Overview
Ethbaal (also spelled Ithobal) was a Phoenician king of Sidon whose influence over Israel came primarily through his daughter Jezebel's marriage to King Ahab. This union became a turning point in Israel's spiritual decline, as Jezebel actively promoted the worship of Baal and Asherah, directly opposing the Lord's covenant with Israel.
Key Scriptures
"And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the Lord more than all who were before him. And as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, he took for his wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and went and served Baal and worshiped him." (1 Kings 16:30-31, ESV)
"Now Jezebel his wife incited him to action against Naboth the Jezreelite, to take his vineyard." (1 Kings 21:25, NASB)
Application
Believers must carefully consider how relationships and alliances can either strengthen or compromise their faith and obedience to God's Word.