The term "Jizreelite" refers to an inhabitant or native of Jezreel, a significant city and region in ancient Israel. Jezreel, meaning "God sows," is mentioned frequently in the Old Testament and holds both historical and theological importance. The city of Jezreel was located in the northern part of the Kingdom of Israel, in the fertile Jezreel Valley, which served as a strategic and agricultural hub.

Biblical References:

1. Ahab and Jezebel: The most notable Jizreelite in the Bible is Naboth, who owned a vineyard in Jezreel. King Ahab, the seventh king of Israel, desired Naboth's vineyard to expand his palace grounds. When Naboth refused to sell his ancestral inheritance, Ahab's wife, Queen Jezebel, orchestrated a plot to falsely accuse Naboth of blasphemy, leading to his execution. This event is recorded in 1 Kings 21:1-16. The Lord, through the prophet Elijah, condemned Ahab and Jezebel for their actions, declaring that disaster would befall their house (1 Kings 21:17-24).

2. Jehu's Revolt: Jezreel is also the setting for Jehu's revolt against the house of Ahab. Jehu, anointed by a prophet sent by Elisha, executed judgment on the house of Ahab, fulfilling Elijah's prophecy. In 2 Kings 9:14-37, Jehu kills Joram, the son of Ahab, and Jezebel in Jezreel, further establishing the city's role as a place of divine retribution.

3. The Valley of Jezreel: The broader region of Jezreel is often associated with significant military events. The Valley of Jezreel was a battleground for various conflicts, including those involving the Israelites and their enemies. Judges 6-7 recounts Gideon's victory over the Midianites in this area, demonstrating God's deliverance of Israel through unlikely means.

Theological Significance:

The narrative of Naboth the Jizreelite highlights themes of justice, divine retribution, and the sanctity of inheritance. Naboth's refusal to sell his vineyard underscores the importance of adhering to God's laws regarding land inheritance, as outlined in Leviticus 25:23-28. The subsequent judgment on Ahab and Jezebel serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and justice.

Jezreel's role in Jehu's revolt further emphasizes the fulfillment of prophetic words and God's intervention in the affairs of Israel. The city's repeated association with divine judgment and military conflict illustrates the ongoing struggle between faithfulness to God and the allure of idolatry and corruption.

Cultural and Historical Context:

Jezreel's strategic location made it a focal point for trade and military campaigns. The fertile valley provided ample resources, contributing to the prosperity and desirability of the region. The city's prominence in biblical narratives reflects its importance in the history of Israel and its neighboring nations.

In summary, the term "Jizreelite" encapsulates the rich historical and theological tapestry of Jezreel, a city that witnessed pivotal moments in Israel's history and served as a backdrop for God's unfolding plan for His people.3158. Yizreeli -- an inhabitant of Jezreel
... of Jezreel NASB Word Usage Jezreelite (8). Jezreelite. Patronymically from
Yizr'e'l; a Jizreelite or native of Jizreel -- Jezreelite. see HEBREW Yizr'e'l. ...
/hebrew/3158.htm - 6kJizreelite (7 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Jizreelite (7 Occurrences). ... arise, eat bread, and let thy
heart be glad: I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jizreelite. (DBY). ...
/j/jizreelite.htm - 8k

Jizreel (30 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 21:1 And it came to pass after these things, that Naboth the Jizreelite
had a vineyard, which was in Jizreel, by the side of the palace of Ahab king of ...
/j/jizreel.htm - 15k

Jizreelitess (5 Occurrences)

/j/jizreelitess.htm - 7k

Plot (53 Occurrences)
... Joram king of Israel and Ahaziah king of Judah went out, each in his chariot; and
they went out to meet Jehu, and met him in the plot of Naboth the Jizreelite. ...
/p/plot.htm - 22k

Sovereignty (14 Occurrences)
... over Israel? arise, eat bread, and let thy heart be glad: I will give thee
the vineyard of Naboth the Jizreelite. (DBY). Psalms 103 ...
/s/sovereignty.htm - 11k

Exercise (35 Occurrences)
... over Israel? arise, eat bread, and let thy heart be glad: I will give thee
the vineyard of Naboth the Jizreelite. (DBY). Psalms 131 ...
/e/exercise.htm - 22k

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