What was Jezreel in the Bible?
The name of three locations in the Old Testament
a. Jezreel of Judah (Joshua 15:56, 1 Samuel 25:43, 29:1, 11)
Jezreel was a town in the territory of Judah (Joshua 15:56). It was a place where David sought refuge from King Saul (1 Samuel 25:43) and where he and his men stayed for a time during his persecution (1 Samuel 27:3). David’s wife Ahinoam was also from Jezreel (1 Samuel 30:5).
b. Jezreel of Issachar (Joshua 19:18; 1 Kings 21:1; 2 Kings 9-10)
In Joshua 19:18, Jezreel is mentioned as a city located within the territory of the tribe of Issachar. It is noted in Scripture as a frequent place of residence for Israel’s kings. It is also where King Jehu assassinated Joram and Ahaziah (2 Kings 9-10).
c. Jezreel Valley (Joshua 17:16; Judges 6:33; 2 Samuel 4:4; Judges 6:33)
Joshua 17:16, the Jezreel Valley is referenced as part of the inheritance of the tribe of Manasseh. This valley provided fertile land for agriculture and was a strategic location for military purposes. Judges 6:33, names Jezreel as the location where Gideon gathered his army before going to battle against the Midianites. This battle resulted in a miraculous victory for the Israelites. In Hosea 1:5, the prophet Hosea uses the valley as a symbolic reference to depict God’s judgment on the house of Jehu for their idolatry and disobedience.