Introduction: Jezebel – Women of the Bible
In today’s installment in the series, Women of the Bible, we focus on Jezebel. Once again, the focus isn’t about religion, and not on the Bible, but on bad leadership – the actions that despots take. Jezebel oppresses and persecutes others and destroys them when they have beliefs, unlike her own – she is the school yard bully. Do you know any leaders like that?
King Ethbaal, Jezebel’s father, the King of the Sidonians, sends her to marry Ahab. Both Ahab and Jezebel serve and worship, Baal, an idol. Jezebel kills off the prophets, only Elijah is left. Elijah tells Obadiah that he wishes to speak to his master, Ahab. At the meeting, Elijah tells Ahab to summon the Israelites to meet him on Mount Carmel, and to bring the 450 prophets of Baal, and 400 prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.
When everyone is present on Mount Carmel, Elijah reprimands them for worshipping idols. Elijah wants to have a showdown to demonstrate, who the real God is. The prophet recommends that they get two bulls, one for each side. He will call on his God, and the rest can call on Baal. The prophets of Baal prepare the bull for sacrifice, and they call on him, but there isn’t a response. They dance, and nothing happen, while Elijah taunts them, mocking them, and telling them to shout louder.
It’s now Elijah’s turn, and he prepares his bull for sacrifice and for good measure, he pours four jars of water over the altar. He prays to God and a fire consumes the sacrifice, the altar, and scorches the earth. The people are amazed at what Elijah had done. He commands them to kill the prophets of Baal. He flees the scene and heads to Jezreel.
When Ahab returns home, he tells Jezebel about what happened, and she curses Elijah. She sends a messenger to the prophet, telling him that she wishes the gods deal with him severely. Elijah is fearful for his life and goes into hiding. Sometime later, Ahab asks Naboth, the Jezreelite for his vineyard to use as a vegetable garden. Naboth tells him, ‘no.’ Ahab is furious, and complains to Jezebel. Jezebel plots, falsely accusing Naboth, who is charged with cursing God, and is subsequently stoned to death. Neither Jezebel nor Ahab are great leaders – Ahab is passive, allowing his wife to take action on his behalf.
More time passes, Ahab is enticed into battle, where he is killed. Jezebel also dies – she is thrown from her bedroom window, then wild dogs devour her body. I have left out a lot of information, which is not germane to the story of Jezebel. The story of Jezebel and Ahab takes place over several chapters in the first book of Kings, and over several years. That’s a horrible death, even for someone who committed so many atrocities. When you oppress people, treating them unfairly, at some point, they are going to resist, and push back. You will not be able to rule with an iron fist forever.
Final Thoughts: Jezebel – Women of the Bible
The big lesson from the story of Jezebel is to treat all people fairly and with respect. Do not covet other people’s possessions, nor punish them because they have beliefs that are very different from yours. Reading about Jezebel, you will learn what great leaders do not do.
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