The Allure and Downfall: Introduction to Jezebel and Ahab
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Proverbs 14:12 NKJV
Let’s take a deep dive into Jezebel’s enigmatic and tumultuous life. As we journey through ‘Jezzy Land,’ we’ll uncover the rich symbolism, prophetic meanings, and timeless lessons embedded in her story. Each day, we’ll explore different facets of Jezebel’s influence, the spiritual battles she waged, and the far-reaching consequences of her actions. Through this exploration, we aim to understand the enduring spirit of Jezebel. Furthermore, we can draw parallels to our modern situations and learn how to overcome the spirit of Jezebel that plagues our lives, ministries, businesses, and government. This study emphasizes the crucial role of righteous leadership in overcoming spiritual challenges, empowering us to take responsibility for our spiritual growth.
Today, we’ll start by introducing Jezebel and her marriage to Ahab. This foundational study sets the stage for understanding her character, her influence on Israel, and the significant spiritual decline that followed. By examining Jezebel’s background and initial actions; we’ll uncover the deep-rooted issues of idolatry and spiritual compromise that plagued Israel during her time and their implications for our lives today. It’s a cautionary tale that warns us to be vigilant against the allure of idolatry.
1. Jezebel’s Background and Marriage to Ahab
1 Kings 16:31-33 – “And it came to pass, as though it had been a trivial thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took as wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians; and he went and served Baal and worshiped him. Then he set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal, which he had built in Samaria. And Ahab made a wooden image. Ahab did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him.”
A. Symbolism of Jezebel’s Name and Origins
Jezebel’s name can be interpreted as “Ba’al exalts” or “unexalted,” depending on the context, which carries symbolic significance. Her name and origin as the daughter of Ethbaal, a priest-king of Sidon, underscore her deep connection to idol worship and pagan practices. Sidon, a Phoenician city, was renowned for worshipping Baal, a fertility god.
As a symbol, Sidon was often linked to wealth and commerce but also to idolatry and moral corruption, which led to God’s judgments. Ezekiel 28:22 says, “Behold, I am against you, O Sidon; I will be glorified in your midst; And they shall know that I am the Lord, when I execute judgments in her and am hallowed in her.”
B. The Significance of Her Marriage to Ahab
The marriage of Jezebel to Ahab was a strategic alliance that led to significant religious and cultural transformations in Israel. By marrying Jezebel and embracing her pagan practices, Ahab demonstrated a disregard for God’s commandments and established a dangerous precedent for Israel.
Throughout the Bible, there are consistent warnings against intermarriage with those who do not follow God. Deuteronomy 7:3-4 says, “Nor shall you make marriages with them. You shall not give your daughter to their son, nor take their daughter for your son. For they will turn your sons away from following Me, to serve other gods.”
The story of Jezebel illustrates the very situation that God sought to shield His children from. God’s laws are designed to protect us rather than to restrict us from enjoying life.
C. Introduction of Baal Worship
Exodus 20:3 – “You shall have no other gods before Me.”
Jezebel’s influence led to the establishment of Baal worship in Israel, directly violating the first commandment (Exodus 20:3). Ahab built a temple and altar for Baal in Samaria, leading Israel into idolatry and away from the true God.
Isn’t it intriguing that Jacob’s Well, a site of promise and spiritual significance, is believed to be located in Samaria? The establishment of a temple dedicated to Baal in the same area holds particular importance, representing a stark contrast between the faithfulness of God’s promises and the idolatry introduced to Israel by Jezebel.
The Bible repeatedly warns against idolatry. For example, Jeremiah 2:13 says, “For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, And hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water.”
2. Symbolic Meanings and Implications
A. What is Idolatry, Symbolically?
The concept of idolatry goes beyond worshiping physical objects, such as sticks or carved stones. It encompasses anything that we prioritize over God. In today’s world, idols often take the form of intangible symbols that represent our worldly desires and ambitions. These symbols can lead us away from God’s loving will and into spiritual compromise.
Colossians 3:5 warns us about idolatry: “Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
Idols deceive us into believing they can satisfy our deepest longings, but they ultimately lead us away from the true source of fulfillment—God Himself. By recognizing these symbolic idols, we can better understand how they subtly influence our choices and priorities. This awareness guides us to a life centered on God’s will and purpose.
B. The Symbolism of Jezebel
Jezebel symbolizes the seductive power of idolatry and false religion. Her influence over Ahab and Israel represents how a nation can be led astray by adopting pagan practices and rejecting God’s laws. The Bible often uses the metaphor of adultery to describe idolatry, emphasizing the seriousness of the spiritual offense. Just as adultery in marriage breaks trust and commitment, idolatry breaks our relationship with God. James 4:4 says, “Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever, therefore, wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”
It’s important to note that Jezebel is a feminine spirit, but it can manifest in a man perceived as masculine. Its power of seduction is not always related to sexual lust, but it often leads to the temptation of other worldly desires, most commonly pride.
Even the name “Jezebel,” meaning “Ba’al exalts” or “unexalted,” signifies the deceptive nature of idolatry. It promises exaltation and fulfillment but ultimately leads to disgrace and downfall. Idolatry promises much but delivers nothing of lasting value.
Psalm 115:4-8 speaks of the futility of idols: “Their idols are silver and gold, The work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they do not speak; Eyes they have, but they do not see; They have ears, but they do not hear; Noses they have, but they do not smell; They have hands, but they do not handle; Feet they have, but they do not walk; Nor do they mutter through their throat. Those who make them are like them; So is everyone who trusts in them.”
C. The Consequences of Ahab’s Actions
The story of Ahab’s marriage to Jezebel and their subsequent actions is a cautionary tale, demonstrating the detrimental effects of compromising with evil and the long-term impact of leadership decisions.
Proverbs 29:2 says, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.”
Today, the consequences of sinful leadership are evident, and there is concern about the erosion of freedoms under such leadership. As we are in an election year, we can pray against the rise of leaders who exhibit traits similar to Ahab or Jezebel. In this spiritual battle, we must take action, just as Elijah influenced the course of events. We can begin by emulating Elijah’s approach and praying for guidance and change.
When we rule our own homes, jobs, and ministries in this same self-serving way, we cause the same consequences in our families and finances and become false teachers/prophets.
3. Modern Application
A. Guarding Against Modern Idolatry
In our contemporary world, idolatry can manifest in various ways—such as materialism, power, and fame. The account of Jezebel and Ahab serves as a cautionary tale to remain loyal to God and resist the allure of modern idols.
Colossians 3:5 says, “Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
B. The Influence of Relationships
Jezebel’s impact on Ahab demonstrates the profound effect relationships can have on our spiritual lives. It is crucial to select relationships that nurture and reinforce our faith.
2 Corinthians 6:14 says, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?”
C. The Importance of Righteous Leadership
Ahab’s failure as a leader brought idolatry and suffering to Israel. This underscores the importance of righteous leadership in all areas of life, including government, community, and family.
1 Timothy 3:2 shows us what is expected of a good leader, “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach.”
Conclusion
Jezebel’s introduction and her marriage to Ahab mark the beginning of a dark chapter in Israel’s history, characterized by idolatry and moral decline. Her story is a powerful reminder of the dangers of idolatry, the importance of godly relationships, and the critical role of righteous leadership. As we delve deeper into her narrative, we will uncover more symbolic meanings and lessons relevant to our spiritual lives today.
Written by Jessica J. Murrey.
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