Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Kings 16:31

31 And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat; that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians , and went and served Baal , and worshipped him.

As if that Sin were not big enough to express his contempt of God; as if he thought it below his Wit and Dignity, to content himself with such a Vulgar Fault. But the Hebrew runs thus, Was it a light thing, &c? i. e. Was this but a small Sin, that therefore he needed to add more Abominations? Where the question, as is usual among the Hebrews, implies a strong denial; and intimates, That this was no small Sin, but a great Crime; and might have satisfied his wicked Mind, without any additions.

A Woman infamous for her Idolatry, and Cruelty, and Sorcery, and Filthiness. See Chap. 18. 4. and 21. 8. 2 King. 9. 22. Revel. 2. 20.

Called Ithobalus, or Itobalus in Heathen Writers.

So she was of an Heathenish and Idolatrous Race, and such whom the Kings and People of Israel were expresly forbidden to Marry.

i. e. The Idol which the Sidonians Worshipped, which is thought to be Hercules: or false gods: for this name is common to all such. And this Idolatry was much worse than that of the Calves; because in the Calves they Worshipped the True God; but in these, false gods or Devils, as is evident from Chap. 18. 21.

Marginal references: Heb. was it a light thing? &c.