In the Shadow of Jezebel by Mesu Andrews

Author:Mesu Andrews
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: FIC042030, FIC042040, FIC027050
ISBN: 9781441213297
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2014-02-10T05:00:00+00:00

Sheba sat on the couch in their outer chamber, watching as Nathanael helped Jehoiada remove the high priestly golden garments. After a long day of feasting, they were both tired, but Jehoiada’s routine of disrobing was as sacred as his predawn procedure. Careful to reverse the exact order, the second priest removed the golden diadem from the turban before unwrapping the long strip of linen from Jehoiada’s full head of silver hair. When Nathanael lifted the jeweled breastpiece from her husband’s neck, she mustered her courage. “Could I look more closely at the breastpiece?”

Even in the dim lamplight, she noted Nathanael’s eyes bulge. Jehoiada patted his shoulder, easing the man’s obvious trepidation. “You may look at it, but take care not to touch it. It’s a sacred object, consecrated to Yahweh for the use of His high priest alone, my love.”

She reconsidered after hearing his caution, and besides, Jehoiada’s explanation reminded her of another topic. “How did Hazi convince you to let Ima Thaliah keep the consecrated Temple objects? They used the gold tongs to serve meat today, and Ima said they used the wick trimmers and other utensils in the Marzeh service last night. How can that be all right?”

“Yahweh’s sacred objects in Baal’s temple?” Nathanael’s face paled, and his pained expression revealed more sorrow than anger.

Jehoiada squeezed the bridge of his nose, sighed, and placed both hands on Nathanael’s shoulders. “Athaliah’s sons stole the sacred objects during the raid and hid them in Baal’s temple. Mattan discovered them, and the queen is determined to keep them. Hazi believes if I fight Athaliah on this, I’ll lose the Temple items and get loved ones hurt in the process. The consecrated objects had already been defiled in Baal’s temple, so I traded golden objects for priceless lives.” He searched his second priest’s eyes. “Do you understand, my friend?”

Nathanael remained silent, seeming deep in thought. When he answered, his words were heartfelt, not contrived. “I do understand. Consecrated objects are replaceable.” With an affirming nod, he resumed the disrobing process, lifting the ephod over Jehoiada’s head.

Sheba watched silently, her stomach twisting as she considered Hazi’s influence on her husband. By the time Nathanael completed his task and bid them good night, Sheba’s question fairly spewed out. “So, if Hazi convinced you to think like we do in the palace, does that mean I must now measure your every word—as I do his?”

Jehoiada stood in his simple white tunic, looking completely vulnerable. “No, my love. No.” He joined her on the couch, removed her head covering, and twirled a lock of her hair around his finger. “I’ll admit, it felt wrong at first, but Hazi explained that I must lose some battles to win the war. I believe it’s the right thing to do.”

She remained unmoved, searching his eyes for any sign of corruption. Had his time with Hazi tarnished her husband’s integrity? In the unshuttered windows of his soul, she saw nothing but pure surrender, complete honesty.

He bounced his wiry eyebrows. “Zibiah worships Yahweh.

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