Topical Bible: Malice: Jezebel Toward Elijah

◄ Malice: Jezebel Toward Elijah ►

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Introduction

Malice, defined as the intention or desire to do evil or cause harm to others, is vividly exemplified in the biblical narrative of Jezebel's hostility toward the prophet Elijah. Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab of Israel, is often remembered for her idolatry, manipulation, and ruthless pursuit of power. Her animosity toward Elijah, a prophet of the LORD, underscores the spiritual and moral conflict between the worship of Yahweh and the pagan practices she championed.

Background

Jezebel was a Phoenician princess, the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians, and she brought with her the worship of Baal and Asherah into Israel (1 Kings 16:31). Her marriage to Ahab marked a significant turning point in Israel's history, as it led to the widespread promotion of idolatry and the persecution of the prophets of Yahweh.

Jezebel's Malice Toward Elijah

The confrontation between Jezebel and Elijah is set against the backdrop of a severe drought in Israel, which Elijah had prophesied as a judgment from God (1 Kings 17:1). The climax of this conflict occurs on Mount Carmel, where Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to a contest to demonstrate the power of the true God (1 Kings 18:19-40). After God answers Elijah's prayer by sending fire from heaven, the people acknowledge the LORD as God, and Elijah orders the execution of the prophets of Baal.

Jezebel's response to this defeat is one of intense malice. Upon hearing of the slaughter of her prophets, she sends a threatening message to Elijah: "So may the gods do to me, and even more, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like the lives of those you killed" (1 Kings 19:2). Her vow to kill Elijah reveals her unyielding commitment to Baal worship and her determination to eliminate any threat to her religious and political influence.

Elijah's Flight and God's Provision

Fearing for his life, Elijah flees into the wilderness, where he experiences despair and exhaustion. Despite Jezebel's malicious intent, God provides for Elijah's needs, sending an angel to offer sustenance and encouragement (1 Kings 19:5-8). This divine intervention highlights God's sovereignty and care for His faithful servant, even in the face of human hostility.

Theological Implications

Jezebel's malice toward Elijah serves as a stark reminder of the spiritual warfare that exists between the forces of good and evil. Her actions illustrate the lengths to which those opposed to God's truth will go to silence His messengers. Elijah's experience also underscores the importance of reliance on God's strength and provision in times of persecution and adversity.

Legacy of Jezebel's Malice

Jezebel's legacy is one of infamy, as her name becomes synonymous with idolatry and wickedness. Her malice toward Elijah is but one aspect of her broader campaign against the worship of Yahweh in Israel. Ultimately, her life ends in a manner befitting her deeds, as prophesied by Elijah (1 Kings 21:23; 2 Kings 9:30-37). Her account serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of malice and the inevitable judgment that follows those who oppose God's will.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 19:1,2
And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and with how he had slain all the prophets with the sword.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Elijah the Tishbite
... him to speak; and, lifting his hand toward heaven, he ... The prophet was safe from the
malice of the ... Failing in her efforts against Elijah, Jezebel determined to ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 9 elijah the tishbite.htm

John the Baptist's Person and Preaching.
... austerity, rebuked such apostasy, and Jezebel answered the ... and policy which Israel
should manifest toward the neighboring ... full of guile and malice, cunning and ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xvii john the baptists person.htm