"I…uh… No…"
"I was hoping to introduce you to Tobiah. He was at the celebration festivities the other night, but you must have been with Michal. I think you’d like Tobiah. He’ll be coming back for Goliath’s armor in a few days from now, but he doesn’t know anyone here other than me. Do you mind if I introduce you? He’ll feel more comfortable if he makes at least one acquaintance."
"I…" She didn’t know why, but her heart was racing. She also couldn’t get her vocal chords to work. "That sounds very nice," she finally managed to gasp out. "It would be an honor to meet your cousin."
"I’m sure he’ll feel even more honored to meet you. Well, I’d better not keep you here. You’re probably in a hurry to get back to Michal. Give her my regards, and tell her I hope she starts feeling better soon."
"Yes. I’ll do that."
David bowed and disappeared out the citadel gate. In a daze, Mara made her way back to Michal’s room.
There was only one thing on her mind now. In her head she kept seeing an image of the tall young man with brown eyes and dark hair. She didn’t even know him, yet she knew he would seem familiar once they finally met. She was already at Michal’s door when she remembered the important thing she’d forgotten to do. The question! She’d forgotten to ask the question! She placed a hand against her forehead and groaned.
Michal would be unbearable, but it was unavoidable now. Somehow Mara knew she would soon be forced to lie in wait for David again.
Chapter Thirteen
יג
And Saul was afraid of David, because the
Lord was with him, and was departed from Saul.
Therefore Saul removed him from him, and
made him his captain over a thousand; and he went
out and came in before the people.
1 Samuel 18:12-13
Tobiah reverently unwrapped the Philistine sword and cradled it in his hands. He had waited several days for the chance to hold it and examine it again. The temptation to unwrap it and sneak a peek had been great, but the risk of being caught by his mother had convinced him to wait.
Athaliah was already beside herself about how long it had taken him to return. The last thing Tobiah needed was to feed that anger – especially since she and his father were still debating whether or not he’d be allowed to return to Gibeah.
"Tobiah isn’t a little boy anymore," he had heard his father saying. "We can no longer treat him like one. He’s practically a man now and needs to be trusted with a man’s tasks."
"He nearly killed me with worry!" Athaliah protested. "I had no idea whether he was dead or alive! Does that sound like a man’s behavior?"
"He was with David, David’s brothers, and his own brothers. And you have to admit the circumstances were unique. To get home any faster, he would have had to travel on his own."
"Whose side are you on anyway?" Athaliah demanded. "His or mine? I allowed him to go to the Valley of Elah. What more do you expect from me?"
As he listened to his mother’s complaints, Tobiah felt a familiar burning indignation. He hadn’t joined the battle when the opportunity presented itself. He’d kept himself – except in the one unmentioned instance – out of harm’s way. What more did she want from him?
"We’ve had this discussion before," Caleb said. "The more we hold Tobiah back, the more he’ll champ at the bit to be free. I don’t think it was a mistake to let him go with David, and I think we should carefully consider his request to go back to Gibeah. Things have calmed down since the victory at the Nahal ha-Elah, and I sense a new maturity in Tobiah that wasn’t there before. Catching a glimpse of war’s harsh realities seems to have dampened his interest in single-handedly taking on Philistia."
"I need a few more days to think about this," Athaliah stubbornly replied. "He just barely returned. I’m not ready to send him out again, wondering if he’ll be back in two days or a week or a month or never. Give me more time."
More time. That’s what his mother always wanted! More time to decide if he’d grown up. More time to decide if he was capable of making his own choices. It made him angry to be viewed – even now – as a reckless, incompetent child. He’d kept his promise and stayed away from the battle – he hadn’t sought the brief conflict that nearly ended his life. What more did he have to do to prove he was ready to face life’s challenges?
Tobiah hefted the sword in one hand and took an angry swipe at an imaginary opponent. The sword’s leather-wrapped hilt felt good in his hand. It was almost as if it had been specifically made, from the beginning, to fit his grip.
He was no longer sure warfare was meant to be his calling, but Tobiah was certain about one thing – he’d have no future at all if his mother continued to hold him captive to her personal wishes. He knew the Lord had given a commandment he should honor his father and mother, but when did the line between honoring them and honoring his right to make his own choices get crossed? What did God expect from a child whose parent was intent upon controlling every aspect of his destiny?
Tobiah shook his head and stared sullenly across the grazing sheep’s’ backs. Maybe it would help if he talked with Joel about his feelings. Maybe Joel would even talk to their mother and convince her to let Tobiah go back to Gibeah. If anyone could sway her, Joel was the one.
Tobiah glanced in Bethlehem’s direction and wondered where Joel was. They were supposed to have met at the sheep enclosure this morning and bring the flocks out together. But Joel hadn’t come. After waiting for some time, Tobiah had finally grown impatient and headed into the hills on his own. He could be trusted to take the family flocks into the wilderness, but he couldn’t be trusted to make a short journey to Gibeah and back again. The irony made him clench his fists in renewed frustration.
This trip meant more to him than being trusted by his parents. The tantalizing vision of a beautiful dark-eyed girl still spun through his mind.
Mara. Tobiah silently mouthed the name. Why did it make him feel so warm and lightheaded? For all he knew, she could be an obnoxious pampered snob; yet, somehow, he couldn’t imagine her that way. Instead, he pictured a girl with a pleasant disposition and quiet smile – girl he’d known forever despite not having met her. His feelings were so confused he couldn’t sort them out, and he was glad he didn’t have to explain them to anybody. He started to close his eyes then snapped them back open.
"Kishkush! Get back here, you miserable little beast!"
Kishkush, the flop-eared lamb with a brown patch over one eye, was Tobiah’s favorite. Maybe it was because the little animal reminded him so much of himself.
Kishkush wanted to experience the world. He wanted to escape the restraints holding him back. Unfortunately, the lamb’s lack of fear had, on more than one occasion, nearly gotten him carried off by wolves and lions. Because of this, Tobiah had to take quick action anytime the wayward creature tried to leave the flock to wander off on his own.
Rather than chase the lamb, Tobiah slipped the sword through his belt, removed his sling, and resorted to an age old shepherd trick. He looped the braided white and black goat-hair strings through his fingers and pressed a stone into the leather pad. A quick flick of the sling sent a stone humming into the bushes, causing the startled lamb to run to its mother.
Tobiah grinned and turned his attention down the worn sheep path. Footfalls echoed to his ears.
"Finally," Tobiah muttered.
Faint fingers of sunlight were now creeping across the hills, giving Tobiah enough illumination to make out his brother’s silhouette. Tobiah moved forward to call out a greeting but halted in mid-stride.
"You’re letting the sheep spread out too much," Seth complained. "If they get too far apart, it’s an easy matter for a lion or a bear to grab a quick meal. Sheep aren’t like goats. They scatter at the first sign of danger. It’s your job as the shepherd to protect them."
"I’ve taken care of the sheep well enough without your help," Tobiah said, not trying to hide his annoyance. "I’ve st
ayed with them night and day the entire time you were in the Shephelah, and I haven’t lost one of them yet. I’ve even taken your turn sleeping at the sheepfold so you could spend your evenings with your family. Why are you here? Where’s Joel? He’s the one who’s supposed to help me today."
He looked past Seth, hoping to see Joel a little farther down the path, but Seth just looked at him and sneered.
"I’ll be watching the sheep with you," Seth said. "I’ve traded days with Joel so I can help my father-in-law tomorrow. By the looks of things, I got here none too soon."
Tobiah was about to form another angry retort but noticed Seth’s startled wide-eyed look. He followed his brother’s gaze and felt the color drain from his face.
The sword! He’d forgotten about it.
"What is that?"
"What’s what?"
"You know exactly what I’m talking about! The sword. It’s Philistine. Where did you get it?"
"I don’t know how that’s any of your business," Tobiah answered in a low, angry voice. "It’s mine. That’s all you need to know."
"Fine," Seth said, a malicious smile spreading slowly across his face. "Don’t tell me. But I’m sure Father and Mother will make it their business to find out."
Tobiah didn’t respond. He glared at Seth, a sinking feeling filling his stomach.
"Enjoy the sword while you can," Seth said, "because you won’t have it long."
"What do you mean?"
"You don’t honestly believe Mother will allow you to keep it, do you. The only place you could have gone to find a sword like this was the battlefield at Elah. You and I both know you were forbidden to set foot there. Father will confiscate the sword. That’s what I’d do if I were him."
Tobiah placed a protective hand over the sword’s hilt. He hadn’t nearly lost his life only to have his parents take his most prized possession from him. But Seth was right. They would make him hand it over once they found out about it.
"I’m going over to the other side of the flock," Seth said, smirking. "I’m sure you’ll be safe here by yourself. After all, you have your mighty Philistine sword for protection." He walked away, laughing, while Tobiah smoldered and fumed; but Tobiah’s anger died quickly, replaced by depression.
He’d been planning to tell his parents about the sword. When the time was right and they were ready to hear it. But now he realized there never would have been a ‘right’ time. So long as he remained unmarried and stayed here in Bethlehem, his life would never be his own. Perhaps it was time for a change. A drastic one.
It frightened Tobiah to think about striking out on his own, but it might be the only solution left to him.
"Go ahead and smirk," he muttered, casting an angry glare in his departing brother’s direction. "Find your joy in my problems while you can. But it won’t last long. One way or another I’m going back to Gibeah. The only question is if I’ll ever come back."
—
The citadel courtyard was crowded with Saul’s advisors and various other dignitaries and officials of the kingdom. No one knew exactly why they had been called here, but it was apparently for something important.
The sun was already down. Saul had called these men from their families and evening meals, and there was a risk many would be disgruntled. But cool scented water – flavored with rose petals and violets – was now being brought out. Kitchen servants walked to and fro, also distributing figs, raisins, nuts, and bread. The king wanted his audience to be comfortable and happy.
Mara slipped silently across the courtyard, searching for a place where she could watch the proceedings without being noticed. Torches had been lit, but their flickering light didn’t reach the dark pockets in the courtyard’s corners. She quickly settled herself into one of these and prayed her father wouldn’t notice her lurking there.
Gideon was seated in his usual place near Saul. There was a smile on his lips, but Mara saw anger smoldering in his eyes. The meeting with Josiah hadn’t gone well. Before Ayalah left Gibeah with her husband-to-be, she’d told Mara a little about the conversation Josiah had with their father.
"I pray for your sake you never fall in love," Ayalah said with tears streaking her face. "When it comes to matters of love and marriage, our father is completely unreasonable."
"Why? What happened? What did he say?"
"He called Josiah a thief. He said he was a lowly criminal who sneaks around a man’s house without his knowledge attempting to steal away his treasures. He said his daughters belong to Saul’s household and Josiah has no right to fill my mind with silly ideas about marriage."
This wasn’t unexpected. But her father’s vehemence surprised Mara.
"Josiah and I are leaving Gibeah now," Ayalah continued. "We’ll be married at Josiah’s parents’ house. Father has rent his clothing and told me if I leave I’ll no longer be his daughter."
This was much harsher than anything Mara had expected, and she quickly took Ayalah’s hand in sympathy.
"I wish I could be there," she whispered. "I wish I could be there to see your wedding and help prepare you for the bridegroom’s coming."
Through her tears, Ayalah smiled, and she held Mara’s hand a little tighter.
"I wish it, too. But if ever you decide to marry or just need to see me again, you can look for me in Hebron. Josiah’s family has vineyards there, and he’s decided to leave Saul’s service so we can settle down and raise a family."
"Hebron," Mara said. "That’s two day’s journey from here. I didn’t realize you’d be leaving Gibeah."
"I know," Ayalah said. "It’s a long way away, and I’m going to miss you; but you know where I’ll be, and you know you’ll always be in my prayers. I’m sure this won’t be the last time we see each other."
Mara wasn’t so certain about that. What chance was there she’d ever make the trip to Hebron? Michal certainly wouldn’t want her to leave – even for a few days – and she knew her father would never make arrangements for her to visit a daughter he had just disowned. She hadn’t realized until now what a comfort it was to have Ayalah at the citadel near her. She suddenly felt vulnerable and alone.
Saul was moving to a place where all could see and hear him, and Mara’s thoughts returned to the present. The noise in the courtyard died as Saul cleared his throat.
"I’ve called you here this evening," he said, "to stand as witnesses before Israel that service to the king doesn’t go unrewarded. You’ve heard the stories of our great victory over the Philistines. You’ve listened to the tales about David’s role in the victory."
Heads nodded, and an approving murmur spread across the courtyard. Mara thought she heard an angry tightening in Saul’s voice when he spoke again.
"Such bravery and such service," he said, "should not be forgotten. I wish to give David a fitting reward."
Mara took a deep breath and held it. Saul was finally going to do it. He was finally going to follow through with the promised reward.
"David," Saul said, turning toward his young harpist and motioning for him to rise. "Come and stand beside me."
David, looking nervous, did as Saul commanded. He stood at the monarch’s right hand.
"Let it be known and recorded in Israel," Saul said, "that David, on this day, receives his reward. Because he killed our enemies’ champion, I hereby make him my sar alef – a captain over my thousand."
David looked confused. So did everyone else. Abner, the current captain of Saul’s hosts, wore an expression of absolute bewilderment.
"David," Saul said, looking pleased with himself. "Today I put you in command of a thousand troops. Serve me and Israel well and greater rewards will come to you."
No mention of riches. No mention of Merab as a wife. In fact, there was no mention at all of any of the rewards Saul had originally promised. Most startling was the complete lack of reason behind Saul’s decision. Who would make an inexperienced shepherd a captain over a thousand? David was no soldier. He was barely even a man. Hero or not, he was n
either old enough nor qualified enough to lead the king’s soldiers.
Abner seemed to share this sentiment. His face was red, but Saul didn’t bother looking in Abner’s direction.
"My will has been made known," the king calmly went on. "On the morrow, David will assume leadership over his troops."
Mara watched as Saul moved away, motioning for David, Jonathan, and Abner to follow him. Mara’s father, Gideon, furiously scrawled text across a parchment as excitedly murmuring voices filled the courtyard. Mara took advantage of the confusion to slip, unnoticed, back to Michal’s room.
There was no logic in Saul’s decision. None whatsoever. It must be the irrational workings of a deteriorating mind.
Or was it?
Another possibility suddenly came to Mara. What if there was something more to this than madness? What if Saul had a hidden plan behind this unexpected appointment – a devious plan to rid himself of David?
Mara shook her head and frowned. So many strange things had happened over the past few days, and she had the uncomfortable feeling more was yet to come.
Chapter Fourteen
יד
And David behaved himself wisely in
all his ways; and the Lord was with him.
(1 Samuel 18:14)
Tobiah looked at his parents and struggled to hold back words he knew he would regret.
"It’s true," he mumbled. "I have a sword. I found it in the Philistine camp and brought it back with me. I was planning to tell you about it, but… I never got around to it."
"Planning to tell us?" Athaliah’s face turned red and her voice got louder with each new word. "Never got around to it? When did you plan to say something, Tobiah? After you’d killed somebody with it?"
"I don’t want to use my sword on anyone," Tobiah protested. "At least not if I don’t have to. I don’t want to kill, but I also don’t want to be killed."
Caleb looked at him as if he suspected there was an untold story behind Tobiah’s words; but Athaliah merely grew more furious.
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