The Brutal Demise of Jezebel: A Biblical Account
When we ask, "What kills Jezebel," we are delving into one of the most dramatic and brutal events recorded in the Old Testament of the Bible. Jezebel, the Phoenician princess and wife of King Ahab of Israel, was a notorious figure known for her wickedness, idolatry, and cruelty. Her end, prophesied by Elijah the prophet, was as violent and public as her reign was tyrannical. The biblical account, primarily found in 2 Kings chapter 9, leaves little room for ambiguity about her final moments.
The Prophecy of Destruction
The stage for Jezebel's death was set by the prophet Elijah, who had a long-standing conflict with Jezebel due to her promotion of the worship of Baal in Israel. After Jezebel had orchestrated the murder of Naboth to seize his vineyard, Elijah declared a prophecy against her and Ahab's lineage. This prophecy, fulfilled years later, foretold a gruesome end for Jezebel, stating that "the dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel" (1 Kings 21:23).
The Violent Uprising
Jezebel's demise came about during a violent uprising led by Jehu, who was anointed by another prophet to destroy the house of Ahab. Jehu's mission was to eradicate the entire royal family and anyone associated with Ahab's idolatrous practices. As Jehu approached the royal palace in Jezreel, Jezebel, an elderly woman by this time, heard of his arrival.
Jezebel's Final Act: Defiance and Decoration
Rather than fleeing or hiding, Jezebel chose a path of defiance. According to the scripture, she "painted her eyes, and adorned her head, and looked out of a window." This was a deliberate act of pride and perhaps an attempt to face her end with regal bearing, despite the dire circumstances. She then taunted Jehu as he entered the palace, addressing him as "Zimri, thou slayer of thy lord?" a reference to a past usurper.
The Fatal Fall and the Dogs
Jehu, enraged by her insult and her history of wickedness, turned his attention to her. He recognized her as the instigator of Ahab's misdeeds and the source of Israel's spiritual corruption. He then commanded his men to "Throw her down!"
The account is stark and unforgiving:
- Jezebel was thrown from the window of the palace.
- She was struck by the chariots and trampled by the horses of Jehu.
- Her blood spattered on the wall and on the horses.
After her death, Jehu ordered that she be buried, but later, when people went to bury her, they found only her skull, her feet, and the palms of her hands. This gruesome discovery was interpreted as the fulfillment of Elijah's prophecy.
"And they went to bury Jezebel: and they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands. Wherefore they told him. And he said, This is the word of the Lord, which he spake by his servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, In the portion of Jezreel shall dogs eat the flesh of Jezebel." (2 Kings 9:35-36)
Thus, Jezebel, the queen known for her extravagance and religious corruption, met her end violently, thrown from a window and devoured by dogs, a chilling testament to the consequences of her actions and the fulfillment of divine judgment.
The Significance of Jezebel's Death
Jezebel's death is significant not only as a personal tragedy but also as a pivotal moment in biblical history. It marked the end of the House of Ahab and a forceful repudiation of the Baal worship she had championed. Her fate serves as a powerful warning against idolatry, tyranny, and the abuse of power.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jezebel's Death
How did Jezebel die?
Jezebel died by being thrown from a high window in the palace at Jezreel. After her fall, she was trampled by the horses and chariots of Jehu, and her blood splattered on the walls and horses. The prophecy also stated that dogs would eat her flesh, which was believed to have been fulfilled as only her skull, feet, and palms of her hands were found later.
Why was Jezebel killed?
Jezebel was killed as a divine judgment for her extreme wickedness, idolatry, and the promotion of Baal worship in Israel. She was also responsible for the murder of Naboth to seize his vineyard and for her generally oppressive and cruel rule. Jehu's violent uprising was divinely ordained to cleanse Israel of the sin and corruption associated with Ahab's reign, which Jezebel heavily influenced.
What was Jezebel known for?
Jezebel was known for her strong will, her foreign origins (being a Phoenician princess), her fervent promotion of the worship of the Canaanite god Baal, and her cruelty. She is often depicted as a villainous character who instigated evil deeds and persecuted the prophets of the Lord. She married King Ahab of Israel and wielded significant influence over his reign.
