Jezebel is a biblical figure from the Old and New Testaments. She appears in different historical times. It is worth paying attention to her because she was led by a strong spirit. She murdered people, acted against God, introduced false baal and asherah cults. Therefore, let’s check if the spirit of Jezebel is at work in our environment.

Who was Jezebel in the Old Testament?

Jezebel was the daughter of Ethbaal, king of Sidon. She was of pagan phoenician stock. She was raised in canaanite traditions, worshiping baal and asherah.
Jezebel married Ahab, king of Israel. Ahab was the eighth king of the northern kingdom of Israel and reigned for 22 years (c. 874–853 BCE).
Ahab is described in the Bible as a king who “did what was evil in the Lord’s sight more than all who were before him.” (1 Kings 16:30).

His relationship with Jezebel introduced the worship of baal and asherah to Israel. At her initiative, a temple and altar to baal were built in Samaria. Ahab’s marriage to Jezebel was not only a political act, but also a spiritual threat to the chosen nation, because it strengthened idolatry and distracted the Israelites from the worship of the one God YHWH.

Jezebel wants to kill the prophet Elijah

Jezebel was a key figure in the introduction of baal worship to Israel. Her influence over her husband, King Ahab, was significant – it was through her that the altar of baal was erected in Samaria and the Asherah poles were planted, which was against the Mosaic law. The prophets of YHWH were persecuted and killed at her command (1 Kings 18:4). The prophet Elijah opposed this idolatry. The conflict between them intensified during a drought, which Elijah declared to be a punishment from God for Israel’s apostasy (1 Kings 17:1). While the drought was continuing, Elijah summoned King Ahab, four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal, and four hundred prophets of Asherah to Mount Carmel to decide who was the true God (1 Kings 18:19-20).

On Mount Carmel there was a spectacular clash. Elijah challenged the prophets of baal and asherah to prepare a sacrifice and ask their god to send fire. When baal did not respond, Elijah prayed to YHWH, who sent fire, consuming the sacrifice. This miracle proved to the Israelites that YHWH was the true God, and the prophets of false gods were destroyed:

“So they took the bull that he gave them, prepared it, and called on the name of baal from morning until noon, saying, “baal, answer us!” But there was no sound; no one answered. Then they danced around the altar they had made. At noon Elijah mocked them. He said, “Shout loudly, for he’s a god! Maybe he’s thinking it over; maybe he has wandered away; or maybe he’s on the road. Perhaps he’s sleeping and will wake up!” They shouted loudly, and cut themselves with knives and spears, according to their custom, until blood gushed over them. All afternoon they kept on raving until the offering of the evening sacrifice, but there was no sound; no one answered, no one paid attention.” – 1 Kings 18:26-29.

“Then Elijah ordered them, “Seize the prophets of baal! Do not let even one of them escape.” So they seized them, and Elijah brought them down to the Wadi Kishon and slaughtered them there.” – 1 Kings 18:40.

When Jezebel learned of the death of the prophets of baal, she was blinded by rage. She swore to kill Elijah:

“So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “May the gods punish me and do so severely if I don’t make your life like the life of one of them by this time tomorrow!” Then Elijah became afraid and immediately ran for his life. When he came to Beer-sheba that belonged to Judah, he left his servant there, but he went on a day’s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. He said, “I have had enough! Lord, take my life, for I’m no better than my ancestors.” – 1 Kings 19:2-4.

Jezebel’s death

Jezebel’s death was the fulfillment of God’s prophecy through Elijah. After Ahab’s death, the sons continued the dynasty, but God decided to completely destroy Ahab’s family because of their idolatry and sins. At YHWH’s command, the prophet Elisha appointed Jehu as the new king of Israel. Jezebel was staying in the city of Jezreel. When Jehu arrived in the city, Jezebel, aware of her fate, tried to save herself. She beautified herself, put on makeup, put on royal robes, and looked out the window. (2 Kings 9:30-31)

Jehu ordered Jezebel’s servants to throw her out of the window. Jezebel fell to the ground, and her body was trampled by the horses. Jehu then ordered her to be buried, recognizing that she was a queen. When they went to retrieve her body, they found only the skull, feet, and hands, for the dogs had torn her remains apart, according to the prophecy of Elijah:

“The Lord also speaks of Jezebel: ‘The dogs will eat Jezebel in the plot of land at Jezreel” – 1 Kings 21:23.

“But when they went out to bury her, they did not find anything but the skull, the feet, and the hands. So they went back and told him, and he said, “This fulfills the Lord’s word that He spoke through His servant Elijah the Tishbite: ‘In the plot of land at Jezreel, the dogs will eat Jezebel’s flesh.” – 2 Kings 9:35-36.

Jezebel from John’s Revelation

In Revelation 2:20, Christ accuses the assembly in Thyatira of tolerating Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, but in reality deceives the faithful, encouraging immorality and idolatry – just like her Old Testament prototype:

“But I have this against you: You tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and teaches and deceives My servants to commit sexual immorality and to eat meat sacrificed to idols. I gave her time to repent, but she does not want to repent of her sexual immorality. Look, I will throw her into a sickbed and those who commit adultery with her into great affliction. Unless they repent of her works, I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am the One who examines minds and hearts, and I will give to each of you according to your works.” – Revelation 2:20-23.

Summary

The name Jezebel is a symbol of manipulation, deception, and the destruction of true faith. It is a warning against false teachers and those who try to compromise the faith. It is also a reminder to stick to what is in accordance with the teachings of Christ, and not to take the easy way out or give in to temptation. Just because something looks attractive, like a bejeweled Jezebel, does not mean it is good, true, or honest.

It is worth reading the Bible yourself, especially the New Testament, and examining the teachings of Christ. These teachings are binding on every Christ-bearer, or as it is commonly called: Christian. When we ourselves do not know these teachings, anyone who speaks about God can impress us.
When we know the teachings of Christ, we will notice the spirit of Jezebel. It is presented in women, but men can also be influenced by strong deceptive spirits. We will verify such people ourselves, provided that we start examining the teachings of Christ.
Why is Biblical truth so important?

Let us note the punishments that idolaters received:

1 – a bed for Jezebel – this can be a bed of pain, illness, and many sufferings.
2 – people who agree with such teachers also receive punishment: suffering, or great physical and mental hardships.
3 – people who become teachers of Jezebel’s teachings, face… death.
The punishments are unpleasant, to put it mildly. That is why I recommend, Reader, to read the New Testament and relearn the teachings of Christ. After some time, you will know who is telling the truth and who is lying.