In our series “The Handmaiden of the LORD,” we’ve explored the lives of women who exemplified humble servanthood. Now, we turn our attention to the ultimate antithesis of a handmaiden: Jezebel. This episode is not a condemnation, but a critical look at a woman whose story in 1 and 2 Kings serves as a powerful cautionary biblical narrative. We’ll delve into the historical foundation of her character—a figure of pride, manipulation, and spiritual rebellion—and then draw a crucial modern parallel to what this “spirit of Jezebel” can look like in the church today.
Join us as we explore the subtle dangers of spiritual control, false teaching, and using charisma for personal gain. Most importantly, we will uncover how a true handmaiden of the Lord—through the virtues of humility, genuine servanthood, and an unwavering commitment to biblical truth—serves as the perfect antidote to this destructive spirit.
This episode is vital for Christian women seeking a deeper spiritual walk because it equips them with the tools of discernment. The enemy’s tactics are often subtle, and a “spirit of Jezebel” can manifest in ways that are difficult to identify, even within Christian circles. By understanding its biblical roots and modern parallels, listeners will be able to:
* Protect their hearts: It teaches them to guard against manipulation and spiritual control, both from others and, through self-reflection, from within themselves.
* Strengthen their faith: The episode reaffirms that a life of humble servanthood, rooted in the clear truth of God’s Word, is the path to genuine spiritual growth, not worldly power or influence.
* Cultivate a handmaiden’s heart: It provides a clear, actionable guide on how to live out the characteristics of a handmaiden—not by following a charismatic leader, but by submitting to the gentle leading of the Holy Spirit.
By the end of this podcast, listeners will have a clearer understanding of spiritual warfare and a renewed passion for the transformative power of a truly humble and surrendered life in Christ.
THIS IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.
FOR MEDICAL ADVICE OR DIAGNOSIS, CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL.
TRANSCRIPT
Episode 7: The Spirit of Jezebel: Handmaiden or Hinderance?
Dr. Buck: Welcome back to The Winepress Podcast. I’m your host, Dr. Mary Buck, and I’m so glad you’re here with me today. Throughout our series, “The Handmaiden of the LORD,” we’ve been exploring the lives of remarkable women of faith—women like Mary Magdalene, the Samaritan woman, and most recently, Rachael—who have shown us what it means to live a life of humble service to God.
Today, we turn our attention to a very different kind of woman. We’re going to look at the powerful, manipulative figure of Jezebel—a woman who stands as the stark opposite of a true handmaiden of the Lord. Her story is not meant to condemn, but to serve as a warning and to help us identify and resist a spirit that can still infiltrate the church today.
To assist me in this deep-dive, I have my digital assistant, Abby, with some thought-provoking questions. Abby?
Abby: Hello, Dr. Buck. Jezebel is a figure of great notoriety in the Bible. Can you first establish for us, from the books of 1 and 2 Kings, who she was and what her actions reveal about her character?
Dr. Buck: That’s a crucial place to start, Abby. Jezebel was a Phoenician princess who married King Ahab of Israel. She didn’t just embrace her pagan gods; she aggressively promoted the worship of Baal in a land consecrated to the God of Israel. Her story is one of ruthless ambition and spiritual rebellion. She used her position to manipulate and control, famously orchestrating the murder of Naboth to seize his vineyard in 1 Kings 21. Her ultimate end, as described in 2 Kings 9, was violent and desolate—a powerful testimony to the consequences of her ways.
Her legacy, in essence, is that of an authority figure who used her power and charisma not for the glory of God, but for her own gain and to lead others astray.
Abby: Dr. Buck, your description of Jezebel as an authority figure who used her power for personal gain is very compelling. How can Christian women in the church today, identify what you might call “the spirit of Jezebel” in their own lives or in the lives of those around them?
Dr. Buck: That is the core of our discussion today, Abby. The “spirit of Jezebel” isn’t tied to a person, but to a pattern of behavior. It’s a spiritual influence marked by manipulation, a desire for control over others, and a tendency to present false teaching or a distorted gospel for personal benefit. This spirit often operates under the guise of piety or spiritual authority, using charisma or a strong personality to subtly undermine biblical truth and lead people away from humble servanthood. It’s a desire to be worshiped or revered more than to see Christ exalted.
Abby: That’s a powerful warning, Dr. Buck. So, if that is the spirit we are to be on guard against, what would you identify as the key “handmaiden characteristic” that can serve as the antidote to this influence?
Dr. Buck: The true antidote, Abby, is humility and a complete devotion to biblical truth. Where Jezebel was proud and controlling, a handmaiden is humble and submitted to God. Where Jezebel promoted false gods, a handmaiden is committed to the pure, unvarnished truth of God’s Word. Jesus himself said in Matthew 20:26-27, that “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.” A handmaiden seeks to serve, not to control. She finds her identity not in power or influence, but in her relationship with the Lord.
A true handmaiden uses her gifts and her influence to build up the body of Christ, not to tear it down or to create a following for herself. She points all glory back to God alone.
Abby: Thank you, Dr. Buck. I think many of our listeners will find that a vital distinction. It’s time for us to close. Would you like to lead us in prayer?
Dr. Buck: Yes, of course, Abby. Let’s prepare our hearts. My sisters in Christ, if you have ever felt a desire to control a situation or a person, or to manipulate for your own benefit, know that God sees you, and He offers forgiveness. He desires to replace a spirit of control with a spirit of surrender.
Let’s pray.
Heavenly Father, we come before you today with open hearts, asking for your grace. We confess that at times, we may have harbored an attitude of pride, control, or manipulation—a Jezebel attitude—within our own hearts. Forgive us, Lord, for using our influence for anything other than your glory. We ask for the power of your Holy Spirit to guide our every step and thought, and especially our hearts. Help us to cultivate a true handmaiden’s spirit of humility and servanthood, so that our lives would be a testament to your truth and your love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
My friend, if, you have not invited Jesus into your heart? Do so now. It’s as simple as opening a door—the door to your heart. Thank you for joining me today on The Winepress Podcast. Until next time, may God’s grace and peace be with you.
And remember, as God gets bigger in our lives, we get stronger.
Journal Prompts and Activity
As per your request, the journal prompts and activity are placed at the end of the script content.
Journal Prompts: Handmaiden or Hinderance?
Based on the story of Jezebel in 1 and 2 Kings, reflect on the following questions. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts and heart, using this episode as a tool for discernment and self-reflection.
Identifying the Spirit of Control: Jezebel’s primary characteristic was her ruthless ambition and manipulation to gain control and seize what she wanted (Naboth’s vineyard).
- In what subtle ways have you recently felt the desire to control a situation, an outcome, or another person for your own benefit or comfort?
- Read James 3:13-18. How do the characteristics of “earthly, unspiritual, demonic” wisdom (jealousy, selfish ambition) contrast with the “wisdom from above” (pure, peaceable, gentle)?
The Antidote of Humility: The podcast identifies humility and servanthood as the perfect antidote to the Jezebel spirit. A true handmaiden seeks to serve, not to be served or revered.
- Jesus said, “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). In what area of your life or ministry do you struggle most with serving rather than being recognized?
- How can you intentionally redirect any praise or attention you receive this week back to God, cultivating a heart that points all glory to Him alone?
Guarding Biblical Truth: Jezebel aggressively promoted false worship. A handmaiden is committed to the clear, unvarnished truth of God’s Word.
- How diligently are you guarding the pure truth of Scripture in your life? Do you allow outside voices or charismatic personalities to subtly undermine biblical doctrines?
- Take a moment to confess any reliance on self-sufficiency, manipulation, or spiritual pride. Pray for a spirit of surrender to replace the spirit of control in every area of your life.
Activity: The Practice of Servanthood
This week, intentionally practice an act of humble servanthood where you will receive absolutely no recognition or praise. This could be:
- Quietly serving a family member without being asked or acknowledged.
- Praying specifically for someone you feel competitive with or have a disagreement with.
- Doing an act of service for your church or community and keeping it completely private.
Use this activity to remind your heart that your true identity and power come not from influence over others, but from submission to the gentle leading of the Holy Spirit.
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