The Tree Crimson
Ella Johnson
Copyright 2011 by Ella Johnson
Smashwords Edition
How important were trees to the creator of the universe? It would seem the survival and well being of mankind was often akin to the forests, which usually surrounded him.
The Garden of Eden was endowed with varieties of trees from every species, known and unknown to mankind today. However, the emphasis was on one tree, the Tree Of Knowledge and of Good And Evil. The Tree Of Life, being the only two trees in the Garden God had instructed Adam and Eve not to eat the fruit from.
Noah was instructed by God to build an Ark for a divine appointment of Gods’ cleansing of the earth. Noah and his sons built the Ark from Gopher Wood. A Gopher Wood Tree preserved salvation for all mankind’s good preserving man and the animals. Wood was burned on an alter by Noah after departing from the Ark giving a praise and thanks to God’s preservation of mankind.
Unfortunately, Eve and Adam did eat of the fruit of the Tree Of Knowledge of Good and evil. Therefore, they brought sin and a curse on themselves and the earth and all things on the earth. God instructed them to leave the Garden Of Eden by putting two angels with flaming swards across the entrance.
The wood from the trees became firewood and construction for shelter.
The Children of Israel constructed an Ark Of The Covenant from Acacia Wood. As the instruction from God was given. It was the divine presence of the Lord God among them.
The Rod of Moses became a tool of divine appointment by God in the land of Egypt. It was instrumental in the deliverance from the land of Egypt, to whom they had become slaves.
The Holy Temple was instructed to be built in Jerusalem by King Solomon. The instruction was given by God to build it according to his plan. It was a magnificent and blessed Holy Temple, in which the alter of sacrificial lambs and bulls were regularly offered up for Atonement of the people. The Holy of Holies was only available to the High Priest once a year for a sacrifice to the Living God of Israel.
As a Tree was used in the fall of mankind; so too, it would be used in the redemption of mankind, an altar of sorts. A Sycamore Tree, or perhaps a Dogwood Tree. The species for all intent and purpose, we will call:THE TREE CRIMSON, THE SACRIFICIAL ALTER.
Jerusalem, home for a few Jews who were left to live and care for the land after the Roman occupation. Those who toiled and paid taxes raised families and worshipped at the Holy Temple every Sabbath. Life was at best, tolerable; even with pockets of comfort, love and profit, now and then. With the exception, Rome owned all, dictated all, and demanded their all.
What a great destiny in history awaited this Benzoic Family. A simple farmer, who was a Jew, in a land governed by Rome, with a semblance of influence by the Jewish Temple Elders.
There was a distant rumble of thunder, a flash of lightening cracked across the horizon? Damian Benoi tossed the small withered seed upon the rocky terrain.
Damion Benoi headed down the hill to his home. Little did he know the significance of the sowing of seeds that day ?
The shadows of things to come passed over the land that day. The City of David, Bethlehem, City of bread. A rabbi of Royal lineage, a descendent of King David. A Prophet from the wilderness, known as John the Baptist.
A Pass Over like no other the question that would be asked as always, “Why is this night different then any other? “ Only the Anointed One at the head of the Table would know the Lamb provided was slain from the foundation of the earth, for all of mankind.
A powerful drama, historical events and facts unfolding, an invisible struggle integrated into the hearts of men.
The son of Damion Benoi, Jamar, and his daughter, Rabekah, would be touched in the terribleness of events to follow that eve, that pivotal, timeless, prophecy fulfilled. If would mark their minds, and shake the City of Jerusalem. The imprint would be left forever in history, and into all of eternity
CHARACTERS
Damion Benoi: One the main characters. He is one of the many Hebrew People who were among the displaced after the last army won in battle and conquered the City of Jerusalem. His profession is a farmer/common laborer in the tree groves and grape vineyards of his overseer, Sia Metrie. His physical characteristics: brownish red hair and beard and gray eyes. His resilient personality and wide smile are quick to give favor with friends and merchants alike. He is a wise steward as well as a knowledgeable
Agronomist. He is rather tall in stature and muscular in build.
Sarah Benoi: Damion’s wife. She is a good wife and mother. Her eyes are dark, and eyes are hazel. She has an olive complexion. She is rather outspoken. Her talent in weaving rugs and blankets is well known in the area. She is light hearted most of the time.
Rabekah: She is a rather petite girl in stature. Her hair is light brown and her eyes are blue. She loves music and hums a tune most of the time. She has a flute, which he brother carved for her. The sheep on the hill are pleased to have her company as their shepherd ability. She has a winsome personality.
Jamar Benoi: He is a rather stout young man, muscular in his physic. His smile is a broad as his fathers and his dark flashing eyes are quick to pick up on the surrounding areas and moments. Dark locks of curly hair surrounded his face, enhancing his features. He is quite strong willed as his mother, but tempers it with the wisdom of his father. He is a potential leader, and is a visionary.
Sia Metrie: Slender, tall man, with receding red haired and beard. He is a good businessman as well. He has been granted the charge of many acres of olive groves, sycamore trees, and vineyards. He is usually well dressed and well versed in business matters. He is a good father, although he is absent from home on business often. He has gained favor with some of the governing Roman factors.
Samson Metrie: He is a slender, tall young man with curly red hair. His green eyes and sharp features distinguish him among the croud. He will later become a man after his father’s business heart. He is rather introverted and dependent on approval of both of his parents. He likes to help make pottery and designs are original. He is betrothed to Rebekah Benoi.
Reuben Ben Yeron: A neighbor of Benoi’s. He has black curly hair and an olive complexion and dark brown eyes. He is a refined young man; medium built, and carries himself well. He is very people oriented. His father is prominent in the Temple. He is soon to go into rabbinical training.
Pearl: She is a very beautiful young lady. Her hair is dark blond and her eyes are brown. She has a sweet smile and quiet personality. She is rather plump, and does not speak. She lives with her grandfather by the Great Sea, (The Sea Of Galilee.) He is a retired fisherman. They attend the Temple in Capernaum.
PAST JEWISH HISTORY
The history of the Chosen People of Israel is vastly different from other cultures of people in many respects. As an example of God’s love, he chose them although they were few in number. Being tested and tried time after time, with kings who were good, and some who were not so good, Israel’s history was recorded. Sometimes they were taken to foreign lands after being disobedient to their God. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob walked with them, talked with them, and he demonstrated the relationship he wanted with them in his love for them. His supernatural power was revealed in and through them time after time. History has been interwoven with the Jews as a people separate to himself and thru the seed of Isaac all nations would be blessed. When they walked uprightly before the Living God, things went well, when they did not, the Ancient of Days withdrew his hand from them.
Later, as Isaiah the Prophet wrote: Is. 7:14, “behold the Lord himself shall give you a sign, a virgin shall conceive and bare a son and his name shall be called Emmanuel, (God with us).” In Luke 2, the prophecy given his name shall be called Jesus, meaning salvation.
Prophecy unfolded, the beginning of the tangible evidence of the Redeemer’s promise, came to earth!
(Glory to God in the Highest!)
The story began even years before Messiah’s arrival. The Roman government, the people who lived about the cities, all assigned to be there at this appointed time in history.
This is the setting for the story imprinted upon these s; and the time place, and culture in which the characters are a part.
Though the Kingdom of Judah existed for more than a century after the fall of Israel; it’s a later history is an account of disintegration and decay. The end of it did not come with one severe blow, but in several installments. The first band of exiles being taken to Babylon at the time of Jehoiakim’s time, (2Kings 24, 10-16, and the last the largest when Zedikiah rebelled against the King of Babylon. 2 Chron. 36:17-21, Jeremiah 52. It was at this time that Jerusalem was utterly destroyed, and not only had the temple been abused, but the magnificent temple was destroyed. All of the palaces of the city were burned, and the wall of the city broken down.
Only the poorest of people of the land were permitted to remain. The Captain of the guard of the Babylonian King given them vineyards and fields to tend, and a place to live.
Many years later, under a different government, the time and place of the events are real, the fictitious characters who live there are not. However, their lives are portrayed to intermingle with real events and people of the day. Their reactions and actions can only be in a human perspective of mankind’s experiences in common, which supercedes time. The Nation of Israel is a shaping of those to come in modern times, even with the Greek and Roman influences.
We will look into the dwelling place of Damion Benoi and his family. His employer, Sia Metrie and family neighbors and friends in close and distant places. All are under the same shadow of the Tree Crimson as the alter of the Supreme sacrifice offered for mankind. (Is. 53, Ps. 22)
Damion Benoi and Sia Metrie are family who are allowed to keep the land by Jerusalem as a habitation and a lively hood.The Roman government is ruling the land.
The time frame is approximately 22 years before the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Messiah.
The lit fragrance of rich, spicy candles filled the room. Sarah, Damion, Jamar, and Naomi sat before the Menorah.They had enjoyed a feast in the spirit of celebration.
They rehearsed the historical facts of Judas McCabe’s and his Jewish followers recovered the Holy City and the Holy Temple. The temple was cleansed. A new alter and new holy vessels were made and the Jewish Congregation held an eight day celebration. The miracle of dedication of the purification of the temple, one days supply of consecrated oil was turned to eight days in the Holy lamp. Thus, the celebration of lights.
With this celebration came the longing in hearts to be free from the present day Roman occupation.
A knock came at the door. Damion arose and answered it. “Aha, Shalom, Damion,” greeted a servant of the neighbor. He bowed and left after he delivered the basked of fruit from Sia Metri.
Jamar, Damion and Sarah’s young son, came and held tight to Damion’s leg. Damion placed the fruit on the table, and remarked, “from Sia Metri. He comes through on these special occasions to be the man he really is when he is not so busy!”
Damion pick up his young son , and looking into his eyes, he said, “time for bed, young man!”
Sarah finished clearing the table. “Look, Damion, Macadamia nuts, pomegranates, salted fish, walnuts and jelly!” “Oh, Damion,” said Sarah, “Yosel also gave me a bit of spice from the orient!” Damion flashed a wide smile of approval.
Naomi arose from her seated position, bowed and excused herself to retire for the evening. Sarah took Jamar to his bed to lie down.
Damion
sat and said prayers as the last candle flickered for a moment and
then went out.
A few days later, Damion prepared to meet Sia Metri near his dwelling place. He stole quietly out of the adobe abode and traveled down the well trodden rocky path.
The dew covered underbrush glistening on the hillside. The garden outside of Metries was dormant. A few gourds lay tossed on the side of the rocky fence.
“Damion!” called Sia. “Here, take the hot broth Yosel has prepared for you, it will warm you along the way to Jerusalem. Damian drank the steamy broth from the gourd. It warmed him through and through.
“Taxes!” exclaimed Sia Metri. “Rome always has some way to bleed us dry!” The donkey trailed behind him, his small hooves clicking in rhythm to their steps. They passed olive vineyards, Sycamore Trees and grapevines. Damion noticed a glistening spider’s web covering a bush along the rocky trail.
The bleating of sheep and goats lingered in the early morning air. The road to Jerusalem was crowded with a variety of travelers. Their voices grew louder as Sia and Damion joined them. The clay jars on the donkey’s back clattered with every step he took. The road was cluttered with different objects people had lost along the way. The decree of Caesar Augustus had gone out to all surrounding regions of Israel. All citizens had their notices, tax collection slips and stamped and seal by the Roman Government Procurator. This trip to Jerusalem would be one of the few times Sia would go with Damion. They made a proclamation concerning the land and the profit from the land. Records were kept and verified.
As Sia was a prominent businessman, he did not hesitate to associate with the businessmen of the city. Of course, most were members of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Also, the Merchant’s General businessmen would notify businessmen, traveling nomadic merchants from all over the known world of their day.
Sia’s turban wrapped about his head was attached in the front with a jeweled latchet. Sia’s fine silk garment revealed his higher status in society. The girdle about his waste was colorful; the sandals on his feet were made of high quality leather.
Sia Metri spoke with assurance in his deep smooth voice. His words were well chosen. He had mastered many subjects, but what he did not know about a matter he went to inquire at the feet of some on the finest minds there. One of them happened to be Gamalius.
Damion, on the other hand, was a common man, and wore the same robe, girdle, and sandals of most in his culture. He was the rule, not the exception concerning the dress of the day. His neat, clean appearance and voice of assurance drew people to him to hear what he had to say. He was very knowledgeable about things in agriculture.
As they approached Jerusalem, they went separate ways.
Damion had also gone to Jerusalem to buy tree seed.His gray eyes were sharp to discern the best seed. “Extra seed?” inquired Damian. The merchant smiled and said, “a little extra bonus for all the years you have traded with us!” exclaimed the merchant. He added, “it has been a good year for us, even Rome has given us favor!” The merchant leaned close to his ear and said, “Damascus, we have received tree seedlings from Damascus, Damion,” the merchant said.
Damion smiled at the merchant and said, “Benjamin, if I could buy the seedlings from you, I would!” He shook his head and said, “Sia Metri did not approve any more then what I have gotten today.” He added, “besides, if something went wrong with the seedlings, or if they spread disease to the rest of the trees, I 7
would never hear the end of it!”
“Well, if you would just pass the word along, Damion, I would appreciate it!” said Benjamin.
“Of course, Damion agreed.
I must return to the gate, Benjamin, Sia awaits my return!” Damion turned and made his exit out of the shop.
The morning had been well spent and afternoon approached rapidly. Sia Metri awaited Damion’s return. Sia waved briskly at Damion. “Here, brother!” he exclaimed.
Damion moved cautiously through the crowd. “Rome!” exclaimed Sia. “One moment they are almost tolerable to live with, and the next, they flex their muscles, and we have to jump!” “They fill their pockets with all they can get, and then demand more taxes for the road system, of course their armies, their chariots, “ Damion nudged him. “Sia, a Roman Soldier is looking our way, with the look of a dagger in his eyes!” Sia looked into the glaring eyes of the soldier. Sia shook his head and said in a low voice, “a lot they care about Jerusalem merchants.” He added, “we have to beg for a few extra gratuities.”
Sia’s eyes skimmed the crowd for someone of prominence that he might know. Damion changed the subject. “Have you gone over to the windbreak as of late, Sia?” he asked. “There are many trees which will have to be cut down this coming year.He added, “the past wind storms were trying on the older trees. He asked in a pleading voice, “ perhaps a few seedlings this year would help the groves of trees get a better and healthier start?” Sia looked back at Damion and said, “you’ve been talking to Benjamin the merchant again, have you?” Damion shook his head yes. “the seeds you have been getting from him have been fine, Damion.” He added, “let’s keep up with a good thing.”
The young couple that moved into the meadow area, have you met them yet?” asked Damion. “A few days ago, I noticed the young man, Mariah, gathering some of the broken branches from under the trees.”
Damion added, “of course I encouraged them to gather as many as the might need.”
“I thought maybe, if it were all right with you, he could help me when his time would allow in exchange for olive oil, grapes, and fruit,” said Damion. “Of course, I said nothing to him before I talked with you, Sia.”
Sia spotted a friend ahead of them in line going to get a tax number. He looked away, and as he waved he told Damion, “Yes, of course, another strong back and willing hands.” With those words Sia walked ahead to visit with his friend.
It wasn’t long until Damion stepped up to the table of the tax collector. “Take a number and step over to that line,” the man instructed in a numb tone of voice. “Have your money ready, we don’t want to be at this all day long!” Damion took a number and moved on.
Roman Guards stood at attention. They were always suspicious of an uprising of the people. And of course, there were those who could not pay what they asked and were taken to prison.
Sia stepped ahead of Damion. “Name, date of birth, city of birth, and your present living quarters and location.”
Just then a man head of them began to shout, “your lying!” he added, “that man has more sheep then I do and he is paying less taxes!”
The Roman Soldier stepped in to break up the quarrel.
“Oh yes, added the tax collector, “don’t forget to put the number of animals you own!”
“You, wait, I have to check the registrar from your last tax status, and don’t think you can slip by that easily without being noticed!” yelled the tax collector. A Roman Guard quickly grabbed the man by the arm and drug him back to the line.
After Sia left from paying taxes, he walked quickly up to a man who had just exited from paying his taxes. “Hezachia!” he exclaimed. The man’s expression changed immediately after seeing Sia. “Sia, how have you been?” he asked. “How is your wife?” he added. The crowd began to press hard on them as they spoke. “Sia, Hezachia said, “let’s meet for tea, we can talk and perhaps you can meet a friend of mine who will be of interest to you!” he added, “his name is Matthew.” Sia looked again at his stamped paid document, and agreed to meet Hezachia.
As Damion and Sia strolled down the narrow streets of Jedrusalem, merchants and venders called from nearly every corner in the market place. They had brought their goods to sell in makeshift carts. Business was brisk.
“Damion” a voice addressed him from a private door way. Sia and Damion went through the archway and into a well-kept flower garden. A young girl stood next to her elderly grandmother. The grandmother was weaving a blanket. Beautiful blended dyed colors streams of yarn woven neatly into a pattern fell across the table.
“You have not brought me any of your mother-in-laws rugs to sell these past few weeks, is she well?” she asked graciously. Before Damion could answer she went on to say, “you know that I cannot keep her rugs in stock when the merchants come to Jerusalem from other regions.”
Damion looked at her with a smile and said, “Naomi is well, thank you.” He added, “she has not sent any rugs with me, as of late.” “Perhaps you can visit a busy grandmother soon, you know you are always welcome.”
Sia walked towards the doorway. He had business to do and people to meet.
“I am going to go over to the Temple,” said Damion. “Perhaps I can meet you there after you have finished your business.”
“Of course,” said Sia. “I will be there for afternoon prayers.”
Many people thronged the Holy Temple Court Yard. Even the Gentiles’ had mingled into the outer court to meet acquaintances and friends. Damion and Sia moved to the group of men gathered on the floor to worship and pray. The songs and prayers arose in unison, blending nto a vocal pattern. The sound of their voices ascended as a vapor arising higher and higher to the Holy God of Israel.
The Priest began reading from Psalm 23:
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures;
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me
In the paths of righteousness
For his name sake.
Yea though I walk through the valley
Of the shadow of death, I will
Fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy
Rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou prepares a table before me
In the presence of mine enemies:
Thou anointest my head with oil;
My cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life:
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
Forever.
Amen
Chapter 2
A couple of days later:
In the courtyard across the city, Herod’s palace looked in the horizon. Men from a far away land approached the metal gate. “Halt, who goes there!” a guard stopped them quickly.“What is the nature of the business with Herod?”
“Have no fear, sir, we have brought gifts for your newborn king, and we came from far away.” Informed the man. Pointing into the sky, he stated, “See the brilliant light in the sky!” ”We have been following it for some time, as it moves across the sky.“It seems to be stopping here; and so, may we enquire of your ruler?”
The guard beheld their kingly apparel; he stepped back into the shadows. The guards at the gate did not remove the stance. They could vaguely hear a conversation between the Tetrarch and the guard.
The guard hastily returned to them, and quickly escorted them into his royal presence.
“We are baring precious gifts for your new king, as the Magi informed us, a royal king!” Herod sat a moment, putting his chin on his closed fist, he leaned forward on his knee and said, “and just where was this king to be born?”
He retreated to his private chamber for a time; retrieving those who should know about such maters. When he returned he stated with a note of sarcasm, “if you find this king, please come and informed immediately; so, I too can go to greet him with gifts!” He looked away, and smiled slyly, at his private guard. Herod leaned back in his large chair.
The Kings of the Orient left Herods’ presence, silk robes rustling around them.
He had little time, or manpower to search for such a king. Tax season, so many people coming to the city and surrounding areas, he could not loose control now. He would let these very wise kings do his looking. If there were anything to it, he would also have his wise men search out the ancient records.
Damion and Sia had received their rations of millet given out by the Holy Temple. The spirit of their prayers was still fresh in their minds and hearts. Few words were exchanged between them. The donkey gave a loud bray as they loaded him. The sun slipped silently behind visible clouds. The dampness of evening began to set in. The crowd, which had dominated the rocky road, had thinned into only a few travelers now.
Sia stopped suddenly, looking into the evening ski and exclaimed, “The bright star, where has it come from?” They both gazed in amazement, South towards Bethlehem a divine brightness beyond description filled the night sky. They moved quickly down the homeward trail. Shadows from the tree groves loomed on either side of them, when suddenly; a brake in the trees shined a light from the window of Sia’s dwelling. Damion Ben Sia good evening.His bones seemed a bit worry after the long day. He continued to gaze at the brilliant light from the star to the South. What could it mean?
A few mornings later, Damion filled the orders of olive oil. He had given Sarah the orders for the woven blankets and rugs. Naomi had been finishing one special woven blanket. Naomi’s long fingers slipped between the wooden panels designing a blue star etched in golden yarn. The boarders of the blanket were covered with a fine mixture of silk. This blanket would be for her grandchild . She would make one for every grandchild of hers. She had woven one for her grandson, Jamar. It was woven with all the colors I will be able to rest awhile.” This child I am carrying is taking a lot out of me!” she laughed and said “I don’t remember being this tired when I was carrying Jamar.” Jamar began to cry when Damion and Naomi made ready to go to Jerusalem. “I will bring you something back from my trip to Jerusalem, my little son!” exclaimed Damion. He smiled and hugged his mother. His second birthday was approaching soon.
Travel to Jerusalem was difficult.A thunderstorm had moved through in the night and made the way a slippery path.As they walked, bright rays of sunshine peaked through the clouds. The donkey brayed as he carried his load of woven rugs and blankets. The skins of olive oil hung limply from his back.
As Damion and Naomi trudged down the rocky path, they noticed someone moving along the side of the adobe home of Sia Metri. He was getting ready to white wash the garden walls.
As they moved down along the main road to Jerusalem, Naomi said, “let me go to the weavers tent first for more wool and a addle that I will trade a rug for it today.” As they were passing the open gate to the Garden of Gethsemane, Damion’s sandal hooked on a tree root. He looked into the gate at the garden. In the center stood a very tall magnificent tree.
The walls of Jerusalem stood thick and straight about the City of Jerusalem. The gates swung open as visitors moved freely through them. Many people made their way down the open streets to the market place. Naomi went to the elderly woman and her grand daughter. “Oh, Naomi,” exclaimed the grandmother, “we missed you and your merchandise these past few weeks, especially during the tax collections!” She was quick to continue, “but never the less, baring in your rugs and blankets, I am eager to see them!” Naomi had rightly made a good name for her self in the weaving circles.
“Oh, so many beautiful woven colors!” she exclaimed. “would you tell an old woman some of your secret dying methods?” Naomi looked at her out of the corner of her eye. “Someday my grand daughter will have them!” she laughed. The older woman replied, “but, you don’t have a grand daughter!” Naomi answered, “not yet, but maybe soon!” They both laughed.
The old woman reached for a child’s blanket. “Oh, I must have this one for myself!” Naomi was quick to put it under the others. “This one is one I just brought to show you!”
The older woman took Naomi’s arm and led her back to their living quarters. “Come here, and let me show you something you will not believe!” She exclaimed. Pointing to the wall, she revealed a beautiful rug woven in a different design then either of them had seen. “This one belongs to a traveler from far beyond Damascus, perhaps even the mountains!” She continued, “I lent him my donkey, and he left this for security!”
“And just when will this man return?” asked Naomi.
“He said within a months time, but to me it would be worth it if he did not return for it!” She added, “that donkey is not that young anymore and we got the use out of him we needed.”
“Naomi!” called a man from the entrance of the living quarters. “Would you like me to go on and do my business and return for you?” asked Damion.
Naomi came to the open doorway and shook her head no. “Please, just one more moment!”
Naomi went to the back of the living quarters and then returned. “Now we can go.”
Naomi was satisfied with the profit she had made on her goods.
They passed several open fires in the court yard areas. They continued on to the Holy Temple to take their alms to the poor. They both went into their separate area for prayer. The Spirit of the Lord was strong that day. There was an air of Holiness. Naomi had brought the blanket into the Temple, the one she had made for her grandchild.
After she had finished praying, she went out near the pool of Salome. A mother stood with a child
In her arms. The father held his staff and had his arm around his wife.
“Hello!” said Naomi. “How are you this beautiful day.” She was looking down at the small baby in the mothers arms. “My name is Naomi, what is yours?” she asked softly.
“Mary.” the lady said. “This is my husband Joseph.” “Yes, and this is my son Jesus.”
“We brought him to the Temple today for the Priest to dedicate him to God and have him circumcised.” Joseph said.
Naomi could not take her eyes off of the baby Jesus.
Finally she said, “I have a gift for you, baby Jesus.” She handed the quilt she had made for her grandchild to Mary. Mary smiled.
“Yes, I can always make another quilt,” said Naomi.
She went to join Damion for there trip back home. Some how the sun seemed to be shining brighter.
As the sun descended in the West, the colors of shades of crimson and purple hues darkened the sky.
The people of Jerusalem were once again shattered by the gruesome hand of the Romans. All of Judea reeled and mourned for the young infant sons of Israel. Those that were two years old and younger were pulled from their mother and fathers arms and murdered. People were helpless against the army of Roman Soldiers slaughter, by the orders of King Herod!
Outside of Jerusalem behind adobe walls the Benoi family shuttered. The glow from the fire could not warm Damion. A silent chill filled the room. Sarah clung tightly to their young son, Jamar. She finally looked into her husband’s eyes and said, “what if we had lived in Judea?!”
As the droning of a pounding hammer echoed through the valley, Damion spoke softly, “what next?!” “He said, there is no where to go for a refuge or peace.” Naomie had retired early for the evening.
Suddenly a knock came at their door! Once, twice, the third time, a familiar voice of Sia Metrie asked, “is any one home?”
“Come in!” said Damion with an urgency in his voice. They moved close to the glowing fireplace. “Do you have family in the region of Judea?” He asked Sia. Sia sat his basket of baked goods beside Sarah and said, “not that I know about. Damion.” He continued, “I came as soon as I heard the news, and can only stay here briefly.” “My wife is at home, and I must comfort her.” “She insisted that I bring these baked goods to Sarah.”
“Herod has gone made with consuming the Jews and there is nothing we can do to fight back!” He said pounding his fist on the table.
“Naomi fainted when she heard the news!” “She has not been the same for a couple of days.” Said Damion. “But then who has been!” he added.
Sarah said, “We must keep on praying to Jahovah, he is always near!”
“Oh Lord God of Israel, how long must we await the Messiah to deliver us?!”
Damion added, “Oh gracious King of the Universe, look upon us in your mercy and grace, for we have no one but you to call out to!”
Damion walked Sia to the road leading to his home. “We have such heavy hearts, Lord,” Damion said looking up into the stars in the sky. Looking down at Jerusalem he said, “he will come forth one day!”
Indeed, these were the days of wanton anticipation.
Damion put off going to Jerusalem. It had been several months now and Sarah was heavy with child. Oh, he had gone for the necessary items, and found chaos often times on the back streets of the market place.The midwife was staying with them this week as Sarah’s time drew near for delivering the baby.
The evening that Sarah went into labor, Roman Soldiers road down the road to Jerusalem with lit torches. The sound of approaching horses hooves echoed down the road. Had there been an uprising near the city?
Damion took a torch and lit it. He took the bucket to get water from the well. That was the least he could do. He had taken Jamar to Sia’s home for the evening, and a long evening it would be.
It was early in the morning. Damion had sat down on a tree stump near the front door. Suddenly he was aware of someone shaking him! “Damion, you have a beautiful little baby girl?” Said the midwifes’ husband . As he entered his home, he heard the cries of his new born daughter. “A healthy little girl!” he exclaimed as he looked at the beautiful baby in Sarah’s arms.
A few days later, Damion readied the donkey to go to Jerusalem. He had load him down with rugs, blankets and shawls that Naomi had woven or sown. He did not Naomi go to Jerusalem with him as of late. When he approached the gate, the donkey reared up. He sensed trouble.
As Damion made his way to the market place, the echo of clattering of the donkeys feet could be heard down the cobble stone street. When he came to Eli’s shop, the door was shut and the shade drawn. What would he do with all of the goods he had brought to Jerusalem? He went around to the back of the shop and knocked at the door. “Eli!” he called out. Finally, a burley headed man peaked out of the door. He held his turban in his hand. “Were you leaving?” asked Damion. He pulled Damion into the little back area of the shop. “I am taking my wife to another part of the city to be with relatives!” he blurted out. “There was an older shop keeper arrested by the Roman Soldiers late last night.” He continued, “they claim he knows who is responsible for several men stirring an uprising.” He added, “they say several months ago they stopped a messenger from reaching King Herod.” Several soldiers being ambushed outside the city!” “Herod is still angry about some royalty who were suppose to come back to his chambers and tell him about a King who was suppose to be born in Israel.” He added with is head hanging down, “that was the reason for the slaughter of baby boys in Judea several months ago.” Herod just will not let that news go!”
“You can leave your things here, Damion.” He added, “come back another day, today you won’t sell anything!”
Damion unloaded the donkey and went back home on a different pathway
One early spring morning 3 years later, Damion went out to plant the seeds he had purchased at the market place. He breathed in the fresh aroma of the rich damp soil. The hills surrounding Jerusalem were showing signs of spring and life was springing forth everywhere. A new beginning. The dawn panted streaks of glorious hues of gold, green lavender, orange and pink across the morning sky
Damion grasped the seed bag at his side, placed the tender your grapevines in a tall jar and trudged down a trail by the grove of trees. As he passed a low hedge, he called “Shalom, Sia Metre!” Sia was preparing to take his wife and son to Jerusalem. Smoke curled from the top of the chimney. How he wished he could warm himself by the warm fire. He drank from a gourd filled with hot broth that Sarah had given him. I might have been a wealthy man, like Sia Metri, and not had to sow seeds in the groves.
It was an hour later before Sia, Yosel, and their small son went by on the way to Jerusalem.
“Damion,” called Sia. “Do you have the parchments for the latest tax settlement on the land we have now acquired for the olive tree groves near the creek?”
“Later!” Shouted Damion. “”Today the soil is ready for scattering seed on the lower hills near the water well.” Damion continued trudging down the rocky path.
As Damion recalled, the Roman Government had let them have access to work the land. Travelers along the road to Jerusalem would go off of the main road for a resting area for the night. Many could not afford the inns in Jerusalem. There were times when they would purchase fruits, nuts, and grapes from Damion.
The recent addition to land near the creek would help in their irrigation.
They also tended some of the Roman water ways with an extension of other fruit, nut trees, and grape vines.
Damion had recently bought a few goats to milk, as his children were growing rapidly and they needed the extra milk. He had put the lean-two’s to use by the old grinding mill stone.
The day grew on and the day grew hot. Damion pulled out towel to wipe his worried brow. The Sycamore seeds had filled the lot. There were only a few more seeds to plant now. He looked down into the palm of his hand as the course of the day had run. He knew not where to plant the seed. It was withered and parched from the hot sun.
Grasping his sack, he headed up the rocky trail, dropping the withered seed on thorny ground. He hailed the end of the day as he turned and headed home to his family.
The donkey brayed loudly outside of the cave. Jamar looked at Rueben and remarked, “if we would have been in his place, we might have done the same thing”. “Rueben, where is your compassion!” Rueben went to gather the rest of their things.
It was going to be a long, silent day. The donkey trudged down the trail with Jamar and Rueben following.
There was a hint of a late spring rain on the moist grass. The donkey grazed on the grass as they made their way down the frequently traveled road.
Damion Benoi could not have known what part in history he had taken part in those many years ago. A divine turning point in history would soon be fulfilled through that withered seed and many lives would be changed.
Damion’s heart pulsated as he went by the old water well. His thoughts raced back to another day and time when Jamar’s life hung in the balance. A high fever burned in his little body. His heart pounded and perspiration pored from his forehead. He lay mumbling in his delirium.
He recalled how Sarah had covered him with wet cloths. “ Please go fetch the Rabbi,” she pleaded.
He entered their doorway shortly thereafter. The anointing oil from the high priest was applied and diligent prayers arose to the Lord God of Israel. “Come now, have we forgotten the wonderful thins the Lord our God has done for our people?” He genuinely asked. “What he has done before, he will do again!” He added, “His arm is not short!”
His prayers echoed in Damion’s mind as he trudged along the dimly lit path.
Damion recited the prayers he had said out loud. “We are the people of promise, of dreams and prayers,” he said encouraging them. He had stayed and prayed into the late night hours. “Boruch Atah Ah-doh-noy Elo-he-nu Me-lech Ha-olom Boy-ray Pree Ha-gaw-fen.”“Bo-ruch Attah Ah-doh-noy Elo-he-noyElo-henu Melech Ha-olom Ha-mo-tzee Le-chem Min Haw-aw-reetz.”
The next morning Jamar was much better. The Rabbi gave his condolences and left for Jerusalem. By the second day, sunrise; Jamar’s appetite had returned. He would live, but have a limp.
“The remembering is easier then living through it,” Damion said out loud to him self.
He went to bed early that evening. Something was stirring inside of him that he could not explain.
It was not long until Damion fell fast asleep.