Ethbaal
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Ethbaal in the Bible?
Ethbaal was a king of Sidon and the father of Jezebel, who married Ahab, king of Israel.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Ethbaal's political alliance with Israel through his daughter Jezebel clarifies the historical context for the introduction of Tyrian religious practices and the subsequent conflicts between the prophetic tradition and the royal court in the northern kingdom.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Ethbaal reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Ethbaal in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Ethbaal clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Ethbaal." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/ethbaal/