Maybe it's because Jezebel's character and career aren't a very good fit for either America's dominant culture, or the 'nice' versions of Christianity. Mind you, that's not even my opinion. I think it's likely: but it's still speculation.
Jezebel was the wife of Ahab - and was assertive. A bit like the fictional Lady Macbeth: the one who did finger-painting on the walls of her castle with other people's blood.
Not that being forceful is a bad thing by itself, like Deborah when she was judging Israel. (Judges 4:4-5) Come to think of it, we don't talk much about Jael, who nailed that fellow's head to the floor, either. (Judges 5) And that's another topic.
Anyway, Jezebel didn't stop with boosting her husband's business interests with a surreptitious execution. She had a shot at converting Israel to the worship of Baal.
In retrospect, that was a bad idea. (2 Kings 9:32-37)
Before Jezebel's abrupt fall from power - literally - she had Elijah on the run. Here's part of what the prophet had to say, after he'd prayed for death. And been told to eat a good meal, instead.
"...He [Elijah] replied, 'I have been most zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. But the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to the sword. I alone am left, and they seek to take my life.' "Sounds pretty hopeless, doesn't it?
(1 Kings 19:14)
Turns out, Elijah didn't have all the facts. From where he stood, things looked about as bad as it gets.
God gave Elijah the names of three others he had assignments for - and assured Elijah that there were 7,000 who hadn't gone over to Baal.
Slightly-related posts:
- "Faith With a Cold"
(October 18, 2010) - "Becoming Catholic for Reasons, Leaving Because of Feelings"
(August 5, 2010) - "Time in a Garden"
(May 6, 2010) - "God is Love, Wisdom: And Power"
(March 21, 2010) - "The Bells of St. Mary's and the Movies: The 'Good Old Days' had Problems, Too"
(March 19, 2009)
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