Scripture reading for April 13th: 2nd Kings 9-12

Jezebel was a woman in Scripture who is not mentioned with love or appreciation.  She was the wife of King Ahab of Israel and was known for her idolatry and mistreatment of God’s true servants and prophets.  She used the king’s treasury to supply the needs of the false prophets of Baal and Ashteroth.  (1st Kings 18:19)  There were 850 of these prophets who were confronted by Elijah on Mt. Carmel and then slain by him.  Jezebel was furious and threatened to kill Elijah, causing him to run in fear of her. (1st Kings 19:1-3)

Jezebel was adept at manipulation and control of those in authority.  She worked behind the scenes to use resources for selfish purposes.  She intimidated and bullied elders and officials using her husband’s name to get the vineyard of Naboth.  (1st Kings 21:4-16)  She urged her husband to do evil and reaped a prophetic denunciation by Elijah the prophet.  “Also concerning Jezebel the Lord says; ‘Dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.’” (1st Kings 21:23)

Years went by and it seemed that Jezebel had escaped judgment.  Ahab her husband had died in a battle and dogs had licked up his blood as Elijah had said of him.  Joram, Ahab’s son, was ruling Israel after Ahaziah, another son, had died.  Wickedness continued in the land and God’s word was not yet fulfilled.  God often gives opportunity to people to repent.  Even to those who are most wicked, God offers mercy and time to consider their ways.  But the time of mercy sometimes runs out.

God had Elisha send a man to anoint Jehu as king to finish the judgement earlier decreed.  (2nd Kings 9:1-10)  The prophet gave specific instructions to Jehu with the anointing to destroy the house of Ahab completely.  Jezebel was specifically mentioned as being devoured by dogs on the plot of ground in Jezreel that they had killed and stolen to get.  That is exactly what happened!  (2nd Kings 9:32-37)

The spirit of Jezebel is alive in many churches.  It was mentioned by John in Revelation 2:20-23.  Jezebel in the church at Thyatira used manipulation and sexual immorality as well as idolatry.  She claimed to be a prophetess.   God gave her time to repent but she wouldn’t.  Ask God for discernment today concerning this spirit of Jezebel.  Do not tolerate it in your life or your church!