Izevel: The Queen Who Corrupted a Kingdom

Izevel, the infamous wife of King Achav, left a lasting stain on the kingdom of Israel. Though her marriage was politically strategic—it sought to strengthen ties between Israel and the Phoenician kingdom of Tzor—her influence led the nation into idolatry, injustice, and bloodshed. With cruelty and cunning, she played a central role in some of the most tragic moments in Sefer Melachim, including the murder of prophets and the downfall of the righteous Navot.

A Foreign Queen with a Dangerous Agenda

Izevel was the daughter of Etbaal, king of Tzor, and she brought with her the idolatrous practices of her homeland. After marrying Achav, she quickly influenced him to build a shrine to the Canaanite god Baal in the Shomron, the capital of Israel. Under her influence, Achav became the most sinful king Israel had ever known. As the verse states: "There was none like Achav, who sold himself to do what was evil in the eyes of Hashem, because Izevel his wife incited him…" (Melachim I 21:25–26).

Izevel personally brought 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah into Israel, promoting widespread idolatry. She even ordered the execution of the prophets of Hashem. Only through the bravery of Ovadiah, who hid 100 prophets in caves and sustained them with food and water, did any survive.

When the prophet Eliyahu rebuked Achav for causing the drought in Israel, he called for a dramatic confrontation on Mount Carmel. There, Eliyahu proved the falsehood of Baal worship and called the people to return to Hashem. The nation cried out: "Hashem, He is the God!" Eliyahu then ordered the execution of the false prophets. When Izevel heard what had happened, she vowed to kill Eliyahu, forcing him to flee.

The Tragedy of Navot and Izevel’s Cruelty

Izevel's wickedness reached its peak in the story of Navot HaYizre’eli. Navot owned a vineyard next to Achav's palace. When Achav asked to purchase the land or exchange it for a better plot of land, Navot refused, citing his inheritance from his ancestors.

Achav didn't take Navot's refusal well and lay in bed, refusing to eat. Izevel, upon hearing of her husband's despair, devised a scheme. She framed Navot for blasphemy and rebellion—crimes punishable by death—by hiring two false witnesses to testify against him. Navot was stoned to death, and Achav seized his vineyard under the pretense of royal right.

It was for this atrocity that Eliyahu rebuked Achav on behalf of Hashem with the haunting words: “Have you murdered and also inherited?” (Melachim I 21:19).

A Bitter Legacy and a Fitting End

Izevel bore Achav two sons, Achazyahu and Yehoram, who became kings of Israel, and a daughter, Atalyah, who later ruled over Yehudah after the deaths of her husband and son.

According to Pirkei d’Rabbi Eliezer (chapter 17), Izevel lived near the marketplace and would clap her hands, say complimentary things, and walk ten steps behind every bride who passed by in joyful celebration. Similarly, she would weep and walk behind every funeral procession. 

Ultimately, her end was as gruesome as her life was treacherous. As prophesied, dogs devoured her body, leaving behind only her skull, hands, and feet: "They went to bury her, but found no more of her than the skull, the feet, and the palms of her hands" (Melachim II 9:35). The Sages teach that only the body parts used for kindness were spared from total disgrace after her death.

Izevel's name became synonymous with deceit, idolatry, and bloodshed. Her influence corrupted kings, led to the slaughter of the innocent, and provoked Divine wrath.