Who Is Jezebel in the Book of Revelation?

Jezebel in the book of Revelation represents the apostate or antichristian church, specifically the Papal system that held supremacy during the Dark AgesSSP 62.1+2.

The Figurative Identity of Jezebel

The name Jezebel is used proverbially and figuratively in Revelation 2:20 to denote a class of false teachers or a corrupt religious organizationDAR1909 388.1+1. Just as the literal Jezebel of the Old Testament was a pagan princess who married King Ahab and seduced Israel into sun-worship through Baal, the "mystical Jezebel" represents a church that joined hands with the state to enforce man-made laws and idolatrous practicesEVRR90+2. This power is identical to the "Mother of Harlots" and "Babylon the Great" described in other prophecies, representing a religio-political system that prostituted itself by seeking the support of earthly kingsEVRR505+2.

The Work of the Apostate Power

This symbolic woman represents a period of history where the church substituted human traditions for the commandments of GodRCASDA 33.4+1. Her influence led to several specific spiritual corruptions:

• Changing God's Law: She thought to change "times and laws," specifically substituting Sunday for the Bible Sabbath of the fourth commandmentRCASDA 33.4+2.

• Spiritual Adultery: This represents the union of the church with civil power, leading to the persecution of those who remained faithful to ChristSSP 62.1+2.

• Idolatry and False Teaching: She seduced God's servants to "eat things sacrificed to idols," which refers to the introduction of image worship and pagan customs into Christian worshipBDOC 53.22+2.

• Persecution of the Saints: As ancient Jezebel slew the prophets of the Lord, this power wore out the saints of the Most High during the 1260 years of Papal supremacy Daniel 7:25SSP 62.1+1.

Historical and Future Application

The message to the church of Thyatira covers the long period of the Middle Ages, from A.D. 538 to 1798DAR1909 387.2+2. During this time, the true church was driven into the wilderness, much like Elijah fled from the ancient queen JezebelSSP 62.1+2. However, this history will have a counterpart in the last generation before the second coming of ChristSSP 68.1. The power of Jezebel will be felt again as church and state unite once more to compel obedience to man-made laws instead of the laws of JehovahSSP 68.1+1.

The Judgment of Jezebel

God gave this apostate power space to repent, but she repented not Revelation 2:21SSP 62.1+1. Consequently, she and those who commit spiritual adultery with her face great tribulation and final destruction Revelation 2:22SSP 62.1+1. The terrible end of the literal Jezebel, who was thrown down and eaten by dogs, serves as a solemn symbol of the final fate of this oppressive religious system and its "daughter" organizations 2 Kings 9:30-37SSP 62.1+1. In contrast, the faithful who do not follow her doctrines are encouraged to "hold fast" until Christ returns Revelation 2:25HST July 3, 1844, page 174.16+1.