Jezebel vs. Ruth

Attribute	Jezebel	Ruth
Origin	Phoenician princess	Moabite woman
Marital Status	Married to King Ahab	Married to Boaz
Reputation	Known for her wickedness and idolatry	Known for her loyalty and kindness
Actions	Encouraged idol worship, persecuted prophets	Stayed loyal to her mother-in-law, gleaned in the fields
Legacy	Remembered for her evil deeds and downfall	Remembered for her faithfulness and lineage to King David

Background

Jezebel and Ruth are two prominent women in the Bible, each known for their distinct attributes and actions. Jezebel is often portrayed as a wicked queen who led her husband, King Ahab, astray and promoted idol worship. On the other hand, Ruth is depicted as a loyal and virtuous woman who remained faithful to her mother-in-law, Naomi, and ultimately became an ancestor of King David. Despite their differences, both women play significant roles in biblical narratives and offer valuable lessons for readers.

Personality

Jezebel is commonly associated with traits such as cunning, manipulation, and deceit. She is known for her willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve her goals, even if it means resorting to immoral or unethical means. In contrast, Ruth is characterized by her humility, kindness, and loyalty. She demonstrates unwavering devotion to her family and exhibits a strong sense of integrity in all her actions. While Jezebel's actions are often driven by selfish motives, Ruth's decisions are guided by a sense of duty and love for others.

Relationships

Jezebel's most notable relationship is with her husband, King Ahab, whom she influences to abandon the worship of Yahweh in favor of Baal. Their partnership is marked by a power dynamic in which Jezebel exerts significant control over Ahab and leads him down a destructive path. On the other hand, Ruth's relationship with Naomi is characterized by mutual respect, love, and support. Despite facing hardships and loss, Ruth remains committed to Naomi and accompanies her back to Bethlehem, where she eventually finds redemption and a new beginning.

Actions

Jezebel's actions are often driven by a desire for power and control. She is willing to go to great lengths to eliminate her enemies and maintain her position of authority. Jezebel's most infamous act is orchestrating the murder of Naboth in order to seize his vineyard for Ahab. In contrast, Ruth's actions are guided by compassion and selflessness. She willingly leaves her homeland to accompany Naomi, works diligently in the fields to provide for their needs, and ultimately finds favor with Boaz, who becomes her husband and redeemer.

Legacy

Jezebel's legacy is one of infamy and condemnation. She is remembered as a symbol of wickedness and idolatry, with her name often used pejoratively to describe immoral or manipulative women. Jezebel's downfall, as prophesied by Elijah, serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of straying from God's commandments. In contrast, Ruth's legacy is one of honor and blessing. She is celebrated for her faithfulness, loyalty, and devotion to her family. Ruth's story is a testament to the rewards of steadfastness and righteousness, as she is ultimately rewarded with a place in the lineage of Jesus Christ.