So many voices made it hard for him to think, and he rubbed his forehead for relief from a growing headache. Omri had retired an hour ago, worn out by the bickering that could not be resolved with a sword. Ahab was thankful. He was embarrassed by the truth, which was that it had not rained for nearly a year. The pregnancy and the move to Jezreel for the winter had disguised the passage of time, but this was the truth. Jezebel’s body had given up its secrets, and the passage of time had given up Ahab’s. The drought was real. A curse was upon Israel. Ahab had chosen to obey his father instead of Yahweh, and because of his choice, people would suffer. Ahab had seen lands wiped out by drought and famine. He had never forgotten the children with bloated bellies and flies in the corners of their eyes, sitting next to dead mothers. Women went looking for food or water and died in the streets.Jezebel entered, her body still clearly weak from giving birth only two days before. All the men dipped their heads once in respect, stepping back from the throne.
