1 Kings 21:23

And of Jezebel also spake the LORD, saying, The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.

And of Jezebel {H348} also spake {H1696} the LORD {H3068}, saying {H559}, The dogs {H3611} shall eat {H398} Jezebel {H348} by the wall {H2426} of Jezreel {H3157}.

ADONAI also said this about Izevel: 'The dogs will eat Izevel by the wall around Yizre'el.

And the LORD also speaks concerning Jezebel: ‘The dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.’

And of Jezebel also spake Jehovah, saying, The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the rampart of Jezreel.

Commentary

Context of 1 Kings 21:23

This verse comes at a pivotal moment in the narrative of King Ahab and his notorious wife, Jezebel, in the kingdom of Israel. It immediately follows the Lord's pronouncement of judgment against Ahab for his wicked deeds, particularly his complicity in the murder of Naboth to seize his vineyard. Jezebel engineered Naboth's unjust execution through false witnesses (1 Kings 21:7-16), infuriating the Lord. The prophet Elijah is sent by God to confront Ahab and declare the severe consequences for his house and, specifically, for Jezebel.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment: The verse powerfully illustrates God's righteous judgment against blatant evil and injustice. Jezebel's actions, characterized by idolatry, manipulation, and murder, evoke a strong divine response.
  • Prophetic Fulfillment: This specific prophecy against Jezebel highlights the certainty and authority of God's word. The precise manner of her death, a humiliating and unburied end, is later fulfilled in graphic detail in 2 Kings 9:30-37, serving as a testament to God's sovereignty over human affairs.
  • Consequences of Sin: The horrific nature of Jezebel's prophesied death underscores the severe consequences that follow persistent rebellion against God and egregious acts of wickedness.

Linguistic and Cultural Insights

The phrase "The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel" carries significant cultural weight. In ancient Near Eastern societies, a proper burial was crucial for dignity and honor. To be left unburied and devoured by scavenger dogs was the ultimate disgrace, signifying a cursed and utterly rejected end, often associated with divine judgment. Jezreel was a royal city where Ahab and Jezebel had a palace, making the location of her prophesied demise particularly poignant – a place of her power would become the scene of her ignominy. This specific judgment mirrors the gruesome death prophesied for Ahab in 1 Kings 21:19, where dogs would lick up his blood.

Practical Application

1 Kings 21:23 reminds us of several enduring truths:

  • God is Just: Even when evil seems to triumph, God sees and will ultimately bring justice. There are consequences for unrepentant sin and injustice, reinforcing the principle that one reaps what one sows.
  • The Seriousness of Sin: The narrative of Jezebel serves as a stark warning against idolatry, abuse of power, and shedding innocent blood. It highlights how deeply God abhors wickedness and oppression.
  • Trust in God's Word: The eventual fulfillment of this prophecy, even decades later, reinforces the reliability and power of God's spoken word. What God declares, He brings to pass, demonstrating His faithfulness and sovereignty.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 9:10 (4 votes)

    And the dogs shall eat Jezebel in the portion of Jezreel, and [there shall be] none to bury [her]. And he opened the door, and fled.

  • 2 Kings 9:30 (3 votes)

    ¶ And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard [of it]; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window.

  • 2 Kings 9:37 (3 votes)

    And the carcase of Jezebel shall be as dung upon the face of the field in the portion of Jezreel; [so] that they shall not say, This [is] Jezebel.

  • 1 Kings 21:25 (2 votes)

    But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.