Song of Redemption (Chronicles of the Kings Book #2)

Micah

Prologue

THE RAIN FINALLY ENDED, but puddles dotted the streets of Jerusalem as King Hezekiah walked down the hill from his palace to the Valley of Hinnom. He followed the route that the procession had taken when he’d been a child, ripped from his bed at dawn to witness the sacrifices to Molech. But this time there was no procession, no entourage of priests and soldiers forcing him to march against his will; only his friend Jonadab, captain of the palace guards, at his side. Fog blanketed the view ahead of him, and Hezekiah could barely see the jagged cliffs through the mist. It seemed appropriate that a shroud would cover this valley of death. He strode through the city gate and turned down the narrow divide, remembering the pounding drums, the column of smoke, his helpless terror. Once again Hezekiah stood face-to-face with his enemy Molech.

The monster seemed smaller than Hezekiah remembered, the brass idol dull and cold now that the flames had been quenched. Raindrops dripped from Molech’s face as he gazed down from his throne. His soot-smudged belly stood empty, his gaping mouth mute. Heavy ropes shackled him, circling his neck, his chest, his arms and feet.

It seems unbelievable that anyone would worship this thing, Hezekiah said, much less sacrifice their children to it.

Our nation will be a much better place without it, Jonadab agreed. And it’s fitting that you’re the one to destroy it, Your Majesty.

Hezekiah nodded, remembering how close he’d come to being destroyed by Molech. He watched as the workers harnessed two teams of oxen to the statue. Then, on Hezekiah’s signal, the foreman’s whip cracked and the animals strained forward. The ropes stretched taut. Molech teetered on his throne for a moment, then lost his balance and crashed to the ground. The oxen dragged the idol a few more feet before halting. Molech’s arms reached toward Hezekiah as if pleading for help.

Well, that’s the end of him, Your Majesty, Jonadab said.

If only it were that simple. Hezekiah remembered his brothers Eliab and Amariah, who had been burned alive, and he felt no victory over his fallen enemy. I’m afraid there are still plenty of people who’d rather cling to ignorance and superstition than seek the truth. And they’re the ones who’ll keep Molech alive.

You think people will still sacrifice their children now that the statue’s gone?

Hezekiah nodded. I’m certain they will—only now they’ll do it in secret. You’ll need to warn the guards at the Valley Gate to watch this place after dark, Jonadab. It’s been used for child sacrifice for centuries, even before they made this cursed thing.

And if we catch someone sacrificing here? Jonadab asked quietly.

Bring them to me at once.

Hezekiah watched in silence as the workers untied the ropes. Jonadab gestured to the fallen idol. What do you want us to do with it, Your Majesty? he asked.

"Smash it into pieces. Melt it down and forge weapons from it. Swords, spears, arrowheads, shields. Fill the armory with them. Someday I’ll have an army again—and you’ll lead them, General Jonadab."

The captain looked up at him in surprise. Your Majesty?

I’m promoting you to general.

It took Jonadab a moment to recover his composure, then he bowed. Thank you. I’m honored, Your Majesty.

The wind lifted a funnel of soot and ash into the air as Hezekiah walked closer to the empty fire pit. Our nation’s guilt is very great, he said softly. I don’t know how God can ever forgive us for all the innocent blood we’ve shed in this place. For a moment no one spoke. The workmen waited in reverent silence.

Seems like we should say a prayer or something, doesn’t it? Jonadab said.

The men looked to Hezekiah expectantly. He drew a breath and recited one of the few verses of the Torah that he knew by heart: ‘Hear, O Israel. Yahweh is our God—Yahweh alone. Love Yahweh your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.’

Then he turned and began the long climb back up the hill to the palace.

Part One

Hezekiah was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother’s name was Abijah daughter of Zechariah. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father David had done. In the first month of the first year of his reign, he opened the doors of the temple of the Lord and repaired them.

2 CHRONICLES 29 : 1 – 3 NIV

1

In the northern kingdom of Israel

JERUSHA LAY AWAKE IN the sleeping loft above her house, listening to the sounds of a new morning. She was much too excited to sleep. Light from the dawning sun filtered through the cracks of the shutters, along with the melody of songbirds in the olive trees outside. She heard the heavy tread of the oxen on the stone floor in the stall below her room and her father, Jerimoth, speaking softly to them as he led them outside. He would feed and water the animals, then hitch them to the cart for the three-mile trip to Dabbasheth—and cousin Serah’s wedding.

Jerusha stood up and folded her blanket, eager to begin this special day. She set the tiny square of bronze that she used for a mirror on the window ledge and studied her murky reflection as she combed her thick brown hair. Her straight nose and oval-shaped face were deeply tanned from working beside her mother in the barley fields, and she had her father’s almond-shaped eyes, as green as the rolling hills. Abba said she was pretty; she wondered if it was true. Jerusha sighed and returned the metal scrap to its place on the shelf, wishing for a proper mirror.

This morning, instead of her usual work clothes, Jerusha put on the only good dress she owned, reserved for special occasions like this. The wedding festivities would last for days; she would feast and dance and visit with all her relatives. But best of all, maybe Abram would be there.

Jerusha had known Abram for years—had grown up with him, seeing him at weddings and festivals and village gatherings. He had always been a quiet boy, the opposite of her own carefree nature, and she had hardly noticed him when they were children. But now that Abram was a man—now that she saw him looking at her the way a man looks at a woman—Jerusha found herself dreaming of becoming his wife, bearing his children, and making a home with him on his father’s land.

As Jerusha bustled around the tiny loft, humming a wedding tune, her younger sister, Maacah, stirred from her sleep. Why are you getting up so early? Maacah grumbled. It’s barely morning. She was small for an eleven-year-old and thin as a reed, with thick dark braids and a round freckled face. She followed Jerusha everywhere but was much too young to share her dreams of a husband and babies.

Did you forget? We’re going to Dabbasheth for Serah’s wedding today. Jerusha unlatched the shutters and opened them.

Maacah turned toward the wall, pulling the covers over her head. "I didn’t forget, but we don’t have to leave this early."

Abba says we can’t leave until we finish all our chores, so the sooner we start, the sooner we’ll get there. Come on, sleepyhead. Jerusha pulled the covers all the way off her protesting sister and stuffed them into the wall niche beside her own. Maacah was still groaning as Jerusha climbed down the ladder from the loft to the large main room of their house.

Their mother, Hodesh, knelt in the center of the room by the hearth, grinding wheat with a hand mill for their breakfast. Oh, good—you’re up, she said. Go get me some water. She handed Jerusha the empty jug, then returned to her work, pouring a mound of the finished flour into the kneading trough.

Jerusha lifted the jar to her shoulder and opened the door, singing another chorus of the wedding song as she walked down the hill to the well. ‘I am my beloved’s and he is mine. . . .’ The new day was fresh and clear, the sun warm but not yet high enough in the sky to be hot. It would be a beautiful day for a wedding.

By the time Jerusha returned with the water, balancing the pot daringly on her head, Maacah was out of bed and dressed, helping their mother rekindle the fire. Jerusha sang as she worked, her chores a familiar daily routine—but with a special reward at the end of them today. When Abba came in from outside, he bent to kiss her cheek.

What makes my little bird sing so sweetly this morning? he asked.

She smiled as she cut the goat cheese into thick slices for their trip. You know why, Abba—we’re going to the wedding today. I’ll get to see Serah and Tirza and—

And maybe Abram, that handsome son of Eli?

I wasn’t thinking of him at all, Jerusha replied too quickly. Her face felt warm as she handed her father a lump of cheese that had crumbled off. But . . . but he’ll be there, won’t he?

Jerimoth laughed as he popped the cheese into his mouth.

What’s so funny, Abba? Maacah asked.

Nothing, my little one. He gave Maacah’s braid an affectionate tug. It’s just that your sister has grown into a woman already. Look at her—as slender and graceful as a young willow tree. She’ll soon make a lovely bride.

But she’s not getting married today, Maacah said with a frown. Serah is.

I know, I know. Jerimoth circled an arm around each of them and pulled them close. How I wish I could keep my daughters here with me forever. How lonely we’ll be without our Jerusha-bird to sing for us! But Abram’s land isn’t so very far. Maybe she’ll fly back to visit us once in a while, eh?

Jerusha looked up into her father’s face, loving every line and wrinkle in his weathered skin. Abba, you talk as if I’m already married and gone. How do you know that Abram even wants to marry me?

How do I know? Ha! If he had his way, you two would be getting married today instead of Serah and her groom. I’m the one who’s making him wait. I’m the one who doesn’t want my little bird to leave the nest.

Jerusha stared in surprise. Did he really say he wanted to marry me? She couldn’t hide her excitement and hoped her father wouldn’t laugh at her again.

Yes, of course he did, Jerimoth said with a sigh. And I can see that it’s time I listened to him. After the wedding I’ll talk to Abram’s father. We shall see about a betrothal.

Jerusha threw her arms around her father and hugged him tightly. I love you, Abba! Thank you! Thank you! Jerimoth returned her hug in tender silence.

It seemed to take forever for Jerusha’s family to finish their chores and load the oxcart with wine from Jerimoth’s vineyard and the food that they had prepared for the wedding feast. Jerusha could hardly contain her excitement as they journeyed over the terraced green hills to Dabbasheth, and she longed to run down the road to the unwalled village ahead of the plodding oxen. But at last they arrived at Uncle Saul’s house, tucked behind the shop where he fashioned and sold his pottery. Jerusha let the married women unload the cart and arrange all the food for the banquet—she had been asked to serve as one of the bride’s attendants.

The girls talked in excited whispers as they helped Serah get ready, listening all the while for the sound of the groom’s procession. When the bride was finally dressed in her brightly embroidered wedding gown with garlands of flowers in her hair and scattered around her chair, Jerusha gazed at her cousin with envy. Maybe the next wedding will be mine, she sighed. Mine and Abram’s.

Then they heard the music of flutes and cymbals and tambourines. The groom was coming to claim his bride, leading his procession through the streets of Dabbasheth. Villagers streamed from their homes to celebrate with the happy couple and to watch the wedding ceremony in the courtyard behind Uncle Saul’s house. Afterward, as Jerusha followed the bride and groom to the wedding banquet in the village square, she eagerly scanned all the faces in the crowd, hoping for a glimpse of Abram.

But above the music and gaiety of the procession, Jerusha thought she heard a rumble of distant thunder. She glanced up, hoping a storm wouldn’t spoil the day, but the sun blazed in a cloudless sky. The rumbling grew louder, closer. Gradually the merriment died away as others paused to listen.

Suddenly it seemed as if a dam had burst as hundreds of Assyrian warriors on horseback poured into the village square. Screams of terror replaced the sound of singing and laughter as the villagers tried to flee, running in every direction. The Assyrians’ swords flashed in the sunlight as they cut down everyone in their path, their horses’ hooves trampling anyone who stumbled and fell beneath them. Within minutes the cobbled streets ran with blood and dozens of bodies lay sprawled in the streets.

Run, girls! Run! Uncle Saul cried above the din. Jerusha heard his warning but she stood rooted in place, too stunned to move, frozen in shock by the horror and bloodshed all around her.

Run, Jerusha! he begged. Run! Now! She watched in a daze as her uncle shoved his daughters down an alleyway toward their house. Jerusha looked around for Serah’s new husband and saw him lying motionless on the ground in a spreading pool of blood. The grisly sight finally broke through her shock. She turned away to stumble down the alley behind her uncle, her legs moving beneath her as if weighted with heavy stones.

But just as Jerusha willed her lumbering feet to move, two Assyrian horsemen suddenly appeared at the far end of the alley, blocking their escape. The girls tried to turn back, but the soldiers thundered toward them, leaning over in their saddles to swoop Jerusha’s cousins off their feet. The girls screamed in terror as the soldiers pushed them facedown in front of them across their horses’ saddles.

Uncle Saul tried to grab one of the horses’ bridles to stop them, pleading with the men. Don’t take my girls! Please, I’ll pay any price—any ransom you name, if only you’ll let them go! Please, I beg you!

The Assyrian drew his sword and in one powerful slash chopped off Uncle Saul’s hand. Jerusha nearly fainted at the sight, but Abba suddenly grabbed her from behind. This way, Jerusha! Hide under the cart! Hurry! He swung her around and urged her back toward the square, pointing to an oxcart parked several yards away. She saw her mother and sister cowering beneath it. A few yards away, an Assyrian soldier snatched a baby from a woman’s grasp and hurled it beneath his horse’s hooves to be trampled.

Screams and shouts and thundering hooves roared in Jerusha’s ears as Abba pushed her toward the cart. It seemed a hundred miles away. She moved as if walking under water, her body refusing to obey her commands. Tears blinded her vision as she staggered the last few yards toward the safety of the cart. She was almost there. Her mother reached for her hand, then suddenly shouted, Jerimoth, look out! Behind you!

Jerusha glanced over her shoulder and saw her father facing yet another Assyrian soldier. No! Get away from her! Abba cried. He gripped the horse’s bridle with both hands to try to turn the animal aside, ducking to avoid the man’s slashing sword. Run, Jerusha, run! he yelled.

She made a final, desperate scramble for the safety of the cart and heard her mother scream again, Jerusha, watch out! Behind you! Out of nowhere, another mounted solider appeared alongside her. She tried to fight him off, flailing her fists and clawing his arms as he reached for her, but he scooped her up effortlessly and threw her facedown across the front of his saddle.

No! Oh, God, no! she screamed. Abba, help me! Save me!

Jerusha struggled to free herself, but the soldier held her down, pressing his hand against her back. She managed to lift her head as the horse wheeled around and saw her father running toward them. Then she heard the soft swish of metal as her captor unsheathed his sword. She remembered the blood and horror of Uncle Saul’s severed hand and shouted, Abba, no! Stay back!

The Assyrian leaned sideways in his saddle and slashed out toward Abba with his sword. Jerusha saw a crimson gash appear across her father’s forehead, and he sank to his knees, his face covered with blood. Then he disappeared from her sight as the horse pounded up the road, away from the village.

Jerusha screamed as the horse sped faster and faster, away from the village of Dabbasheth, away from her family and safety. They galloped for several minutes, then the horse slowed and the soldier slapped Jerusha, shouting angrily at her in his strange language. When she didn’t stop screaming, he struck her again and again until she finally stifled her cries. She felt numb with pain and fear.

I don’t want to die—please, I don’t want to die, she whimpered. A few minutes later they stopped near a grove of sycamore trees beside a farmer’s field. Several other horses were already tethered there, and Jerusha heard muffled screams and coarse laughter coming from among the bushes. Her heart pounded with a new terror as she realized what was about to happen.

No . . . no . . . please don’t, she sobbed. The soldier dismounted and pulled Jerusha off the horse, throwing her over his shoulder like a sack of grain. As he carried her into the woods, she saw her cousin Serah fighting with all her strength against the soldier who was trying to pin her to the ground. When Serah wouldn’t stop struggling, the soldier beat her with his fists until she no longer moved.

Jerusha knew it would be useless to fight. The blows her captor had already given her throbbed painfully. She wanted to live through this nightmare and find her way home, so she decided not to struggle. Jerusha knew it was the right decision, but she couldn’t make herself stop crying. Her terrified screams blended with all the others until the woods echoed with the sound. Even the wind seemed to shriek with fear.

Finally Jerusha’s captor halted and threw her to the ground. The smell of his unwashed body made her gag. She turned her face in revulsion, and he slapped her again, yelling at her angrily.

Oh, God . . . I don’t want to die, she sobbed. Not now, not like this. Please, God, please—I don’t want to die!

2

In the southern kingdom of Judah

KING HEZEKIAH LET HIS GRANDFATHER lean on his arm for support as they slowly walked down the hill from the palace. The sound of grinding hand mills and the smoke of early-morning fires filled the air around them, stirring memories for Hezekiah of another morning walk with his grandfather years earlier. It seemed a lifetime ago. Yet in the short time since he had been reunited with Zechariah, the bonds of love between them had been rewoven as if no time had passed at all.

Hezekiah’s robes billowed in the brisk spring wind, and the gray sky threatened rain as they neared the Water Gate. Are you sure you don’t want to turn around and go back inside? he asked Zechariah. Maybe it isn’t such a good idea to recite our prayers out here.

Yes, I’m sure. Don’t forget—once the Temple is purified, we’ll be praying outside every morning in all sorts of weather. Even the rare snowstorm.

I guess that’s true dedication, Hezekiah said, laughing. He acknowledged the guards who bowed to him as he passed through the gate, then he and his grandfather started down the steep ramp that led out of the city.

Zechariah seemed unchanged to Hezekiah. Of course he had aged, his movements slowing, his hair and beard changing from gray to white. And now Hezekiah stood almost a head taller than his grandfather. But Zechariah had the same noble, dignified features Hezekiah had loved so much, the same gentle green eyes full of wisdom and humor. He smiled to himself, remembering how he had once thought that Yahweh must look like Zechariah.

How’s this? Hezekiah asked when they reached a terraced olive grove near the Gihon Spring. The trees offered welcome shelter from the cold gusts of wind.

It’s perfect. Zechariah sighed with contentment as he sat down to rest on the low wall surrounding the garden. He gazed all around, as if seeing trees for the first time in his life, and Hezekiah winced at this reminder of Zechariah’s long imprisonment. He was glad they had come, in spite of the damp air.

You know, son, there’s a reason I wanted to come outside to pray, Zechariah said. It’s too easy to believe in our own importance when we’re surrounded by our own creations all day. He reached to pluck a silvery green leaf from an olive tree and twirled it between his fingers. But look at this. Can we fashion anything as fragile and perfect as this leaf—or as solid and enduring as those mountains?

‘As the mountains surround Jerusalem,’ Hezekiah recited, ‘so Yahweh surrounds his people, both now and forevermore.’

Ah . . . you still remember.

How could I forget? You recited that verse to me every morning when you first opened the shutters. And I was thinking about it just this morning when I saw how foggy it was. The mountains were nowhere in sight.

Yet you know they’re still there, just as Yahweh is still faithfully surrounding our nation, even though our sin and idolatry have hidden Him from sight.

Hezekiah bent to pick up one of the dozens of stones that lay scattered on the ground and absently tossed it from one hand to the other. I love this sad little nation, rocks and all. I wish it still resembled the land of milk and honey our ancestors knew.

God will answer your prayers, in time, if you’re faithful to Him.

Your trust in God seems so . . . so limitless compared to my own tiny seed of faith. I’m afraid that it’ll be insufficient, especially for the overwhelming task I’m facing. Besides getting rid of the idolatry, I want to win back all the land that’s rightfully mine, the land my father lost to the Philistines and Ammonites. We need the farmland of the Shephelah and cities like Beth Shemesh to guard the mountain passes into Jerusalem and give access to the coastal trade route. We need the fortified cities in the Negev and Arabah. And Elath, our seaport on the Red Sea. These territories once belonged to my ancestors, he finished, tossing the stone he was holding toward the Gihon Spring. And they’re rightfully mine.

You remind me of King Uzziah, son. His reign prospered, not only because he dreamed big dreams, like you—but because he loved God. With God you can do anything—anything at all.

Then why did King Uzziah’s reign end so badly? What happened?

Uzziah’s success resulted in pride, instead of gratitude. Foreign kings honored him for his accomplishments, and Uzziah took the credit for himself instead of giving the glory to God. Zechariah was silent for a moment before continuing. I’ve watched all three kings before you as they were tested by God—and failed. I pray that you’ll remain strong when you’re tested. Pride destroyed Uzziah. His son Jotham was destroyed by bitterness and your own father by fear. If they had placed their trust in Yahweh, how different things might have been for you.

Hezekiah felt a restless urgency to begin, to make the changes his country needed as quickly as possible. I need your wisdom and experience, he told Zechariah. I’d like you to fill Uriah’s position as—

No. I won’t serve as palace administrator.

His abrupt refusal disappointed Hezekiah—and confused him. He had assumed that Zechariah would be willing to help in any way that he could. But . . . but why not? I need you. You’ve served as palace administrator before, and you’re experienced—

I’m a Levite and a teacher of the Torah. I’ll help you with your religious reforms, but I won’t serve in your government.

But I need you. How can I convince you to change your mind?

You can’t. I’ll never hold a government position again.

Hezekiah exhaled in frustration. I don’t know anyone who’s as qualified as you are. You know more about running the kingdom than all the members of my court added together.

That’s flattering, but an exaggeration, I’m sure.

But you’re still going to serve in the Temple, aren’t you?

I’m much too old for that. Levites retire at age fifty. I’m close to seventy.

Grandpa, please—there aren’t enough Levites to do all the work, and there are even fewer priests. I’m hoping that some of the younger ones will return to service once all the reforms are complete, but the men will need to be trained and—

And so you want to call a wrinkled old Levite like me back into service for a while?

Yes. Would you? At least do that much to help me . . . please.

Zechariah sighed and gazed up at the Temple walls, high above them. The last time I wore my Levitical robes was the day I stopped your father from offering his sacrifice on the Assyrian altar, the day I became a prisoner. Do you remember what I told you when you saw me dressed in my robes that day?

No . . . I’m sorry.

You begged me to come back as soon as I was finished at the Temple so I could teach you more about Yahweh. I told you that I might be a little late, but I would be back. Well, I’m much later than I ever dreamed I’d be, he said, resting his hand on Hezekiah’s shoulder, but I’ll keep my promise and teach you Yahweh’s laws. And I’ll assist in the Temple until some younger men can be trained to replace me.

Where should we start? The Temple looked to me like it was in pretty bad condition.

It is, and we’ve already begun cleansing it as you asked us to. The next step is to assign the priests and Levites to their divisions the way King David established them, then anoint a new high priest. Of course the people will have to tithe the required Temple portion in order to support us.

I’ll issue the orders. And I’ll contribute whatever I can from the royal treasuries, too. But what about the Temple structures? Won’t they require restoration?

Yes, and I think I know the man to help us. My friend Hilkiah has a son who’s been trained as an engineer. Hilkiah is one of the few righteous men I know, and I’m certain that he has taught his son, Eliakim, to follow God’s laws, too.

Good. I’ll send for him to oversee the reconstruction. But that raises another point, Hezekiah said, stroking his beard. Right now the hardest part of my job is figuring out who I can trust. Uriah probably wasn’t the only one who would like to take control of my kingdom.

That’s true. It’s always a very dangerous time when power suddenly changes hands. You’ll need to take a strong stand until your sovereignty is firmly established.

My father’s government was very corrupt—from the highest official to the lowest clerk. It’s little wonder that the prophet Micah condemned the leaders of Judah so strongly. In any event, I’ve called for a meeting later today with all of my father’s former advisors. I’m going to announce my decision to reorganize the kingdom according to the Law of Moses.

Zechariah’s eyes narrowed. In that case, you’d better prepare yourself for a bitter power struggle, son. Some people will be eager to return to the laws of God, but most of the men who’ve been in control under Ahaz will surely oppose you—behind your back, if not openly.

I understand. But how do I prepare for something like that?

Zechariah lifted his prayer shawl from around his shoulders and covered his head with it. "You pray. And you allow the Lord to be your strength. Remember—the Lord doesn’t give you strength, Hezekiah. He is your strength. He gestured to the city walls on the cliffs above them and said, When you’re surrounded by enemies, don’t rely on man-made fortifications or military power. Trust God."

Hezekiah nodded, but he knew he was a long way from understanding and having such strong faith.

Perhaps we should recite one of King David’s prayers this morning, Zechariah said as he rose to his feet. David wrote it when he was hounded by enemies who wanted to destroy him.

Hezekiah stood as well, lifting his own prayer shawl into place. He closed his eyes as he listened to his grandfather recite the unfamiliar words, vowing that they would one day be familiar to him, vowing that he would learn them by memory and believe what they promised.

‘Deliver me from my enemies, O God; protect me from those who rise up against me. Deliver me from evildoers and save me from bloodthirsty men. . . . But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.’

Hephzibah closed her eyes and pretended to be asleep when her handmaiden, Merab, entered her bedroom. You’re not up yet? Merab asked as she parted the filmy curtains that surrounded her bed. Come, your breakfast is ready.

Hephzibah didn’t move from where she lay against the pillows. Bring it to me, Merab. I want to eat it here in my room, alone.

No, my lady. You can’t hide in here forever. You’re the king’s wife; the others are only his concubines.

But I don’t want to eat with them. And they certainly don’t want to eat with me.

It doesn’t matter what they want. Your position is superior to theirs, and they must do whatever you say.

They don’t even respect me, Merab. They know Hezekiah hasn’t sent for me since my wedding week. They mock me.

Don’t make excuses, my lady. Come. She nudged Hephzibah out of bed and to her feet. Face them. Claim your rights. And don’t allow them to make you a captive in your own palace.

Hephzibah felt sick with dread as Merab helped her get dressed and guided her down the passageway to the dining room. Hezekiah’s concubines were already seated around the low table and had begun to eat without her. She steeled herself for their usual taunts, lifting her chin and pretending to be indifferent as she joined them. When they ignored her completely, she wondered if they had grown tired of their game—or if this was their newest one.

Hephzibah ate quickly, anxious to return to her room. She had nearly finished when the chamberlain of the harem hurried in. He stood with his hands on his hips, appraising the women as if trying to select one. The eunuch was a round, fleshy man whose pale body reminded Hephzibah of bread dough rising in a kneading trough. When the concubines noticed him, their chattering stopped.

I need one of you to come with me, he said. King Ahaz always wanted a concubine to warm up his chambers on a cold, damp day like today, and I’m sure the new king will, too, now that his time of mourning is over.

One of the concubines waved her hand at him. Take me—I’ll gladly go.

Merab nudged Hephzibah. My lady, you’re his wife, she whispered. Tell the eunuch you’ll do it.

Hephzibah hesitated, reluctant to risk rejection—even though she longed to be with her husband. When she didn’t react, Merab quickly spoke up. King Hezekiah’s wife will come with you, Lord Chamberlain.

The eunuch stared at Hephzibah with mocking eyes. Her? She’s the last woman the king would choose.

How dare you! Merab cried. She struggled to her feet, looking angry enough to strike him. The eunuch ignored her as he turned to appraise the others, deliberating for a moment before pointing to the girl who had already offered to go.

All right—you. But hurry up. The king could return to the palace any time now.

Merab’s face was red with fury. How dare you insult my lady? she cried. She followed the eunuch as he hustled the concubine from the room, and Hephzibah heard her scolding him loudly, all the way down the hall.

Oh dear, poor little Hephzibah, one of the concubines said.

Now, why do you suppose she wasn’t picked? another one asked, and they all laughed.

Hephzibah stood and hurried from the room, unwilling to let her enemies witness her grief. But more painful than their jeers, more painful than the knowledge