“My husband, I too have a story to tell you, and before my courage fails me, I must tell you all of what has befallen since you left.” She took a deep breath and began with the creditors who came to the house and how Eliab had helped her with the money box. She told how they had doled it out carefully until it was gone. She told of Caleb and Demas who had gone to seek word of him. His countenance went from sorrow to surprise.
“Caleb and Demas left to seek me?”
“Yes, my lord. Caleb felt that somehow he could follow your trail and find you.” She shook her head sadly. “I fear the worst has happened to him, for I have had news of him but once from a passing merchant and that was over a year ago.”
Ahmal patted her hand. “Jesus healed me of leprosy. Surely the God who kept you in His care until my return will watch over our son and bring him safely home.”
At the words “our son,” Marah began to weep softly. Ahmal put a comforting arm around her. “And Eliab? There is more you wish to tell me?” he said gently.
She told him of Eliab’s care of her and the last merchant who came and took Eliab away. How he came to see her as often as he could, but it had been several months since the last time. She did not know if Eliab was still in Shechem.
“I will ask at once,” Ahmal vowed. “I will buy him back.” He looked around their home. “We will restore our home, Marah. I give you my word.” Then he looked at her face. He realized she had more to tell.
Slowly she began to tell him of the women of the village charging her again with having the “evil eye.” He clucked his tongue as she told of going to the local well each day for water and facing them.
“It is to my great shame that I must tell you this last part, my lord.” She looked at his dear face and it took all the courage she had.
“I have been fortunate that my friends Simon and Hannah have shared what little they had with me. I have no more sheep to make yarn to sell. When your treasures had been sold by Eliab to pay the creditors, there was little left . . .”
Ahmal looked puzzled. “The men did not return with my caravan?”
“Not to my knowledge, my lord.”
“Shumah! That scoundrel, he was my second in command, but coveted my place as caravan master. No doubt he did well for himself with the merchants’ goods. God is not mocked, my heart, He shall avenge me of that thief.” Ahmal pounded his fist into his palm.
“If the caravan did not return with money from the trade goods, how then did you live, Marah?”
“The small rental from the house of Jesse helped only a little. Then, when at last I was alone in the house, considering what I must do to live, a man came to the house calling himself your half brother . . .”
Ahmal interrupted her with an oath. “Reuben, that son of a camel, he came here to the house? I know he is a relative, but not one you would want near your wife. He has been here once before. I have not seen him in years, yet he has a reputation that precedes him!” At the stricken look on her face, he stopped suddenly. “Marah, did he hurt you?”
“He . . . he . . . oh Ahmal, I am so ashamed. I tried to tell him to go on his way. He could see you another time. He laughed at me. The third evening, he took hold of me and kissed me. When I understood his intention, I ran to my room to bolt the door. He had taken the bar from my door, sometime when I was not in the house. He followed me and came into my room and . . . oh Ahmal . . .” She could not go on for the tears.
“He forced himself upon you?” Ahmal’s face was red with righteous indignation. He pounded his fist into his palm in anger. “I will avenge you, my heart.”
“I fought him. I tried to cry out. There was no one else in the house except his servant, Tema. He would be no witness for me. I should have gone to the elders the next day to accuse him. But I was afraid they would not believe me. I had been alone a long time and Reuben is a handsome man. Why should they believe that I had not shared his bed willingly? After that night, I was at his beck and call. I was ashamed. He wanted to sell this house and what remained and have me go away with him to another town. He . . . he talked of being stoned if you returned. I did not know what to do.”
She had been speaking with her head down, afraid to look Ahmal in the face. Now she hesitantly looked up, hanging back as if he would strike her. Ahmal was looking at her with a face of such love and compassion that she was overwhelmed by the depth of it.
He reached out and took both her hands in his.
“Do not be afraid, my dear one. You will not suffer anymore. Jesus healed me from a living death and forgave me for the sins of my life. As He has had compassion on me, should I not extend that forgiveness and compassion to one who has suffered far more than I? I know Reuben too well. It was not your fault. He has a way with women that is of the devil. Dear one, I have found Jesus as my Messiah. That is cause for joy.” Ahmal once again embraced her, patting her shoulder as her pounding heart began to subside in the wonder of his gentle response.
Marah’s face lit up and she pulled back from Ahmal to look up at him joyfully.
“Ahmal. Jesus of Nazareth came here. I met Him at Jacob’s well. He forgave me . . . knowing what I had done. He gave me hope again. I too have believed on Him as the Messiah.”
“Jesus was here, in Shechem?” Ahmal asked in wonder.
“Oh yes, my husband, people were healed and changed. Remember Simon and Hannah’s little boy, Jacob? Jesus healed his twisted foot. He now runs and plays like the other children.”
She was so full of relief and happiness she felt her heart would burst. Ahmal had not turned from her. He loved her still and had forgiven her.
Ahmal gently embraced her and kissed her forehead. He held her to him and she felt the beating of his heart. “If that evil one should return, I will deal with him, Marah. He should be whipped for the agony and sorrow he has caused everywhere he has gone. It is a wonder some woman’s husband has not killed him before this. I am ashamed myself to call him a kinsman.”
The tender scene was interrupted by voices in the courtyard. There was a knock at the door. The faces of their neighbors showed astonishment as Ahmal opened the door and greeted them.
“We had heard news that someone had seen you, but we didn’t believe it. Now we can see for ourselves.” They all began talking at once.
50
Marah sat working on her weaving. As she looked around the house of Ahmal, now restored, her heart was full of thankfulness. She thought of the moment when she brought out the beautiful pearl from its hiding place and told Ahmal of the merchant’s visit.
Ahmal gasped when he saw the size of the pearl. “Marah, do you know what we have here?” He held the beautiful pearl in the palm of his hand and touched its smoothness with one finger. “Do you have any idea as to the value of this jewel?”
She shook her head. “Is it worth much, my husband?”
Ahmal chuckled. “It shall restore the house of Ahmal.”
Wide-eyed, Marah looked again at the treasure. It must be worth a great deal. Ahmal was delighted and grateful.
“We must both give thanks to God for His provision. He saw our need and has gone before us.”
They sank to their knees and Marah bowed her head as Ahmal lifted the pearl toward the sunshine and praised God for His mercy and care.
Ahmal sold the pearl for even more than he had hoped. There was once again food in the house, in abundance. The fountain in the courtyard was repaired. A servant swept the courtyard and once again the footsteps of Eliab sounded through the house. Ahmal had gone to Zohar and bought back his steward . . . and his friend.
Their neighbors and friends had gone to their homes the day of Ahmal’s return and gathered food and wine. How they rejoiced with music and dancing. The high priest came and listened solemnly to Ahmal’s story as he shared what the Messiah had done for him. The high priest had blessed the house. Believers began to gather in their home to share the things the Messiah had done for them.
Marah waited fearfully for several da
ys for Reuben to return to the house, yet he did not come. She wondered, knowing there was money for him in the sale of Ahmal’s house. Nonetheless, she was grateful to the God Who Sees for protecting her.
As she looked to her household and went about her duties, there was still a small sadness in her heart. She had so much to be thankful for, yet she still longed for word of Caleb. She prayed to see her son again.
This morning, the household was busier than usual. Ahmal had put out word and, little by little, gathered his caravan to him again. Shumah, hearing of Ahmal’s return, fled to Egypt rather than face Ahmal’s wrath. The men of his caravans returned, astounded as word spread of Ahmal’s miraculous healing from leprosy. Ahmal left on a short journey to trade and reestablish his contacts with other merchants and caravans. Today, after nearly two months, he was due to return.
Marah thought about how hard it had been to let him go again after having him restored to her. Yet they prayed and trusted in God, and she had sent him on his way with a smile and with thanksgiving.
The town was alive with visitors, and there was almost a tangible change when the caravans came in. Village dogs barked, the hustle and bustle of the marketplace increased as merchants anticipated receipt of the goods they had ordered. Others anticipated the profit from goods they had sent to be sold or traded. It was as if the pulse of the town beat harder with the coming of the caravans. She sensed such a pulse now and she knew the caravan had arrived. She waited patiently, knowing there was merchandise to unload and business to conclude. Toward evening, Ahmal would return to his home.
She was surprised then that she heard the voice of someone in the courtyard, greeting Eliab. It was early afternoon. She hurried out, thinking to greet her husband, and saw a stranger with his back to her, talking with Eliab.
She hurried toward them, and the stranger turned around.
Jesse! She gasped and stood staring at him in unbelief. Then, reason reasserted itself. It could not be Jesse. He was dead. It was . . . Caleb.
Caleb hugged her exuberantly. “I am glad to be home, and you are here to welcome me, Mother.”
She touched his face with her hand. He had grown a full beard and was as tall and strong as his father had been.
Eliab beamed. “I thought you would be glad to see this young giant.”
Caleb grinned back. “Eliab, you old rascal, I’m glad to see you again too.”
Watching the two of them, Marah’s heart sang in gratitude. “Oh Caleb, I feared you were lost. Tell me, what happened to you? Do you know of Ahmal, that he has returned?”
“We followed Father’s trail to Antioch, but going farther, it was as if he had not existed. No one had word of him, and though they knew him well, there was word his caravan had disbanded. I was told the leader of the caravan had simply disappeared. I returned to Antioch and found work in the shop of a carpenter. Each time a caravan came in, I asked for news of the merchant Ahmal. So much time had passed that I almost gave up. I was sure he was dead. This last time, I heard the amazing news that the caravan master Ahmal had once again gathered his caravan and was on the trade route. Seeking to catch up with him, I found passage with a caravan coming into Shechem. I did not know where he was, but I knew he would come home. I knew I had to come back, to see you, Mother.”
“I have prayed and God has heard my prayers.” She touched his face gently with her hand.
He shook his head. “I was a thoughtless fool, to leave you so unprotected. I didn’t know what would happen. All Demas and I could think of was adventure and finding my father.”
“You were a boy, my son, but you have returned a man. The Messiah taught us that in asking forgiveness of God we must also ask forgiveness of ourselves. You have learned by this and will be the stronger for it.” She looked around. “You have returned alone?”
Caleb grinned. “Demas did not exactly like being a slave . . .”
They had been walking toward the house. Caleb stopped and turned to her again. “Mother, everywhere I went they spoke of this rabbi called Jesus of Nazareth. They called Him . . . Messiah. I heard that He was even here in Shechem. Tell me of Him.”
Marah smiled. “First you must eat.”
They sat at the table and she urged so much food and drink on him that Caleb began to laugh. “I shall be here tomorrow, Mother, you need not feed me for a week today.”
Marah spoke to a servant and sent him for Hannah and Simon. She wanted her friends to rejoice with her once again. She could picture Hannah’s face when she heard of Caleb’s return.
As they waited for their friends and Ahmal to join them, Marah sat down by Caleb. “You asked me about Jesus. I can only tell you what He has done for me when I was alone. Ahmal can tell you his story himself. It is a miracle. Forgiveness is a miracle, my son. As we forgive ourselves, we open our hearts to the forgiveness of Christ. I will tell you how I met Him at the well of Jacob.”
Softly, tenderly, with joy in her heart, she told Caleb her story. His face echoed the emotions of his heart as he felt remorse for all that she had gone through, her vulnerability, and her struggle to survive. Anger reflected when she told about Reuben, and she felt that had Reuben appeared at that moment, Caleb would have torn him limb from limb. Tears filled his eyes when she told of the Christ’s forgiveness and love and His coming to Shechem for two days to teach the people.
“I wish I could have been here, Mother, to see and hear Him,” he murmured wistfully.
Just then, there were footsteps and Ahmal entered the room. He stopped for a moment, seeing her sitting by a stranger. Caleb jumped up and, with a grin, strode toward his stepfather.
“I have learned a few lessons, but I pray I have returned stronger.”
Concern was erased by joy as Ahmal and Caleb embraced. “My son . . . you have returned to us. We shall celebrate!”
Marah laughed. “I have already sent for Simon and Hannah.”
“Have you eaten, my son? I could single-handedly eat a goat!”
Raising his hands in protest, Caleb laughed. “If I eat any more, I shall surely burst like an old wineskin.”
As Marah served Ahmal his evening meal, Caleb leaned forward.
“Mother has told me of what the Messiah has done for her. I am amazed at her story. She said you would also tell me of this wondrous thing that has happened to you, Father.”
Ahmal looked thoughtful. “I think I shall never tire of telling the wonderful things God has done for me.” He turned to Marah. “Have the believers still come in my absence?”
“Yes, my lord, they have come each week to share the love of the Savior. Many new ones have come also. They will come this evening. It is indeed the Lord’s timing that Caleb should return home this day.”
Caleb looked from one to the other. “You have a gathering of believers in your home?”
“Yes, my son. Tonight you shall hear my story and the story of others who have been touched by Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah. We meet to praise His name and worship together, to strengthen our faith.”
“I think I would like to hear these stories.” Caleb looked thoughtful.
Ahmal looked around. “Did Demas return with you?”
Caleb leaned forward, a bit chagrined. “I was telling Mother that Demas never did take to being a slave. We parted at Antioch and he returned to his home in Laodicea. He had been kidnapped from there as a boy and sold to slave traders. He desired to see his family again.”
Ahmal thought for a moment and then nodded. “It is just as well. I’m sure his family rejoiced to see him once again.” Then he turned to Caleb with a stern look, but a twinkle in his eyes.
“It would seem you have done me out of a servant. I will need recompense for his services. We will need to find work for you to make up his cost.”
Caleb managed to look contrite. “I will gladly do that.”
“Yes,” Ahmal stroked his beard, “I believe I have just the job for you . . . it seems I am again in need of a factor.”
Caleb sa
t up, surprised and delighted. “I had hoped . . . I wanted to do that.”
Ahmal clasped him on the shoulder. “Then it is done, my son. Tomorrow we will begin.”
Eliab interrupted to escort Simon, Hannah, and young Jacob into the room. Jacob had worshiped Caleb and had been hurt and disappointed when he had gone. Now, he ran and flung himself at Caleb with childish exuberance.
“You are here! You are home!” He grinned from ear to ear in his excitement.
“Jacob, my young friend, how are things with you?”
“The Messiah was here, Caleb. You should have seen and heard Him. He did miracles and He taught at the synagogue. Look at my foot.” Jacob stuck out his foot and laughed as he saw the amazement and wonder on Caleb’s face.
“Your foot . . . it is not twisted anymore. This Jesus did that for you?”
“I saw it with my very eyes, Caleb,” Hannah said. “It turned in the hands of Jesus and straightened out. He runs and plays with the other children as though it had always been normal.”
Tears ran unashamedly down Caleb’s face as Jacob ran and jumped for him, anxious to show what he could do.
Caleb shook his head in wonder. He had no words.
Eliab returned to the room carrying cushions that he placed about for the guests who were coming. There was a knock at the door and several neighbors were shown into the house. More people came and the room began to fill up. Some brought their own cushions or stools to sit upon. Many just sat down on the floor. There was an air of expectancy in the room. Caleb sat down with young Jacob by his side. Caleb’s face was serious and thoughtful as he observed all that went on.
The people had greeted Ahmal joyfully, speaking of prayers for his safe journey and return. Many of the women embraced each other. Men and women sat down unself-consciously by one another. Marah sat down to one side of Ahmal, who was obviously going to lead the meeting.
Journey to the Well: A Novel Page 27
