Love Promises

By Susan A. Perkins

Love Promises is the fourth volume in The Promise Series. Author Susan Perkins, continues her masterful story-telling ability in this current installment of the series. Through her gift of writing we are able to hear anew and afresh the old, old, story. For those familiar with the previous books in this series, the story continues in the lives of everyday people. Readers new to this series will want the three previous books as well. --Dr. David A. Case, Department of Religion, Ohio Christian University
The Bethany Inn is flourishing under the leadership of Zaccheus and Hiram. Their wives see to the needs of the guests. Kezia and Fidelia serve the meals. On special evenings Kezia tells stories to the guests. One night an old friend comes to listen.
A peddler named Yakov comes to the inn. This is not the first time that he and Zaccheus have crossed paths. He brings to Zaccheus an item that has been missing for many years.
The Apostle Paul ministers to Amos family in Lystra. As Silas begins his own journey for the Lord; his father Amos begins to understand who Jesus is. Bartemaus realizes his heart is in Bethany. Bartemaus travels there in search of Love Promises.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Dec 2, 2014
• ISBN: 9781496953490

Susan A. Perkins

Dale Herron has been illustrating books for over 20 years. He is a graduate of the Columbus College of Art & Design and lives with his wife and son in Circleville, Ohio. Dale highly enjoys a good tale to illustrate. He is also passionate about the relevance of Biblical truth to contemporary life. Dale continues to provide work for a growing list of independent authors, illustrating adult, teen, and complete children’s books. To see a gallery of his work, please visit www.daleherron.com

Book preview

Cast of Characters

In Bethany:

The Household of Zacheus

      Zaccheus: Owner of the Bethany Inn and former tax collector

      Onnua: Zaccheus’ wife

      Hiram: Zaccheus’ former servant and now partner at the inn

      Mydia: Hiram’s wife

      Kezia: daughter of Hiram and Mydia

      Fidelia: daughter of Jathar and staying at the inn

      Pharaoh: a big loveable dog

Other Bethany residents

      Eli: a Customer at the inn

      Enoch: a worker of leather from Jericho

      Yakov: a peddler of goods

In Lystra:

The Household/family of Eunice

      Aunt Anne: Eunice’s Aunt and sister to her mother

      Dorah: Eunice’s mother

      Eunice: wife of Amos and mother to Bartemaus, Silas and Clovese

      Amos: husband to Eunice and father of her children

Other Lystra residents

      Suzanna: a young singer and dancer

      Matthias: Suzanna’s brother

      Paul: An apostle of the Lord

In Jerusalem:

      Anna Elsbeth and her family

      Cleopas and Rachael: believers in Jerusalem

      Lydia, Nathanael, Talya and Timon: their children

      Caiaphas and Rona: High priest and his wife

      Eve: an old woman and baker of dill bread

      Mahnoah: a jeweler

Chapter One

I n a rough tent in the wilderness near our borders, Adarah, a girl of about thirteen, sits on a small pallet bed. She has a lamp at her side. The glow of the lamp lights a small circle around her. She lifts her hands and she begins to pray.

Holy Lord, though I am but a virgin girl, grandfather says that you listen to the sincere prayers of your people. Grandfather says that if it is your will, you will answer those prayers. Tomorrow, my father, Jephthah, may lead the armies of Israel out to meet the armies of the Ammonites. I know that he is a strong and brave man. My prayer is, Lord, that you will give the victory to your people; and that you will bring him home safely to mother and grandfather and me. My friend Jared’s father also goes to battle and I pray for his safety as well. Jared told me that he was going to ask his father if he could join the men in battle. I know, Lord God, that my request is selfish, but please do not let his father give consent.

Adarah did not hear her mother enter the tent and stand in the shadows listening.

Jared is my special friend and does not know the ways of war. Bless this home and protect my father, so may it be your will.

Jerusha, Adarah’s mother, made a sound and Adarah turned to see her at the covered doorway.

Are you ready for bed, my daughter? Jerusha asked of her daughter coming into the room and kneeling beside the bed.

Yes, Mother. You heard me speaking to God?

Jerusha covered her daughter with a blanket and replied, Some of your prayers, yes.

Are you angry at me for speaking to Him so boldly?

My father always taught me that the creator loves us. Why else would He have created us. My father loves me and I talk to him. You love your father…

Oh, yes, Mother.

…and you talk to him. Why should you not also speak to God?

Will He answer my prayer, Mother?

What does grandfather say?

If it be His will! parroted Adarah as if she had answered the question a hundred times before.

Than I shall pray that it be His will. Jerusha leaned down and kissed Adarah goodnight. She stood and gathered up the candle to leave. But Adarah called her back.

Mother?

Yes?

Did you also hear my prayer for Jared? the girl asked shyly.

It was not fair for me to listen as you opened your heart before The Lord, I am sorry. You are very fond of young Jared, are you not?

We are friends and…

And soon you will be a woman. All too soon the mother thought to herself.

Does it show, Mother? That I like Jared, I mean?

The eyes of love are hard to hide! Perhaps some day Eleazer and your father will speak together concerning you and Jared. Could her daughter be that old already thought the mother, thinking it was only yesterday that she suffered the birth pangs that brought this lovely girl into her life.

That would please me, Mother… for them to speak together, someday.

It would please me now for you to go to sleep.

Will you ask father to come and say good-bye when he returns home?

Adarah, You will be fast asleep by then and there will be plenty of time at sunrise to say farewell. Now, go to sleep.

Yes, Mother, Goodnight.

Jerusha turned at the curtained entryway and looked again at her little girl who was almost a woman. The tear in the mother’s eye sparkled in the candlelight. Goodnight, Little Star. And she blew out the candle.

Not far from where the tents were camped together for mutual protection, the armies of Israel were meeting. There had been many speeches given with some accord and much argument, but it was becoming increasingly obvious that something must be done. And when almost everyone had had their say, a big man stood and made his way to the front of the men. He was dressed as a soldier with short tunic, leather girdle, and animal skin adornments. At his side was strapped a huge sword, kept sharp and clean. He used a javelin for a walking stick. He faced the company and his eyes called them to attention. An expectant silence fell on the crowd. The man, whose name was Jephthah, ran his hand through his tightly curled coal black hair. He surveyed the waiting crowd with eyes that were blue, but cold as ice.

He spoke. "Men of Israel, I have sent a messenger to the King of the Ammonites who is even now camped at Mizpah in the land of Gilead. I told him that God gave to the Israelites the land of Arnon as far as Jabbok and the Jordan. God gave it to us from the hand of the king of the Ammonites. What claim has he to it? When the people came up from the land of Egypt, the Lord, the God of Israel, drove out the inhabitants before us. The Ammonite king is still camped on the land -- we have asked him to peacefully leave it, but he has disregarded the message.

Many years ago as a young man, I was hated by you. I was driven from my father’s house and cut off from my inheritance. For many years now I have lived in the land of Tob --leader of a gang of worthless men. Now you are faced with war, and you call me back to the land of my birth to lead you to victory against the Ammonites. Why have you come to me now that you are in trouble?

Eleazer, one of the leaders of the Israelites, stepped from the crowd and addressed Jephthah on behalf of the people. The men of Israel have called you back for this reason: That you and your strong men go with us to fight the sons of Ammon. Then you shall become a judge over all the inhabitants of Gilead.

Jephthah considered their proposal carefully. Once he was hated by them and now they needed him and his sword and his men. He fondled this thought, caressing it as one would a woman. He spoke again. If I fight against the sons of Ammon, and the Lord gives them up to me, I will become your head? A leader of your people?

A roar went up from the assembly and Eleazer spoke again, The Elders have asked me to express this to you. You will be a leader of our people when there is victory. The Lord is witness between us. Surely we will do as you have said.

Jephthah considered this a moment looking about the assembly. He looked deeply into the eyes of the people and read no deception in their eyes or their demeanor. Then it is settled! We have not sinned against the king of Ammon. The king wrongs us to war against us. May the Lord, the Judge, judge today between the sons of Israel and the sons of Ammon, for tomorrow we go to meet them. Another roar filled the night air as Jephthah turned to Eleazer, Come, let us counsel together.

But Eleazer was raising his spear in the war chant with the multitude, The battle is already won! The Lord of Israel fights on the side of the right!

When this same soldier, Eleazer, returned to his tent that night, he found that the camp fire was still burning bright. His son Jared was sitting before the fire carefully polishing one of his father’s swords. Leaning against the tent were his spears, also polished and hung with ribbons and feathers. It surprised his father to see the lad there before the fire for it was well into the third watch. His son stood as he approached and made ready one of the spears. He was learning the art of defense and would not be taken suddenly. Eleazer smiled at the lad’s bravery.

Jared, are you still up? called Eleazer from the dark by way of identifying himself.

Yes father, I waited to hear the news! Will Israel fight?

Eleazer chuckled softly to himself as he entered the light of the fire and stood a minute by its warmth. How eager were the young to dream of the glory of war, before they were soldiers and tasted the bile from watching comrades die in battle.

Yes, my son, we will leave at sunrise. Where is your Mother? Has she retired? But Eleazer already knew the answer to this question. He loved his wife dearly but she could not stand his going to war and would cry for days before he left and for days when he returned and he knew that she also wept while he was gone. He knew that others in the village made fun of him on her account, but he loved her.

Mother retired some hours ago, Father, answered his son. She tried not to let me hear, but she wept a long time before sleep came to her.

Eleazer sighed deeply. I am sorry for her tears.

Father? Jared spoke with a hesitation in his voice. I pray you will grant a request?

Eleazer knew what the lad would ask. For the boy was fifteen and by age considered a man. If it be within my power, he answered knowing that he would have to say no.

See, Father, I have cleaned and sharpened your sword, I have polished your spears. The boy rose from where he had been working and brought the things to his father to inspect.

Eleazer fingered the ribbons and feathers. He knew that Jared would not have done this. What is this?

My sister Elisheba, who is only a child, thought it would give you luck. A token to take to the battle, he replied by way of explanation.

Eleazer carefully inspected the blade on the sword and then the spear points to see if they were clean and sharp. You have done fine work. And your sister will grow the fine heart of a woman some day. Now, what is your request?

Please grant that I may join the men as they meet the enemy tomorrow, Father.

How many seasons have you now, my son?

At my next anniversary I will be sixteen. And I can use the bow almost as well as any man. And I am more accurate with the sling than anyone in the village.

It is true; you are one of the finest hunters in the camp. But stalking prey is not the same as killing a man.

But I know I can do it Father.

These words saddened Eleazer’s heart. Oh, that they lived in a time when war -- and killing others -- would not be necessary. Never be eager to kill another man, my son. No. No, Jared, with most of the men gone your skill is needed here at the camp. You must hunt for the others and protect the women and children.

But, Father! The tone of his voice was full of disappointment.

Your place is here! Besides, think of your mother. She already weeps with grief at my going.

Jared kicked at the dirt, obviously disappointed, he had been so sure that his father would agree to his going. But she is only a woman. I am almost a man!

She is also your mother. I will not have you be disrespectful! You will stay at the camp!

Jared knew that when his father used that tone of voice, there would be no more discussion about an issue. Yes, Father.

But Eleazer softened as he saw the look of defeat on his son’s face. Jared, I thank you for caring for my weapons.

Win a great victory for Israel, Father.

The Lord has won the battle already.

The next morning at the very crack of the dawn, Mahlon came from the tent of Jephthah. Mahlon is the very ancient father of Jerusha the wife of Jephthah. He walked slowly to a bench by the door of the tent and gently eased his withering body onto it. Not long after Mahlon came from the tent, Jerusha and Adarah also came bearing items for Jephthah. Jerusha has a wine flask and bundle of food. But Adarah carries her father’s sword. Adarah is a slight girl, beautiful with long wavy hair, fair complexion and light of step. The sword she bears is almost as tall as she.

Eleazer enters from beyond the clearing followed by his daughter Elisheba, his son Jared and his youngest daughter, Abigail. Soon the area of the camp before the tent of Jephthah was swarming with the women and children of the other men who will follow Jephthah into battle. The men themselves, save for Eleazer have assembled on the hill beyond the tents.

Jerusha greeted her husband’s lieutenant, Lord, Eleazer, good morrow.

Speaking formally as a man would to a woman who was not his wife, Eleazer replied, Greetings, Jerusha, is my Lord Jephthah ready to depart?

He comes anon. Where is my friend Tirzah this morning? Why is she not here to see you off? But even as Jerusha spoke the words, she knew where Tirzah was and she could not call her words back.

Eleazer’s eyes told a great sadness, She is stricken with grief at our departure. As Eleazer speaks, Jephthah comes out of the tent and hears Eleazer’s words. As he listens Adarah comes to him. Eleazer makes a request of Jerusha, Tirzah is home on her pallet. Will you stop and see her later?

I will take food and draw water from the spring. Elisheba’s shoulders are too young yet to carry water pots.

That will not be necessary. Jared will be here to provide. At his words, Jared seems stunned. Was it not bad enough he was not able to go with the men to battle, but now he was being asked to do women’s work as well.

If you will pardon me my Lord, Eleazer. Drawing water is a woman’s job. I do not mind.

Perhaps he can bring you a rabbit for your dinner then. Do you hear son?

Hunting was something Jared particularly enjoyed doing. Yes, Father. But he was not looking at his father or Jerusha, he was studying Adarah.

Thank you for your kindness, Jerusha. The Lord bless you.

And keep you safe, friend Eleazer, said Jerusha, finishing the blessing.

Eleazer then turned to his daughters and kissed their foreheads. He held Jared’s shoulder a moment and departed in the direction of the troops. Elisheba and Jared waved toward his departure. Abigail wiggled from the hand of Elisheba and ran after her father. She began to cry pitifully, clutching him about the legs. Between sobs she managed to say, Do not go Abba.

Eleazer picked her up and cradled her in his arms talking softly to her. He returned her to the care of her sister with instructions she was to take her to their tent immediately.

Jephthah stood by the door of his tent, holding Adarah close. But he was watching Abigail and Eleazer. He fights well in battle but his heart is soft. He should have more control over his women. I have always thought that a good thrashing would do his wife good. Then she would have a reason to weep. I have a wife and a daughter to make me proud. Strong and brave! Right, Adarah? No tears for her. Her father’s child, and he drew her closer to his side.

Your sword, Father. May it drip the blood of our enemies and may you come home valiant.

He took the sword from her and sheathed it. He kissed her forehead. Go to your friends now. I would say good-bye to your mother. When I return you will be the daughter of the leader of Israel. Every man will want you as wife for his son. He moved to his wife Jerusha, taking her hands in his. Your God should have opened your womb with a son. This girl has the heart and courage of a warrior.

Jerusha wished he would not speak that way of his daughter, but truth be told, she was more like her father. May my Lord Yahweh protect you, my Lord husband. She hung the wine and food parcels on his shoulder and kissed his hand.

But this was not the good-bye a man like Jephthah needed. He took her and kissed her, hard, holding her hair with force and passion. Your bed will not be empty for long, Wife. He touched her cheek and went off toward the troops.

The women and children and dogs of the village walked together to the hillside to call out farewell to the troops. Adarah and Jerusha returned to the tent where Mahlon rested. His eyes shone with a far away look. He too had marched off to battle. Part of him cursed his luck that he had not died a soldier instead of wasting away day by day as he was now. But then he looked upon his daughter and that child of his daughter and knew that he was blessed.

Tomorrow evening I shall tell you more of the story of Jephthah’s daughter, but for tonight… goodnight.

There was scattered applause as Kezia finished her presentation to the attentive few gathered at the Bethany Inn. As she passed one table to return to her duties of serving and cleaning up, one patron grabbed her arm.

What if I am not here tomorrow night for the rest of the story? asked Eli with a slur.

Kezia looked at the man. You are here every night for your cup of wine and father’s cooking. Why would I think you would not be here tomorrow? And besides, if I told the whole story, what reason besides the wine and food would you have to come back? She cuffed his ear playfully as he released her hand. And we’ll save you your favorite place, Kezia called over her shoulder as she moved to the kitchen.

Fidelia followed her and spoke softly to her, Why do you let him touch you?

Kezia looked at her friend and was grateful for the concern in her eyes. Eli comes here every night. He is harmless. But after a cup of wine he does not always remember his manners. Besides, Papa and Master Zaccheus are here.

Too bad Pharaoh didn’t see him do that. He would have lost his hand and never done it again. Fidelia was referring to the dog named Pharaoh Ramses that was usually Kezia’s constant companion and who was made to stay in Kezia and Fidelia’s room when the inn was busy.

Which is also why Pharaoh stays in our room; so he won’t bite someone’s hand off. And I don’t mean in anger. Pharaoh would beg from every guest and be a nuisance.

Well, that man better never touch me, threatened Fidelia.

Then you need to stay away from him, suggested Kezia as she picked up the wine jug and headed back to the dining room.

It was not busy now at the Bethany Inn, but it had been earlier. Hiram preparing food in the cooking area had hoped they would not run out as the market in the center of town was closed at this hour. It was quiet now and Zaccheus, who owned the inn with Hiram, sat to catch his breath and visit with some of the locals who liked to stop in for a beverage and to hear Kezia’s stories.

But once Zaccheus sat down, his wife, Onnua, Hiram and his wife Mydia knew he was useless to them. They could call but Zaccheus would wave his hand, say, yes, yes, but not come. But somehow they did not seem to mind. For years Zaccheus had supported all of them as Jericho’s tax collector. Hiram and Mydia had worked for him and he had been a good master. Now they were partners. Zaccheus’ partners knew that he took great joy in talking to his guests and if they were followers of Yeshua, the Messiah, even better.

It was an easy relationship among the four of them. Before the Lord had come to Zaccheus home for lunch, they were master and servants. But after that day, Zaccheus no longer wanted to be a minion of Rome. So he and Hiram had bought the inn of Bethany and they had ceased to be Master and servant and became friends and coworkers. The four of them had been together for nearly twenty years. It would be easy to say there was much love and respect among them.

Kezia was the daughter of Hiram and Mydia. She was 15 now and though Mydia worried that she should be married already, Hiram was not so ready to part with his daughter.

Fidelia was not related to any of them but Zaccheus considered her his ward as he was caring for her while his friend Jathar attended to business. Jathar was her father and had also rescued Zaccheus many years earlier when he had fallen among thieves and had been left for dead. Fidelia though, considered herself a slave in the household. She was sure that Zaccheus had purchased her from her father and she would never see her father and brother again. She was younger than Kezia, about a year or so. She was plump with striking red hair and a creamy complexion with a smattering of freckles. She was also a Samaritan. Many Jews hated the Samaritans, but Jathar had saved Zaccheus’ life and so the fact that she was a Samaritan meant nothing to them.

Poor Fidelia, of her own choice, did not fit in. She was part of the family. She was treated with courtesy, given all the benefits of family. She was not forced to work and when she did, was paid for her labor. And no one in the inn was allowed to say anything about her Samaritan heritage. Zaccheus even scolded guests at the Inn if they guessed her background and made any remarks about it.

When the Inn was quiet and the local guests had returned home and the overnight guests had bedded down, Kezia and Fidelia went to their room. While Fidelia got ready for bed by washing up and changing into a soft sleeping garment, Kezia took Pharaoh for a quick walk behind the inn. She was never worried about being out alone at night as long as Pharaoh was with her.

On returning to their room she found Fidelia in bed but not asleep. Fidelia was looking out the small window toward the stars. She sighed deeply. Do you think Bartemaus will ever come back to our inn?

Kezia, washing the