Topical Bible: Sorcery: Practiced by Jezebel

◄ Sorcery: Practiced by Jezebel ►

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Sorcery, often associated with the use of magic, witchcraft, and the invocation of spirits, is explicitly condemned in the Bible as an abomination to the Lord. In the context of ancient Israel, sorcery was seen as a direct challenge to the sovereignty and authority of God, often leading the people away from true worship and into idolatry. One of the most infamous practitioners of sorcery in the biblical narrative is Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab of Israel.

Jezebel's Background and Influence

Jezebel was a Phoenician princess, the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians. Her marriage to Ahab, king of Israel, was politically motivated, but it also brought with it the introduction and promotion of Baal worship in Israel. Jezebel's influence over Ahab and her active role in promoting idolatry and sorcery are well-documented in the Scriptures.

Biblical References to Jezebel's Sorcery

The Bible provides several references to Jezebel's involvement in sorcery and her efforts to lead Israel astray. In 2 Kings 9:22 , Jehu, who was anointed to destroy the house of Ahab, confronts Joram, Ahab's son, saying, "How can there be peace, as long as the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abound?" This verse explicitly links Jezebel to witchcraft, highlighting her role in perpetuating these practices in Israel.

Jezebel's sorcery was not merely a personal sin but had national implications. Her actions led to the spiritual and moral decline of Israel, as she actively sought to replace the worship of Yahweh with that of Baal and Asherah. This is further evidenced by her persecution of the prophets of the Lord, as seen in 1 Kings 18:4 : "While Jezebel was killing off the LORD’s prophets, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them in two caves, fifty in each, and had supplied them with food and water."

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, Jezebel's practice of sorcery represents a direct rebellion against God. The Bible consistently warns against engaging in sorcery and other forms of divination. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , the Lord commands, "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD."

Jezebel's actions serve as a cautionary tale of the dangers of turning away from God and embracing practices that are contrary to His commandments. Her account is a reminder of the spiritual warfare that exists between the forces of good and evil, and the importance of remaining faithful to God's Word.

Legacy and Symbolism

Jezebel's legacy as a sorceress and idolater is further cemented in the New Testament, where her name becomes synonymous with false teaching and immorality. In Revelation 2:20 , the church in Thyatira is rebuked for tolerating a woman who "calls herself a prophetess" and misleads God's servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols, reminiscent of Jezebel's influence in Israel.

Jezebel's practice of sorcery and her subsequent downfall serve as a powerful illustration of the consequences of defying God and leading others into sin. Her account is a sobering reminder of the need for vigilance and faithfulness in the face of spiritual deception and idolatry.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 9:22
And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the prostitutions of your mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many?
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Library

The Fall of the House of Ahab
... who give themselves up to the sorcery of Satan ... Throughout these years his mother,
Jezebel, was still living ... Idolatrous customs were still practiced by many of ...
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