(a)Briefly explain the benefits Jezebel brought to IsraelThe marriage of Jezebel and Ahab was a political alliance which cemented ties between Israel and the lands of Sidon and Tyre ruled over by JezebelÃÂÃÂs father Ethbaal.
Firstly the alliance ensured military protection for both Israel and Phoenicia against hostile enemies, particularly the growing power of Aram. Closer ties with Phoenicia also meant that Israel was able to establish military links with the other Near Eastern Cultures aligned with IsraelÃÂÃÂs ally.
Secondly as the Phoenicians were widely established trade people, the Israelites were able to access valuable trade routes. The trade links created strong economic growth in Israel from the new markets opened up and allowed inflows of rare resources and skilled craftsmanship. The growing economy was partially responsible for a strengthening building policy that correlated with the advances in technology, particularly in the military field.
Furthermore through the influence of Jezebels own religious inclinations, Ahab expanded his religious policy to IsraelÃÂÃÂs Canaanite population as he built a temple for Baal in the capital Sumeria, creating a wider religious acceptance.
(b)Explain the importance of the incident of NabothÃÂÃÂs vineyardThe incident of NabothÃÂÃÂs vineyard was an integral element of the biblical account to demonstrate the supposed cruelty of Jezebel. As Gain elaborates, ÃÂÃÂThe story of NabothÃÂÃÂ provides an excellent occasion for the Dueteronomist to propose that Jezebel is not only the foe of IsraelÃÂÃÂs God, but an enemy of the government.ÃÂÃÂThe bible emphasized how Jezebel had violated what Heaton describes as ÃÂÃÂthe strictly defined and sacrosanct boundaries surrounding the deep attachment of the small farmers to their ancestral property.ÃÂÃÂ Thus through this incident Jezebel is portrayed as the evil figure who exploits the poor and wrecks ÃÂÃÂruinous disturbance to the well-established traditions of society.ÃÂÃÂ (Grant.)The moderate view questions the reliability of the biblical judgment,