Character Study Of Jezebel Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF JEZEBEL – EVIL QUEEN, WIFE OF AHAB

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:. 1 Kings 21:25

"But there was none like Ahab, who sold himself to do wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up." –

Supporting Texts:

1 Kings 16:31-33, 1 Kings 18:4, 1 Kings 19:1-2, 1 Kings 21, 2 Kings 9:30-37

INTRODUCTION

Jezebel was the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians, and became the queen of Israel through her marriage to King Ahab. She was a devoted worshipper of Baal and Asherah, aggressively promoting idolatry in Israel and leading the people away from God. Her name has become synonymous with wickedness, manipulation, and rebellion against God.

She used her influence to control Ahab, orchestrate the persecution of God's prophets, and seize power through deceit and murder. Her actions led to severe judgment on Israel and ultimately her own tragic downfall.

Despite her intelligence, strong leadership, and strategic skills, her lack of godliness led to her disgraceful end. Her life serves as a warning against ungodly leadership, the dangers of manipulation, and the inevitable judgment of the wicked.

1. JEZEBEL'S BACKGROUND AND MARRIAGE TO AHAB

a) She was a princess of Sidon (1 Kings 16:31)

Her father, Ethbaal, was a king and priest of Baal.

b) She married King Ahab of Israel (1 Kings 16:31)

This alliance introduced Baal worship into Israel.

c) She brought idolatry into Israel (1 Kings 16:32-33)

She built temples and altars for Baal and Asherah.

d) She influenced Ahab’s rule (1 Kings 21:25)

Ahab followed her ways instead of leading righteously.

e) Biblical Example: Solomon also married foreign women who led him into idolatry (1 Kings 11:1-4).

2. JEZEBEL’S PERSECUTION OF GOD’S PROPHETS

a) She killed the prophets of God (1 Kings 18:4)

She ordered the execution of Yahweh’s prophets.

b) Obadiah hid 100 prophets from her (1 Kings 18:4, 13)

Despite her persecution, God preserved His servants.

c) Elijah confronted her wickedness (1 Kings 18:17-19)

He challenged the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel.

d) She threatened Elijah’s life (1 Kings 19:1-2)

After his victory, she vowed to kill him, causing him to flee.

e) Biblical Example: Pharaoh also oppressed God’s people but was ultimately judged (Exodus 1:8-22).

3. JEZEBEL'S MANIPULATION AND CONTROL OVER AHAB

a) She controlled Ahab’s decisions (1 Kings 21:7)

Ahab relied on her for guidance rather than seeking God.

b) She plotted against Naboth (1 Kings 21:8-14)

She used deception to have Naboth killed to seize his vineyard.

c) She abused her position for evil (1 Kings 21:15-16)

She used her authority to oppress the innocent.

d) God sent Elijah to pronounce judgment on her (1 Kings 21:17-24)

Her wickedness would lead to a disgraceful end.

e) Biblical Example: Delilah also manipulated Samson for selfish gain (Judges 16:4-21).

4. JEZEBEL'S FALSE RELIGION AND WITCHCRAFT

a) She actively promoted Baal worship (1 Kings 16:31-33)

She introduced foreign gods into Israel.

b) She had 850 false prophets under her control (1 Kings 18:19)

These prophets led Israel into spiritual deception.

c) She relied on sorcery and witchcraft (2 Kings 9:22)

Jehu described her actions as harlotry and sorcery.

d) Her influence corrupted Israel’s spiritual foundation (1 Kings 21:25-26)

She turned the nation away from the true God.

e) Biblical Example: The false prophets of Baal also misled the people (Jeremiah 23:16-17).

5. JEZEBEL’S PRIDE AND HER TRAGIC END

a) She mocked God’s judgment (2 Kings 9:30)

She painted her face and mocked Jehu before her death.

b) She was thrown from a window by her own servants (2 Kings 9:32-33)

Her downfall came suddenly and disgracefully.

c) Her body was devoured by dogs (2 Kings 9:35-37)

This fulfilled Elijah’s prophecy about her death.

d) Her influence did not last (2 Kings 10:28)

After her death, Baal worship was destroyed in Israel.

e) Biblical Example: King Herod also died in disgrace after opposing God (Acts 12:21-23).

6. JEZEBEL’S STRENGTHS AND INFLUENCE

a) She was a strong and determined woman (1 Kings 21:7)

She took charge when Ahab was weak.

b) She had great leadership skills (1 Kings 18:19)

She maintained loyalty among her false prophets.

c) She was fearless and bold (1 Kings 19:2)

She confronted Elijah without fear.

d) She had political influence (1 Kings 21:8-10)

She used her position to manipulate leaders.

e) Biblical Example: Queen Esther also used her influence, but for righteousness (Esther 4:13-16).

7. JEZEBEL'S WEAKNESSES AND EVIL WAYS

a) She was deeply wicked and idolatrous (1 Kings 16:31-33)

She openly defied God’s laws.

b) She was manipulative and controlling (1 Kings 21:8-10)

She used deceit to achieve her goals.

c) She had no regard for human life (1 Kings 18:4, 21:14)

She murdered prophets and innocent people.

d) She refused to repent (1 Kings 21:23-25)

Even after God’s warnings, she remained defiant.