"But Ahab did what was evil in the Lord's sight, even more than any of the kings before him. And as though it were not enough to live like Jeroboam, he married Jezebel, the daughter of King Ethbaal of the Sidonians, and he began to worship Baal." 1Kings 16:30-31
Jezebel! Now there's a name that conjures up some not-so-nice thoughts. This is the first time I've really read this story with a focus on Jezebel. I had heard the term 'she's a Jezebel', but not in reference to women who behaved like Ahab's wife. I always thought a Jezebel was more like a 'Potiphar's wife' - someone who threw herself at men and tried to manipulate them for personal pleasure. Jezebel, and her fictitious counterpart Jasmine, are strong women with a manipulative leadership style and an unquenchable thirst for power.
Jasmine's story, set in modern-day New Orleans, is a colorful re-imagined tale of how Jezebel may have acted had she lived today. As you read the story, did it remind you of anyone, man or woman? Our author points out, we don't like anyone who acts like this, regardless of their gender! You may not know someone who's willing to murder to get what they want, but do you know someone who treats their spouse like she treats Abe? Does this character bring to mind a person who leads others astray, forcing or enticing them down a dark and forbidding path? A leader who leads by fear & threat? We have probably had a few people like this cross our paths.
In the Bible, Jezebel's story is spread out from 1 Kings 16:31 to 2 Kings 9:37. If you want the full story of what was going on and all the players I encourage you to read it; it's quite interesting. However, be prepared with a score sheet to follow all the Kings & leaders & battles & prophets. And I challenge you not to gasp and squirm at the behavior of these people! All the while, cheering for the prophets of the Lord, the miracles they perform and the prophesies they proclaim. There's even a few verses, at least in the New Living Testament, where I chuckled at the sarcasm! But, if you want to only read about Jezebel, start with the verses that open this post, then jump to 1 Kings 18:7 - 19:2. Chapter 21 is the story of Naboth's Vineyard, the one Ms. Higgs parallels in the fictional story of Jasmine and Abe. The next few chapters are filled with battles, kings dying and rising to power, and tales of God's prophets, Elijah and Elisha. A good read to gain an understanding of what's going on in the Northern and Southern Kingdoms and a realization that Jezebel is still alive throughout all of it, manipulating & influencing her husband & sons! Finally, in 2 Kings 9:30-37, we read of the destruction of Jezebel. She didn't just die - she was obliterated!
I encourage you to take the time to read Jezebel's story for yourself. As in past chapters, it's given piece-meal throughout and I found it difficult to put it all together. I like to read things for myself and hope you will, too.
Now that you have - what do you think of her? I don't doubt her evil ways and that her influence reached far and wide. However, I am not convinced she alone corrupted King Ahab. It says that "he did what was evil in the Lord's sight..." even before Jezebel appeared in his castle. Ahab repents, for a little while, and she continues to worship Baal and order the death of prophets; in the end they both meet a terrible death, though hers is both gory and insulting.
That being said, it all comes down to this question: what does this story mean for us?
What does Jezebel's actions and the consequences mean for you and me? Does it impact how we live our lives in 21st Century America? How and Why? Can we identify with even a small aspect of this woman's character and what does the Bible suggest we do about it? As Christians, how can we influence others to not be a 'Jezebel'? "What Lessons Can We Learn from Jezebel?", at the end of the chapter, covers some good points on this "Bad to the Bone" woman.
Grab your journal or write in the margins of your book as you think in ink on these questions. Share your thoughts in the Comments (click on the highlighted word) section of the blog. I can't wait to read them!
Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly
warrior
"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Proverbs 16:24
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