Bible Dictionary
Eth-baal
Eth-baal was king of Sidon and the father of Jezebel. His daughter’s marriage to Ahab helped introduce and promote Baal worship in Israel.
Definition
Eth-baal was a king of Sidon and the father of Jezebel, the wife of Ahab. He is also described as a priest of Astarte, whose worship was closely associated with Baal.
Biblical Usage
Eth-baal is mentioned in connection with Jezebel’s marriage to Ahab. That marriage was associated with the promotion of idolatry in Israel and was described as disastrous for Israel and Judah.
Historical Background
Eth-baal’s reign is placed about 940–908 B.C. He is identified in the supplied material as the grandfather of Dido, founder of Carthage.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
With Baal, a king of Sidon (B.C. 940-908), father of Jezebel, who was the wife of Ahab (1 Kings 16:31). He is said to have been also a priest of Astarte, whose worship was closely allied to that of Baal, and this may account for his daughter’s zeal in promoting idolatry in Israel. This marriage of Ahab was most fatal to both Israel and Judah. Dido, the founder of Carthage, was his granddaughter.