Jezebel, in modern times, is used as a derogatory name for women (Painted Jezebel). In today’s world it conjures up images of women with loose morals, such as prostitutes and whores. This may have some link to the New Testament’s book, Revelation. In 2:20 it accuses Jezebel of inducing church members into sexual relations, as well as eating unclean food that had been used in sacrifice to idols.

In earlier times, she was nothing more than the daughter of a Phoenician King, Ethbaal (Ithobaal) I of Tyre (Zidonia). She was a God-fearing woman, only her God was not that of the Hebrews. When she married their king, Ahab, she brought her own religion to the land. Soon, temples of Baal (for this is the general term the Bible uses for other deities) soon sprung across the land. Ahab had converted to worshipping her God.

Things went badly for this poor, pagan woman after the deaths of her husband and sons. She was accused of all sorts of abominations by the prophet Elijah. In the end, Jehu (the murderer of her second son) confronts her and orders her servants to kill her as well. The preferred method of murder? Defenestration, where one is thrown from a window or opening. The servants do as bidden and Jezebel is left in the street to be eaten by dogs. The only things left of her were her skull, feet and hands.

A bit harsh, if you ask me. I mean, the woman was just following her own path and then her husband decided to follow along. She did not forsake her God like he did his. Why is she killed so cruelly when Ahab was not?