Jezebel’s story is told in 1 Kings 16:31-2 Kings 9:37
Jezebel: The Queen Who Led with Pride and Rebellion
When we hear the name Jezebel, we often think of someone who is proud, controlling, or manipulative. That’s because the original Jezebel, a queen in the Old Testament, left a legacy that was remembered for all the wrong reasons. She was powerful, bold, and persuasive—but she used her influence to turn people away from God.
Let’s take a closer look at Jezebel’s life, the choices she made, and the lessons we can learn from her story.
Jezebel’s Background
Jezebel was not from Israel. She was a Phoenician princess, the daughter of the king of Sidon, a city known for worshiping false gods like Baal and Asherah (1 Kings 16:31). When she married King Ahab of Israel, she didn’t leave her religion behind—instead, she brought it with her and encouraged others to follow it too.
Rather than learning about the God of Israel, Jezebel tried to replace Him. She used her position as queen to spread idol worship throughout the land.
Promoting False Worship
Once Jezebel became queen, she worked hard to promote the worship of Baal, a false god. She built temples, supported hundreds of Baal’s prophets, and encouraged the people of Israel to abandon the one true God.
Jezebel didn’t just promote her beliefs—she forced them on others. Her actions led many people astray and caused spiritual confusion and division in the nation.
Persecuting God’s Prophets
Jezebel wasn’t just content to promote her own religion. She also tried to wipe out the worship of God by killing His prophets (1 Kings 18:4). She used fear and violence to silence anyone who spoke truth.
Even the great prophet Elijah, who had stood bravely before King Ahab and defeated the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, became afraid when Jezebel threatened his life. He ran into the wilderness, exhausted and discouraged.
This shows just how dangerous and intimidating Jezebel had become.
The Naboth’s Vineyard Story
One of the clearest examples of Jezebel’s cruelty was what happened with Naboth’s vineyard (1 Kings 21). King Ahab wanted to buy a vineyard that belonged to Naboth, but Naboth wouldn’t sell it because it was family land.
Ahab was upset, but Jezebel took things much further. She arranged for Naboth to be falsely accused, put on trial, and killed—just so Ahab could take the land.
This story shows how Jezebel used lies and power to get what she wanted, with no concern for justice or human life.
God’s Judgment
God didn’t ignore Jezebel’s evil actions. Through Elijah, God gave a warning: Jezebel would face a terrible end. Her death would be so shameful that she wouldn’t even be properly buried (1 Kings 21:23).
Years later, when a new king named Jehu came to power, Jezebel’s time finally came. She tried to hold on to her royal image, even putting on makeup and dressing up. But Jehu ordered her to be thrown from a window, and she died just as God had said (2 Kings 9:30–37).
Her death was a dramatic ending to a life filled with rebellion.
Lessons from Jezebel’s Life
Jezebel’s story may be dark, but it teaches us some important lessons:
- Influence is powerful. Jezebel had the chance to use her influence for good—but she used it to lead others into sin. Our choices can affect more people than we realize.
- Pride and manipulation are dangerous. Jezebel wanted control, and she did whatever it took to get her way. But pride always leads to a fall.
- God sees everything. Even when injustice seems to win, God is watching. He holds everyone accountable for their actions.
- Your legacy matters. Jezebel left behind a name that became a warning. The choices we make today shape how we’re remembered tomorrow.
Final Thoughts
Jezebel was a strong woman, but she used her strength in harmful ways. She turned people away from God, silenced truth, and let pride rule her decisions. Her story reminds us that real strength comes from humility, truth, and honoring God.
Instead of using our influence to control or harm, we’re called to use it to bless and build up others.
What kind of influence are you having on the people around you?