Commercial Announcer (3:35)

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Narrator (4:36)

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 honour 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. Go to jail, son of Jehoshaphat. Anoint him king over Israel. Speak the word of the Lord to him, and then this is important, Kisha. Leave quickly. Don't linger to see what happens next. Kisha had wondered what it meant, although Kisha 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 Joram's men, but their hearts and true allegiance were to their commander, Jehu. Kisha stopped just beyond the edge of the firelight, crouching low behind a tangle of thorn bushes. Jehu 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.

Jehu (6:28)

And Samson. Oh, Samson. My father told me about him when I was just a boy. Picture, picture it. A thousand thousand Philistines sneering, jeering, and all Samson had was the Jawbone of a donkey. A jawbone. And do you. Do you know what he did?

Narrator (6:55)

He killed them all, didn't he, Lord Commander?

Jehu (7:00)

Every last one of them. Ha ha. Can you imagine it? Swinging that jawbone like a farmer threshing wheat.

Narrator (7:09)

The men roared their approval, their admiration for their commander as clear as the stars overhead.

Jehu (7:17)

A thousand Philistines with a donkey's jawbone. What I wouldn't give to see them that see it. If I'd been there, I would have helped him stack the bodies.

Narrator (7:32)

The men roared with laughter, and even Kea, hidden in the shadows, couldn't help but crack a smile. Juu was magnetic, larger than life. It was no wonder his men idolized him. Ju was a legend in the making. He was the kind of man who makes you feel like you were part of something greater than yourself. A man who could turn a campfire into a throne room with nothing but his presence.

Jehu (8:00)

What happened to the great judges of old men and women, of strength and conviction? That's what Israel needs, isn't it? Not some whimpering king hiding behind his palace walls, afraid of breaking a nail. Israel needs a judge. A leader who isn't afraid to get his hands dirty for the sake of righteousness.

Narrator (8:26)

The soldiers cheered, banging 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. Jehu turned, his expression shifting from amusement to curiosity as he rose to his full imposing height. Jehu's sharp eyes caught the flicker of an insignia, a flame sewn into the shoulder of Kisha's garment. Recognition dawned on Jehu's face, the symbol of the school of prophets.

Jehu (9:14)

Well, well. What have we here? You're a bit out of your element here, young prophet. Have you. Have you come to bless us with some riddles, maybe?

Narrator (9:26)

The men chuckled uneasily. But Jehu meant no harm. He respected prophets who supported the judges. Kisha straightened his shoulders and forced himself to meet the commander's gaze. I have a message for Jehu. A message from the Lord, but it's for your ears only. Jehu tilted his head, intrigued, then shrugged and gestured for Kisha to follow him, a short distance away from the fire.

Jehu (9:56)

Alright, little prophet, let's hear it.

Narrator (9:59)

Keisha uncorked the flask, the smell of oil sharp and immediate in the cool night air. Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, I anoint you king over Israel. Jehu blinked, clearly taken aback. Keisha swallowed hard and pressed on. 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, the horse. The whole house of Ahab will perish by your hands. And Jezebel. Jezebel shall be devoured by dogs in the field of Jezreel, as Master Elijah once foretold. Keisha's voice trembled slightly as he spoke, but he held his ground. When he finished, Jehu said nothing. He simply stared at the young prophet, his expression of unreadable. Jehu didn't move at first. His eyes, sharp and calculating, softened into something far away, unfocused. Then his body stiffened and Jehu's eyes were locked on Kisha, 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 or 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. Jehu 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, Jehu stood motionless, still smiling, his gaze lost in the holy fire now burning in his mind. Jehu returned to the fire, his men watching him with eager eyes. What did the prophet say, my lord? Was it another riddle?

Jehu (12:37)

Well, he said. I am going to be king. Can you believe it? King Jehu? It sounds ridiculous, doesn't it?

Narrator (12:51)

The soldiers didn't laugh. Instead, they began to murmur amongst themselves.

Jehu (12:57)

Ridiculous, my lord.

Narrator (13:00)

That sounds perfect. King Jehu. Now that's a name I'd follow into battle. The murmurs grew into chants, and before Jehu knew it, his men were stripping off their robes and piling them on the ground, creating a makeshift throne. Jehu 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.

Jehu (13:39)

Tell me, where is King Joram now? In Jezreel, my lord, tending to his wounds from the battle. Wounds? What wounds? I Heard.

Narrator (13:53)

I heard.

Jehu (13:53)

It was a stubbed toe, my lord.

Narrator (13:56)

For a moment, the camp fell silent. Then Jehu threw back his head and laughed. A deep, booming volcanic eruption that roared and seemed to crack the air itself. And then, just as violently, he stopped. His face hardened into something elemental, like iron cooled too fast in fire.

Jehu (14:24)

Oh, enough. Ready my chariot. It's time for Judgment day.

Narrator (14:36)

Jehu's chariot tore through the night like a meteor. Dust billowed up in choking clouds, the horse's hooves striking sparks against the stones of the road. Jehu stood tall, his chest heaving with adrenaline, his grin wide and uncontainable. His eyes gleamed in the moonlight with wild, unpredictable fire. Jehu's driving was a spectacle, a series of jerky, whip like movements that left his passengers clinging to the sides for dear life. A man who could not be predicted was a man to fear. Jehu 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. Would soak the ground and call out to Yahuwah for justice. It was a good day for Jehu, 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 moon 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. Uh, my king, there's someone approaching fast. And they're driving like they've got a death wish.

Jehu (16:14)

A death wish? What are you blathering about now? Are they bandits? Rebels?

Narrator (16:20)

Someone from my treasury, perhaps?

Jehu (16:22)

Coming to tell me there's no gold left?

Narrator (16:25)

I. Well, you might want to see for yourself. Joram 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 face foot as though the effort might kill him.

Jehu (16:48)

What am I even paying you people for if I have to check on every bump in the night?

Narrator (16:54)

He stopped mid sentence, his face paling as his gaze locked onto the dust cloud in the distance.

Jehu (17:01)

Oh, no.

Narrator (17:04)

It can't be. You recognize him, my lord?

Jehu (17:08)

They call him Samson. Reborn Jehu. Ready my chariot and get my cousin Ahaziah.

Narrator (17:18)

Now. The gates creaked open with painful reluctance, and Joram's chariot emerged into the open field outside Jezreel. Flanked by his cousin, Ahaziah, King of Judah, Joram fidgeted in his seat, his bandaged foot propped awkwardly on a cushion, while Ahaziah glanced nervously toward the horizon. Are you sure about this? Riding out to meet him in the dead of night?

Jehu (17:46)

J 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 because he wants something. Best to meet him before he reaches the palace.

Narrator (18:02)

What if it's a trap? If there's no danger, then why are my men and I here? As they approached, Jehu slowed his chariot just enough to let the dust settle. But he stood tall, his silhouette cutting an imposing figure against the moonlit sky.

Jehu (18:19)

Jehu, is everything alright? Have you come in peace?

Narrator (18:26)

Jehu 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. Peace?

Jehu (18:49)

How can there be peace as long as the witchcraft of your mother, Jezebel, and the idolatry of your house poison this land?

Narrator (19:04)

The words struck like a hammer. Joram's face twisted in anger, but there was a flicker of fear in his eyes.

Jehu (19:12)

You dare speak to me in this way? I'm your king.

Narrator (19:15)

Jehu took a step closer, his expression darkening.

Jehu (19:21)

You're 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 worshipping harlot.

Narrator (19:39)

He paused, her cruel smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Jehu (19:45)

And you. You're worse than both of them. A kitten, clawless and mewling, pretending to be a lion.

Narrator (19:59)

Joram's hands gripped the reins tightly, his knuckles turning white.

Jehu (20:04)

This is treason, Jehu. Do you hear me?

Narrator (20:07)

Treason. Jehu 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.

Jehu (20:23)

Treason. No. No, Joram. This isn't treason. This is judgment.

Narrator (20:31)

He lifted the axe. Joran turned immediately in panic, and leapt back into his chariot. Flee.

Jehu (20:40)

Flee for your lives. Get us out of here.

Narrator (20:44)

The chariot lurched forward, the horses clicking up another cloud of dust as they tore away from the scene. Jehu 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 Jorun squarely in the back, driving through his Heart. The king slumped forward, lifeless, as his chariot slowed to a pathetic stop. Ahaziah froze for a moment, his wide eyes darting between Jehu and the lifeless body of his cousin. This.

Jehu (21:28)

This is madness.

Narrator (21:30)

Jehu turned his gaze toward him, still holding the bow.

Jehu (21:35)

I'd run if I were you.

Narrator (21:38)

Ahaziah didn't need to be told twice. He whipped the reins, urging his horses into a gallop, but Jehu was already reaching for another arrow. The shot was just as precise, striking Ahaziah in the side. The King of Judah toppled from his chariot, hitting the ground with a sickening thud. Now.

Jehu (22:03)

It'S time to cut the head off the snake. Jezebel.

Narrator (22:10)

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 hooves drew closer, each beat a harbinger of doom. Jezebel dabbed at her lips with a crimson stainless steel, 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. Jehu, 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.

Jehu (23:42)

Hey, you two.

Narrator (23:44)

The eunuchs froze, their eyes darting to Jezebel, who was still posing as though she were a goddess incarnate.

Jehu (23:52)

Yes, I'm talking to you two miserable friends. Fellows, do us all a favor and push her out the window. Save me some time, eh?

Narrator (24:04)

Slowly, Zimri and Hadriel turned to each other, a flicker of something dangerous passing between them. Did he just ask us to? I've never wanted to do anything more in my entire life. 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. This is for King Joram and for all the years of madness. With a final unceremonious shove. They sent the old witch plummeting. For a moment, time seemed to stop. Then her screams were cut short by the sickening thud of her body meeting the stones below. Jehu 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.

Jehu (25:12)

That's a shame. But like Israel, your beauty means nothing because of that rot in your heart. The smell. Oof. It's overwhelming.

Narrator (25:26)

Then, unceremoniously Jehu 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 eunuch, still watching from above. Goodness, that's a bit much, isn't it? They watched as Jehu dismounted again, wiping blood from his boots with a piece of cloth he discarded without a second thought. For a moment, the. 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. No. This is exactly what she deserves.

Jehu (26:30)

Well done, lads. Now let the dogs finish the job.

Narrator (26:34)

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. They're. They're really doing it. The dogs. They're eating her. That's what wild dogs do. Not to queens. Death comes for us all, I suppose. Unless your name is Elijah. The title of queen meant little now, her body already unrecognizable beneath the fear, 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. Jehu 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. My Lord. Has the will of the Lord been fulfilled? Have we finished what was commanded of us? Jehu turned to him with a smile that was equal parts zeal and madness, his voice steady as though the question itself were laughably naive.

Jehu (28:25)

Finished. Oh no, no, no, no. For the family of Ahab, Judgment, Judgment day. It's just. Oh, it's just be.

Narrator (28:44)

As Jehu 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 Jehu mounted his chariot and called for his men to follow. The wheels turned, the horses snorted, and the sound of hoofbeats faded into the distance, carrying with them the storm that had only just begun to rage.

Jehu (29:29)

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Ryan Seacrest (29:58)

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Commercial Announcer (30:30)

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Yael Eckstein (31:31)

If your faith has been kindled by this podcast and it has affected your life, we'd love it if you left a 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 6. 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.

Narrator (32:13)

Amen. You can listen to the Chosen People with Y Eckstein ad free by downloading and subscribing to ThePray.com app today. This prey.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Catena, Max Bard, Zach Schellewager and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of the Chosen People with Yael Eckstein. Edited by Alberto Avila Narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwald, Sylvia zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Jr. Rosanna Pilcher and Mitch Lashinsky. And the opening prayer is voiced by John Moore. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith. Written by Aaron Salvato, Bree Rosalie and Chris Baig. Special thanks to Bishop Paul Lanier, Robin Van Etten, Caleb Burrows, Jocelyn Fuller, Rabbi Edward Abramson and the team at International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. You can hear more prey.com productions on the prey.com app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed the Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, please rate and leave a review.

Ryan Seacrest (33:27)

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. Feel good and look good this summer with savings on your personal care favorites and earn four times points now through September 9th. Shop in store or online for items like Dollar Shave Club razors, hydro Silk Razors and Edge Shave Gel. Plus some favorite brands like Tampax, Pearl Depend and Poise to earn times points to use for later discounts on groceries or gas. Hurry in before these deals are gone. Offer end September 9th. Restrictions apply. Offers may vary. Visit albertsons or safeway.com for more details.

Commercial Announcer (33:59)

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Narrator (34:59)

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Narrator (35:59)

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