Jezebel

Leighton, Frederic - Jezabel and Ahab - c.1863

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Jezabel-and-Ahab-Meeting-Elijah-in-Naboth-s-Vineyard

097.The Death of Jezebel

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Andrea Celesti - Queen Jezabel Being Punished by Jehu - WGA4622

Jezabel - Léon Auguste Perrey

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Bette Davis in Jezebel trailer 1

Jezebel was a queen of the northern kingdom of Israel and the wife of King Ahab, who reigned in the 9th century BCE. She is a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, particularly in the Books of Kings, where she is portrayed as a fervent worshipper of the Canaanite god Baal and an enemy of the prophets of Yahweh. Jezebel's story is often cited as an example of the struggle between the worship of Baal and Yahweh in ancient Israel.

Biography

Jezebel was the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians, and married Ahab, king of Israel, as part of a political alliance between their two kingdoms. She is most infamous for her efforts to promote the worship of Baal in Israel, directly opposing the prophet Elijah and other prophets of Yahweh. Jezebel is described as having a strong influence over Ahab, encouraging the persecution of Yahweh's prophets and the establishment of Baal as a deity in Israel.

Her actions led to a direct confrontation with Elijah, particularly highlighted in the contest on Mount Carmel where Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to call down fire from their god, a challenge in which Baal failed to respond, leading to the slaughter of Baal's prophets by Elijah.

Jezebel's demise is prophesied by Elijah, and it comes to pass under the reign of Jehu, who had her thrown from a window. Her death was gruesome, as she was trampled by horses and her body was eaten by dogs, leaving nothing but her skull, feet, and the palms of her hands, fulfilling Elijah's prophecy.

Cultural Impact

Jezebel's name has become synonymous with false prophets, idolatry, and sexual immorality. In modern times, the term "Jezebel" is often used to refer to a woman who is perceived as sexually promiscuous or manipulative. This cultural impact reflects the negative view of Jezebel in the Hebrew Bible, where she is portrayed as a villainous queen who led Israel away from the worship of Yahweh.

In Literature and Art

Jezebel has been a subject of interest in literature and art, depicted in various works that explore her story from different perspectives. She often represents themes of power, seduction, and defiance against the divine order.

Criticism and Interpretation

Some modern scholars and commentators have re-evaluated Jezebel's story, arguing that her negative portrayal is partly due to the bias of the biblical authors who opposed Baal worship. They suggest that Jezebel's actions can be seen in the context of her trying to strengthen the political alliance between Israel and Sidon and promoting religious tolerance within her realm.