The Spirit of Jezebel — When Greed and Manipulation Challenge God’s Justice
Key Scriptures
1 Kings 21:3 (CSB)
“But Naboth said to Ahab, ‘As the Lord is my witness, I will never give my ancestors’ inheritance to you.’”
1 Kings 21:7 (CSB)
“Then his wife Jezebel said to him, ‘Now, exercise your royal power over Israel! Get up, eat some food, and be happy, for I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.’”
1 Kings 21:19 (CSB)
“Say to him, ‘This is what the Lord says: Have you murdered and also taken possession? … In the place where the dogs licked Naboth’s blood, the dogs will also lick your blood!’”
1 Kings 21:25–26 (CSB)
“Still, there was no one like Ahab who devoted himself to do what was evil in the Lord’s sight because his wife Jezebel incited him. He committed the most detestable acts by following idols, just as the Amorites had done.”
1 Kings 21:29 (CSB)
“‘Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before Me? I will not bring the disaster during his lifetime because he has humbled himself before Me.’”
Reflection Questions
What “vineyard” (inheritance, calling, or promise) has God entrusted to me that I must protect?
Have I allowed anyone or anything to manipulate my decisions the way Jezebel did Ahab’s?
How do I respond when confronted with truth—defensive or repentant?
What does this story teach me about the balance between justice and mercy in God’s character?