2 Kings 9:33-37 – The tragic consequence of sin

God’s word through Elijah concerning Jezebel came to pass in 1 Kings 9:34-37. Jehu was prepared for this moment. In the previous three verses, we saw how he ignored the sarcasm and veiled threat of  Jezebel. He called out asking for someone to join him in his execution of God’s vengeance on the wicked queen mother. The two or three officers who looked out of the window complied and threw her down. Verse 33 suggests that she must have had quite a landing. Some of her blood splattered on the wall and on the horses when she landed. It sounded like Jehu then cruelly rode his chariot over her and trampled her.

Assured that she was dead, Jehu ate and drank before ordering some men to have her buried. But when they went to carry out the order, they could not find much of her remains, except her skull, feet, and palms of her hand. They came to report to Jehu, who recalled that this was precisely what Elijah proclaimed, by the words of the LORD, would happen to her. Jezebel’s flesh was eaten up by the dogs until her remains would be so unrecognizable that none could say, “this is Jezebel.”

What a tragic end! True to the word of God she was unrecognizable. The words of God were literally fulfilled. This is the appalling result that sin will bring.  Sin is offensive to God. How Jezebel had ended reminds us never to harbor any sin. We need to be careful how we conduct our lives and keep short accounts with God. Sin has drastic consequences. Remember we will reap what we sow. Let us not trifle with the word of God but live to honor it. He means what He says!