2 Kings 9:30

¶ 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.

And when Jehu {H3058} was come {H935} to Jezreel {H3157}, Jezebel {H348} heard {H8085} of it; and she painted {H7760}{H6320} her face {H5869}, and tired {H3190} her head {H7218}, and looked out {H8259} at a window {H2474}.

When Yehu reached Yizre'el, and Izevel heard of it, she put on eye make-up, fixed her hair and looked out the window.

Now when Jehu arrived in Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it. So she painted her eyes, adorned her head, and looked down from a window.

And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her eyes, and attired her head, and looked out at the window.

Commentary

Context

2 Kings 9:30 describes the dramatic encounter between Jezebel, the infamous queen, and Jehu, the newly anointed king of Israel, just as Jehu arrives in Jezreel. Jehu had been divinely commissioned by God, through a prophet of Elisha, to annihilate the entire house of Ahab, including Jezebel, as judgment for their rampant Baal worship and persecution of God's prophets (see 1 Kings 18:19, 1 Kings 21:25). Jehu had already executed King Joram (Ahab's son) and King Ahaziah of Judah before reaching Jezreel. Jezebel, hearing of Jehu's approach and his violent mission, prepares herself for his arrival, setting the stage for her final, defiant act.

Key Themes

  • Defiance and Impenitence: Jezebel's actions—painting her face and adorning her head—are not a sign of fear or repentance, but rather a final, bold display of defiance. She faces her end with pride and a queenly posture, refusing to cower. This highlights her hardened heart and consistent rebellion against God.
  • Divine Judgment Fulfilled: This verse is a prelude to the swift and decisive execution of God's judgment upon Jezebel and the house of Ahab, as prophesied by Elijah (see 1 Kings 21:23). Jehu is the instrument of God's justice.
  • Symbolism of Appearance: Jezebel's elaborate preparation suggests several possibilities: an attempt to maintain royal dignity in the face of death, a defiant challenge to Jehu, or perhaps even an attempt to seduce or intimidate him, using her former allure. It represents a superficiality that contrasts sharply with the spiritual depravity of her reign.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "painted her face" uses a translation of the Hebrew verb putz (פוּץ), which literally means "to spread out" or "to disperse." In this context, it refers to applying cosmetic pigments, likely kohl (antimony), around her eyes, a common practice in the ancient Near East. This wasn't merely "makeup" as we understand it, but often a striking, bold application for ceremonial or royal presentation. The phrase "tired her head" comes from the Hebrew yashar (יָשַׁר), meaning "to be straight" or "to be right," and here, "to arrange" or "adorn." It refers to the careful arrangement of her hair or headdress, signifying an intentional, dignified, and perhaps provocative presentation.

Practical Application and Reflection

Jezebel's story serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of persistent rebellion against God and His truth. Her final act of defiance, though outwardly regal, reveals a soul unwilling to acknowledge its sin or seek repentance. For us today:

  • No Escape from Justice: While divine judgment may seem delayed, it is certain. Jezebel's demise illustrates that no position of power or outward display can ultimately prevent the consequences of unrighteousness.
  • The Heart's True State: Outward appearance can be deceptive. Jezebel's elaborate adornment hid a corrupt and hardened heart. True beauty and dignity come from a right relationship with God, not from external display or defiant pride.
  • Call to Repentance: The contrast between Jezebel's impenitence and the opportunity for repentance offered throughout Scripture (e.g., Luke 13:3) highlights the importance of humility and turning to God when confronted with our sin.
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Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 4:30 (7 votes)

    And [when] thou [art] spoiled, what wilt thou do? Though thou clothest thyself with crimson, though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold, though thou rentest thy face with painting, in vain shalt thou make thyself fair; [thy] lovers will despise thee, they will seek thy life.

  • Ezekiel 23:40 (6 votes)

    And furthermore, that ye have sent for men to come from far, unto whom a messenger [was] sent; and, lo, they came: for whom thou didst wash thyself, paintedst thy eyes, and deckedst thyself with ornaments,

  • Ezekiel 24:17 (4 votes)

    Forbear to cry, make no mourning for the dead, bind the tire of thine head upon thee, and put on thy shoes upon thy feet, and cover not [thy] lips, and eat not the bread of men.

  • 1 Timothy 2:9 (3 votes)

    ¶ In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

  • 1 Timothy 2:10 (3 votes)

    But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

  • 1 Peter 3:3 (3 votes)

    Whose adorning let it not be that outward [adorning] of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

  • 1 Kings 19:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword.