Jezebel

Let’s talk about Jezebel, but not the "scorned woman" narrative you've been spoon-fed since Sunday School. Let’s delve deeper into the history, casting a new light on Jezebel, and peeling back the layers of her story with a touch of dignity she's been long denied.

Jezebel, born into the sophisticated and wealthy Phoenician society, dripping in finesse, was a daughter of King Ethbaal, a man who himself ascended the throne from the priesthood of the goddess Astarte.

Phoenicia was a cultural hub, known for its mighty seafaring and trade. When Jezebel entered the scene in Israel, it wasn’t just a royal marriage with King Ahab, it was the mingling of empires.  This marriage was a political alliance move that had her trading in her home turf for a land where her gods were viewed like unwelcome in-laws at Thanksgiving.

This woman, this queen, brought with her the whole squad of deities of her homeland: Baal, the god of rain and fertility, and Astarte, the goddess of love and war. These weren't just spiritual figureheads but central pillars to economic and political stability in her native culture. To the agrarian societies of the ancient Near East, the favor of such deities was essential for survival. The Israel she entered, under King Ahab's rule, was a place of religious tension. The Israelite prophets, including Elijah, were actively promoting the worship of Yahweh singularly, pushing back against the syncretism that was common in the region. The prophets of Elijah weren’t feeling Jezebel’s strong, independent woman vibe or her devotion to her gods. Jezebel's arrival, with her entourage of foreign gods, struck at the heart of this religious tug-of-war. They painted her as the villain, the foreign woman leading their king and country astray. But let’s pause — was she the villain or just sticking to her spiritual guns in a country that wanted to assimilate her. Sounds familiar doesn’t it ?

King Ahab and Prophet Elijah

It doesn’t stop there they painted her as this hyper-sexualized femme fatale, using her sexuality as a smear campaign to further demonize her. It's like every time a woman has a bit of power, confidence, or independence, society’s like, “Wait a minute, she must be using her sexuality to get her way.” Cue the collective eye roll.

This whole framing of Jezebel wasn’t just about making her the villain; it was about sending a message. It said, "Look here, ladies, step out of line, and not only will we discredit your beliefs and culture, but we'll also slut-shame you into oblivion." It's the age-old tactic of using a woman's sexuality as a weapon against her, packaging it with a big, red bow of moral panic. This was a masterclass in manipulation. It was about making her so unpalatable, so villainous, that no one would dare align with her or her cause. It was a warning — keep your head down, conform, or be painted as a Jezebel.

Imagine Jezebel, navigating this "colonizer land," trying to keep her head up while everyone’s gossiping behind her back, calling her the B-word (and no, I don’t mean “blessed”). Yet, she remained unapologetically herself, standing firm in her beliefs and culture in a land that wasn’t trying to hear any of it. She was not a mere passive queen; historical accounts suggest that she was an active agent in the royal court, assertive in her religious practices. She fiercely defended her own prophets against the encroaching wave of Yahweh's exclusive worship. Her opposition to the prophets of Yahweh, like Elijah, wasn't just a personal vendetta; it was a clash of civilizations, of cultures, and perhaps even a clash for the future of the region. But let’s flip the script, Jezebel was a pioneer, a queen fighting to preserve her worship and culture against the ultimate colonizer playbook. She was about maintaining her spiritual agency, refusing to let her identity be erased or diluted.

And it's here, in this clash, that the patriarchal narrative has often oversimplified her as a mere femme fatale. However, what if Jezebel's story is one of resistance against the erasure of her own culture? Imagine being taken from your home, placed in a position of power, but also in a position of great vulnerability, where every move you make is scrutinized and countered. Jezebel stood firm, advocating for her own people's ways in a foreign land, striving to maintain a semblance of the familiar in the royal court and for her Phoenician subjects.

Her end, as tragic as any martyr’s, was a brutal one, and it's been used to perpetuate a narrative of rightful downfall. Yet, isn't there something poignant and profoundly human about her insistence on cultural integrity? Jezebel didn't just refuse to crumble under society's heavy thumb; she straight-up sashayed past their demands for silence and conformity with her head held high and her spirit unshakable.

Death of Jezebel

Jezebel's story, when viewed outside the traditional patriarchal and colonial frameworks, is not just a historical account of a queen's fall from grace but is a narrative of resilience. It is the tale of a woman who navigated the treacherous waters of political marriage, cultural imposition, and religious strife, maintaining her identity to the very end.

In this retelling, we offer not just a more nuanced view of Jezebel but also an acknowledgment of her as a figure who faced the ultimate consequences for her unwavering dedication to her culture and beliefs.

This is for all the Jezebels who’ve been unfairly labeled or shamed for their strength, their culture, or their sexuality. Your story isn’t one of villainy; it’s one of resilience, power, and undeniable presence. And let's face it, if they’re talking about you, you must be doing something right. Keep living your truth, and let them choke on their words while you wear your crown.

In embracing Jezebel's unyielding spirit, we're reminded of the power in exploring our own depths; a Pomba Gira shadow work reading invites you to uncover and stand firm in your truth, just as fiercely. It’s not about changing who you are, but illuminating the strength that’s always been there, waiting to be acknowledged and celebrated. Use Code “Oshun” for 10% off.