What book is Jezebel in the Bible?
Jezebel, a significant figure in the Bible, is prominently featured in the Book of Kings. Specifically, she is mentioned in both the First and Second Books of Kings, which are part of the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament. The First Book of Kings, or 1 Kings, provides the initial account of Jezebel’s rise to power and her influence over the Israelite kingdom. The Second Book of Kings, or 2 Kings, continues her story and describes the consequences of her actions.
Jezebel’s story begins in 1 Kings 16:31, where she is introduced as the daughter of Ethbaal, the king of the Sidonians. She later becomes the wife of Ahab, the king of Israel. Jezebel’s influence in the kingdom is marked by her zealous promotion of the Canaanite religion, which included the worship of Baal and Asherah. Her reign is characterized by religious syncretism and the oppression of the Israelite people, particularly the prophets of God.
In 1 Kings 18, the prophet Elijah confronts Jezebel and her followers, leading to a dramatic showdown between the worship of Baal and the worship of the one true God. Jezebel’s response to Elijah’s challenge is one of defiance and violence, which ultimately leads to her downfall. Her reign of terror is further highlighted in 1 Kings 19, where Elijah prays for God to take Jezebel’s life, and God responds by allowing Elijah to see the vision of a chariot of fire and horses of fire, which signifies God’s judgment upon her.
The Second Book of Kings continues Jezebel’s story, detailing her ultimate demise. In 2 Kings 9, Jehu, the son of Jehoshaphat, becomes the new king of Israel. Jehu’s rise to power is a result of God’s judgment upon the house of Ahab, Jezebel’s husband. Jehu orders the execution of Jezebel, and her body is thrown out of the window of her palace, where it is eaten by dogs, fulfilling the prophecy Elijah had made against her.
Jezebel’s story serves as a cautionary tale in the Bible, highlighting the dangers of religious syncretism and the consequences of following false gods. Her character is often used to represent the corrupting influence of power and the destructive nature of idolatry. The Books of Kings provide a detailed account of Jezebel’s life and legacy, ensuring that her story remains a vivid reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God and the dangers of apostasy.
