Joseph Turner Christian, Sunday School Teacher, Actor, Health Food Worker

That depends. If one were to look at 1 Kings 16:31, they would see a woman introduced by the name of Jezebel, who was the daughter of the king of the Sidonians (i.e. the Philistines if I'm not mistaken). While she was not necessarily the ruler of the kingdom of Israel, she had the ruler, King Ahab, under her thumb. She encouraged him to worship Baal, subsequently leading to the worship of Baal by the nation of Israel. 

We are later informed that 'dogs shall eat Jezebel....' (1 Kings 21:23) and we see the conclusion of the matter in 2 Kings 9:30-37. She is mentioned 20 times by name in the Bible, 19 times in the Old Testament, and one dishonorable mention in Revelation 2:20. 

Also, if one were to look at 2 Kings 11:1-3 they would see that there was a woman ruler of the kingdom of Judah. Her name was Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah. However, she was a wicked and illegitimate ruler. She usurped the throne and killed all the other potential opposition once her son died (that she could find). As always happens in these cases, anyone who does not humble themselves before the LORD meets with His Justice in the end. (See 2 Kings 11:13-16)

One could make the argument that since the king of Judah was of the actual line of David, thus, the only legitimate line of kings, it could be said that Athaliah was ruler of the nation of Israel as well, but just because one claims to rule, it does not mean rule is acknowledged. In the end, the LORD rules over all. (Psalm 103:19)

October 02 2014 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report