Elijah by William H. Stephens Page B

briefly, and he knew Jezebel caught his surprise. Having pierced his armor, she pressed her advantage. She continued in a mellow and confidential voice.
    “Obadiah, Ahab is much more interested in Israel than in the protection of a weak tribal god. Melkart and Asherah are stronger than Yahweh. It is only logical that he seek the aid of the stronger.” She paused, then measured her words. “Someday soon you will have to be disloyal either to your king and queen or to your god. On that day, you had better choose wisely.”
    Obadiah returned her gaze coldly. “I shall choose wisely,” he said.
    At that moment, the chamber door opened and Meor-baal was announced.
    “Ah, my honored priest. You have come quickly.”
    “As you beckoned, my queen.”
    “Meor-baal, we are encountering some difficulty with a suddenly obstinate high priest of Yahweh.”
    “Zebul?”
    “I know of no other high priest of Yahweh.”
    “Pardon my surprise, Queen Jezebel, but I did not anticipate such an act. Do you know what he plans?”

“No. Only that he refuses to sit where he is assigned.”
    A grave look came over Meor-baal’s face. “My queen, this is not good.” He spoke solemnly. “He is making a play for the people’s sympathies.”
    “What alternative do you propose?”
    “I know of none. He cannot be given the higher seat. We have struggled too hard to bring the worship of Baal to this point. Zebul has made a good tactical move.”
    “You will have him destroyed.” Jezebel’s eyes smoldered. Obadiah gasped, not expecting such a drastic move. Meor-baal waited for further direction. Jezebel continued, “His death must appear to be an accident. He is not popular with the people, so he will not be mourned for long.”
    Obadiah’s mind raced. “My queen, you know my sympathies, so I shall not try to cover them. But should the high priest die his successor must follow. What will you have accomplished?”
    Meor-baal interrupted. “My queen . . .” He paused and glanced furtively at Obadiah. “My queen, perhaps I should speak with your privately.”
    Jezebel stared coldly at Obadiah, who remained silent and expressionless. She maintained her gaze and answered with a hint of mystery. “No, Meor-baal. I think the Governor should know the official business of the court.”
    The Baal priest continued. “My queen, is not Zebul a usurper?”
    The queen leaned forward, “A usurper?”
    “Yes. He claims to be high priest. There is only one high priest of Baal. He resides in Byblos. Likewise there is only one real high priest of Yahweh. He resides in Jerusalem. What right has Zebul to claim to be high priest of Yahweh?”
    Jezebel sat back in her throne, smiling. “I see.”
    Obadiah shifted his weight, trying to cover up the nervousness he was certain the queen noticed.
    “Zebul can be executed as a usurper,” Meor-baal continued. “He is not popular with the people, as you noted. They will accept that explanation if we make it with the pretense of purifying the religion of Yahweh.”
    Jezebel smiled. “Excellent. The Yahweh fanatics will be left without priestly leadership, too. See that the job is done well.”
    With a bow, Meor-baal strode from the chamber.
    The queen turned to Obadiah. “You see, my good Governor, the strength of Melkart. You are foolish to continue to protect a weak god.” With a flick of her arm she announced, “You are dismissed.”
    Bowing, Obadiah made his exit. He walked across the courtyard with his usual composure, but his mind raced back over the events of the day. Why did Jezebel let me know her plans regarding Zebul? An error? No, Jezebel was too brilliant for such a mistake. Why, then? Perhaps I should warn Zebul. But for what reason? Because of his size, he cannot hide. Jezebel would have someone watching Zebul, anyway. I could not even get close enough to warn him. Perhaps that is her way to trap me?
    The thoughts plummeted end over end through his mind. What is Jezebel’s next move?