Jehu: The Kingslayer

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Previously on the Chosen People. Children burned on their altars, women were taken broken and discarded. Kings carved their glory from the marrow of their subjects. Beneath all its beauty, the land groaned, beneath the weight of its own corruption. 00:00:20 Speaker 2: I gave you this house, this kingdom, this crown, and had that not been enough, I would have given you more. You have despised my word. You have done what is evil in my sight. 00:00:39 Speaker 3: Blood shall answer blood. 00:00:41 Speaker 2: Because you have dealt in violence, so too shall violence rise in your own walls. 00:00:49 Speaker 4: But if you or your descendants turn away from me and do not observe my commands, if you serve other gods and worshiped them, is will become an objective, scorn and ridicule among all the peoples. 00:01:11 Speaker 5: Shelloh, my friends, from here in the holy Land of Israel, i'm ya l Exstein with the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, and welcome to the Chosen People. Each day we'll hear a dramatic story inspired by the Bible, stories filled with timeless lessons of faith, love, and the meaning of life. Through Israel's story, we will find this truth that we are all chosen for something great, So take a moment today to follow the podcast. If you're feeling extra grateful for these stories, we would love it if you left us a review. I read every single one of them, and if you're interested in hearing more about the prophetic, life saving work of the Fellowship, you can visit IFCJ dot Org. Let's begin. 00:02:00 Speaker 1: Keisha trudged along the dusty road, the flask of oil clutched tightly in his hands. He was not entirely sure why Elisha had chosen him for this errand it felt if he was being honest with himself, less like an honor and more like a test of how much he trusted his master, or how much his master trusted him. Probably both. Elisha's instructions had been precise and yet maddeningly vague, in the way only prophets and poets ever managed to be. 00:02:37 Speaker 2: Go to jail, son of Jeosephat annoyed him, King of Israel, speak the word of the Lord to him. And then this is important, Gisha, leave quickly. Don't linger to see what happens next. 00:02:53 Speaker 1: Keisha had wondered what it meant. Although Keisha often found it fruitless to wander long life following. Elisha was full of surprises, and so here he was miles from the school of prophets, stepping cautiously into the fringes of a military camp. These soldiers were technically King Joam's men, but their hearts and true allegiance were to their commander, Jay Who. Keisha stopped just beyond the edge of the firelight, crouching low behind a tangle of thorn bushes. Jay Who was easy to spot even from a distance. He sat in the center of his men, his massive frame outlined by the orange glow of the fire. His voice boomed like a battle shofar as he regaled his soldiers with a story Keisha had heard a dozen times before. 00:03:52 Speaker 6: And Samson, Oh, Sampson, my father told me about him when I was just a boy. 00:04:00 Speaker 7: Sure, a thousand thousand Philistines, sneering jeery, And all Samson had was the jawbone of a donkey, a jaw bone. 00:04:16 Speaker 3: And do you do you know what he did? 00:04:20 Speaker 2: He killed them all, didn't he, Lord Commander. 00:04:24 Speaker 6: Every last one of them. Ah, can you imagine it? Swinging their jawbone like a farmer threshing wheat. 00:04:33 Speaker 1: The men roared their approval, their admiration for their commander, as clear as the stars overhead. 00:04:41 Speaker 7: A thousand Philistines with a donkey's joe bone. 00:04:46 Speaker 3: What I wouldn't give to see that? See it? If I had been there, I would have helped him stack the bodies. 00:04:56 Speaker 1: But the men roared with laughter, and even Keisha, hidden in the shadows, couldn't help but crack a smile, Jay who was magnetic, larger than life. It was no wonder his men idolized him, Jay who was a legend in the making. He was the kind of man who made you feel like you were part of something greater than yourself. A man who could turn a camphire into a throne room with nothing but his presence. 00:05:24 Speaker 6: What happened to the great judges of all men and women of strength and conviction? That's what Israel needs, isn't it not some whimpering king hiding behind his palace was afraid of breaking an ail. Israel needs a judge, a leader who isn't afraid to get his hands dirty for the sake of righteousness. 00:05:51 Speaker 1: The soldiers cheered, landing their fists on the ground. It was now or never. Keisha tightened his grip on the flask and stepped out from the bushes, his heart pounding so loudly he was sure they would hear it over the fire. The soldiers noticed him immediately. Their laughter faded into wary silence, hands drifting toward their weapons. Jay Who turned, his expression, shifting from amusement to curiosity. As he rose to his full imposing height. Jay Who's sharp eyes caught the flicker of an insignia, a flame sewn into the shoulder of Keisha's garment. Recognition dawned on Jehu's face, the symbol of the school of Prophets. 00:06:38 Speaker 3: Well, wow, what have we here? 00:06:40 Speaker 6: You're a bit out of your element here, young prophet, have you have you come to bless us with some riddles? 00:06:48 Speaker 3: Maybe? 00:06:50 Speaker 1: The men chuckled uneasily, but Jayhu meant no harm. He respected prophets who supported the judges. Keisha straightened him shoulders and forced himself to meet the commander's gaze. 00:07:05 Speaker 8: I have a message for Jehu, a message from the Lord, but it's for your ears only. 00:07:11 Speaker 1: Jayhu tilted his head, intrigued, then shrugged and gestured for Keisha to follow him a short distance away from the fire. 00:07:20 Speaker 3: All right, little prophet, let's hear it. 00:07:23 Speaker 1: Keisha uncorked the flask, the smell of oil sharp and immediate in the cool night air. 00:07:30 Speaker 8: Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, I anoint you king over Israel. 00:07:37 Speaker 1: Jayhu blinked clearly, taken aback, Keisha swallowed hard and pressed on. 00:07:43 Speaker 8: You are to destroy the house of Ahab, your master. You will bring vengeance for the blood of the prophets and the servants of the Lord shed by Jezebel's hand. 00:07:55 Speaker 9: The whole house. 00:07:56 Speaker 8: Of Ahab will perish by your hands, and Jesus Well, just Well shall be devoured by dogs in the field of just Real, as Master Elijah once foretold. 00:08:09 Speaker 1: Keisha's voice trembled slightly as he spoke, but he held his ground. When he finished, jay who said nothing, He simply stared at the young prophet, his expression unreadable. Jayhu didn't move at first, his eyes, sharp and calculating, softened into something far away, unfocused. Then his body stiffened, and Jayhu's eyes were locked on Keisha, wide and glassy, like a man staring into eternity. His breathing quickened, shallow and erratic, and then slowly his lips curled into a smile, not a grin of triumph for joy, but a strange, crooked thing, too wide, too toothy. It was the smile of a man who had seen something no mortal was meant to see, and found it delightful. Keisha's blood ran cold, The air in the camp felt thinner, harder to breathe. Jay, who didn't move, didn't blink. He just smiled, staring straight into Keisha's soul, like he knew something Keisha couldn't bear to know. That was it. Keisha's nerves shattered. He stumbled back, heart racing, and bolted from the tent, sandals slapping against the dirt as he fled into the night. Behind him, Jay who stood motionless, still smiling, his gaze lost in the holy fire now burning in his mind. Jay Whu returned to the fire, his men watching him with eager eyes. 00:09:57 Speaker 2: What did the prophets. 00:09:58 Speaker 10: Say, my lord? 00:09:59 Speaker 3: Was it another riddle? 00:10:02 Speaker 6: Well, he said, I am going to be king. 00:10:10 Speaker 3: Can you believe it? King Jay Who? It sounds ridiculous, hasn't it. 00:10:15 Speaker 1: The soldiers didn't laugh. Instead, they began to murmur amongst themselves, ridiculous, my lord themselves. 00:10:26 Speaker 3: King Jay Who? 00:10:28 Speaker 9: Now that's the name. 00:10:29 Speaker 3: I'd follow into battle. 00:10:31 Speaker 1: The Murmurs grew into chance, and before Jay Who knew it, his men were stripping off their robes and piling them on the ground, creating a makeshift throne. Jay Who stood over the pile of robes, his chest swelling with pride. The firelight danced in his eyes as he looked out at his men, their loyalty shining brighter than the stars above. And then came the moment that sealed it all. 00:11:03 Speaker 3: Tell me where is King Jeram now. 00:11:07 Speaker 9: In jezreel my mood, tending to his wounds? 00:11:11 Speaker 3: Wounds? What wounds? 00:11:15 Speaker 10: I heard? 00:11:17 Speaker 4: I heard? 00:11:18 Speaker 10: It was a stubbed tom. Oh Lord. 00:11:20 Speaker 1: For a moment, the camp fell silent. Then Jayhu threw back his head and laughed, a deep, booming volcanic eruption that roared out and seemed to crack the air itself. And then just as violently he stopped, His face hardened into something elemental like iron cool too fast in fire. 00:11:48 Speaker 6: Oh enough, ready, my chariot, It's time for judgment day. 00:12:00 Speaker 1: Jay Who's chariot tore through the night like a meteor. Dust billowed up in choking clouds, the horses hoofs, striking sparks, against the stones of the road. Jay Who stood tall, his chest heaving with adrenaline, his grin wide and uncontainable. His eyes gleamed in the moonlight with wild, unpredictable fire. Jay Who's driving was a spectacle, a series of jerky, whiplike movements that left his passengers cling to the sides for dear life. A man who could not be predicted was a man to fear. Jay Who had never felt more alive. Today was the day of atonement. Today blood would flow like the Nile River. The blood of Ahab's family would soak the ground and call out to Yahweh for justice. It was a good day for Jay Who, and the stupid grin plastered across his face made him look less like a king and more like a child. Finally handed the plaything he'd always dreamed of. The guard stationed atop the palace wall, leaned forward, squinting into the distance. The faint glow of moonlight played tricks on his eyes, but the dust cloud coming up from the horizon was unmistakable. Something or someone was barreling toward Jezreel with fury. 00:13:30 Speaker 8: My King, There's someone approaching fast and they're driving like they've got a death wish. 00:13:36 Speaker 9: Oh, a death wish? What are you blathering about? Now? Are they bandits rebels? Someone from my treasury hands coming to tell me there's no gold left. 00:13:50 Speaker 8: Well, you might want to see for yourself. 00:13:53 Speaker 1: Jo Hum hobbled into view, his foot wrapped so thoroughly in linen bandages that it resembled a bloated loaf of bread. He leaned heavily on the frame of the window and sighed theatrically, making a grand show of lifting his foot as though the effort might kill him. 00:14:12 Speaker 9: What am I even paying you people for? If I have a checked on every bump in the night? 00:14:18 Speaker 1: He stopped mid sentence, his face paling as his gaze locked onto the dust cloud in the distance. 00:14:25 Speaker 8: Oh, can't you recognize him? My lord? 00:14:33 Speaker 9: They call him sampsonyborn jun Ready my chariot and get my cousin Desiah. 00:14:42 Speaker 1: Now the gates creaked open with painful reluctance, and Joam's chariot emerged into the open field outside jess reel, flanked by his cousin, a Hsiah, King of Judah. Joam fidgeted in his seat, his bandaged propped awkwardly on a cushion, while a Husseiah glanced nervously toward the horizon. 00:15:06 Speaker 3: Are you sure about this? Riding out to meet him in the dead of night? 00:15:10 Speaker 9: Je lose a lot of things, but subtle isn't one of them. He's one of my best generals. If he's coming like this is, he once said, someone best to meet him before he reaches the palace. 00:15:26 Speaker 3: What if it's a trap. If there's no danger, then why are my men and I here? 00:15:32 Speaker 1: As they approached Jay, who slowed his chariot just enough to let the dust settle, but he stood tall, his silhouette cutting an imposing figure against the moonlit sky. 00:15:44 Speaker 9: Jay who he's everything all right? Have you come in peace? 00:15:51 Speaker 1: Jay, who didn't answer right away. He stepped down from his chariot with deliberate slowness, his boots crunching against the dry, cracked ground. When he finally spoke, his voice was low and steady, but there was an edge to it that made even the horses uneasy. 00:16:12 Speaker 2: Peace. 00:16:14 Speaker 10: How can there be peace as long as the witchcraft of your mother, Jezbel and the idolatry of your house poising this lamb. 00:16:28 Speaker 1: The word struck like a hammer Joham's face twisted in anger, but there was a flicker of fear in his eyes. 00:16:36 Speaker 9: Dead speak to me, I'm your king. 00:16:40 Speaker 1: Jay, who took a step closer, his expression darkening. 00:16:45 Speaker 10: Your No, king, You're a disgrace. Your father was a fat drunk who sold his soul for a vineyard. Your mother was a filthy demon worshiping Harlan. 00:17:03 Speaker 1: He paused a cruel smile, tugging at the corner of his mouth. 00:17:10 Speaker 10: And you, you're worse than both of them, a kitten, clawless and muling, pretending to be a lion. 00:17:23 Speaker 1: Joham's hands gripped the reins tightly, his knuckles turning white. 00:17:28 Speaker 9: This is treason, Jacob, do you hear me? 00:17:31 Speaker 1: Free then, Jay, who reached behind him, his hand wrapping around the shaft of a massive battle axe. He pulled it free with a flourish, the blade gleaming wickedly in the moonlight. 00:17:47 Speaker 6: It's treason, No, no, Jerrem, this isn't treason, this is judgments. 00:17:56 Speaker 1: He lifted the axe. Joan turned immediately in panic and leaped back into his chariot. 00:18:03 Speaker 9: Me maybe your lives get herself. 00:18:08 Speaker 1: The chariot lurched forward, the horses kicking up another cloud of dust as they tore away from the scene. Jay who didn't move, He stood still, his grin widening as he reached for his bow. With the calm precision of a seasoned warrior. He notched an arrow, took aim, and let it fly. The arrow struck Jolan squarely in the back, driving through his heart. The king slumped forward, lifeless as his chariot slowed to a pathetic stop. A Hussyah froze for a moment, his wide eyes darting between Jaehoo and the lifeless body of his cousin. 00:18:51 Speaker 3: This this is madness. 00:18:54 Speaker 1: Jayhu turned his gaze toward him, still holding the bow. If I were you a Josiah didn't need to be told twice. He whipped the reins, urging his horses into a gallop for Jay, who was already reaching for another arrow. The shot was just as precise, striking a Hussia in the side. The King of Judah toppled from his chariot, hitting the ground with a sickening thud. 00:19:25 Speaker 10: Now it's time to cut the head off the snake Jezebel. 00:19:35 Speaker 1: The tension in Jezebel's chamber was heavy, though not with grief, nor even fear, which might have been expected under the circumstances. No, the air buzzed with the strange and grotesque energy of a woman utterly untethered from the reality unfolding around her. Jezebel, Queen Mother of Israel, sat at her massive bronze mirror, her fingers dancing with practiced precision as she directed her eunuchs to prepare her for what she believed would be a moment of triumph. Outside, the thunder of hoofs drew closer, each beat a harbinger of doom. Jezebel dabbed at her lips with a crimson stain, smiling faintly, as though the sound heralded a suitor rather than a bloodthirsty warlord. Jezebel rose, the weight of her finery offset by the absurdity of her confidence. She strode to the window, draping herself against the frame with all the grace of a barnacle clinging to a sinking ship. Jezebel leaned further out the window, her painted lips curving into a grotesque approximation of a smile Jay who perched atop his chariot didn't even glance at her. His eyes swept the window until they landed on the Eunuchs. He tilted his head slightly, his grin more feral than friendly. 00:21:06 Speaker 3: Hey you too. 00:21:09 Speaker 1: The Eunuchs froze, their eyes darting to Jezebel, who were still posing as though she were a goddess incarnate. 00:21:17 Speaker 6: Yes, I'm talking to you, two miserable fellows. Do us all a favor and push her out the window. Save me some time, eh. 00:21:28 Speaker 1: Slowly, Zimri and Hadriel turned to each other, a flicker of something dangerous passing between them. 00:21:36 Speaker 9: Did he just. 00:21:37 Speaker 3: Ask us to I've never wanted to do anything more in my entire life. 00:21:42 Speaker 1: Without another word, they stepped forward. Jezebel, realizing too late what was happening, whirled on them with a shriek that was equal parts indignation and terror. 00:21:53 Speaker 9: This is for King Joram, for all the years of madness. 00:21:58 Speaker 1: With a final un ceremonious shove, they scent the old witch, plummeting. For a moment, time seemed to stop. Then her screams were cut short by the sill thud of her body meeting the stones below Jay, who dismounted his boots crunching against the gravel as he approached the broken form of the queen. For a moment, he stood over her, his head tilting slightly. Jezebel twitched slightly, her wide eyes darting up to him. Her breaths ragged. 00:22:36 Speaker 10: H it's a shame, but like Israel, your beauty means nothing because of that rot in your heart and the smell. Ooh, it's overwhelming. 00:22:50 Speaker 1: Then, unceremoniously, jay Who walked away and stepped onto his chariot. He gripped the reins and drove forward directly over Jezebel's body, over and over, back and forth. He trampled her with his chariot, laughing all the while, a sound that echoed off the walls and sent a shiver through the eunuchs still watching from above. 00:23:18 Speaker 3: Goodness, that's a bit much, isn't. 00:23:20 Speaker 1: It, They watched as Jayhu dismounted again, wiping blood from his boots with a piece of cloth he discarded without a second thought. For a moment, the eunuchs exchanged uneasy glances, But then as they looked down at the broken figure below, the memories of her tyranny came rushing back. Years of cruelty, of madness, of blood spilled in the name of her ambition. 00:23:49 Speaker 9: No, this is exactly what she deserves. 00:23:54 Speaker 3: Well done, lads, Now let the dogs finish the job. 00:23:58 Speaker 1: The eunuchs stood in silence, their faces pale as they watched the pack of dogs descend. The sound was something primal, wet and brutal, the kind of noise that etched itself into your bones and stayed there. Hadriel turned away, his stomach churning, but Zimri couldn't seem to tear his eyes from the scene below. 00:24:25 Speaker 3: Is really doing it. The dogs there eating her. 00:24:32 Speaker 9: That's what wild dogs do. 00:24:35 Speaker 8: Lots of Queen's death comes for us all, I suppose, Unless your name is Elijah. 00:24:43 Speaker 1: The title of queen meant little now, her body already unrecognizable beneath the feral frenzy, the prophecy of Elijah had unfolded with chilling precision, and for all their snide remarks, neither eunuch could deny the weight of it. This wasn't just vengeance. It was something far more ancient, something written in the fabric of forces far more powerful than they. Jay, who stood a few paces away, watching the scene with a strange almost serene expression. His eyes glittered as though he were watching a play unfold, each act more satisfying than the last. He gestured to one of his soldiers. 00:25:31 Speaker 2: My Lord, has the will of the Lord been fulfilled? 00:25:34 Speaker 9: Have we finished what was commanded of us? 00:25:37 Speaker 1: Jay Who turned to him with a smile that was equal parts zeal and madness, his voice steady as though the question itself were laughably naive. 00:25:49 Speaker 3: I've finished. Oh no, no, well, no, no. 00:25:55 Speaker 6: For the family of a Judgment. 00:26:00 Speaker 10: Day, it's just ah, it's just begunned. Ah. 00:26:09 Speaker 1: As Jayhu turned back to his chariot, his laughter echoing against the stone walls, the young man realized that he had stepped into a story far larger and far darker than he had ever imagined. The dogs below growled, their feast continuing while jay Who mounted his chariot and called for his men to follow. The wheels turned, the horses snorted, and the sound of hoof beats faded into the distance, carrying with them the storm that had only just begun to rage. 00:26:54 Speaker 5: If your faith has been kindled by this podcast and it has affected your life, we'd love it if you left her review. We read them and me personally I cherish them as you venture forth boldly and faithfully. I leave you with the biblical blessing from numbers six Iva hashem vischmerechra Yeah Heir hashempanave eleven ye sa hashempanavelera shaloon. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face shine upon you. May he be gracious to you. May the Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace. 00:27:36 Speaker 10: Amen. 00:27:37 Speaker 1: You can listen to the Chosen People with Isle Exstein add free by downloading and subscribing to the pray dot Com app today. This prey dog com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Katina, Max Bard, Zach Shellavaga and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of The Chosen People with yle X edited by Alberto Avilla, narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotten, Aaron Salvado, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwold, Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas Copeland, Junior, Rosanna Pilcher, and Mitch Leshinsky, and the opening prayer is voiced by John Moore. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith, written by Aaron Salvado, bre Rosalie and Chris Baig. Special thanks to Bishop Paul Lanier, Robin van Ettin, Kayleb Burrows, Jocelyn Fuller, Rabbi Edward Abramson, and the team at International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. You can hear more Prey dot com productions on the Prey dot com app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed The Chosen People with Yile Eckstein, please rate and leave a review.