The Refuge
()
About this ebook
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.
Sarah V. Jacober
Sarah V. Jacober graduated from Nyack College. With four children, she and her minister husband worked twenty-two years in India. Transferred to Bethlehem, Israel, they taught Bible and visited Bedouin tents for fifteen years. A retired widow, she has authored six books and resides in North Carolina with her family.
Related to The Refuge
Related ebooks
Till Shiloh Comes (Lions of Judah Book #4) Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Poison Candy (Behind Closed Doors - Book 2) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsWoman of Mettle Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSummons From a Stranger Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Helena Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSong of the Tree Frogs: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Adulteress Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsRahab: Hidden Scars Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSiege of the Remnant: The Gifted Chronicles, #1 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsFaith Finders Series Books 4-6: Faith Finders Boxset, #2 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsFall of the King Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Profit Prophet Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsUnexpected Guest - (Behind Closed Doors 3) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Journey: The Rebekah Series, #2 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Hope: The Rebekah Series, #3 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Rise of Cain Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Lasting Legacy: Faith Finders, #6 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Past or The Coming Future Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsUntil My Name Is Known Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Scent of Mortals: The Genesis Trilogy, #0.5 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsResurrection: The Sword And The Cross Chronicles, #4 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsGod's Trumpets of Wrath Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Painted Bride: Best-Dressed Series, #2 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHeading Home Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsQueen of Sheba Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Fire & Flood: A Novel Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsRuth Erskine's Son Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Redemption of Freetown Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsAnd God Requireth That Which Is Past. The Invincible Empire Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Saving Mr. Bingle: A New Orleans Christmas Mystery Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Historical Fiction For You
Demon Copperhead: A Pulitzer Prize Winner Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Invisible Hour: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Cloud Cuckoo Land: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The House of Eve Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek: A Novel Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Lady Tan's Circle of Women: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5East of Eden (Original Classic Edition) Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Rebecca Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Poisonwood Bible: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Strange Case of the Alchemist's Daughter Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Hallowe'en Party: Inspiration for the 20th Century Studios Major Motion Picture A Haunting in Venice Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The House Is on Fire Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Canterbury Tales Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Euphoria Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Sold on a Monday: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Quiet American Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Yellow Wife: A Novel Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5We Have Always Lived in the Castle Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I, Claudius Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Red Tent - 20th Anniversary Edition: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Pale Blue Eye: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Clockmaker's Daughter: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Lost Journals of Sacajewea: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Rules of Magic: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5This Tender Land: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Girls in the Stilt House: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Magic Lessons: The Prequel to Practical Magic Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Book Woman's Daughter: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Book of Magic: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Sisters Brothers Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Related categories
Reviews for The Refuge
0 ratings0 reviews
Book preview
The Refuge - Sarah V. Jacober
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 to someone. A relative pursued me immediately—and legitimately—according to our laws.
Nathan interrupted the explanation. We can discuss that later. It‘s time for breakfast, and you must be famished. Let’s thank God for bringing you here to safety. Then we will eat.
Sarah brought ruby-red pomegranate juice, hard-boiled eggs, olives, cheese and bread. While they ate, the priest said, Tell me how you were supporting your family.
I was my father’s assistant. I learned how to care for his flocks as well as his business and household records.
So you were a number of things: shepherd, veterinarian, accountant, treasurer and manager.
Nathan smiled and tactfully questioned the young man in detail about his ability and experience.
I can try to find work for you,
he offered. This is the usual procedure, and most refugees are happy to be kept busy during their incarceration.
Nathan knew it might be days, months, even years before Joel could ever return to his home. Meanwhile, the young man would be confined to the city and face a court case that would find him guilty or innocent of the alleged crime he had committed. Freedom depended upon the death of the priest, which automatically released refugees. And—he smiled as the thought flitted across his mind—this priest had no intention of dying in the near future!
A job suits me fine, sir.
Joel’s deep voice sounded exhausted and relieved.
After the meal, Nathan took the newcomer to the home of Abel, a wealthy shepherd, and introduced him. "You are continually grumbling about needing an assistant for your flocks, so I’ve brought