Copyright 2000, 2009 by Ronald L. Ecker
All Right Reserved
FADE IN:
EXT. THE BRITISH MUSEUM - DAY (THE PRESENT)
The London museum has classical Greek columns and pediment.
SUPERIMPOSE: The British Museum
INT. A GALLERY - DAY
Tall glass cases on a polished wood floor hold a variety of
Ancient Near Eastern art objects.
Attention is drawn to a gold-colored bronze figurine, about
eight inches high. It's an image of the goddess Asherah.
INT. A BAAL PRIEST'S HOME - DAY (871 B.C.)
The same Asherah figurine, along with a Baal image and other
sacred objects, adorns a shrine in the home.
SUPERIMPOSE: Sidon, Phoenicia, 871 B.C.
A PRIEST (O.S.) prayerfully clasps his HANDS together below
the Asherah. The hands look strong and youthful.
PRIEST (O.S.)
(whispers)
O lady Asherah, how long before I
lose her?
EXT. THE SIDON ROYAL PALACE - SEASIDE PATIO - DAY
The lovely princess JEZEBEL, 20, looks heartbroken as she
stands at a banister looking out at the Mediterranean.
Standing a few feet behind her is the lean, rather frail
looking PRIEST-KING ETHBAAL, 60, with a quizzical look on
his face. He walks up behind her.
ETHBAAL
What is wrong, my dear? Why does
it cause you such sadness?
Jezebel turns to Ethbaal pleadingly.
JEZEBEL
Father, I am in love with someone
in Sidon. Why do I -
ETHBAAL
In love with - ? Who? No, I don't
want to know. Your marriage has
been set with my seal.
Jezebel despairingly looks off again at the sea. Ethbaal
puts a comforting hand on her shoulder.
ETHBAAL (cont'd)
Daughter, you knew that this day
would come. You are a princess,
and the jewel of Phoenicia. Who
would you marry but a king?
JEZEBEL
Which one did you say?
ETHBAAL
Ahab, the new king of Israel.
EXT. PALACE OF THE KING OF ISRAEL - DAY
JEHU BAR-NIMSHI, 25, a handsome Israelite military man,
arrives with his DRIVER, 30, in a TWO-HORSE chariot.
SUPERIMPOSE: Samaria, Capital City of Israel
INT. PALACE - THE KING'S QUARTERS - DAY
KING AHAB, in his 20's, sits with a letter in hand, his royal
secretary OBADIAH, 40, standing by. The 40-ish ROYAL STEWARD
steps in.
ROYAL STEWARD
Jehu bar-Nimshi has arrived, my
lord O king.
Jehu enters, the royal steward leaving. Ahab hands the letter
he holds to Obadiah.
AHAB
Jehu!
JEHU
My lord O king.
AHAB
How goes your Baal hunting?
JEHU
You destroy one high place of Baal,
my lord, and beyond the next town
is another.
Ahab laughs. He rises and walks over to Jehu.
AHAB
Then go till you run out of towns.
If any man can rid Israel of Baal,
it is Jehu bar-Nimshi.
(beat)
Has it been necessary to slay any
of these Baal worshippers?
JEHU
No, my lord. I am not out for blood.
AHAB
Of course not.
JEHU
I destroy their idols and send them
home with stern warning.
AHAB
Good. Now the reason I sent for
you. A diversion, Jehu.
As Ahab walks back to his chair,
AHAB (cont'd)
You are to go to my palace on the
plain of Jezreel, to meet there,
and escort to Samaria, my bride-to
be. Have you heard of her, Jehu?
Ahab sits down.
JEHU
I have heard she's the daughter of
Ethbaal, the priest-king of Sidon.
AHAB
Yes, her father is the royal priest
of Baal in Phoenicia.
Ahab smiles shrewdly.
AHAB (cont'd)
Tell me, do you think it is odd
that I choose my destroyer of Baal
to escort that priest's daughter
here?
JEHU
It is not my place to question, my
lord.
Ahab rises again and walks over to Jehu.
AHAB
But you are ideal for escorting my
Sidonian bride. I thought perhaps
you could, well, talk to her a bit
on the way, about all this Baal and
goddess worship. How it would be
nice if she were to leave it at
home, so to speak. We don't need
more Baal followers, inspired by
our queen, do we, Jehu?
JEHU
No, my lord.
AHAB
You can save me the trouble, Jehu,
of having to tell her.
Ahab puts a hand on Jehu's shoulder.
AHAB (cont'd)
So here's what you do. Tomorrow
night, dine with my bride-to-be at
the Jezreel palace. Talk to her
about, uh, leaving Baal home like I
said. Make sure that she listens.
Then bring her here the next day.
Ahab starts to head back to his chair, then,
AHAB (cont'd)
Oh, and there's a vineyard I want
to buy near the Jezreel palace.
JEHU
Excuse me, my lord. What is your
bride-to-be's name?
AHAB
Her name is Jezebel.
EXT. SEASHORE (SIDON) - NIGHT
High craggy rocks are on the moonlit beach below the royal
palace.
Hiding in the rocks, Jezebel and handsome LULI, 25, kiss and
embrace. Luli wears a cloak.
JEZEBEL
I can't leave you. I would rather
do away with myself.
LULI
Don't say that, my princess. You
are going to be a queen. You -
JEZEBEL
I don't want to be a queen. I want
to marry you, Luli.
LULI
It was not meant to be.
JEZEBEL
I will pray to Lord Baal, as I have
never prayed before, that it shall
be. That he will somehow make it
happen.
They hear SIDONIAN PALACE GUARD #1 (O.S.) in the distance,
searchingly call her name. They react anxiously.
JEZEBEL (cont'd)
Go.
They quickly kiss.
JEZEBEL (cont'd)
Luli, I love you and always will.
LULI
And I will love you.
Luli sneaks hurriedly off through the rocks and crags,
Jezebel sadly watching him.
SIDONIAN PALACE GUARDS #1 and #2, searching, stop as Jezebel
appears, with a casual air, from behind a rock.
GUARD #1
My lady, why did you leave the
palace unescorted this way?
JEZEBEL
To walk. To think. Why can't I
go somewhere alone?
Jezebel walks toward the path that leads up to the palace.
The guards look suspiciously around before following.
EXT. TEMPLE OF BAAL - DAY
Overlooking the Mediterranean. Jezebel, in regal attire,
comes out of the front double doors, accompanied by her
father Ethbaal and the Baal priest DATHAN, 27.
A few BAAL PRIESTS stand along either side on the landing.
TWO SIDONIAN PALACE GUARDS stand by the steps.
Lady-in-waiting ORAH, 20-ish, steps over to Jezebel.
ORAH
My lady, the priest Luli wishes a
word with you, on behalf of the
priesthood of Baal.
JEZEBEL
Of course.
Ethbaal watches a bit curiously as Jezebel walks over to
Luli, in his priestly attire. Jezebel and Luli speak
quietly, discreet in their manner.
LULI
Farewell, my princess.
JEZEBEL
It was too much to hope for, Luli,
that they might choose you to go
with me, as my personal priest.
LULI
I know. But Dathan will serve you
well.
Luli takes something from his robe, and hands it to Jezebel.
LULI (cont'd)
A gift, my princess, from me to you.
It is the Asherah figurine.
JEZEBEL
Oh, what a lovely Asherah.
LULI
I have treasured it since I first
joined the priesthood.
JEZEBEL
Luli, this is the one from your home?
LULI
Yes.
JEZEBEL
But, Luli, I -
LULI
I shall replace it. I want this
one to go with you. In Israel, may
Baal's lady Asherah help bless you
with children.
JEZEBEL
I will cherish it, Luli.
Ethbaal, watching Jezebel and Luli, looks puzzled, but Dathan,
standing beside Ethbaal, looks like he may know their secret.
Jezebel, holding the Asherah against her, looks fondly at Luli.
JEZEBEL (cont'd)
I have made a bargain with Baal. I
will see that a temple of Baal is
built in Samaria. And he will send
me you, to be the temple's high
priest. Then we shall be together
again.
LULI
A house of Baal in the royal city
of Israel? Only one God in Israel
is allowed to be worshipped. You
are dreaming, my lady.
JEZEBEL
It will be done, my love, and I
will see you there.
She gestures with the Asherah.
JEZEBEL (cont'd)
By the grace of Lord Baal, and his
lady Asherah.
EXT. THE JEZREEL PALACE - DAY
Jezebel appears at a spacious upper window, with Sidonian
commander NEBAT, 45, on her right, and the Jezreel palace
steward BELA, 38, on her left.
SUPERIMPOSE: The Jezreel Palace in Israel
They watch as Jehu and his driver, with a company of mounted
ISRAELITE SOLDIERS following Jehu's chariot, ride into the
courtyard from the Jezreel plain.
Several SIDONIAN SOLDIERS are stationed in the courtyard.
Jehu's chariot pulls up below the window. Jehu's soldiers
halt to stand by.
Jehu gazes up at Jezebel, who gives him a friendly smile.
JEHU
My princess. I am Jehu bar-
Nimshi, here to escort you to
my lord king Ahab of Israel.
JEZEBEL
I present Commander Nebat of Sidon.
Raising a hand, Jehu gives Nebat a customary greeting,
JEHU
Is it peace?
NEBAT
It is peace.
INT. A BANQUET HALL - NIGHT
Jezebel and Jehu dine. Also at the table are Orah, Nebat,
Bela, and Dathan. Palace SERVANTS attend.
JEZEBEL
Will the king come here often,
to Jezreel?
JEHU
I'm sure that you and my lord King
Ahab will stay here quite often, as
did Omri his father. I have heard
there is no finer palace steward
than Bela.
BELA
I thank you.
JEZEBEL
Does King Ahab have other wives?
JEHU
Not yet.
JEZEBEL
But he will?
JEHU
I suspect. King Solomon, it is
said, had seven hundred wives.
Jezebel laughs.
JEZEBEL
Seven hundred? And he had time to
rule?
JEHU
He is said to have been a man of
excess.
JEZEBEL
And what about you? Are you married,
Jehu?
JEHU
Yes.
Jehu holds up his index finger.
JEHU (cont'd)
One wife.
Jezebel smiles.
JEZEBEL
Children?
JEHU
We have not yet been blessed.
JEZEBEL
We must pray that your wife will be
fertile.
(beat)
Do you know where fertility comes
from?
JEHU
Yes. From the Lord.
JEZEBEL
Which one?
JEHU
The only one. The Lord God of Israel.
JEZEBEL
In Phoenicia we believe fertility
comes from Baal, Prince Lord of
Earth, as he mates with the goddess
Asherah.
JEHU
We are not in Phoenicia. And we
have no lovemaking gods. Your
Prince Lord of Earth you must
leave behind you in Sidon, and
worship the God of your king.
JEZEBEL
Do not be offended, Jehu, but I
will worship whom I please.
Jehu, who seems to take no offense, looks around at the
others, who are mum.
JEHU
But you are about to become queen
of Israel. You must understand
our history, my lady. We Israelites
lost our unity, our kingdom has
been divided in two - into the
kingdoms of Israel and Judah.
(beat)
This division was God's judgment
against King Solomon, who allowed
his many wives to worship other
gods.
JEZEBEL
So much for Solomon's wives, and
your God's judgment. Israel has
never had a queen like me.
Jehu watches Jezebel sip, her eyes coyly upon him. The
others at the table clearly see the mutual attraction.
INT. JEHU'S QUARTERS - NIGHT
Barechested Jehu lies awake in moonlight from a window.
He hears girlish giggles as someone passes by outside
the closed door.
Rising, Jehu goes to the door and opens it.
INT. THE CORRIDOR - NIGHT
From his doorway Jehu watches Jezebel as she and Orah are
walking away down the corridor. The girls talk and giggle.
INT. JEHU'S QUARTERS - NIGHT
Jehu lies down again and gazes at the ceiling.
It's not hard to imagine what he's thinking about.
EXT. NABOTH'S VINEYARD (JEZREEL) - DAY
WORKERS harvest grapes as Jehu arrives, accompanied by
soldiers. Jehu walks up to the husky vintner NABOTH, 40.
NABOTH
Is it peace, my lord?
JEHU
Yes. I am Jehu bar-Nimshi, here
on behalf of King Ahab of Israel.
He wishes to buy your vineyard.
NABOTH
It is not for sale, my lord.
JEHU
He will pay you any price within
reason. How much do you want?
NABOTH
This vineyard, sire, belonged to
my father, and his father before
him. To sell it, my lord, would
be selling my birthright.
JEHU
You will not sell this vineyard
to the king?
NABOTH
I cannot, my lord.
JEHU
I will tell him.
Jehu leaves, Naboth worriedly watching him.
INT. ROYAL PALACE IN SAMARIA - WEDDING FEAST - NIGHT
Happy Ahab, smiling Jezebel, and distinguished GUESTS are
feasting, with MUSICIANS and DANCERS.
Among the guests, the military officer ELIEZER, 35, notes
how Jehu beside him gazes at Jezebel.
ELIEZER
A lovely queen, is she not?
JEHU
Yes, Eliezer. Lovely. But I fear
she means trouble for Israel.
Jezebel playfully feeds Ahab some meat.
INT. A CORRIDOR - NIGHT
A JUDAHITE PRIEST, 75, at Ahab's right hand, escorts Ahab
and Jezebel to the king's bedchamber.
Orah walks right behind Jezebel's shoulder. Behind them walk
women of the wedding party.
Jezebel whispers to Orah,
JEZEBEL
My Asherah.
Orah slips her the figurine, which Jezebel conceals in her
clothing.
INT. JEHU'S HOME - NIGHT
Jehu, home from the feast, sits thinking.
His wife JERUSHA, 30, attractive but with a sad air about
her, comes to his side, and puts an arm on his shoulders.
JERUSHA
How was the wedding feast?
JEHU
Like all wedding feasts. Only
more.
She leans down, and they kiss.
INT. KING'S BEDCHAMBER - NIGHT
Ahab and Jezebel, in nightclothes, sit side by side in bed.
The Judahite priest stands blessing them. All others have
departed.
JUDAHITE PRIEST
And from the rib which the Lord
took from man, made he a woman,
and brought her to the man.
Jezebel looks fascinated by what he is saying.
JUDAHITE PRIEST (cont'd)
And Adam said, "This is bone of my
bones, and flesh of my flesh.
She shall be called Woman."
INT. OUTSIDE THE DOOR - NIGHT
Orah stands listening with her ear to the closed bedroom
door. ISRAELITE PALACE GUARD #1 stands by indulgently.
JUDAHITE PRIEST (O.S.)
(filtered)
Bless now this marriage bed, O Lord
God of Israel -
INT. BEDCHAMBER - NIGHT
The Judahite priest, Ahab and Jezebel as before.
JUDAHITE PRIEST
- that the seed of the house of
Omri and Ahab may prosper, unto
many generations. Amen.
The priest leaves. Outside the palace guard recloses the
door.
Ahab and Jezebel look at each other. Ahab smiles awkwardly.
Jezebel casually scoots down from her sitting position. Ahab
follows her lead.
JEZEBEL
Is that priest from Samaria?
AHAB
He's a Judahite priest. He was
brought here from the Jerusalem
temple, for this special occasion.
JEZEBEL
The divided kingdom of Israel and
Judah. I've been told about that.
I must know all your history.
Ahab puts his hand on her midriff.
JEZEBEL (cont'd)
He said woman was made from one of
man's ribs?
Ahab's hand now rubs her a little.
AHAB
The first woman, yes.
Jezebel takes the figurine from under her pillow. Ahab
stares at it as Jezebel gently rubs it with her hand.
AHAB (cont'd)
What is that?
JEZEBEL
An Asherah. A symbol of the lady
who shall bless us with fertility.
AHAB
Put that thing away.
JEZEBEL
Why?
AHAB
I have something else that will
bless you with fertility.
Jezebel laughs. Ahab smiles, as if just now realizing the
humor of what he said.
JEZEBEL
You know, I don't believe it.
AHAB
That I have a thing that - ?
JEZEBEL
No, that story about the rib. Let
me count your ribs.
Laying aside the Asherah, Jezebel starts counting Ahab's
ribs.
It tickles Ahab, he giggles and fights off her hand. She
stops. Ahab gets a sly look in his eye.
AHAB
Let me count yours.
Jezebel obligingly opens her clothing, and Ahab starts moving
his hand, slowly upward, along her bare side.
As his hand gets close to her breast, she slips off the top
of her clothing.
JEZEBEL
Are you counting?
AHAB
Yes . . .
JEZEBEL
How far have you gotten?
Ahab admires her breasts.
AHAB
Two.
INT. JEHU'S HOME - NIGHT
Undressed, Jehu affectionately lies down with Jerusha on the
bed. They kiss.
JERUSHA
I spent the day praying that I
might have a child. Praying that
God has not forgotten me.
JEHU
He has not forgotten you, Jerusha.
INT. KING'S BEDCHAMBER - NIGHT
Ahab and Jezebel make love.
AHAB
O Lord God of Israel.
JEZEBEL
O mighty Lord Baal.
INT. JEHU'S HOME - DAY (NEXT MORNING)
Jehu lies in bed thinking, Jerusha still asleep.
INT. KING'S BEDCHAMBER - DAY
Jezebel awakes in bed, to see the robed Ahab standing propped
at the window, his back to her.
Rising and donning a robe, Jezebel joins him at the window.
She finds Ahab sullen, lost in thought.
JEZEBEL
Ahab, did you enjoy last night?
AHAB
Yes.
JEZEBEL
Then what is wrong?
Ahab sulks, pouting like a little boy as he gazes out the
window.
AHAB
That Naboth the Jezreelite.
JEZEBEL
What about him?
AHAB
He won't sell me his vineyard near
the Jezreel palace.
Jezebel rolls her eyes - but then seems to get an idea, a
shrewd look in her eyes, Ahab gazing off.
JEZEBEL
Does it mean that much to you?
AHAB
Yes! For a vegetable garden, like
the one I have here. I've a right
to possess it. I'm king.
Jezebel puts her arm around him.
JEZEBEL
If I get you Naboth's vineyard,
will you do something for me?
Ahab looks at her quizzically - and suspiciously.
AHAB
You get the vineyard?
Jezebel doesn't answer, smiling coyly.
AHAB (cont'd)
What must I do?
Jezebel clings to him seductively.
JEZEBEL
Build a temple for the God whom I
worship, as you worship your God.
A temple for Baal, in Samaria.
AHAB
You know I can't do that.
Ahab moves away from her.
JEZEBEL
Why not? You are king.
AHAB
Yes, and there are two hundred
prophets in Israel, all seen as men
of the living God. They would cry
out across the whole country that
the king has turned to idolatry.
I have Jehu bar-Nimshi destroying
places of Baal worship.
JEZEBEL
Then tell him to stop doing it.
AHAB
Who do you think you are?
JEZEBEL
I am queen. Tell me who you are.
Do you not govern Israel?
AHAB
Look, I am letting you have a
shrine, here in the palace, for
that block of stone you worship,
complete with that personal priest
of yours. What more do you want?
JEZEBEL
Baal is not a block of stone.
AHAB
A block of wood?
JEZEBEL
You know nothing. Baal's spirit
descends to dwell within the image.
Except for that, the Prince Lord
of Earth is as invisible as your
God is.
AHAB
Thank you for the religious instruction.
You will have your palace shrine to
your unseen, cloud-riding storm
god. That is all you will have.
Ahab starts to go, then,
AHAB (cont'd)
We are going to Jezreel tomorrow.
JEZEBEL
I just came from there.
AHAB
I am going to see Nabath myself and
get that vineyard.
INT. JEZREEL PALACE - KING'S QUARTERS - DAY
Jezebel sits watching the agitated Ahab pour himself a cup
of wine.
JEZEBEL
What did the vintner Naboth tell
you?
AHAB
I told him to name a fair price and
he wouldn't. He quotes me the law
of Moses. All land belongs to the
Lord, we are its keepers, it is not
to be bought and sold. I think he
made that up. I'll have to ask
Obadiah.
JEZEBEL
Did I not tell you I would get you
the vineyard?
AHAB
How? How could you get Naboth's
vineyard when I cannot?
JEZEBEL
Build a house of Baal in Samaria,
to please me, my love, and I swear,
you shall have your vineyard.
AHAB
You are asking the impossible! Do
you know where you are?
Ahab swigs his wine.
JEZEBEL
Then you will have to do without
your vineyard.
Ahab gives her a resentful look, Jezebel watching him stew.
EXT. ROYAL PALACE IN SAMARIA - DAY
Jehu and his driver arrive in Jehu's chariot.
SUPERIMPOSE: Ten Months Later
EXT. A PALACE BALCONY - DAY
Jezebel, holding her month-old INFANT DAUGHTER, notes Jehu's
arrival below. She hands the child to Orah and eagerly heads
inside.
INT. KING'S QUARTERS - DAY
Jehu enters, as his escort the royal steward leaves.
Ahab sets his seal to a papyrus letter at his table, Obadiah
attending. Jezebel sits leisurely nearby, eyes on Jehu.
AHAB
Jehu, how are you?
JEHU
Well. And my lord the king?
AHAB
Excellent.
JEHU
My lady.
Jezebel acknowledges Jehu with a nod.
AHAB
I am appointing you commander of
the palace guard. Forget your
Baal-hunting duties. I relieve you
of those. It was a waste of time
anyway, eh? Those who wish to
worship Baal and the goddess
Asherah may do so, in a temple
to be built in Samaria.
Jehu looks at Jezebel. She smiles.
JEHU
I thank you, my lord, for the honor
of commanding the guard.
AHAB
Queen Jezebel made the suggestion.
I thought it was splendid.
JEZEBEL
I was so impressed with you, Jehu,
when you first brought me here from
Jezreel. I feel safe and secure
in your hands.
AHAB
(to Jehu)
Meet now with Obadiah, to go over
the details.
JEHU
As you wish, my lord O king. Thank
you, my lady, for your recommendation.
Jehu turns to leave with Obadiah.
INT. CORRIDOR - DAY
Jehu and Obadiah walk from the king's quarters.
JEHU
So. She will have her house of Baal.
OBADIAH
The power of a woman, eh, Jehu?
JEHU
It does not bode well, Obadiah.
The Lord is a jealous God.
EXT. NABOTH'S VINEYARD - DAY
Naboth leaves driving an OX cart, on which are goatskin
bottles of wine.
SUPERIMPOSE: One Month Later
EXT. JEZREEL PALACE - DAY
Guard commander Jehu meets Naboth arriving on his ox cart in
the courtyard. Some PALACE GUARDS watch in b.g.
NABOTH
I received a message, my lord, that
the palace wished to buy wine from
my vineyard.
JEHU
I know nothing about it. The king
is still in Samaria. Who did you -
ORAH (O.S.)
Over here!
Jehu and Naboth look over at Orah, who gestures from a side
door of the palace.
ORAH (cont'd)
Have him bring it in here.
Jehu watches with curiosity as Naboth starts driving his cart
to the side door, into which Orah disappears.
INT. PALACE - A SECOND-FLOOR ROOM - DAY
Jehu quietly enters the unoccupied room. He gets down on the
wooden floor to listen, and finds a good crack to look through.
Voices are faintly heard below.
JEZEBEL (O.S.)
(in the room below)
The king wishes to buy your vineyard,
Naboth.
Through the crack, Jehu can partially see Naboth below, sitting
in a receiving/storage room. Jezebel comes partially into view.
NABOTH
But I cannot sell it, my lady.
INTERCUT WITH: INT. THE RECEIVING/STORAGE ROOM - DAY
Jezebel stands before Naboth, with Orah behind her near a
closed door.
JEZEBEL
The king will pay you any price,
Naboth. I will pay you that and
more.
(to Orah)
Show them in.
Orah opens the door, and four pretty young HARLOTS enter, to
present themselves before Naboth. They give him seductive
looks. Jehu can partially see them from above.
JEZEBEL (cont'd)
They are from Samaria, Naboth. I
had them brought here to show you.
I will have them brought to Jezreel
for your pleasure on a regular
basis, all or any one of them, at
no cost to you, for as long as you
live - they or others of equal
beauty and talents. Anytime you
may go to Samaria, they will be at
your disposal, again at no cost.
Jezebel gestures to Orah, who shows the harlots back out.
Orah closes the door.
JEZEBEL (cont'd)
You may have them now, Naboth, here
in the palace - any or all of them.
They will be yours from now on when
you want them. In addition to the
price you receive for your vineyard.
(beat)
Naboth, the king wants that vineyard.
He will do anything to possess it.
The king's way, Naboth, could be by
the sword.
END INTERCUT as Jehu, listening, stares down through the
crack in the floor.
JEZEBEL (V.O.) (cont'd)
Do it this way, and live. What a
way to save your life, Naboth.
EXT. JEZREEL PALACE - DAY
Ahab, Jehu, Obadiah, and a group of PALACE GUARDS arrive in
the courtyard on horses.
SUPERIMPOSE: Two Weeks Later
Jezebel appears at the upper window, where Orah joins her.
JEZEBEL
My lord O king, you may wish
to proceed to the neighboring
vineyard. It is yours.
AHAB
Naboth's vineyard? What happened
to Naboth?
JEZEBEL
Why nothing, my lord. He sold me
the vineyard, and I give it to you.
A surprise. Do I not keep my word?
Ahab has a look of wonder.
AHAB
Jehu, let us go to the vineyard.
Ahab rides off. Jehu knowingly looks up at Jezebel. She
turns and goes back inside, Orah following.
EXT. THE VINEYARD - DAY
Ahab stands looking around in the vineyard with satisfaction.
Jehu and four palace guards stand by.
AHAB
I wonder how she got him to sell it.
JEHU
Your guess, my lord, would be as
good as mine.
Ahab and Jehu look off at something.
It is ELIJAH the prophet, 40-ish, shaggy, wearing a mantle,
with a staff in hand.
Staring at Ahab, Elijah stands several yards away, two guards
blocking his way to the king. Elijah's SERVANT (Elisha, to
be met later) waits in b.g. with their two asses.
AHAB
(to Jehu)
Who is it?
JEHU
Elijah the prophet, my lord.
AHAB
That's him? He knew I would be
in Jezreel?
JEHU
If there is one man of God in
Israel, my lord, it's Elijah the
Tishbite.
AHAB
(to the guards)
Let him pass.
The guards step aside. Elijah walks up to Ahab. They gaze
at each other.
AHAB (cont'd)
Is it you, you troubler of Israel?
You prophets can see only trouble.
ELIJAH
If so, trouble brought on by whom?
AHAB
Are you here about the vineyard?
It is legally mine. It was bought -
ELIJAH
You think I am here about a
vineyard? Thus says the Lord:
"For the whoredom and sorcery of
Jezebel, for her temple of Baal,
being built by you, that the
children of Israel might play the
harlot, whoring after other gods,
I shall destroy thy house, as I
destroyed the house of Zimri, who
slew his master the king."
AHAB
I beg the Lord God's forgiveness.
I only -
ELIJAH
Thus says the Lord: "I shall cut
off thy posterity, till there is
not left a single man to piss
against the wall. The dogs shall
lick up the blood of thy house."
Elijah turns and leaves the vineyard. Ahab looks rattled.
AHAB
You can't believe half of what
these prophets say. Which one may
speak for God?
Ahab turns to go.
INT. JEHU'S HOME - NIGHT
Jehu and Jerusha eat an evening meal. Jehu seems preoccupied.
JERUSHA
What troubles you, Jehu?
JEHU
There is a temple of Baal being
built in Samaria. It does not
bode well for Israel. Elijah the
Tishbite has prophesied doom for
the house of Ahab.
A pause. Jerusha fondly touches Jehu's arm.
JERUSHA
Jehu . . .
He looks at her.
JERUSHA (cont'd)
I believe the Lord God of Israel
has remembered me.
Jehu brightens with a smile. He takes hold of her hand and
lovingly kisses it.
INT. THE SAMARIA PALACE - A BATH - DAY
Jezebel bathes, pregnant and nude, as Orah attends her.
SUPERIMPOSE: Seven Months Later
ORAH
I hope this one will be a boy, my
lady. A male heir for Israel.
JEZEBEL
Yes . . .
INTERCUT WITH: INT. BEHIND A CLOSED DOOR - DAY
Through a door crack Jehu watches Jezebel bathe, and can hear
the conversation.
JEZEBEL (cont'd)
Then perhaps the king will take
some more wives, and let me relax
for a season.
(beat)
Soon after the child is born, the
temple of Baal should be ready for
dedication. Then I will hold in my
arms the one my heart yearns for.
ORAH
Do you mean Luli, my lady?
JEZEBEL
Yes. He is going to be high priest
of Baal.
END INTERCUT as Jehu watches with desire.
EXT. THE TEMPLE OF BAAL IN SAMARIA - DAY
The temple stands completed, modeled after Sidon's. BAAL
PRIESTS attend the fire on an altar before the front steps,
which lead up to double doors.
A crowd of ONLOOKERS is present, apparently more out of
curiosity than reverence.
INT. SAMARIA PALACE - KING'S QUARTERS - DAY
Ahab, royally clad, picks up a goblet of wine. Obadiah
appears at the door.
OBADIAH
The queen is ready, my lord.
Ahab takes a last gulp of wine. He heads for the door.
AHAB
Lord, don't strike me dead on the
temple steps.
EXT. TEMPLE OF BAAL - DAY
Radiantly dressed Jezebel, no longer pregnant, and nervous
looking Ahab ascend the temple steps. In Jezebel's hand is
the Asherah from Luli.
The royal couple are flanked by ISRAELITE PALACE GUARDS, and
followed by a number of distinguished GUESTS.
The crowd looks on, the altar fire burning.
From a window of the nearby palace, Jehu watches the royal
party enter the temple.
Jehu turns away from the window with disgust.
INT. TEMPLE - DAY
MUSICIANS play, candles glow in their stands. Jezebel, Ahab,
and the others kneel, facing the closed double doors of the
holy of holies.
Luli, the high priest, stands before the holy of holies,
facing the worshippers. He smiles respectfully with a bow
of the head to kneeling Jezebel and Ahab.
Jezebel looks happy, smiling back at Luli. Ahab clearly
would rather not be here.
AHAB
He looks a bit young for high priest.
JEZEBEL
He is said to be specially endowed,
my lord, with great spirituality.
With everyone kneeling, the music playing, Luli beckons Jezebel
respectfully with his hand, as if it's part of the ritual.
Jezebel whispers to Ahab,
JEZEBEL (cont'd)
I shall approach Mighty Baal, on
behalf of the children of Israel.
Ahab rather quizzically watches her rise. Jezebel walks
forward to Luli before the sanctum's double doors.
Jezebel kisses the Asherah, and holds it up in front of her.
JEZEBEL (cont'd)
I pray, O high priest of Baal, that
I may enter, as daughter of the
priest-king of Sidon, to pray alone
to the Prince Lord of Earth, on
behalf of the kingdom of Israel.
With a respectful bow of the head, Luli steps back, to open
one of the double doors, just enough for Jezebel to walk in.
As Luli goes in after Jezebel, Ahab and the other worshippers
strain for a look at the great idol within, before the door
again closes.
INT. THE HOLY OF HOLIES - DAY
Jezebel and Luli are alone before the idol of Baal.
The idol is a towering, torchlit stone image of the striding
god of the storm and rain, with bull horns on his long-haired
head, a club and lightning bolt in his hands.
Luli watches Jezebel kneel, looking up in adoration at the
idol. Then Jezebel rises, turning to Luli. The lovers
passionately kiss and embrace.
JEZEBEL
Oh my darling. I told you this day
would come. The Lord Baal has
brought us back together.
They go to their knees in their passion, then to the floor,
before Baal.
INT. TEMPLE - DAY
Ahab still kneels with the others, gazing at the closed
double doors.
INT. HOLY OF HOLIES - DAY
Luli and Jezebel make love on the floor before the idol of
Baal, the Asherah lying beside them.
INT. JEHU'S HOME - DAY
Jerusha lies crying out and moaning in labor, a MIDWIFE and
JEHU'S MOTHER, both 50-ish, attending her.
EXT. JEZREEL PALACE - NIGHT
ISRAELITE SOLDIER #1 rides his horse at a gallop toward the
palace.
INT. JEHU'S QUARTERS - NIGHT
Jehu opens a sealed letter, as the ISRAELITE OFFICER who
delivered it leaves.
Jehu looks stunned as he reads the message.
EXT. JEHU'S HOME - DAY
Professional WOMEN MOURNERS cry and lament in front of the
house.
INT. JEHU'S HOME - DAY
Jehu, FRIENDS, and RELATIVES sit in mourning. One MALE
MOURNER quietly recites a lament.
Jehu's mother brings his INFANT SON to Jehu. As Jehu holds
the child in his arms, Jehu's mother sits down beside him.
JEHU
What shall I name him, Mother?
(beat)
It is said that the dying Rachel
named hers Benoni . . . "Son of my
sorrow".
His mother puts her arm around Jehu.
JEHU'S MOTHER
Why don't you name him "Jehoahaz"?
"God reached out to hold him",
when he might have been lost.
EXT. WILDERNESS (ISRAEL) - DAY
Whistling wind blows dust across the bare ground.
SUPERIMPOSE: Seven Years Later, 862 B.C.
After this, SUPERIMPOSE: A Third Year of Famine
INT. SAMARIA PALACE - MAIN HALL - DAY
Ahab angrily paces as Obadiah stands by.
Jezebel sits reading a scroll to her daughter ATHALIAH, 8.
Her sons AHAZIAH, 7, and JEHORAM, 6, play with a gaming-board
involving pegs and holes.
AHAB
You cannot find him? I assign you
two thousand men, and you cannot
find me Elijah the Tishbite?
OBADIAH
We continue to search, my lord.
There are other prophets, sire,
who could -
AHAB
Yes, the land crawls with these
flea-bitten men of God. It is
Elijah who leads them.
OBADIAH
We have used Micaiah before, who -
AHAB
Micaiah? I hate him! He never
prophesies anything good. Find
Elijah. Tell him he is not to
be harmed. The king wishes to
see him.
Jehu casually enters, accompanied by his son JEHOAHAZ, 7.
Jezebel looks fed up with Ahab's complaining.
JEZEBEL
Have all the prophets of Baal not
assured us, my lord, that the rains
are to come?
AHAB
I want to know what the Lord God of
Israel says!
(insinuatingly)
Perhaps the Lord God of Israel will
tell us why this land has been hit
with a three-year famine. Something
your prophets of Baal seem unable
to do.
Jezebel stares resentfully at Ahab. He looks at Obadiah.
AHAB (cont'd)
Don't just stand there! Go and
find me Elijah!
OBADIAH
Yes, my lord O king.
Obadiah heads for the door. Ahab shouts after him,
AHAB
Have you looked in Tishbe? He's
a Tishbite!
The child Ahaziah takes the gaming-board, as if something is
wrong with it, to Ahab.
AHAZIAH
Father -
Ahab, his pacing blocked by Ahaziah, grabs the boy by the arm
and throws him down.
AHAB
Get out of my way with that thing!
Jezebel bolts up out of her chair. She goes to Ahaziah as he
gets up from the floor.
Jehu silently sends his son Jehoahaz out of the room. Jezebel
moves toward Ahab.
JEZEBEL
How dare you treat our children
that way.
AHAB
Hold your tongue, you Sidonian
whore. The king will do as he
wishes.
Jezebel slaps him, Ahab slaps Jezebel - she almost falls, but
Jehu has come forward and grabs her.
Jehu moves Jezebel out of the way.
JEHU
My lord O king -
AHAB
(to Jezebel)
I could have you taken out and
stoned, you witch.
JEZEBEL
You would not have the courage.
Jezebel steps forward and spits at Ahab. He glares at her
as Jezebel comforts Athaliah, who has gone to her mother in
fear.
AHAB
You speak of our children? Yes,
I will claim Ahaziah. The girl
doesn't matter. This one?
Ahab gets in Jehoram's face.
AHAB (cont'd)
Why do I sense that you are not
even my son?
Jezebel protectively beckons the lad,
JEZEBEL
Jehoram.
The boy goes to his mother. Ahab walks over to her, Jehu
following as if prepared to intervene.
AHAB
I would not have the courage, you
say? That you may soon find out.
(to Jehu)
Get her out of my sight.
JEZEBEL
Come, children. The air in this
room is not fit to breathe.
Jezebel herds her children from the room.
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