Rev 2:20-23 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Rev 2:20-21: 2:20-21 The mention of Jezebel , who led Israel into pagan idolatry and immorality (1 Kgs 16:31-33 ; 21:5-26 ), indicates a serious problem. Like the Old Testament queen who led the pagan cult of Baal (see 1 Kgs 16:31 ; 18:4 ; 19:1-3 ), this unknown Jezebel called herself a prophet but was leading God’s people into various forms of immorality , including sexual misconduct and straying from God into idolatrous alliances and actions (Exod 34:15-16 ; Ps 106:39 ; Isa 57:7-8 ).

Summary for Rev 2:20-21: 2:20-21 ^a The mention of Jezebel, who led Israel into pagan idolatry and immorality (1 Kgs 16:31-33 ^b; 21:5-26 ^c), indicates a serious problem. Like the Old Testament queen who led the pagan cult of Baal (see 1 Kgs 16:31 ^d; 18:4 ^e; 19:1-3 ^f), this unknown Jezebel called herself a prophet but was leading God’s people into various forms of immorality, including sexual misconduct and straying from God into idolatrous alliances and actions (Exod 34:15-16 ^g; Ps 106:39 ^h; Isa 57:7-8 ⁱ).
2:21 ^j Through messengers such as John, Christ had given this false prophet opportunity to repent of her sinful teachings and actions, but like many, she had refused (cp. 9:20-21 ^k).
Summary for Rev 2:22-23: 2:22-23 ^l Christ’s judgment on this “Jezebel” and her followers comes in three stages: (1) Jezebel is on a bed of suffering; (2) her followers will suffer greatly; and (3) her children will die (cp. Acts 5:5 ^m, 10 ⁿ; 1 Cor 11:30 ^o). This judgment echoes the plagues on Egypt that ended with the deaths of Egypt’s firstborn sons (see Exod 12:29-30 ^p).

• God sees thoughts and intentions (see Jer 17:10 ^q; Acts 1:24 ^r; Heb 4:12-13 ^s), and he gives whatever sentence people deserve (see Rev 22:12 ^t; Jer 17:10 ^u; Matt 16:27 ^v).