Jezebel

Jezebel 

Robert Wurtz II

 

“But there was none like unto Ahab, who did give himself over to do that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.” (1 Kings 21:25)

 

And you shall strike down the house of Ahab your master, so that I may avenge on Jezebel the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD. (2 Kings 9:7 ESV)

 

Jezebel’s sin stands out in our text. Ahab’s notorious evil stemmed mainly from the influence of his pagan wife. He either failed to recognize the control she exerted over him, or he permitted it. Regardless of why it happened, we must never allow that kind of influence in our lives, no matter who they are. We need genuine discernment to identify manipulators and their manipulative tactics. Without it, we become vulnerable to the enemy and the destruction he brings. 

Jezebel is infamous as one of history’s most wicked women. She thrived on manipulating her husband and sons, inciting them to commit unspeakable acts against God and His people. Despite her wickedness, she always seemed to evade judgment, which presumably deeply discouraged Elijah. We will discover in this article that her deeds did not go unpunished. In a grotesque example of divine retribution, she met a bone-chilling demise expressed in mangled flesh, toppled pride, and shattered ambition.

Shut Them Up

Centuries before John the Baptist (a type of Elijah) was shut up in prison by Herod and murdered by the counsel of Herodias, Elijah witnessed Jezebel’s attempt to exterminate the prophets of Jehovah. She tried to destroy God’s voice and replace it with Baal and other false gods. 

Demons are not limited to our labels, and any of them can influence a person to behave like Jezebel. They can manifest as a lying spirit or an angel of light. Jezebel practiced sorcery and operated in demonic powers (2 Kings 9:22), which amplified her influence and intensified her oppressive reign of terror. Only God could deal with this woman, and He seemed to be letting her get away with it. The net impact of this behavior was extreme depression and demonic discouragement (1 Kings 19:9).

An Opportunity to Repent

God, however, ordained a violent death for Jezebel to demonstrate His judgment (2 Kings 9:35). At the time when she was acting out, it was hard to remember this. She was wearing out the saints, which is a sign of satanic influence (Daniel 7:25). Keep in mind that scholars describe Jezebel as “incapable of remorse,” showing no sign of repentance even as her demise approached. She defiantly adorned herself one last time, fulfilling the prophecy of her destruction (Lockyer, P. 76). She faced death with a demon-inspired confidence, but this time she faced someone who was not intimidated by her wicked ways. 

When a person causes destruction and shows no signs of remorse, it’s because they are either reprobate or completely deceived. Jezebel performed her dark deeds with confidence, as if she were right and everyone else was wrong, thereby amplifying their effect. People begin to question their own reasoning faculties. In modern times, we would say she was a classic gaslighter. The term “gaslighting” originates from the 1938 play “Gas Light,” written by Patrick Hamilton. In the story, a husband manipulates his wife into thinking she is losing her mind by dimming the gas lights and denying that the light has changed. 

Jezebel’s Diabolical Influence

The demonic spirits that empowered Jezebel allowed her to vex and manipulate everyone around her. She entertained hundreds of false prophets, creating a toxic environment steeped in darkness. You could cut the oppression with a knife. Elijah, the great prophet, was greatly discouraged and frightened by this woman. Jezebel’s unchallenged ability to butcher the prophets must have left him feeling vulnerable and helpless. 

It is reasonable to believe that God granted Jezebel time to repent, long before the “Jezebel” figure mentioned in Revelation 2:21. While God showed her mercy, she exploited His patience, much like Pharaoh did. Watching this play out can shake people’s faith because it seems like evil prevails. Both Jezebel and Pharaoh used their demonic powers (2 Timothy 3:8-9) to oppress God’s people, but ultimately, God destroyed them in legendary fashion. 

The Power of Persuasion

The Hebrew word for “stirred up” in 1 Kings 21:25 is cuwth (הֵסַתָּה), meaning to persuade or provoke someone to some action. It’s the picture of something sharp gouging a person to make them move in the direction you want them to go. Jezebel prodded Ahab to exercise his authority to fulfill her wicked desires, earning her the title of usurper. This manipulation mirrors the deceptive tactics often seen today, where individuals attempt to influence others.

Jesus warned Paul about resisting the truth, saying it was hard for him to kick against the pricks (goads). In ancient times, these sharp instruments were used to control farm animals. Jezebel used similar methods to control her husband and others, wielding her influence like a goad.

Goading and Stirring Up 

Deceptive words, volatile information, subtle hints, doubtful statements, and appeals to pride can all serve as goads. Jezebel acted like the thorns and briars mentioned in Hebrews 6:7-8, leading others to reject God and urging them toward evil. What’s worse is that she wore down Elijah until he temporarily abandoned his ministry. 

My grandmother once cautioned women against “getting their husbands all stirred up.” It almost always caused conflict and suffering. Grandma recognized that inflammatory words provoke conflict. We need more wisdom like hers today.

Ahab’s Downfall

“And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, Give me thy vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs… And Naboth said to Ahab, The LORD forbid it me…” (1 Kings 21:2, 3).

Naboth held firm to his principles. His land, a family heirloom, represented a vital connection to his heritage. Ahab, on the other hand, was determined to possess it, believing he could buy Naboth’s heritage. When Naboth refused, Ahab pouted to elicit a reaction from Jezebel. 

“Are you not the king of Israel?” This provocative question reflected Jezebel’s pagan mindset, which arrogated to yourself what you want due to your position. She assured him, “Arise, eat food, and let your heart be cheerful; I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.” She then orchestrated Naboth’s execution (2 Kings 9:26).

Destroying a Person 

Jezebel didn’t hesitate to literally destroy a person to achieve her goals. In modern times, it’s far more subtle. There is even a term for it, malignant narcissism. Sun Tzu famously stated, “The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.” Modern methods destroy a person and never leave a bruise. What’s worse is destroying them and making yourself look good in the process! 

 

Jezebel had no sense of shame or desire for a good reputation. Upon hearing of Naboth’s death, Jezebel brazenly told Ahab to take possession of the vineyard. She murdered a good man to fulfill her ambition. Let that sink in. Selfish ambition is rooted in selfish pride. It destroyed Naboth, and it continues to destroy many even today.

Judgment Unfolds

“And the word of the LORD came to Elijah… Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel…” (1 Kings 21:17, 18). While Ahab sought to claim his ill-gotten gains, God was watching. Ahab recognized Elijah as his enemy, revealing his alignment against God. 

God allowed a lying spirit to mislead Ahab’s prophets, leading him into a false sense of security. When the prophet Micaiah warned him of danger, Ahab imprisoned him, choosing to believe the lies rather than heed the warning. Understand that Jezebel and the spirits empowering her don’t like to be challenged. Disguised, Ahab entered battle, only to be mortally wounded by an arrow, fulfilling God’s judgment.

Provoke… but to Love

Hebrews 10:24 encourages us to provoke one another to love and good works. Jezebel had the potential to do that with Ahab, but she chose to goad him into darkness instead. Her manipulative and murderous way resulted in violence and despair, ultimately culminating in the murder of innocent lives, including Naboth and the prophets.

 

Provoking to love means we encourage people to love, rather than wrath or anger. We must always be mindful of what we are provoking in a person. More importantly, we need to consider how our actions affect others. Do people come away discouraged and ready to quit because of our actions? Do we “add” courage (encourage) or “subtract” courage (discourage)? This is a great question.  

Judgment Finally Arrives  

When Jehu arrived in Jezreel, Jezebel heard about it. And she painted her eyes and looked out the window. She seemed to believe her tactics would work like always. Not this time. Jehu commanded the Eunuchs near her, “Throw her down.” So they threw her down. And some of her blood spattered on the wall and on the horses, and they trampled on her. But when they went to bury her, they found no more of her than the skull and the feet and the palms of her hands. (See 2 Kings 9:30-37)

Jezebel’s ambition to wield power and lead Israel away from God came at a terrible price. Her rebellion led her to usurp the king’s authority — refusing to bow her knee to God, to her horrific end. While Ahab occasionally demonstrated fear and remorse, Jezebel remained unyielding. Her relentless pursuit of evil and murder ultimately brought divine judgment, serving as a stark reminder that though it may seem for now that the Jezebels of the world are immune to judgment, their day will eventually come. 

 

 

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The Stronghold of Theft

The Tragedy of Naboth: Lessons in Pride and Power