incited ungodly behavior unbecoming of a king Urged change in Jewish land ownership laws (1 Kings 21:1-3, Lev. 25:23) Practiced deceit, treachery, superiority in order to fulfill a covetous, controlling nature (1 Kings 21:4-16)
Jezebel Led the Nation of Israel Away Ahab (with his wife) did more to anger the Lord than all who reigned before Him (1 Kings 21:25) He led the people to worship idols He turned his back on the laws of God concerning ownership He allowed deceit and murder to fulfill his own selfish desires They left a legacy of wickedness in their children Athaliah, queen of Judah, who murdered all her grandchildren except Joash so she could rule (2 Kings 11:1-16) Ahaziah, made Israel sin like Jeroboam (1 Kings 22:52-53) Jehoram, ruled after Ahaziah s death, and followed the sins of Jeroboam (2 Kings 3:1-3) The fickle hearts of the people frustrated the servants of God (1 Kings 18:21, 19:10)
Jezebel Assured Her Own Destruction God s response to this wicked king and queen a three- fold commission (1 Kings 19:15-17): Hazael of Aram to wage war against Ahab Jehu, son of Nimshi, to become the next king of Israel Elisha, to succeed as prophet of the Lord Fulfillment of this commission: Ahab is killed (1 Kings 22:29-37) Family of Ahab is killed (2 Kings 1:16-17, 9:24, 10:6-11, 10:17) Prophets of Baal were killed (2 Kings 10:17-28) Jezebel s own dramatic death (1 Kings 21:23, 2 Kings 9:30-37)
Lessons for us from the life of Jezebel Our influence over our husbands and families is a powerful thing, indeed: 1 Peter 3:1-2 Ephesians 6:4 1 Samuel 1:27-28 Our choice of spouse has far-reaching significance: 2 Corinthians 6:14 1 Corinthians 15:33 Our decisions can and should have national significance: Proverbs 14:34 Luke 20:25 Romans 13:1
