Jezebel -- why we should know who she is.

[Evangelical]

Originally Posted by ZNPaaneah

Perhaps we disagree on what the Bible says.

I understand that there is a worldly system that began with Cain. This was manifested in Babel. This city was full of idols. Ultimately we see this as "the great Babylon" in Rev 17 and 18 as a counterfeit for the New Jerusalem.

The spirit that operates is the spirit of disobedience. We can see this operation in the story of Jezebel. She is the personification of this evil system.

I agree with WL that she can be seen in the woman that hid the leaven in the meal. I also agree with WL that she can be seen in the harlot that sits on the beast and that this same spirit operates in her daughters.

So, when someone says "what is the spirit of the worldly system", what does that mean? I would say that you can see what that means by looking at Jezebel.

You want to say that Jezebel does not refer to the material world.

Once again I would refer you to the key criteria.

1. Teach idolatry -- Christmas is an example. Is Christmas part of the religious world or the material world? I say both. If you don't agree, fine, but don't accuse me of being misleading.

2. Eat things sacrificed to idols -- Christmas is a good example. Is the "eating things sacrificed to this idol" part of the religious world or the material world? I say it is both. If you don't agree fine, but don't accuse me of being misleading.

3. Do they claim that Santa Claus is a saint, a prophet, a magical being? I say they do. Both the worldly system as well as the religious system. If you don't agree, fine, but don't accuse me of being misleading.

4. I feel they substitute Santa for Jesus. I feel this is true of both the worldly Babylon and the Religious Babylon. If you don' agree, fine, but don't accuse me of being misleading.

5. I feel they seduce the Lord's servants to commit fornication in their worship. I feel this is true of both the worldly Babylon and the Religious Babylon. If you don't agree, fine, but don't accuse me of being misleading.

I do not disagree with any of the correlation made with the Roman Catholic church. It is all valid. What I do disagree with is your assertion that Jezebel must be limited to that historical example.



You are making a mock of sin.



Well perhaps we'll be able to get things into focus. I am very clear that you have accused me of error, but do not see any error that you have identified.

Generally in the world there is a "spirit of lawlessness" that the Bible speaks of. Jezebel is possibly one form of that. The spirit of lawlessness manifests as the Jezebel spirit, Balaam etc. But in Revelation Jesus attributes Jezebel to the church at Thyatira and does not mention the worldly system at all. Jezebel is thought to be applied to a faction within the church.

Ellicot's commentary says

A large number of respectable critics regard Jezebel as a name applied to a faction, not as belonging to an individual. It seems best to view the name as symbolical, always remembering that the Jezebel spirit of proud, self-constituted authority, vaunting claims of superior holiness, or higher knowledge, linked with a disregard of—and perhaps a proud contempt for—“legalism,” and followed by open immorality, has again and again run riot in the churches of God.