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The Refuge
Ratings:
120 pages1 hour
Summary
Accused of murder, Joel fled from Bethlehem to Hebron, an ancient Judean city of refuge appointed for the Israelites. There he met Sarah, the priests daughter, and later Seth, the man he allegedly had killed! Both men were judged in court and sentenced to remain in the city until the priests death. How he died remained a mystery, but automatically the two men were free to return to their homes in Bethlehem. Because they each wanted to marry Sarah, shocking events followed: abduction, rescue, a crippling accident, repentance, forgiveness, and love.
Publisher: Inspiring VoicesReleased: Dec 10, 2013ISBN: 9781462408283Format: book
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The Refuge - Sarah V. Jacober
Copyright © 2013 Sarah V. Jacober.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
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Bible quotes are from the King James Version.
Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.
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ISBN: 978-1-4624-0827-6 (sc)
ISBN: 978-1-4624-0828-3 (e)
Library of Congress Control Number: 2013920833
Inspiring Voices rev. date: 12/04/2013
Contents
Dedication
Acknowledgement
1. Escape
2. Questions
3. Another Refugee
4. Breakfast
5. Enemies
6. Plans
7. The Court Case
8. Alone
9. Two Proposals
10. Guidance
11. The Journey
12. Explanations
13. Vengeance
14. Abduction
15. Rescue
16. An Accident
17. Forgiveness
18. Refuge
Bibliography
Dedication
If you like a bit of mystery, intrigue, love, and a taste of what life might have been like in the ancient Holy Land—this story is for you!
Acknowledgement
I deeply appreciate the help of my son Daniel with his technological expertise, and my friend and critic Mary Jones, in facilitating the preparation of this manuscript.
1. Escape
Sarah stood on a high stone wall near the gates of Hebron. She loved watching dawn creep slowly across the rolling hills of Judea. A cool breeze teased the dark curls at the nape of her neck and gently tugged at her long, full skirt.
At sixteen, Sarah was dreaming of marriage, a home, and children. Who would be her husband? What would he be like? She knew the man she wanted him to resemble—her honored ancestor, Job. Not because he was the richest man in the land, but because he was strong in faith, an honest man of courage who knew and loved God. She had memorized Job’s words: God will do for me all he has planned. He controls my destiny.
Sitting down cross-legged on the wide wall, Sarah cupped her chin in her hands and meditated. Yes, she thought, God controls my destiny. I’m glad. He knows what is best for me.
Suddenly she was startled by a movement on the horizon. Someone was running full speed in her direction. She watched intently and saw that a man was being pursued. That meant he was in trouble! He had probably killed someone—either accidentally or on purpose—and needed to get to the safety of Hebron before the victim’s accuser could catch and wreak vengeance on him by returning an eye for an eye.
Sarah jumped down and hurried to the city gates. They always remained open, but where was the watchman? He should be here right now to help the newcomer who was in trouble and perhaps wounded! With her fists she pounded on the door of the elderly man’s room and shouted, Hurry! Someone’s coming!
To the girl’s intense relief, the stranger tumbled inside the gates, breathless and disheveled. She glimpsed the pursuer close behind; however, he could not follow into the suburbs or the city because they were a lawful place of refuge.
Instead of immediately blaming whomever caused the problem resulting in a need for escape—like some of the refugees did—this man fell to his knees, folded his hands, looked up to heaven and gasped, Thank you, O Lord God, for delivering me from my enemy.
Well, what a unique entrance, mused Sarah. I wonder if this man knows God like Job knew Him. Or was his prayer a spur-of-the-moment kind of gratitude? I’d like to know more about this handsome character. His clothes are dusty, but he looks tall and strong now that he’s standing up and brushing himself off.
I’m Joel,
the newcomer introduced himself as his breathing began to return to normal. The old watchman was already moving away, so Joel smiled at Sarah. She responded with a quick glance and lowered her eyes. She wanted to welcome him warmly but modesty forbade it. Her father, the priest, must do that.
Come with me,
Sarah spoke quietly as she turned and led Joel to a large stone house nearby. Jasmine bloomed along the walls, and date palms flourished in a spacious garden.
Father, someone is here to meet you,
the girl called. She always let him know she was coming, even though the elderly blind man instantly knew his daughter’s step and voice.
Joel, meet my father. He is called Nathan,
Sarah explained, and she disappeared to fetch a gourd of cool water for the newcomer.
The priest placed his hand upon the young man’s shoulder and motioned for him to sit down. You are welcome here, my son.
Thank you sir,
Joel answered politely. He relaxed as he drank his fill. Refreshed, he turned to the priest, who said, Tell us about yourself. Where is your home?
"Bethlehem. I was born there. My father was a shepherd. He died a few years ago, and I support my mother and sister. I have come here because of an accident that I believe proved fatal
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