Wicked Power Couple

In this introductory summary of Ahab’s reign, our attention is immediately drawn to his sinful decision to marry Jezebel. This is a signal to the reader that her role as queen will be significant in the upcoming narrative. Jezebel was the daughter of Ethbaal, meaning ‘man of Baal,’ the king of Sidon (north of Israel) and the priest of Baal. She was a religious fanatic Baal-worshipper who hated Yahweh and any religious prophet or leader who proclaimed Him.