by Tessa Afshar
Salmone returned from battle exhausted but unharmed. The very sight of him was joy to Rahab. Proudly, she presented the robe she had made for him, finished in the agonizing hours of his absence. He put it on immediately and proclaimed it the finest garment in all Israel, making Miriam laugh and Rahab blush. She and Miriam celebrated his safe return with a feast. After Israel’s incomparable victory everyone was in the mood for a celebration and the festivities were lavish. When the revelers finally left for home, Rahab danced for Salmone for the first time.
Her dance only lasted a very short time. Before she had a chance to show him one of her more elaborate moves, she found herself pulled roughly into his arms.
“I’m not finished,” she mocked.
“Neither am I,” he assured.
Later, as they lay cozily in each other’s arms, Rahab mused innocently, “I think Ezra is a fine man. Don’t you, my lord?”
Salmone’s lids, already half shut in approaching sleep, snapped open. “Excuse me?”
“Ezra, I said. Such an admirable man he is.”
“Is there a point to this discussion about the fine qualities of another man while we lie in our marriage bed?”
“Miriam would likely do a better job of answering that.”
Salmone pushed the sheet off his chest and sat up. “Miriam? What does Miriam have to do with it?”
“Well, I think she would agree about Ezra’s having many admirable qualities.”
“Miriam is just a child,” Salmone snapped.
Rahab giggled. “That may be, but most young women her age are already bearing their firstborn.”
Salmone frowned. “Hmmm. I grant you, she’s grown up a little in the past month or two.”
Rahab covered her mouth with her hand and looked down. Salmone crossed his arms. “What of it, anyway?”
“Ezra seems quite fond of her.”
“That boy has been following her with his eyes for nigh on a year. Don’t you think I’ve noticed?”
“Hardly a boy, husband. Why, half the women in Judah would court him as son-in-law. And Miriam is fond of him.”
“Has she said so?”
“She might have.”
Salmone punched a pillow and gave Rahab a fierce look. “Why hasn’t the boy … all right, the man … come forward then? Why should my wife be telling me about this in the peace of my bed?”
“The way you scowl at him every time he approaches Miriam? He can hardly expect a warm reception what with your frowns dogging his every step. And his only sin is to love your sister.”
Salmone held up his hands. “Peace, woman. Have it your way, then. Ezra is an admirable man and I will stop scowling at him. Anything more?”
“You are the very soul of generosity, my lord.”
Salmone bent over and kissed his wife. “I am only grateful you are on the side of Israel,” he murmured. Then he kissed her again before she could respond.
Epilogue
The baby screamed with healthy lungs. Salmone picked him up and bounced him. “Calm yourself, my son, or your mother will accuse you of being greedy.”
“He is greedy,” Rahab mumbled, cracking one eye open. “He just finished feeding.” She lifted her arms, and Salmone put their son into her hands.
“Shush, sweet. Mama’s here. She’ll take care of you.”
The baby began to suckle with noisy abandon.
Salmone laughed. “He definitely doesn’t have your manners.” As if on cue, the child passed gas, a gurgling sound that made them both smile. “Well, perhaps he has your brother’s manners.”
“Oh, it’s just a lower cough. Leave him be.”
“I have no problem with it. But the woman he marries might have a few objections.”
“I wonder who that will be?” Rahab reflected.
Salmone bent over him and kissed his cheek. “Son, whatever you do, wait for the right woman. Even if you are old and grey by the time she shows up, don’t compromise. Wait patiently.”
“Mmmm. And treat your wife well from the first moment you lay eyes on her. Unlike some people who shall remain nameless.”
“I don’t know who your mother has in mind.”
“Oh, Salmone, I pray he will be as happy as we are. I pray God will bless him with a good wife who will bring him joy—and a son to continue your line.”
“And yours,” he whispered, bending down to kiss her. Straightening, he moved to the open tent flap, where the sun’s rays were shining through. “I wonder what will become of our line, Rahab. I wonder what manner of men and women will be born through us, and what lives they will live.”
“I wonder how God will use them.”
“Yes, that most of all.”
“Well, little Boaz, haven’t we given you a lot to think about? The baby belched. Rahab and Salmone burst out laughing.
Acknowledgments
Profound thanks to Wendy Lawton from Books and Such Literary Agency, who took me under her professional wings, and proceeded to change my life. Words cannot express my gratitude to Paul Santhouse from Moody Publishers who believed in this book and championed it so faithfully. I also wish to thank Duane Sherman and the other dedicated staff at Moody whose incredible encouragement and hard work made every part of the publication process pure joy.
Writing is a solitary process, but even the most self-contained writers need the companionship of a few special friends. To those who supported me along this journey, read my first drafts, and loved me and prayed for me through every step: Karen Connors, Janice Johnson, Cheryl Mallon, Tegan Willard, Kathi Smith, Linda Stricland, and Emi Trowbridge, my dearest thanks. I would have given up many times without your encouragement. And Millie Tolley, for your prayers and eyes that saw, I am so grateful. Thanks also to Leslie Goetler who in the midst of crazy residency hours took the time to give me medical information, and Persh Parker who showed me how a raging river can be crossed.
A special thanks to my closest friend, Rebecca Rhee, who brought me a Christmas tree when I had no time and made me soup on cold long nights. Rebecca and Beth, your friendship through the years has been one of the most profound blessings of my life. What would I do without you?
Many thanks to my father and mother for the generous freedoms they bestowed on me all my life, including letting me read at the dinner table when I was a child and allowing me to love Jesus freely when I grew up.
And to the many women who inspired this story with their valiant battle against the sorrows of life—sorrows that led to self-condemnation and shame: you are women of worth (Ruth 3:11).
Discussion Questions
In chapter 1, we see overt and subtle ways that Rahab’s family fails to love and protect her. Describe some of these situations.
What emotional wounds does Rahab sustain as a result?
In your own life, were there ways in which your family failed to love and protect you?
How do you feel these circumstances have affected you?
In chapter 2, Rahab befriends Debir. What are some of the qualities in Debir that draw Rahab to him? What defects do you detect in him as a friend?
Describe the qualities you would like to see in an ideal friend. How many of these qualities do you possess?
In chapter 3, we see Rahab being drawn to the Lord. What qualities does she perceive in God that draw her to Him?
Use three words to describe God as you understand Him.
What made Rahab willing to risk her life in order to save the Jewish spies?
In chapter 6, what principles can we learn from Joshua’s encounter with the commander of the army of the Lord?
In chapter 8, Joshua accuses Salmone of growing judgmental in his attempt to become righteous. What do you think that means?
Do you see any judgmental attitudes in yourself?
In chapter 17, Rahab says that she is grateful for the snake. What do you think she means?
Are there snakes in your life for which you have learned to be grateful? Share why.
In cha
pter 21, Salmone calls Rahab his Jericho. What does he mean?
Ancient cities were often surrounded by defensive walls meant to keep harmful elements out and allow good to come in. Rahab’s heart has walls that act in the opposite direction: they allow harm in (for example pride, the belief that she isn’t lovable or worthy, fear), and keep love and intimacy out. In what ways are the defensive walls of your heart reversed like Rahab’s?
In chapter 23, Salmone tries to explain the difference between shame and true guilt. Explain this in your own words.
In chapter 24, Rahab and Salmone both comprehend the true source of Rahab’s worth through the lesson of the pearl earring. What gives you your sense of worth? In what ways does your life show this?
How do you think God feels about you?
In chapter 26, Rahab learns purity in the bed of her husband. What does that mean to you?
Rahab finally forgives her father. What do you think helps her do that?
Are there still unforgiving places in your heart? What will help you overcome these feelings?
In what ways do you feel you are like Rahab?
What are some of God’s qualities discussed in this story that touched your heart? Why?
If there is a way into madness, logic says there is a way out. Logic says. Tallis, a philosopher’s servant, is sent to a Greek academy in Palestine only to discover that it has silently, ominously, disappeared. No one will tell him what happened, but he learns what has become of four of its scholars. One was murdered. One committed suicide. One worships in the temple of Dionysus. And one & one is a madman.
From the author of The Brother’s Keeper comes a tale of mystery, horror, and hope in the midst of unimaginable darkness, the story behind the Geresene demoniac of the gospels of Mark and Luke.
by Tracy Groot
Find it now at your favorite local or online bookstore.
www.MoodyPublishers.com
Table of Contents
Epilogue
