2 Kings 9:35

KJV

And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of [her] hands.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they went {H3212} to bury {H6912} her: but they found {H4672} no more of her than {H518} the skull {H1538}, and the feet {H7272}, and the palms {H3709} of her hands {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They went to bury her but found no more of her than her skull, feet and hands.

Berean Standard Bible

But when they went out to bury her, they found nothing but her skull, her feet, and the palms of her hands.

American Standard Version

And they went to bury her; but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 9:35 presents a chilling and graphic account of the discovery of Queen Jezebel's remains, revealing that only her skull, feet, and the palms of her hands were found. This gruesome detail serves as the stark and undeniable fulfillment of the divine prophecy delivered by Elijah, underscoring the absolute certainty of God's judgment upon persistent wickedness and idolatry, leaving no doubt about the finality of her ignominious end.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse provides the grisly conclusion to the dramatic narrative of Jezebel's death, which begins just moments earlier in [2 Kings 9:30-34](/2_kings/9-30-34 "2 Kings 9:30-34 - Jezebel's Defiance and Death"). Jehu, newly anointed king and commissioned by God to execute judgment upon the house of Ahab, arrives in Jezreel. Jezebel, notorious for her defiant idolatry and persecution of God's prophets, confronts him with a bold, taunting question. Jehu, without hesitation, commands her eunuchs to throw her down from the window, resulting in her immediate death. Her body is then trampled by Jehu’s horses. The decision to send attendants to bury her, as mentioned in this verse, comes after Jehu has eaten and presumably reflected on the situation, perhaps out of a sense of royal decorum, even for an enemy. The subsequent discovery of her dismembered remains dramatically fulfills earlier prophecies, bringing a definitive end to her tyrannical influence and the wicked dynasty she represented.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, a proper burial was of paramount importance, signifying honor, dignity, and a peaceful transition into the afterlife. To be denied burial, or to have one's corpse left exposed and consumed by animals, was considered the ultimate curse and a profound dishonor, a fate reserved for the most despised enemies of God and man. This context amplifies the horror and significance of Jezebel's end. Jezebel herself was a Phoenician princess, daughter of Ethbaal, king of Sidon, who introduced and aggressively promoted Baal worship in Israel, actively persecuting the prophets of Yahweh. Her actions were a direct affront to the covenant God of Israel. The geographical setting of Jezreel, a royal city and site of Naboth's vineyard (where Jezebel orchestrated murder, as recounted in [1 Kings 21](/1_kings/21 "1 Kings 21 - Naboth's Vineyard")), adds another layer of poetic justice to her demise, as her judgment occurs in the very place of her most heinous crime.
* **Key Themes:** The immediate and overarching theme is the **fulfillment of divine prophecy**. Specifically, the gruesome details of Jezebel's end directly correspond to Elijah's pronouncement in [1 Kings 21:23](/1_kings/21-23 "1 Kings 21:23 - Elijah's Prophecy Against Jezebel") that "the dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel." This precise fulfillment underscores God's absolute **sovereignty** over human affairs and His unyielding **justice**. Jezebel's life was a testament to persistent **wickedness and idolatry**, marked by her promotion of Baal worship, persecution of Yahweh's prophets, and the murder of Naboth ([1 Kings 21:13](/1_kings/21-13 "1 Kings 21:13 - The Stoning of Naboth")). Her ignominious death serves as a powerful demonstration of the **consequences of defying God** and a stark warning against spiritual rebellion. The passage thus reinforces the biblical truth that God's word is reliable and that ultimately, all will face the consequences of their actions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Skull (Hebrew, _gulgôleth'_):** This term (H1538) refers specifically to the cranium, the bony framework of the head. Its mention here is particularly striking as the head often symbolizes identity, authority, and thought. For a queen, whose head would have worn a crown, to be reduced to a bare skull emphasizes the utter stripping away of her power and dignity. It signifies a complete dehumanization and the ultimate dishonor, leaving only the hard, unconsumable bone as a grim reminder of her former self.
* **Found (Hebrew, _mâtsâʼ'_):** This verb (H4672) means "to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire." The use of "found" here is crucial, highlighting the active discovery by Jehu's servants. It emphasizes the unexpected and shocking nature of what they encountered, directly contrasting with their intention to perform a proper burial. The discovery is not accidental but a divinely orchestrated revelation of the prophecy's fulfillment.
* **Palms (Hebrew, _kaph'_):** This noun (H3709) specifically denotes the hollow hand or palm, distinct from the general word for hand. The hands are instruments of action, power, and control. Jezebel's hands were used to sign decrees, to orchestrate murder (as with Naboth), and to promote idolatry. Their dismembered state, along with the skull and feet, symbolizes the complete cessation of her ability to act and her utter helplessness in the face of divine judgment. The specificity of "palms" might suggest the parts that were perhaps harder to tear away or less palatable, again emphasizing the completeness of the dogs' work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they went to bury her:"** This initial clause reveals the intention of Jehu's servants. Despite Jezebel being a notorious enemy, there was a cultural expectation, perhaps even a royal custom, to provide some form of burial, especially for a figure of her former stature. This act, however, is immediately contrasted by the shocking discovery that follows, highlighting the futility of their attempt against the backdrop of divine decree. The verb "went" (H3212, _yâlak'_) indicates a purposeful movement towards this act.
* **"but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of [her] hands."** This is the climactic and gruesome revelation. The conjunction "but" (H518, _ʼim'_) signals a stark reversal of expectation. The precise enumeration of the remaining body parts—the skull (H1538, _gulgôleth'_), feet (H7272, _regel'_), and palms (H3709, _kaph'_) of the hands (H3027, _yâd'_ )—is highly significant. These are typically the harder, less fleshy parts of the human anatomy, suggesting that the dogs had thoroughly consumed the rest of her body. This detail is not merely descriptive; it serves as irrefutable evidence of the exact and horrific fulfillment of Elijah's prophecy concerning Jezebel's fate, emphasizing the completeness of her dishonor and the finality of God's judgment.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Irony** is prominent, as the attempt to provide a burial, a customary act of respect, is thwarted by the divine judgment already executed. The very act of seeking to honor her inadvertently reveals the depth of her dishonor. **Foreshadowing** from Elijah's earlier prophecy in [1 Kings 21:23](/1_kings/21-23 "1 Kings 21:23 - Elijah's Prophecy Against Jezebel") is brought to a brutal fulfillment, demonstrating the unwavering certainty of God's word. **Symbolism** is rich in the specific body parts mentioned: the skull (seat of intellect/power), feet (movement/path), and hands (action/control) are reduced to mere fragments, symbolizing the complete dismantling of Jezebel's identity, power, and capacity for evil. The dogs, as agents of this consumption, symbolize the instruments of divine judgment, often associated with impurity and scavengers, thus adding to the profound dishonor. The overall effect is one of **pathos** and **horror**, evoking a visceral reaction to the grim reality of God's unyielding justice against persistent rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The gruesome scene in 2 Kings 9:35 powerfully underscores several profound theological truths. Primarily, it stands as an undeniable testament to the **absolute certainty and precision of God's prophetic word**. What Elijah declared years earlier, seemingly impossible for a queen of Jezebel's stature, came to pass exactly as foretold, down to the detail of her body being consumed by dogs. This demonstrates that God's decrees are not mere suggestions but infallible declarations that will be fulfilled in His timing and according to His will. Furthermore, this event highlights the **severity of divine judgment** against persistent and defiant wickedness. Jezebel's life was characterized by extreme idolatry, persecution of God's prophets, and the shedding of innocent blood. Her ignominious end serves as a stark warning that while God is patient, His justice will ultimately prevail, and there are severe consequences for those who continually reject His authority and righteousness. It affirms that God is a God who sees, remembers, and acts to uphold His moral order, even against the most powerful human adversaries.

* [1 Kings 21:23](/1_kings/21-23 "Elijah's Prophecy Against Jezebel")
* [Deuteronomy 28:26](/deuteronomy/28-26 "Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Psalm 58:10-11](/psalms/58-10-11 "The Righteous Rejoice in Justice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The stark reality of 2 Kings 9:35, while unsettling, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as an unwavering reminder of the **infallibility of God's word**. Just as Elijah's prophecy against Jezebel was fulfilled to the letter, so too will all of God's promises and warnings come to pass. This should instill both deep comfort in His faithfulness for those who trust Him and a solemn, urgent warning for those who disregard His commands. The narrative powerfully affirms that **God is a God of justice**. While evil may seem to triumph for a season, and the wicked may appear to prosper, this passage assures us that ultimately, every action has its consequence, and divine reckoning will occur. It calls us to live with an awareness of God's ultimate authority and to align our lives with His righteous standards, knowing that true peace and security are found only in obedience to Him. It implicitly challenges us to examine our own hearts for any areas of rebellion or idolatry, urging us to turn to God in repentance and humility, for His mercy is available to those who seek it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precise fulfillment of prophecy in this passage strengthen your faith in the reliability of God's word today?**
* **What does Jezebel's end teach us about the long-term consequences of persistent rebellion and idolatry against God?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to defy God's will or promote "idols" in our own lives, and how does this passage call us to repentance?**
* **How does the certainty of divine judgment, as depicted here, motivate you to live a life pleasing to God?**

### FAQ

**Why were only these specific parts (skull, feet, hands) left?**

Answer: The specificity of the remaining body parts—the skull, feet, and palms of the hands—is highly significant. These are typically the hardest, least fleshy, or least palatable parts of the human anatomy. Their presence indicates that the dogs had thoroughly consumed the rest of her body, leaving only what was difficult to devour. This gruesome detail emphasizes the completeness of the dishonor and the thoroughness of the divine judgment, leaving no doubt that the prophecy of [1 Kings 21:23](/1_kings/21-23 "Elijah's Prophecy Against Jezebel") was fulfilled to its most horrific extent.

**What was the cultural significance of a proper burial in ancient Israel?**

Answer: In ancient Israel and the broader Near East, a proper burial was of immense cultural and religious importance. It was considered a fundamental act of respect for the deceased, a sign of dignity, and a necessary step for the spirit's peace in the afterlife (from a cultural perspective). To be denied burial, or to have one's body left exposed to scavengers, was the ultimate curse and a profound dishonor, signifying divine disapproval and utter contempt. This is why the discovery of Jezebel's dismembered remains, preventing a proper burial, was such a powerful and symbolic act of judgment.

**How does Jezebel's character and life connect to her gruesome death?**

Answer: Jezebel's death is a direct and fitting consequence of her life of extreme wickedness and defiance against God. She was a foreign queen who aggressively promoted Baal worship in Israel, persecuted and murdered God's prophets ([1 Kings 18:4](/1_kings/18-4 "1 Kings 18:4 - Jezebel Kills the Prophets")), and orchestrated the murder of Naboth to seize his vineyard ([1 Kings 21:1-16](/1_kings/21-1-16 "1 Kings 21:1-16 - Naboth's Vineyard")). Her life was marked by arrogance, idolatry, and a complete disregard for God's law and justice. Her ignominious and dismembered end, consumed by dogs, perfectly symbolizes the utter destruction and dishonor that await those who persistently rebel against the Almighty God. It underscores the biblical principle that while God is merciful, He is also just and will not allow unrepentant evil to go unpunished.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Kings 9:35 describes a specific act of divine judgment in Old Testament history, its Christ-centered fulfillment is found not in a direct parallel, but in the ultimate demonstration of God's justice and the triumph over evil that culminates in Jesus Christ. Jezebel's death signifies the certain demise of all that opposes God, a truth perfectly embodied in Christ's victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Where Jezebel's body was dismembered and consumed, signifying utter defeat and dishonor, Jesus' body, though crucified, was raised incorruptible, triumphing over decay and death ([1 Corinthians 15:42-44](/1_corinthians/15-42-44 "1 Corinthians 15:42-44 - The Resurrection Body")). He is the ultimate fulfillment of prophecy, not merely in judgment, but in salvation, offering a way of escape from the judgment due to sin. The certainty of God's word, so vividly displayed in Jezebel's fate, finds its most profound expression in the prophecies concerning Christ's first and second comings. He is the righteous Judge to whom all judgment has been committed ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has Given All Judgment to the Son")), who will ultimately bring all evil to account. Yet, He is also the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering mercy and eternal life to all who turn from their own "Jezebel-like" rebellion and trust in His atoning sacrifice. Thus, Jezebel's gruesome end points to the absolute necessity and certainty of divine justice, a justice perfectly and redemptively administered through Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 22:19

He shall be buried with the burial of an ass, drawn and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem.

Isaiah 14:18

All the kings of the nations, [even] all of them, lie in glory, every one in his own house.

Isaiah 14:20

Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial, because thou hast destroyed thy land, [and] slain thy people: the seed of evildoers shall never be renowned.

Acts 12:23

And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

Job 31:3

[Is] not destruction to the wicked? and a strange [punishment] to the workers of iniquity?

Ecclesiastes 6:3

If a man beget an hundred [children], and live many years, so that the days of his years be many, and his soul be not filled with good, and also [that] he have no burial; I say, [that] an untimely birth [is] better than he.

Jeremiah 36:30

Therefore thus saith the LORD of Jehoiakim king of Judah; He shall have none to sit upon the throne of David: and his dead body shall be cast out in the day to the heat, and in the night to the frost.