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Today we will talk about Bible verses about Jezebel. Many Christians may not fully understand who Jezebel is and what she represents in scripture. Jezebel was known for her wickedness and idolatry, leading Israel away from God. She symbolizes manipulation, deceit, and the consequences of turning one’s back on the Lord. As we explore these verses, let’s meditate on the lessons and warnings that God presents through the story of Jezebel. May our hearts be open to the wisdom found in His Word.
Bible Verses About Jezebel
Jezebel and Idolatry
As we look at the scripture surrounding Jezebel, we often see a significant theme: idolatry. Jezebel aggressively promoted the worship of Baal, which led the Israelites away from their faith in God. It’s a reminder for us to be careful about the influences we allow into our lives. We must ask ourselves if we harbor any idols that distract us from our relationship with God. The Bible strongly encourages us to keep our focus on God and resist any temptations that might lead us astray. The battle against these ‘idols’ is very real and requires constant vigilance and prayer in our daily lives.
1 Kings 16:31
“And as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, he took for his wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and went and served Baal and worshiped him.” – 1 Kings 16:31
1 Kings 21:25
“There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the Lord like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited.” – 1 Kings 21:25
2 Kings 9:22
“And when Joram saw Jehu, he said, ‘Is it peace, you Zimri, murderer of your master?'” – 2 Kings 9:22
1 Kings 18:4
“For when Jezebel killed the prophets of the Lord, Obadiah took a hundred prophets and hid them by fifties in a cave and fed them with bread and water.” – 1 Kings 18:4
2 Kings 9:30
“And when Jehu came to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it. And she painted her eyes and adorned her head and looked out of the window.” – 2 Kings 9:30
Jezebel’s Manipulation
Another core aspect of Jezebel’s character is her manipulation. She was cunning and would do anything to get her way, even turning to deceit and treachery. We all face situations where manipulation can creep into our lives, whether through external influences or even our tendency to sway others. As we discuss Jezebel’s ways, let’s challenge ourselves to be honest and transparent in our actions. God calls us to live in truth, not to twist others’ wills through manipulation. This is a call for sincerity in our relationships and interactions.
1 Kings 21:7
“And Jezebel his wife said to him, ‘Do you now govern Israel? Arise and eat bread and let your heart be cheerful. I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.'” – 1 Kings 21:7
1 Kings 19:2
“Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, ‘So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.'” – 1 Kings 19:2
Revelation 2:20
“But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.” – Revelation 2:20
1 Kings 18:19
“Now therefore send and gather all Israel to me at Mount Carmel, and the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.'” – 1 Kings 18:19
1 Kings 21:9
“And she wrote in the letters, ‘Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth at the head of the people.'” – 1 Kings 21:9
Jezebel’s Judgment
Jezebel’s actions didn’t go unpunished. The Bible is a strong testament to the idea that there are consequences for our choices, especially when they lead others away from God. When we look at Jezebel, we can reflect on our own choices — are we living in a way that honors God, or are we risking judgment through our actions? In reference to Jezebel, we see that God is not only just but also merciful, which gives us hope that we can turn back and change our ways before it’s too late. Let’s always be mindful of our actions and their potential impact on ourselves and others.
2 Kings 9:33
“And he said, ‘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.'” – 2 Kings 9:33
2 Kings 9:34
“Then he went in and ate and drank. And he said, ‘See now to this cursed woman and bury her, for she is a king’s daughter.'” – 2 Kings 9:34
Revelation 2:22
“Behold, I will throw her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works.” – Revelation 2:22
2 Kings 9:36
“Therefore thus says the Lord, ‘The dogs shall eat the flesh of Jezebel within the walls of Jezreel.'” – 2 Kings 9:36
2 Kings 9:37
“And the corpse of Jezebel shall be as dung on the face of the field in the territory of Jezreel, so that no one can say, ‘This is Jezebel.'” – 2 Kings 9:37
Lessons from Jezebel’s Life
As we reflect on Jezebel’s life, we can extract valuable lessons from her choices. Jezebel chose to lead a life that was opposed to the very heart of God, and in doing so, she became a symbol of everything we should avoid. This prompts us to examine our own lives and thought processes. Are we choosing a pathway that aligns with God’s will? Jezebel teaches us to beware of pride, ambition, and the desire for control, as these can lead to devastating consequences. Our aim must always be to serve God, seek His wisdom, and foster humility in our hearts, avoiding the traps represented by Jezebel.
1 Kings 18:20
“So Ahab sent to all the people of Israel and gathered the prophets together at Mount Carmel.” – 1 Kings 18:20
1 Kings 19:1
“Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword.” – 1 Kings 19:1
Revelation 17:4
“The woman was clothed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality.” – Revelation 17:4
1 Kings 16:29
“In the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, Ahab the son of Omri began to reign over Israel, and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty-two years.” – 1 Kings 16:29
1 Kings 21:11
“And the men of his city, the elders and the leaders who lived in his city, did as Jezebel had sent word to them.” – 1 Kings 21:11
Jezebel’s Influence on Leadership
Jezebel significantly impacted leadership dynamics, especially through her marriage to Ahab, king of Israel. She didn’t just influence her husband; she influenced an entire nation. This highlights the importance of choosing our relationships wisely and recognizing how they can either uplift or drag us down spiritually. Our friendships and partnerships are powerful. They can either lead us toward righteousness or pull us into darkness. We should continually strive to cultivate relationships that encourage us in our faith and draw us closer to the Lord.
1 Kings 21:6
“And Jezebel said to Ahab, ‘I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.'” – 1 Kings 21:6
Revelation 2:19
“I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first.” – Revelation 2:19
1 Kings 18:7
“And as Obadiah was on the way, behold, Elijah met him. And Obadiah recognized him and fell on his face and said, ‘Is it you, my lord Elijah?'” – 1 Kings 18:7
2 Kings 9:21
“Joram said, ‘Get ready.’ And they made ready his chariot. Joram king of Israel and Ahaziah king of Judah went out, each in his chariot, and they went out to meet Jehu and met him at the property of Naboth the Jezreelite.” – 2 Kings 9:21
2 Kings 9:22
“And when Joram saw Jehu, he said, ‘Is it peace, you Zimri, murderer of your master?'” – 2 Kings 9:22
Jezebel’s Symbolism
Throughout the Bible, Jezebel has come to symbolize the opposition to God’s will. She represents the fight against those who call themselves prophets while leading others into sin. This raises questions about our actions and the authenticity of our faith. Are we being true to God, or can we sometimes reflect the traits of Jezebel? Each action and choice can lead us closer to God or draw us away. We must reflect on our motives, ensuring we stand firmly against the destructive behaviors that Jezebel embodies. God calls us to be a beacon of light, and we must strive to fulfill that role.
Revelation 2:20
“But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.” – Revelation 2:20
1 Kings 16:30
“And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the Lord, more than all who were before him.” – 1 Kings 16:30
2 Kings 9:10
“And the dogs shall eat Jezebel in the walls of Jezreel.” – 2 Kings 9:10
Revelation 17:5
“And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: ‘Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth’s abominations.'” – Revelation 17:5
1 Kings 18:4
“For when Jezebel killed the prophets of the Lord, Obadiah took a hundred prophets and hid them by fifties in a cave and fed them with bread and water.” – 1 Kings 18:4
Confronting Evil
One of the most significant actions taken against Jezebel came from the prophet Elijah. Elijah’s confrontation of her and the prophets of Baal serves as a powerful reminder of the necessity to stand against evil. Although it can be daunting to confront wrongs in our lives and the lives of others, we are called to act in faith. Just like Elijah, we need to gather the courage to confront destructive patterns and the ‘Jezebels’ of our times, whether they are influences, ideologies, or personal failings. Through the strength provided by God, we can be empowered to fight for truth and righteousness.
1 Kings 18:21
“And Elijah came near to all the people and said, ‘How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.’ And the people did not answer him a word.” – 1 Kings 18:21
1 Kings 18:37
“Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.” – 1 Kings 18:37
2 Kings 2:3
“And the sons of the prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elijah and said to him, ‘Do you know that today the Lord will take away your master from over you?’ And he said, ‘Yes, I know it; keep quiet.'” – 2 Kings 2:3
2 Kings 9:5
“And he went in. And behold, the commanders of the army were there. And he said, ‘I have news for you, O commander.’ And Jehu said, ‘To which of all of us?’ And he said, ‘To you, O commander.'” – 2 Kings 9:5
1 Kings 19:18
“Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” – 1 Kings 19:18
Redemption and Change
The story of Jezebel serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God, but it also highlights the potential for repentance and change. Despite her sinful nature, we can take comfort in the fact that God offers redemption to all who seek it. We are all capable of making different choices, embracing God’s mercy and grace to transform our lives for the better. As we contemplate Jezebel’s narrative, let’s hold fast to the belief that no one is too far gone for God’s love and that transformation is always possible. With God’s help, we can alter our paths and follow Him wholeheartedly.
2 Kings 9:26
“And as for the sons of Ahab, the Lord said that they may be cut off, so that I may destroy every male in the house of Ahab.” – 2 Kings 9:26
1 Kings 21:29
“See how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the disaster in his days.” – 1 Kings 21:29
1 Kings 8:51
“For they are your people and your heritage, which you brought out of Egypt, from the midst of the iron furnace.” – 1 Kings 8:51
Jonah 3:5
“And the people of Nineveh believed God; they called for a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them.” – Jonah 3:5
Matthew 4:17
“From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'” – Matthew 4:17
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the life and legacy of Jezebel, we find not just a historical figure, but also a cautionary tale full of lessons for us today. She exemplifies the dangers of idolatry, manipulation, and defiance against God. While her story carries weighty warnings, it also offers reminders of grace, redemption, and the opportunity to turn away from sin. In our own lives, let’s strive to avoid the pitfalls that come with selfish ambition and deception that she represented.
We are called to foster relationships that uplift and lead us toward a righteous path. Moreover, we must remain vigilant about what we permit in our lives, ensuring our focus remains solely on God. By examining Jezebel’s choices and their consequences, we can learn to align our hearts with God’s will, helping us make wise and godly decisions.
Ultimately, the story of Jezebel challenges us to stand for truth and righteousness while keeping our hearts open to the grace that allows for change. May we draw closer to God, seek His wisdom, and choose love and integrity in everything we do.
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Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4