Chapter 1-
Abram, the Man of God

 

        The sand was warm on her feet as Leli balanced the earthen pot on her head. She was taking food to her father, Bildad, the chief shepherd of Sheikh Abram[1]. While Bildad had flocks of sheep and goats of his own, his main occupation was that of the chief shepherd of Abram. He supervised the other shepherds and was responsible for notifying them when it was time to move the sheep in their charge from one grazing spot to another and to make certain that a water source was available. Bildad knew the lay of the land in the area surrounding Ur as he had spent the past twenty-five years walking over it from year to year.

        Bildad moved the flocks of Abram to the east of Ur about half way between the city and the Gulf. Leli enjoyed the sea breeze from the Gulf; even though the sun was hot, the breeze moderated it, making it bearable. Leli, in her fourteenth year, and a striking beauty, liked to transport her father’s meals to him in the fields and meadows. In that fashion she was able to see other young men and women her own age. There were few restrictions in the field; the young people got to know each other, do a little harmless flirting, and Leli could flirt with the best of them. Not so in the mud brick city of Ur, nor the tents of her people between the city and the Gulf as they followed the availability of grass and pasture land. In the tent village the females spent most of their time in the women’s tent, and doing the work of women, such as grinding grain into meal or flour, weaving the wool of the sheep into thick robes and flowing head dress of the area, and any other object of clothing one’s family might require. The desert is an inhospitable land, hot by day and cold at night.

Once Leli, her father, and a brother climbed a minor mountain and from its summit, one was able to see where Ur was located. It was near the mouth of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers and bordered the Persian Gulf. She had spent her entire life in the same spot. The shepherds went out from the city and tent villages to find grazing, but they didn’t tarry long due to thieves determined to steal their sheep and sell them to other Sheikhs. Not only did the shepherds have to contend with thieves, they also had to deal with wolves and other wild animals of the desert. Long ago Lions, jackals and other predators wandered up from Africa. While it was not a jungle, it was an extremely dangerous place for the sheep were magnets that drew the predators to the flocks.

Lela’s mother was a short squatty woman who bore her husband nine children, all boys with the exception of Leli. Her name was Lammah; she was an industrious woman who loved her children with a passion and would protect them with her life. While Hammurabi codified the laws of the land and ruled the country, Bildad ruled in his own tents.

The talk among Bildad and the other shepherds was that the Sheikh Abram was hearing voices and he frequently went out into the desert to pray and talk with his new God whose unspeakable name was YHWH or as Abram and the cult families called him, Yahweh. One of the shepherds remarked that it seemed silly to him, “We have dozens of gods and goddesses, all he has to do is look around, and surely he can find one who can do what this God called Yahweh, can do.” They simply didn’t understand anything about it. They undeniably did not understand the fact that Yehweh was invisible! They continued to query each other, how do you worship someone you can’t see? Inexorably, their conversations continued.

Abram was born at the beginning of the second millennium BCE in the capital of Mesopotamia during the height of its grandeur. He lived in the land of Nimrod, the tower of Babel, the hanging gardens of Babylon and other wonders that inevitably captured the imagination of men. Tradition tells us that he was born of Terah, an idol maker. It is conceivable that Abram could have come in contact with some of the polytheistic religions of his day. Whether this was the ferment that led him to become a pilgrim; seeking truth and wisdom is but speculation. Apparently, he was a searcher throughout his life, and no one who knew him or his extended family was surprised when he elected to follow the guidance of an invisible God named Yehweh (YHWH). Those among the population of Ur, who knew Abram intimately called him, a man of God.

Yehweh spoke to Abram after the death of his father in Haran; “Leave this country and your kin; depart from your father’s house and I will lead you. I will make of you a great nation, I will bless you and make your name great, and you shall be a blessing. Further I will bless them that bless you, and I shall curse them that curse you; and in you shall all the families of the earth be blessed.” Out of Abraham came three of the world’s great religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Even today one is able to trace the rise and fall of empires regarding their relationship and manner in which they dealt with the Jewish population.

Seventy-five year old Abram, his wife, Sarai, Lot, his brother’s son and all that they possessed departed Haran for the land of Canaan. Passing through Shechem unto the plain of Moreh he continued south and the Lord God Yahweh appeared to Abram and said, “Unto thy seed shall I give this land” And Abram built an altar. Yahweh was extremely descriptive in his prophecy toward Abram, i.e., as numerous as the sands of the          seashore, or the stars in the skies, so shall your descendents be. Abram was enchanted by these possibilities. He and Sarai were up in years, well beyond the age of having babies. Twenty-five years later, Both Abraham and Sarai were so amused with the idea of a ninety year old woman and a hundred year old man would even entertain the idea of a dynasty that they laughed. Then along came Isaac! Who were they to argue with success? One must remember that both Abraham and Sarai laughed, they were amused with the prophecy, but their faith never wavered. Abram did as Yahweh commanded! He followed God’s orders and results came to him accordingly.

Leli and her family were excited about the journey. It was the first time they had ever departed the environs of Ur and Haran without thinking of returning. Their goal was the distant land of Canaan and their destiny was in the hands of Abram, a Sheikh, wealthy with silver and gold, flocks of sheep and herds of cattle.

Following many days of tedious travel, they arrived at a mountain site with Bethel on the west and Hai on the east. There Abram built an altar and called on the name of the Lord. Abram’s caravan continued their journey south and there was a famine in the land. He was unrelenting and continued to Egypt and sojourned there until the famine was over. Then he returned to the place where he had built the altar between Bethel and Hai, where his tent had been in the beginning. He had accumulated more wealth in Egypt. His flocks and herds had increased; he had additional herds of donkeys and camels. God’s blessings were a reality.

Clouds of resentment began to gather on the horizon and along with the increase of animals, the pasturage was threatened and a dispute developed between Abram’s herdsmen and those of his nephew, Lot. Bildad returned to his tent that evening telling his family that squabbles were breaking out regularly between the shepherds. He did not know how long the relationship between Abram and Lot could last as strained as it was becoming. The tension grew more severe each day. As her father commented on the worsening situation, Leli brought a basin and began bathing her father’s feet. She looked up into his troubled face and said, “Father, why don’t you go to Sheikh Abram and let him know just how serious the situation is. What if it breaks out into fighting or killing? Something must be done! Mother and I are concerned with your safety.” Bildad remarked, “Lammah, we have an intelligent daughter. She is correct, the Sheikh must be informed, and as chief shepherd it is my responsibility. I’ll go to him now, save me something to eat, but don’t wait for me.” Leli asked, “Father, how far is it to the Sheikh’s encampment?” “It is about an hour’s walk from our tent and of course the same back.” “Father, may I walk with you?” Both father and daughter changed to better robes because they would be requesting entrance into the Sheikhs presence. While they were freshening themselves Lammah placed some hot bread and goat cheese in a small basket so they could eat while on their journey to visit to the Sheikh.

While searching for his best sandals, Bildad passed the opened door of the women’s tent and noticed his daughter in preparation for their visit to the sheikh. She had cleansed herself from the heat of the desert and from her daily activities; weaving, milking goats, and preparing meals with her mother. She had changed to her best robe and carried herself with dignity and maturity.  Bildad returned to the larger tent where Lammah had finished preparing the basket of food. He told Lammah that their daughter, Leli, was blossoming into a young woman and they should soon be looking for a suitable husband for her. Lammah grunted, “She only turned fifteen while we were spending those months in Egypt!” “At any rate, it is time we began thinking about it.” Since it was a man’s world she could only comply with his words. Females were under obedience to their fathers until they were married and then they were subject to their husband’s rule. It doesn’t seem fair, but that’s the way life was in those days. As Bildad and Leli walked out of their tent, he looked at her again and shook his head, he was getting older and she was becoming a lovely young woman. He thought of the purpose for his visit with the Sheikh and rehearsed in his thoughts how he would explain the difficulty that existed among the shepherds.

Leli enjoyed the walk with her father seemed interested in the types of tents and dwellings along the way; some were more impressive than theirs while others were less. She felt blessed that her father was the chief shepherd of the Sheikh. In time, they reached the entrance way of Abram’s tent where a guard was on duty. He had a long curved sword hanging from a shoulder harness and a spear with a bronze tip. Though seemingly out of place, there was also a shepherd’s crook leaning by the spear. Leli was told by Bildad to remain outside and not stray away while he was inside. There were three other petitioners before him waiting for an audience with Abram. Bildad sat on the rug, crossed his legs, held onto his knees and waited.

The main tent served as the legal center of the encampment and the social center of the community. Outside, people milled around and older children were involved in running and wrestling games. Several boys stood before the bonfire forty feet or so from the entrance to the Sheikh’s tent. They kept looking at Leli and making funny noises in their throats. She turned back to the guard, a handsome boy, perhaps three years older than she. He said, “Don’t pay any attention to those misfits, they come from wealthy families and have never had any responsibility or manners.” She noticed that the small group of boys had their heads together and were whispering to each other.

Leli learned that the young guard’s name was Gilead. He was named for a place. Leli and Gilead continued their conversation when all of a sudden a boy from the group walked by and pinched her where she had never been pinched before. It really didn’t hurt; in fact it felt rather sensual. Since she did not complain or make a fuss it wasn’t long until another boy came over from the group with the idea of doing the same thing. However, before he could touch her, up went the heavy crooked end of the shepherd’s staff hitting him in the groin between his legs and before he could make a sound the shepherd’s staff flashed again hooking around his ankle and jerking his feet from under him. Another quick movement and Gilead had the point of his sword touching the would-be assailant’s throat. Sternly, Gilead said in a low authoritative voice, “Listen to me, you Canaanites get out of here and leave our women alone, or the next one of you gets a cracked head.” Another flash of light from the fires glinted off the curved blade and it was back in its sheath. “I’m sorry Leli, but these boys are always attempting to seduce our women, especially the pretty ones like you.” This was all new to one who had spent her long days in the women’s tent. Her head buzzed as she thanked him and asked, “Do you really think I’m pretty?” “Leli, I not only think you are pretty, I think you are beautiful!” Lela’s blush was as bright as the bonfire. “I’ve never seen you around here before, what brings you to the Sheikh’s tent?” “I’m here with my father who has business with the Sheikh.” Leli looked into his deep brown eyes and said, “I failed to thank you for rescuing me from those, those…what did you say they were.” “Canaanites,” said Gilead, “They are the people of this land where Yahweh has led us and given to us. I hope you won’t be sore tomorrow from the pinch.” Leli rubbed her behind, “It didn’t hurt that much, I was just surprised for I’ve not been touched there since I was a child”

A while longer and Bildad came out of the tent; his business was concluded. Abram said that tomorrow he was going to give Lot, his family and shepherds whatever land they wanted and that we would take what remained. As he talked, he studied the face of the sentry at the doorway leading into the Sheikhs tent, “Gilead, is that you? I haven’t seen you in a several years, now you are taller than I.” Leli broke all tradition whereby women speak only when spoken to, but she had to relate what the ruffian Canaanite had done and how Gilead had saved her honor and what he did to one of them.

Bildad also thanked him and asked, “When you were a boy learning to herd sheep as my apprentice, your mother would cover a leg of lamb with acacia leaves and cinnamon and roast it. You couldn’t get enough of it.” “I still can’t sir, but I try every opportunity I get.” Bildad smiled at Leli and said, “Leli prepares a dish like that, perhaps you would join us for supper sometime, we would like to show our appreciation for what you have done for our daughter.” “I can’t come before tomorrow night when my guard duty is over. Is that too soon?” “Not at all,” said Leli before her father could speak. “By all means, make it tomorrow night,” said Bildad.

Bildad and Leli departed. After a few minutes, Leli took her father’s hand and after another few minutes said, “Father, I like Gilead.” Bildad smiled and replied, “I do too, Leli, he was always a good boy.” The rest of the time hand in hand, they walked in silence until they returned to their tent.

The following day Abram gave Lot his choice of direction and territory. Lot chose to move his family, herds, and flocks toward Sodom and finally took residence in the city. Lot and his family were not living under the same religious and spiritual zeal as Abram and preferred a house rather than a tent. He did the normal thing; he moved into Sodom and became one of its citizens.

Shortly after Lot moved to Sodom, during the fourteenth year of Chedorlaomer’s reign, he and the kings who were with him formed a confederation. They attacked and conquered the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim, and the Horites in the hill country of Seir as far as El-paran on the edge of the wilderness. Then they turned back and came to En-mishpat (Kadesh), and conquered all the country of the Amalekites, as well as the Amorites who lived in Hazazon-tamar. In defense of their kingdoms; the four kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (Zoar) went out and joined in battle in the Valley of Siddim against five Kings: Chedorlaomer of Elam, King Tidal of Goiim, King Amraphel of Shinar, and King Arioch of Ellasar, four kings against five. The Valley of Siddim was a treacherous place full of bitumen slime pits and as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some fell into them, and the rest fled to the hill country. Therefore, the enemy took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their provisions. They also took Lot, the son of Abram’s brother, who lived in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.

Then one of the victims who had escaped came and told Abram the Hebrew[2], who was living by the oaks of Mamre. This was near the Amorite, the brother of Eshcol and of Aner, who were allies of Abram. When Abram heard that his nephew had been taken captive, he led a force of three hundred and eighteen young men, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. He divided his forces against them by night, and had them in retreat. His men pursued them to Hobah, north of Damascus and retrieved all of the goods, and also brought back his nephew Lot with his goods, and the women and the people.

When Abram returned from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (the King’s Valley). King Melchizedek of Salem, the priest of God Most high, brought out bread and wine; he was priest of God Most High He blessed him and said,

“Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Maker of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.”

In addition, Abram gave him one-tenth of everything. Then the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, but keep their goods.” However, Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have sworn to the Lord, God Most High, that I would not take a thread or a sandal-thong or anything that is yours, so that you might not later say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ I will take nothing but what the young men have eaten, and the shares of the men who went with me—Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre. Let them take their share.”

The defeated kings of the northern confederation learned what the enemies of the Hebrew people across the centuries have learned; that the Hebrew warriors were among the best in the world. Abram and his band of men returned to their village and were received as victors. They then went to the altar and made a sacrifice of two oxen to El Shaddai, the God Most High. Among the warriors of the Hebrews was a young man of considerable military ability, named Gilead. Twice during the battles, Gilead had rescued Abram from death or capture by impressive tactics and bravery.

Once, when Abram’s horse had stumbled and he became separated from his men, an enemy charged him. At Abram’s age, he was no match for the enemy bearing down on him. As he watched the enemy coming closer with his sword raised high above his head, he could think of no maneuver that could prevent his death. Suddenly, out of nowhere, there came a husky young Hebrew warrior with his sword raised, unseen by the enemy galloping toward Abram. At the last moment their paths crossed and the assailant’s arm and hand, still raised for a death stroke fell to the ground still clutching his sword. The sword of the Hebrew shattered at the impact and the three horsemen collided and all were thrown to the ground. Immediately, the young Hebrew was on his feet and thrust his dagger through the throat of the enemy killing him instantly. Gilead then ran to Abram, helped the old man to his feet, and asked, “Are you alright sir?” Still shaken, Abram said, “Thanks to you I am still alive. Who are you?” said, “Gilead, sir,” he replied while examining his broken sword. Gilead then picked up the enemy’s sword and removed the shoulder harness from the dead body. He swung it over his own shoulder, and thrust the sword into the sheath. Grabbing the reins of his horse, he exclaimed, “Oh, no!” and fell to the ground cradling his own horse’s head in his lap. Tears formed in his eyes as he realized that the front leg was broken. He walked back, lifted the war club that hung from the pommel of the saddle and with a swift blow dispatched his faithful mount to prevent it from suffering. Abram watched him in silence. Gilead took the reins of the enemy’s horse who was standing over his master’s body and led it up to Abram, who shook his head, “No son, my mount is fine, you take the horse since yours is dead.” Gilead helped Abram climb into the saddle, then mounted himself and led him into the body of his own men.

The second occasion of Gilead’s bravery occurred in their camp one night, just north of Damascus. Suddenly, an assailant ran out of the shadows determined to kill the sheikh at the risk of his own life. In horror, Gilead saw the man coming but had no weapon on him, except a leather strap he was using to lengthen the stirrups of his new horse. As swift as a deer, he ran up from behind, tossed the strap over the enemy’s head and stopped abruptly. The strap jerked the man backwards and stunned him. This gave Gilead time to get another coil of leather around the man’s neck, strangling him to death, not five feet from where Abram sat and watched the struggle. Several of the men saw what Gilead had done and praised him before Abram for his quick thinking and action. Abram said, “You again!” and embraced the lad for saving his life the second time. The campaign North of Damascus was successful and all were glad to get back home safely to Canaan.

That night it was noticeable that the camp was not so crowded and Gilead had no difficulty finding Bildad’s tents. The aroma of lamb roasting covered with acacia leaves and fruit over a bed of hot coals helped him find his way. Leli and her mother had worked all day to prepare a feast not only for Gilead, but for other tribal leaders. Serving the lamb and other dishes, Leli brushed against his shoulder letting him know that despite the other guests, all men, she was there also, even if only as a cook and waitress. Gilead placed his hand on hers and said for all to hear, “And a very good cook too, just like my mother!” Leli beamed at the recognition. Following the meal and some small talk, the guests began to depart. Gilead waited until all had left before he approached Bildad. “The meal was delicious. You were right about Leli’s cooking ability, and the entertainment was, well, entertaining. But I wish to speak with you about more pressing issues, at least more pressing to me.” Bildad suggested that they retire to more private quarters. He called Leli to bring them a hot, syrupy drink made from fermented pomegranates. After bringing the refreshment Leli left the tent but concealed herself in the folds of the door opening. One could walk right by and not see her.

“Sir, ever since I met, and to some extent, defended your daughter from the Canaanite molesters, I’m having difficulty getting her off my mind. Then seeing her here again tonight, I couldn’t leave without asking you a very personal question. Is Leli contracted to anyone?” “Contracted?” “Perhaps that isn’t the word. Well, I mean is she engaged or betrothed to anyone?” “You mean have we made arrangements with anyone for her marriage?” “That is what I want to know.” “Gilead, why do you want to know?” “Because, sir, I want her!” “That’s plain enough; I think I understand what you are driving at, but…” He let the word, but, hangs in the air as though there might be an insurmountable problem. “So there is someone else?” “To be perfectly honest she met someone recently who has turned her head. But perhaps the two of us could help her change her mind!” “Sir, would you do that for me?” “I would for you and for our daughter. You see, Gilead, you are the one who has turned her head. Her mother and I don’t always conform to local practices; we would rather not contract our daughter to a marriage she does not want. Her heart will tell her whom she wants to marry and you seem to feel the same about her. So tell me about your plans.”

“There is no rush for me; I just wanted to make sure someone else doesn’t steal her away from me. In addition, we need to talk about the dowry. I have no idea at all what is appropriate, so I’ll follow your judgment. Whatever you say, that’s what I will do. Or at least try to do.” “Gilead, what if I said I wanted 25 pieces of gold, what would you do?” “I would sell the house my father left me and give it to you.” “Then where you and my daughter live?” “In a tent, sir, and count myself lucky!”

“Let’s try it again, what if I asked for three or four grandchildren within the first ten years? What would you do?” “I’d start making babies as quick as I could.” “And would you name the first son after me?” “Yes sir, I would name him Bildad after you!” “Then son, the dowry has been satisfied. Leli come out of your hiding place and greet your future husband.” Leli came from her hiding place and asked “How did you know I was there?” “It’s simple; I could see your feet through the hole over there.”

Bildad, being always practical, suggested that the two of them sit down together and decide what they were going to need; and how long it will take to bring it all together and then plan the ceremony for that date.

Bildad was tired and went to bed leaving the children to make the important decisions. The two talked late into the night. After coming to an agreement, Gilead left for his quarters, thinking all the way there, “why didn’t I tell her that I had all my mother’s things and we could set up housekeeping in a few days?” However, he saw how excited she was in wanting her own things. He shrugged his shoulders and suddenly a stone whizzed by his head touching his ear but not injuring him. He was ambushed in the dark by the three Canaanites who had stood at the fire and badgered Leli. He was so full of himself, thinking about his wedding, that he relished the confrontation to work off the energy.

He bent over and picked up two stones that fitted comfortably in his hands, not to throw, but to use as a stone fist. The first boy ran at him and Gilead punched him in the nose, breaking his nose. In thirty seconds, the fight was out of him! The second boy, still limping from the blow to the groin from the crooked end of the shepherd’s staff the night before, had a knife and lunged at Gilead from behind. Gilead simply swung his right hand backwards, still clutching the stone and smashed again at the wounded groin. Down went the boy whimpering as he fell. The third boy decided he didn’t want to fight after seeing his comrades on their hands and knees whining and nursing their wounds. He turned and ran as if the devil himself were in hot pursuit. Gilead then walked over to the two weeping boys on their hand and knees and took the knife that one had intended using on him. He warned, “If any of you three Canaanites ever cross my path again, I will castrate you on the spot and then cut your throats. For your own good, you had better stay away from me and my beloved.” They whined and nodded their heads in agreement. The fight was over and they had no further quarrel with him, unless, of course, they wanted to become eunuchs.

That same day, Abram had been in the wilderness, alone with the Lord. Following the Lord’s detailed directions, Abram offered a sacrifice- a heifer, a male and female goat, all three years old, a pigeon, and a turtle dove. He cut the animals into two sections and laid them on the altar against each other, with the exception of the birds, which he did not cut in two. Later, birds of prey descended upon the carcasses and Abram drove them away. As the sun went down, sleep came over Abram and a terrifying darkness descended upon him. In the darkness, the Lord revealed a prophecy that Abram would die and go to his ancestors in his old age and that his descendents would become slaves and be sorely distressed in a foreign land for four-hundred years, after which they would come out with great possessions. Yahweh then revealed his vengeance and said that they shall return here in their fourth generation, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not complete. In his trance, Abram then saw a great fire pot and a flaming torch passed between the pieces of the sacrifice. And on that day God made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendents I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river of Euphrates.” He named the tribes that presently occupied the land.

Abram then reminded Yahweh of his promise of heirs and yet he remained childless. In his frustration, Abram asked, “will my kin in Damascus be my heir, or will the slave in my tent, (referring to Hagar and her son, Ishmael), be my heir?” While Abram was not privy to all God’s plans, all things were working out for him.

When Abram was ninety-nine years of age, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty, walk before me and be blameless and I will make my covenant between me and you and you will become exceedingly numerous.” Unable to bear it, Abram fell on his face. God continued, “As for me, this is my covenant with you: you shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations. I shall make you exceedingly fruitful and I will make many nations of you and kings shall come from you and I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring throughout their generations. In addition, land shall belong to your offspring for a perpetual holding and I will be their God.”

“And for you as a sign of this covenant and for your offspring after you and for all generations this is my covenant which you shall keep, between me, you, and your offspring after you. You shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between you and me. Throughout your generations every male shall be circumcised when he is eight days old[3], slaves and all who dwell in your household shall be circumcised and if there is one that isn’t, that person shall be cut off from among your people.”

“And your wife shall no longer be called Sarai; but Sarah shall be her name. I will bless her and moreover, I will give you a son by her and she shall give rise to nations and kings shall come from her.”

Abraham fell on his face. Can a hundred year old man and a ninety year old woman bear a son?” He laughed at God’s mercy, believed, and obeyed. “I will give you a son and you shall name him Isaac; and he shall be born in this season, next year.” Then Abraham requested a blessing for Ishmael. And when he finished talking with him, God went up from Abraham.

The next day, all the males in Abraham’s encampment were called together, free-born and slave. They gathered before the tents of Abraham and he announced, “God Almighty has established a covenant between him and me. God vows to bless us and prosper us but there is something we must do to complete the covenant. There was much speculation as to what they must do. They were familiar with other religions where infant children were sacrificed. Holding their breath, they waited to hear what the awful news might be. They had been ordered to bring their children, even the infants. Could it be that child sacrifice was to be ordered?

Then Abraham, walking in an unusual way, leaned against a table that had been set up before the multitude. He smiled and said, “To become recipients of God’s amazing covenant, He requires that every male, including free-born or slave, adult, youth, child or infant must be circumcised. God requires that each male’s foreskin must be circumcised. That’s why you see me walking rather strangely. I have circumcised all within my tent including myself that I might inherit the promises and blessings of God Almighty. Beginning today, I proclaim a week of Sabbaths. We shall go to our tents and inform our women what is to take place. We are to have rest for a week, beginning from the moment we are circumcised and if necessary to have sufficient wine to dull our pain for seven days. Then slowly we are to resume our regular responsibilities. At this time next week, inspectors will go in and out among the camp to insure that every male has complied. All slaves, purchased with money have no recourse but to undergo this ritual. Should any free man refuse to be circumcised, he will be forced to leave the camp on barefoot, wearing only a loincloth. He will be alone, with neither family members nor possessions, for he is cut off from his people. He will not receive the blessing of the covenant, family or friends for to us that man is dead and will come to wish that he were dead. So remember, when a male child is born, on the eighth day he shall be circumcised. Am I, your Sheikh and benefactor, understood?

This table before you shall be made available to the fainthearted who want to be circumcised by a (physician) an expert. The foreskins from the entire camp will be taken to our altar and offered as a sacrifice and evidence that we are fully committed to the covenant.” A sigh went up and later a wail across the encampment as the covenant was implemented. Most women within the camp grimaced and shuddered when they learned what was about to happen to their men. In the household of Bildad, he and eight sons would be ministered to by the wife, mother, and sister. Many opinions were expressed, but the best came from Lammah, “It can’t be worse than having a baby. Stop whining and get it done so you will heal.”

Many were tempted to leave camp, but remained, not from fear, but for love of their families and for the one who loved and led them. They would learn later to love Yahweh.

Five days, six days, seven days had passed and the groans lessened as the pain diminished. The worst was over and Abraham began to minister to his people and to share with them the significance of the covenant and their relationship with God. The old gods were left on the other side of the flood of Noah who experienced grace in the eyes of God. And many who had continued maintaining clay gods within their tents began to discard them into the trash piles. Those clay images that were only sun dried would perish before the rainy season was over, but the more durable ones - and most families had at least one - that would not deteriorate.  It would be found by some modern day archaeologist probing into the trash piles of the past.

In the process of time the community began to function again as normal. Their lives had changed from idol worshippers to worshippers of the invisible true God. The flocks and herds increased and it seemed that everything the Hebrews touched prospered. The new word of Hebrew had been coined, and rightfully so, because Jewish tradition teaches that the word Hebrew (Ivri) has the connotation of coming from the other side. On a simple level this means that Abraham, came to the land of Canaan from the other side of the river (Jordan). On a deeper level it hints to the fact that he was on one side (believing in monotheism) and the rest of the world was on the other (paganism)[4]. That being the case, the people who made the journey with Abraham, accepted Yahweh as God Almighty submitted themselves to the covenant, and were circumcised are now referred to as Hebrews. They had crossed over. The Hebrews found themselves on a new frontier.

  As in childbirth, the pain of adult circumcision was eventually forgotten as the joy of God’s blessings overshadowed it. The day to day responsibilities had not changed for the shepherds and were the main driving issues of the camp. The rutting of the sheep, the birth of the lambs, and the practices of hundreds of years of shepherding continued to occupy their minds and daily activities. Circumcision, the covenant, and the worship of Yahweh brought solidarity to the community of Abraham. The reality of their new relationship with God did not change overnight. The older ones who crossed over still remembered the debauchery of paganism.

During one of their many conversations, Gilead and Leli discussed the significance of their new faith in God. Leli remarked, “I can’t tell much has changed in my life. I get up in the morning, milk the goats, draw water from the wells to water the new born sheep and goats, then go to the women’s tent and begin preparing food, preserving food and storing food for the future. I weave cloth, and I am busy from sun up until sun down. I get up the next morning and repeat the day before. There has been very little change for me. We got rid of our little idols and I hated to see all of them go because some of them were cute. Gilead, did it hurt?”

Gilead had been shaking his head, “Did what hurt?” She replied, “Circumcision.” Gilead looked at her as if she were a fool, “Of course it hurt! You and your mother took care of your father and eight brothers. Did they sit around smiling, or were they moaning with the rest of the men in camp?”

“They moaned like babies and drank all of the wine we had saved for feast days. But I thought you would be special and you were strong enough that you wouldn’t cry out like they did.”

“Leli, I am glad that you thought of me in that respect. We are special, and circumcision made us special, but it was as painful to me as it was for your father and brothers.”

“Gilead, I want lots of babies, do you?” “I have committed myself to three or four in the first ten years of our marriage to satisfy my dowry to your father. But wait until you have one, then, tell me how painful it is.”

“That’s just it, Gilead; I’ve gone with mother when she helped people in the surrounding tents to deliver children. One would sit on the birthing stool, strain and out came the baby, and she never whimpered, but smiled the entire time. Another would sit on the stool, cry, and thresh around and finally have the baby after a lot of pain and suffering. So I asked mother why that was the case. She said the woman who had little difficulty had worked hard and her muscles were toned and nature took it course. On the other hand, the woman who experienced the pain and difficulty was usually the youngest female in the family.  Her older sisters did all the work, and she just lay around on pillows combing her hair. When she got pregnant she didn’t change. So she had a difficult time.”

“Leli, you are a hard worker, and you have a pleasing shape. You should not have difficulty  having babies.”

“That’s what father told an older man yesterday who came enquiring about a dowry and the possibility of taking me as his wife. He remarked that I was a hard worker. I was in my hiding place and I repaired the hole so no one could see me. Father told him that I was spoken for and that my dowry was already satisfied.”

“Leli, it is time for us to have a betrothal supper so all in our community will know that you and I belong to each other. I’ll talk to your father about it before I leave.”

“That’s one thing I love about you Gilead. Others talk about owning their wife, paying a dowry for her. It sounds like they are buying a sheep or a donkey. But you talk about us belonging to each other and I like that.” Then Gilead did something he had not done before. He rolled over on the pillows used for sitting, and kissed Leli. “I guess it’s legal now.” Leli melted into his arms and said, “I don’t care if it’s legal or not! Do it again!”

Bildad walked in during the second kiss and said, “I wondered when you two would get around to that.” Both Leli and Gilead blushed and said, in unison, “It is permissible, I hope!” Bildad replied, “Of course it is, but in the privacy of the home. I think it is time for us to declare our intentions with a banquet of both our closest family and friends. That way the news will get out that the two of you really do belong to each other and will soon be married. I was talking to one of the shepherds from across the camp who said he waited too long and his daughter who was supposed to be a virgin was swollen in pregnancy. ”

Gilead said, “Sir that would never happen with us because we respect each other and you too much to let something like that happen before we are joined as one. God knows I’ve thought about it.”

“How does this sound to the two of you? Suppose we have the banquet following the next Sabbath?[5] That shall give us time to make the announcement and prepare the banquet.” At last, excitement was becoming a part of the engagement of this young couple. Patiently they had waited and now a full-blown banquet was planned to make the news public. Then, Bildad, almost shaking with the news, exclaimed, “The Sheikh, himself will be the host for the banquet. One of the shepherds told him of the forthcoming marriage and when he realized it was a marriage between a captain of his personal militia and the daughter of his chief shepherd, he insisted on hosting the event in his own home. It is set for the day following the next Sabbath.”

The day arrived and wearing the best they owned, Gilead and Leli joined the crowd at the Sheikh’s home. Abraham was jubilant as he welcomed all into his home. A feast was spread before them and they knelt on the pillows provided for them. Abraham proposed the first toast. “To a captain in my personal militia and to his betrothed, the beautiful daughter of my chief shepherd, I wish them all the happiness, prosperity, and children that Yahweh will bestow.” When all had drained their cups, he announced that he had gifts for the couple. First, a white stallion was led in by a household servant. The horse had a saddle trimmed with silver along the pommel. Laid across the horse were several robes for Gilead and hanging from the pommel was a magnificent Damascus sword in an ornamental sheath decorated in jewels and fine metals. Everyone gasped at the workmanship and beauty of it all and all clapped, thinking that was the gift of the Sheikh’s gifts was over. However, it wasn’t all; more servants came in with two fine robes for Leli, a wedding gown and a transparent gown of silk from Egypt. Then other servants brought in chests filled with every imaginable utensil for cooking and baking and knives for butchering and cutting meat. The last servant presented the couple with a jeweled gold case about the size of Leli’s hand. The servant bowed before Abraham, then before Gilead and handed the case to him. Gilead opened the jeweled case with Leli looking on and nestled in the case was a jeweled circumcision knife. Abraham lifted his cup again and the tent grew quiet. “That is for all the fine Hebrew sons that this young couple will produce.” Then, Gilead did something that was unprecedented. He arose, took Leli’s hand and walked to their host and knelt before him as their earthly lord and placed their foreheads on his sandal and pledged their fealty to him forever. They would honor him, serve him, protect him, and die for him if necessary. Abraham was visibly moved.  He clapped both hands and a servant brought in a smaller chest and opened it before him, Abraham turned the chest toward the couple and pushed it toward them. For your loyalty, your respect and for your love, this is yours. The chest was filled with gold enough to purchase a tent home, servants, and flocks of sheep and property. The room continued in silence and all bowed where they sat. The servants removed the gifts and Gilead offered a toast to their Sheikh, his bride’s parents and to his bride. The instant he sat down, dancing girls and musicians entered the room. The entertainment began and the guests were served from boundless trays of food.

Following the meal and entertainment it was evident that Abraham was becoming physically exhausted. Gilead approached his sheikh and again thanked him for his generosity. “Sir, I have a question. You and several others have referred to me as Captain. Someone has misinformed you sir, I am a simple warrior of your militia. Abraham placed a hand on Gilead’s shoulder and said, “To the contrary, son, someone has failed to notify you of your advancement. Have a nice evening; this old man is going to bed.” Smiling again he leaned on his son Ishmael’s arm and they left the tent for his sleeping quarters. Ishmael is Abraham’s son with Hagar, Sarai’s maid.

Leli ran to her betrothed and said, “We don’t have to wait any longer, we can be married, we have everything we need.” She was beside herself! As most men would, Gilead stepped outside to examine the horse and gifts hanging across the saddle. There were two robes, a dress robe, and a blue robe with the insignia of a Captain in the sheikh’s militia. Standing between the horse and Abraham’s tent to block him from view, he pulled the robe he was wearing over his head and put on the blue robe. He also removed the shoulder harness and swung the Damascus sword over his shoulder. He asked Bildad to tell the servants to take the gifts to his tent and that he and Leli would be there directly. He emptied the gold pieces into the saddle bags and fastened the bags to the saddle. He helped Leli onto the stallion and together they rode off into the night. They were as children celebrating their new wealth and position. After half an hour, they walked the stallion back to Bildad’s tents. He was waiting outside to greet them.

“It has been an exciting evening! I am not sure if I can sleep,” said Bildad. “I have never heard of one as young as you receiving such expensive gifts from our sheikh.  Nor do I recall in all the years that I have served our Sheikh that he hosted an engagement banquet.”

Gilead said, “One, or both of us have found favor in the Sheikh’s eyes and heart. I hope we can keep it this way.” “As do I, son, as do I. It’s time for me to go to bed, so I’ll see you later.” “Before you leave us, while we were out, we decided that we may as well get married, there is no reason now to wait.” “I believe you have made the correct decision, have you set the date?” Yes, father, this day next week is my birthday, and I would like to set it for that day if you agree.” Bildad pondered the thought for a moment and before he could speak, Leli said, “Gilead said we could help you with the expenses.”

Bildad said, “That won’t be necessary, you are my only daughter and I have been saving all your life for this time, it will be a wonderful wedding.”

The next day as Gilead reported to the tent that served as Head Quarters for the Sheikh’s  militia, a Lieutenant ran up to him and saluted with his fist clenched and his forearm across his chest. “Sir, yesterday I dogged your trail with a message but from the likes of your garment you have already received it. Yes, Lieutenant, I received the news and the robe from our sheikh last evening at my engagement party as his house.” The Lieutenant was breathless; “You were invited to his home for a banquet?” “That’s right; it was to honor me and my bride on our engagement. He threw the party.” “And he gave you the robe?” “Yes, and the sword as well as the white stallion and saddle on which I rode in this morning.” “All of that?” “And more, he gave us everything we will need to set up housekeeping, a chest of gold, and a circumcision knife for my future sons.” “I can’t believe the old man would do that,” Said the Lieutenant. Then turn around and ask him, he’s standing right behind you.” the Lieutenant turned slowly, hoping the Captain was only teasing him. Abraham greeted him as he turned. “Are you feeling well this morning, Lieutenant? You look slightly peeked! I did too, I partied too long with the Captain last night, but after a good night’s rest, the old man bounced right back! The Lieutenant wished the ground would open and swallow him. “And yes, I did give the Captain the gifts he enumerated to you because he reminds me of my son.” The Lieutenant, looked funny, “I didn’t know you had a son, only a…I beg your pardon sir!” “You mean that Ishmael is not my son; I wonder where he came from? Gilead, do you supposed we hatched him from one of our chicken eggs?” Gilead could tell that the old man was in rare form and feeling his oats, “Sir, I wouldn’t touch that one with this new Damascus sword you gave me last night.” Abraham doubled over laughing at the joke he had made, and then said, “Ostensibly, you have more sense that this young jack-ass who neglected his orders to find you and inform you of your advancement. On top of that, he then, insults his elders and superiors.” Before he could go any further, Gilead addressed the Lieutenant sternly in that deep voice, “You are excused Lieutenant, meet me in my quarters in 10 minutes.” “Yes sir, Captain, and I offer my apologies to both of you,” turned and entered the head quarters tent.

“Thank you Captain Gilead, I was searching for a way out and the more I did, the dumber he got. Don’t be too hard on him.” I won’t sir; incidentally, do you have a stable that needs shoveling out?” “Indeed I do—that’s perfect!” Gilead saluted and went inside. Abraham walked away chuckling.

The Commander of the militia[6] had seen and heard it all and when the Lieutenant joined them and started to complain, the C.O. said, “Lieutenant, find a shovel and report to the sheikh’s stable and clean it up.” Sir, do you mean get a detail and clean it up?” “Lieutenant, that’s not what I said, nor what I meant. I commanded you to clean it up and I mean clean it up. The captain and I will be over later, I want to see it shine.” When the Lieutenant departed, the C.O. asked, “Where do we get these junior officers?”

After a couple of hours, the commanding Officer and his Captain walked to the Sheikh’s stable. The Lieutenant, stripped to his waist was making progress. The stalls were shoveled and raked clean, fresh straw had been spread over the floor and the horses had been returned to their places. The horse dung had been transported to the compost pile and the Lieutenant was completing his task when the Commanding officer complimented him on a job well done. The CO also asked him if he understood why he was given a harsh task that should have been done by a man of lesser rank. “Yes sir, I have learned two important lessons; first, an order is not completed until it is accomplished. I should not have assumed that the information that I was commissioned to deliver to the Captain could wait until the following day. I should have remained at his quarters until he arrived and informed him of his promotion. Secondly, A Junior officer should never enter into a conversation with superiors when he does not have the facts nor assume that he does, when he does not.”

Gilead turned to the Commanding officer and said, “The Lieutenant is a good man and I would like him to serve with me as my aide. He has shown that he can handle himself in a demeaning situation and not lose his perspective. I further request that this incident be forgotten as though it never happened. The Lieutenant made a mistake and has paid the price; this should not be held against him for he is now a wiser officer and a better man.”

Stepping out from an a joining stall, Abraham said, “I have listened carefully to what the captain said, he is wise beyond his age, he is a dedicated warrior and very brave, a fact that I can attest to, for I am alive and would not be, except for his bravery and attentiveness. I suggest that this situation has been resolved; and should not be considered, ever again. The captain is right; the Lieutenant is a good man, although he is young, so were we all at one time, he will learn. General, will you join me for some refreshments and we’ll let these young officers get along to tend their business.” Abraham and the Commanding officer walked away together.

Abraham spoke to the commander of his militia, “Zvi, you are doing a splendid job with the militia and I would not presume to meddle in your business. As an old man, I would appreciate you considering a suggestion. We both know the devotion of Captain Gilead. He is young, yes, but he is a seasoned warrior having served me quite well in the campaign with the Five Kings. What I am about to say is in strict confidence. I will preface it by saying many years ago I went to your commander; and suggested that he take a young man named, Zvi, into his officer corps and train him to be the commander when he retired. He did and here we are and I make the same request of you, train Gilead to be the commander when you retire. If he is only half as skilled as you, he will be successful.”

The two old warriors sat on cushions provided for them in Abraham’s tent. A servant brought them wine chilled in a spring of cold water not far from his tent. “Zvi, I toast you and the good old days when we were young.” The two of them rambled on until the sun was setting. They recounted memories and experiences of younger days. Finally, Zvi stood and bade his friend and mentor good evening. As he departed, he said “It will be as you requested.” “Thank you, old friend; I’ve always been able to depend on you!”

The day of the wedding arrived; Gilead had requested two weeks leave from duty with Abraham’s militia, it was approved, and all was in readiness.

As Gilead, the chatan (groom) and Leli, the kallah (bride) awakened on the day of their wedding they came under the realization that this was one of the happiest and holiest days of their lives. In a real, as well as spiritual sense, it was a new day and a new beginning for each of them. The old life was in the past, and their new life together was about to begin. As they focused upon the white garments they would wear throughout this day, they realized that it was a day of atonement[7] in each of their lives. They had not seen each other in the week before when the final preparations were made.

A chupah or wedding tent/canopy had been set up in the open with all four sides open as Abraham and Sarah had theirs open to welcome all friends and relatives in unconditional hospitality and peace. The ceremony was to be under the stars as a reminder of the promise of God given to Abraham that his descendents would be as numerous as the stars in the heavens.

Gilead asked Abraham as the spiritual leader of the community to preside over the ceremony. This had been cleared with Bildad as a courtesy. The hour approached and the couple and her family met at the chupah along with most of the population of the Hebrew community and the ceremony began.

Abraham was resplendent in his robes as their spiritual leader and he began by sharing the story of creation, emphasizing the account of the creation of man and his need for a wife. Abraham talked about the chatan and his responsibility to his kallah. He spoke of her spiritual and material needs as well as her emotional needs. Abraham was eloquent and captivating to the point that most of the married couples were holding hands as if it were their own wedding day when they were pagans. However the pagan service did not touch this ceremony either in content or emotion. Not only were the adult couples mesmerized by Abraham’s words, but young virgins paying rapt attention, wished that it were their wedding day.

The bride and groom, both in white, represented the purity of their lives, and the fact that they both were virgins. Gilead was handsome, dressed in white with suntanned hands and face and dark brown eyes and hair contrasting with the white robe. Beside him was his beautiful Leli. As with Gilead, her dark hair and eyes, with cheeks and lips with just enough color to make you wonder if it was artificial or natural. They indeed looked as though they could have been a King and his queen. And then near the end of the ceremony, something happened that rocked the entire community. When time came to place the ring on Leli’s hand, Abraham said, “This young man saved my life twice in battle at the sure risk of his own. He never hesitated, but placed himself between the enemy and his sheikh. Many years ago, Sarah gave me a ring much as Gilead is about to give his beloved Leli. Sarah and I have talked and as I said, the groom is giving his beloved a ring much like I gave Sarah, it is much more than one like I gave her, as a matter of fact, it is the ring I gave to her all those years ago. Sarah feels the same as I, and Leli dear, you shall have two wedding bands, one from your husband, and one from your sheikh and patriarch in honor of your husband. A sigh went up from those gathered as Gilead placed his ring on her finger and then Abraham passed to Gilead the ring that he gave his Sarah those many years before. There were no dry eyes, including Abraham and Sarah, Gilead nor Leli. Abraham kissed Leli on the cheek, and then gave Gilead permission to kiss his new bride. In a very romantic fashion, he took Leli in his arms and kissed her. In the crowd, you could see men and women, young and old, pursing their lips as thought about to kiss an invisible person. The ceremony ended with an invitation to join Bildad and his family at their tent for refreshments.

Something happened while the ceremony was going on that no one was aware of; Zvi, the commander of Abraham’s militia, and several of his officers and warriors had entered Bildad’s tent and rolled up the sides of the tent, placed serving tables, bowls, plates and utensils conveniently located, as were four whole cows, fifteen goats and thirteen sheep were roasting over spits that had been moved when almost done, and now were done. Hugh bowls of hummus, beans, pomegranates, dates, and citrus fruits in several baskets located around the tent. Gallons of wine and Egyptian beer were displayed with dozens of cups. Local sweets and treats were piled high covering a banquet table. No one in the community had ever seen a wedding spread that anywhere equaled this.

The family arrived first and could hardly believe their eyes. Then Abraham and Sarah arrived. Bildad was so emotional; he could hardly hold back the tears. He insisted that his Sheikh serve as the host for the feast and Abraham agreed to make the first toast and then he and Sarah would depart and leave the celebration to the family and friends, and they had many for everyone was invited. After making the toast in honor of the new bride and groom; Abraham and Sarah slipped away to their tent.

As they walked together, Sarah said, “Dear Abraham, you love that boy as much as you could ever love a son.” “Yes, I do, I wouldn’t be walking with you tonight were it not for him. He is a fine young man. I wish his parents could have lived to see him standing there beside his bride tonight. They would be as happy as I, but alas, we can’t control the seasons of life and death, only God Almighty can do that and his motives are unknown to us.” “Abraham, Dear, I felt movement today!” “That fine dear, I hope you will feel even better tomorrow.” “Abraham, you are not listening to me.” “Of course I am, Sarah, you said you felt movement today…YOU FELT WHAT!” “I felt a child moving inside me today!” “Then you are with child as God almighty promised, blessed be His Holy Name!” It was not a question, it was a statement. Abraham, stopped in his tracks and said, “Sarah, let’s go back to the wedding party, suddenly I feel like a young husband who just learned that he was going to have a son.” We don’t know if it’s a son, it could be a daughter.” “It’s a son! God himself told us so and I’ve got to celebrate, let’s go back!” Sarah stopped, “You won’t make a fool out of yourself, will you!” “I probably will, and maybe have too much to drink. Honey, I’ve waited a hundred years for this news! Come on and let’s celebrate the blessings of our God.” “Abraham, you haven’t called me honey in 75 years!” “Well get used to it, Honey, we are going to have a son!”

As they re-entered the festivities, everything stopped thinking something had happened! Gilead instantly hurried over to him, “Sir, are you alright?” “Go back to your wife son; I have an announcement to make.”

The room was deathly quiet as Abraham cleared his throat, “Some of you are aware that God said he was going to give me a son. Some of you have been betting with the odds that a 90 year old woman and her 100 year old husband would never have a baby. Well, you’d better hedge on your bet because my Sarah felt movement today and she is with child.” Gilead led Leli over to Abraham handed him a cup and said to the friends in attendance, “I pledge a toast and a promise Abraham, Sarah and Isaac their son who made himself known today with a healthy kick, to your very good health. And the promise that we in the community will support this couple who have been parents to all of us. We shall help them raise their son in the admonition of the Lord.” And all raised their cups before Abraham, Sarah, and their unborn Isaac.

Then Abraham joined in the dancing and celebration as if a newly married husband.

At last the celebration was over and Gilead and Leli when to their new home, a tent on the outskirts of the village. They stood together in what was their living area and Lela approved, then to the next section of the tent, the cooking area, and Leli approved. Then he escorted her to the area where wool would be spun into thread, and a loom where the thread would be woven into cloth, and Leli approved. Finally, they moved into the sleeping area, where all the flaps were closed and they had complete privacy. “Darling Leli, I’ve never done this before, I am new at being a husband, and I want to get it right. He then slipped her robe over her shoulders and let it drp to the carpet, Gilead looked at her supple body in the candle light, he gasped at her perfection in every detail and Gilead approved. He pulled the covers back from their bed and she slipped in, he blew out the candle and joined her. The night was filled with her perfume and the quiet and gentle sounds of their love making. They were a perfect match for each other and they both knew it.

The next morning Gilead was up and had a charcoal fire burning in the clay oven. A few moments later, Leli appeared in the transparent Egyptian robe given to her by the sheikh. Hardly anything was left to his imagination, he took her by the hand and said, I have unfinished business in the bedroom. They hastily got into bed and lay together again. Finally, Leli said, putting on a different robe, “Darling, I think you’ve got it right.” Both laughed and together went into the kitchen. The heat in the clay oven was perfect and Leli searched the cupboard, “Mother said she had put some bread dough in here and it should be just right by now. She searched until she found it and rolled it out, kneaded it and placed it on her baking board. Very carefully, she placed it in the oven, and then pushed the bread off as she withdrew the board.

While the bread was baking, she began to stir up some hummus, a Middle Eastern dip made with mashed chickpeas, tahini, oil, lemon juice, and garlic, combined into a thick paste. While she was doing that, seeking to be helpful, Gilead, picked up a stool, a glazed ceramic pot, and found one of his new goats whose udder was swollen and proceeded to milk her. When she ran dry he felt that he had enough for breakfast and returned with the stool and milk container. When Leli realized what he had done, she gasped, and said, I hope none of our neighbors saw you, they’ll think you are hen-pecked already. She walked over and checked the bread, removed it from the oven, walked back to him opened her robe and pulled it over his head, sliding down into his lap, she kissed him on the ear and said, “I’m ready to eat.” He said, “Well I’m not!” Away they went back to bed.

Finally, they warmed the bread, covered it with goat’s butter, spread several pieces with hummus, and they began to eat. He noticed how much she prepared and said; “You don’t expect me to eat all of this?” She gave him a wicked smile, and said, “The last advice mama gave me was, be sure and keep your strength up.” This time he gave her the smile that said you little vixen. And changed his mind, instead he said, “One day you told me that you had seen nothing of the countryside, except when we were coming from Haran. Have you ever been to Shechem?” “No, I’ve never been anywhere!” “Would you like to go, I have some business there, if you’d like you can ride with me and we will spend the day.” “Oh Gilead, I knew you were special, Yes! Yes! I would love to go, but I need to sponge off first and you may need to also.” Leli was gone for a moment then she rolled her clay tray in that most clean people used to take a sponge bath. They washed off and dried themselves, helping each other as newly married couples often do.

Then Gilead directed her, “Put on one of your older robes, a turban, and a veil and you will be ready.” She looked heartbroken, “Can’t I wear my new things.” “I’m sorry, no, you can’t, for one of those Canaanites might cut my throat and take you off to some harem. Besides that, you have to keep quiet unless we are a lone; you must keep your veil and turban on at all times and your robe up around your chin.” “All right Darling, if you say so.” And last, don’t talk unless I talk to you first. These people are strange, and we don’t want to offend them.” Finally, Gilead put on his newest robe, the gift from the Sheikh, and last his harness and sword, and placing a dagger in his belt, he said let’s go.

He saddled the stallion and away they went over the hills to Shechem. It was a small dusty town, but it had to offer about anything the larger cities had because it was on the trade routes, north and south.

From the moment they rode into town, Lela was enchanted. She whispered in his ear, “Honey, what is that metal thing over there; it is big enough to get in?” He talked out of the side of his mouth, you do get in it, and it’s a bathtub.” She forgot herself, “Can we get one; and then we can take an all over bath and get really clean.” “I suppose so, but keep your voice down.”

At length, he found the business for which he was searching. The business handled leather hides, raw hides, leather halters for horses, bridles and most anything you’d need out of leather. He bought a long leather lead and a bridle for a donkey. She stood outside holding the stallion’s reins. “When are we going to get my bathtub, Darling?” “On the way out precious,” he said, “Have you ever eaten candy?” She whispered, “I’ve never even heard of it. What is it?” “We’ll get some.”

Finally, they came to a business that handled soaps, perfumes, and makeup from Egypt. He tied the horse and told Leli to come in. When she did he grabbed her robe opening it until you could see her belly and nothing else, he growled “Do you see this?” The owner nodded in the affirmative, desiring to see more thinking she was a slave girl. Gilead growled again, saying, “I want your best soap, your best creams and lotions, and your best perfumes that will keep her belly soft, smooth, and smelling good, and lip paint that is not too gaudy and some cheek rouge and some of that Egyptian eye liner. And can we have some privacy?” “Darling, I know nothing about your color for lip and cheek rouge. Please indicate to me when we go back in there. If you like it put your finger on your nose as if you are scratching it through the veil. If you don’t like it; just grunt.”

They ended up with a large Egyptian cotton bag of cosmetics. He paid in silver, then gave the owner a sly smile and said, “What do you think she will look like wearing only that stuff I have in the bag? The owner swallowed and said, “Ravishing, sir, ravishing.” Leli was beginning to pick up on the game that her husband was playing with the Canaanites. She began enjoying it too, bowing to him when he spoke to her.

Now it was time for the candy. They went into a store that had the best smells she had ever smelled. “I want some candy for my harem; I’ve brought one with me to try some samples so I can please the others.” May she stand in the corner so she can remove her veil?” If you like it grunt, if not then stamp your foot, he whispered as he pushed her into the corner. “What do you recommend for a sheikh’s harem?”

The owner placed 5 confections on a ceramic plate, and said “These are our freshest and newest arrivals. Allow her to try them.” She grunted 5 times. “Give me a container each of the five. She is a good judge so I’ll take her word that they are fresh and tasty.”

The stallion was covered with cloth bags and containers and they hadn’t even purchased the tub yet. Gilead stopped at a livery stable and purchased an ass with a rack on which to lash one’s load. He took the leather halter and put it over the ass’s head, he attached the long leather lead to the saddle and lifted Leli into place. They went by the exhibit of bathtubs and whispered, when you see the one you want, and there are only five choices, scratch your chin with 1,2,3,4, fingers or your whole hand if it is the fifth one. She chose the middle one; he lashed it to the pack frame on the asses back, put everything but one container of chocolate candy in the tub, and covered the tub. He then stopped by a shop that had robes hanging on hooks outside. They were made of exotic materials and styles. He picked one off each of the five hooks, went inside, and paid for them. He asked, “Do you have any women’s underwear or negligees.” “Yes, the shop keeper replied “And all are made of silk shipped in from the orient.” “ Give me one each of the underwear, you did say you had seven styles, you know, one for each day. And I’ll take three of the negligees, that one, that one and that one.” The owner bundled them up; he paid and left the store. He placed it all in the bathtub and lashed it securely so he would not lose it on the way home.

Leli was so excited she couldn’t stand it. They couldn’t make the time going back as coming, because they had the donkey and it couldn’t run for any distance. On the way home Gilead said, “You can remove your turban and veil, but keep it handy lest we meet travelers, then put it back on. Have some candy” and removed the container from his robe. In a couple of minutes he spoke to her, she could only mumble, her mouth was full of candy. “Leli, don’t pack your mouth so full, you’ll choke yourself. Eat it a bite at a time. Nobody will take it away from you.” She still couldn’t talk, but she squeezed him and nuzzled the back of his neck.

In time they arrived at the village, unloaded their wares and Leli began pouring over them with keen eyes. She came to the robes first; and held each one of them up and examined it. “Why they are all perfect, not the heavy weaving we do, but…they are perfect. Next she came to the underwear, silk and sensuous. “Why did you buy so many?” “One for each day of the week; don’t want a smelly woman.” Then she opened the soaps, creams, lotions, and perfumes. “Gilead, you are going to have the best smelling woman in the village.” Then she found the rouges for lips and cheeks. He said, “You be very careful with that or you’ll look like a whore.” What’s a whore, Darling?” He whispered in her ear and she dropped it on the floor. “I won’t use it, I won’t use it.” He said “In time you will learn to use it then it will be fine.” Then she came to something that had a small stand but it had thin boards bound around it. He cut the twin that held the boards and they fell off and she still looked at it, she could see the lamp reflected in it and said, “Oh, it is a little lamp.” “No,” said her husband, “Look into it.” She almost dropped it; she said “There is someone in there looking out at me.” Gilead rolled off the pillow he was sitting on and rolled on the floor laughing. He directed her to be very careful, “Now look into very carefully, nothing will hurt you, do you see any one in there now?” She nodded yes. “Okay, keep looking and wink your left eye. She did, “And exclaimed, that the girl in there looked and winked back at her.” “Good.” said her husband. Now scratch your nose” She did and squealed back, “She did too. This is a toy isn’t it darling?” “No it isn’t, now sit here beside me and put your face beside mine, now look again. Gilead, you are in there beside her.” “Stick your tongue out, now keep doing it and try to get yours back in your mouth before she does.” “I can’t beat her, she can read my mind.” “Now darling, hold it a little out front of you so you can see what she is wearing.” “She is wearing a robe just like mine.” “Darling, have you ever looked at your reflection in the bucket when you drew water from the well?” “Of course I do, every girl does.” “Well, Leli, you don’t have to ever again because you have a magic bucket in your hand and you can use it anytime you want to, that is your reflection, and that thing is called a mirror.”

“A magic bucket, I have a magic bucket!” “No Darling, you have a mirror.” She kept looking at herself in the mirror. Then she took the lip rouge, put just a dab on her lips, and with the tiny brush, worked it over her lips until there was just a faint glow. It was necessary to look twice to determine if it was the natural color of her lips or if she really had some rouge on them. “That’s exactly right, any more and you would look like a you-know-what.”

Now she asked about the bathtub, how does it work? He showed her the stopper and drain. “We have to find a place that is private because when you fill it with water you can’t move it, it will be too heavy. We need a place where we can put it permanently, then we can heat water and while it is heating we can draw water from the well and put it in the tub, then pour the boiling water in it and it should be just about right. In the winter we will need a charcoal bucket to keep the place warm.” They walked around the tent until they found a little area about four times the area of the tub. With a natural run off ditch so the water would not need to be dipped out, just pull the plug and let it run out under the edge of the tent to the natural drainage ditch outside. Just be sure to lift the edge of the tent each time you use it or you will have a tent full of water.”

“Let’s fill it up and take a bath and then drain it so I will know how it works. I’ll draw the water.” Gilead said, “Okay, it will be your tub, I prefer a shower.” They set the biggest container they had on the kitchen fire and filled it full of water to heat. Then they filled the tub about half full of water and they waited for the water to boil. When it did they poured it into the bath tub and Leli took some of her new soap and a sponge and got into the water. She was covered up to her chin in warm water. Then she stood and washed herself clean with a little bit of her new soap and sat back in the tub and rinsed off the soap and since Gilead had lifted the edge of the tent a few inches, she pulled the plug in the bottom of the tub and the water drained away through the little natural ditch. It worked great and she said, “I am going to bathe every night. This is fun, I love it, and I love you for getting all of this for me.” Then she rubbed herself with some of the fragrant oil and lotion. Then a touch of the perfume and she had tried everything but the cream. “When do you use this,” she asked. “It is to keep your feet soft and smelling good.” She tried it and said, “If I felt any better, I don’t think I could stand it. Gilead, Can we walk over to mother and daddy’s tent; I want to tell them about my adventure.” “Sure, but wear some clean underwear,” he laughed. She put the silk, filmy under drawers on and pulled them up, she knew she was covered, but she couldn’t feel them. She put on one of her new robes and pulled her sandals on and she was ready. They walked the short distance and it was nearly dark when they arrived. Gilead had remembered to bring a lantern that burned olive oil.

They were in the kitchen finishing supper when she burst in. “Mama, poppa, Gilead took me to Shechem today and bought me a bathtub, new robes, underwear, soap, perfume and candy. I brought you some candy called…Gilead, what is this candy called, I can never remember it.” He smiled and winked at her parents and said, “It is chocolate.” Bildad said while reaching for a second piece, “That chocolate taste right good.” Mama said, “I like it too.” While they ate 5 or 6 pieces, she told them how Gilead made her dress like a Canaanite woman with a turban and veil and how she grunted and scratched her nose to indicate her choice of things he bought for her. Mama, it was fun!” Lammah said to Gilead, “Be careful or you’ll spoil her.” “I hope so, because I love her and she is spoiling me. It has been a long time since anyone has taken care of me.” Bildad said, “I’m glad to hear it; that means we made the right decision. Both of you seem happy!” “Happy isn’t the word, Daddy, it is like a dream and I am afraid I’ll wake up.”

שָׁלוֹם‎

(Shalom)