### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʼÎyzebel**, represented by `{{H348}}`, refers to **Izebel, the wife of king Ahab**. It appears **22 times** across **19 unique verses** in the Bible. As the daughter of the king `{{H4428}}` of the Zidonians `{{H6722}}`, her marriage to king Ahab `{{H256}}` of Israel `{{H3478}}` marks a period of intense idolatry and conflict with the prophets of the LORD `{{H3068}}`. Her name is consistently associated with promoting Baal worship, persecuting God's servants, and exercising corrupt influence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H348}}` is central to the downfall of Ahab's house `{{H1004}}`. Her marriage is presented as the catalyst for Ahab to serve `{{H5647}}` and worship `{{H7812}}` Baal `{{H1168}}` [[1 Kings 16:31]]. She actively persecuted the LORD's prophets `{{H5030}}`, cutting them off `{{H3772}}` and slaying `{{H2026}}` them ([[1 Kings 18:4]], [[1 Kings 18:13]]). When the prophet Elijah `{{H452}}` defeated the prophets of Baal, Jezebel sent a messenger `{{H4397}}` threatening to take his life `{{H5315}}` [[1 Kings 19:2]]. She also orchestrated the murder of Naboth `{{H5022}}` to seize his vineyard `{{H3754}}` for Ahab, writing letters `{{H5612}}` in the king's name to achieve her goal [[1 Kings 21:7-11]]. Her legacy is summarized as the one who "stirred up" `{{H5496}}` Ahab to work `{{H6213}}` wickedness `{{H7451}}` [[1 Kings 21:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words and names are crucial to understanding the context of Jezebel's life and influence:
* `{{H256}}` **ʼAchʼâb** (Ahab): As Jezebel's husband and the king of Israel, he was directly influenced by her to forsake the LORD and embrace the worship of Baal [[1 Kings 16:31]].
* `{{H1168}}` **Baʻal** (Baal, a Phoenician deity): Jezebel was a primary promoter of Baal worship in Israel, supporting four hundred and fifty of his prophets at her own table `{{H7979}}` [[1 Kings 18:19]].
* `{{H452}}` **ʼÊlîyâh** (Elijah): The prophet of the LORD who directly confronted Jezebel's idolatry, challenged her prophets on mount `{{H2022}}` Carmel `{{H3760}}`, and pronounced God's judgment upon her ([[1 Kings 19:1-2]], [[2 Kings 9:36]]).
* `{{H3058}}` **Yêhûwʼ** (Jehu): Anointed by the LORD to smite `{{H5221}}` the house of Ahab and to avenge `{{H5358}}` the blood `{{H1818}}` of the prophets shed by Jezebel [[2 Kings 9:7]]. He directly confronted her before her death [[2 Kings 9:30]].
* `{{H5022}}` **Nâbôwth** (Naboth): An Israelite whose vineyard Jezebel coveted for Ahab. She arranged for his false accusation and execution by stoning `{{H5619}}` so Ahab could take possession `{{H3423}}` of his land [[1 Kings 21:14-15]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative of `{{H348}}` carries significant weight, illustrating several key themes:
* **Apostasy through Foreign Influence:** Jezebel's marriage to Ahab is a prime example of foreign influence leading Israel into sin `{{H2403}}`. As the daughter of Ethbaal `{{H856}}`, king of the Zidonians `{{H6722}}`, she introduced widespread worship of Baal `{{H1168}}` [[1 Kings 16:31]].
* **Active Persecution of the Righteous:** Jezebel is not a passive character; she actively sought to eliminate the worship of the LORD by cutting off `{{H3772}}` His prophets `{{H5030}}` [[1 Kings 18:4]]. This hostility is directed specifically at God's servants `{{H5650}}`.
* **Corruption of Power:** She used her royal authority to commit injustice, most notably by orchestrating the murder of Naboth `{{H5022}}` to satisfy her husband's desire for a vineyard `{{H3754}}` [[1 Kings 21:7]]. Her actions are later described by Jehu `{{H3058}}` as "whoredoms" `{{H2183}}` and "witchcrafts" `{{H3785}}` [[2 Kings 9:22]].
* **Fulfillment of Divine Judgment:** The LORD `{{H3068}}` pronounced a specific judgment against Jezebel through the prophet Elijah `{{H452}}`. It was prophesied that dogs `{{H3611}}` would eat `{{H398}}` the flesh `{{H1320}}` of Jezebel in the portion `{{H2506}}` of Jezreel `{{H3157}}`, a prophecy that was explicitly fulfilled ([[1 Kings 21:23]], [[2 Kings 9:36]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H348}}` represents more than just a historical figure; she is the archetype of a wicked and idolatrous ruler who actively works against God and His people. Through her influence over king Ahab `{{H256}}`, her persecution of the prophets `{{H5030}}`, and her corrupt seizure of Naboth's vineyard `{{H3754}}`, Jezebel's story serves as a stark warning against apostasy. Her prophesied and gruesome death underscores the biblical theme that divine judgment will ultimately be executed against those who defiantly oppose the LORD `{{H3068}}`.
TRV