A Marvelous Light

By Alicia G. Ruggieri

God's Word tells us of "the lad who led Samson by the hand." Here is the story of Ahkish.

A mistreated slave in Dagon's temple, young Ahkish cries out daily to his god for mercy – mercy which Dagon refuses to give.

Yet, when the high priest determines to punish Ahkish by assigning him to care for the imprisoned blind Fool, the lad finds One who longs to give mercy and grace – even to a Philistine slave boy.

Discover the wideness of Yahweh's compassion and love anew in this biblically-sound, historically-accurate family read-aloud set in the land of Canaan during the time of the judges.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brighter Destiny Productions
• Release date: Apr 13, 2021
• ISBN: 9781948171083

Alicia G. Ruggieri

Alicia G. Ruggieri writes grace-filled, Christ-centered fiction from her home in rural Wisconsin. Find out more and connect with her at www.aliciagruggieri.com.

Book preview

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30

One

"Their idols are silver and gold,

The work of men’s hands,

They have mouths, but they do not speak;

Eyes they have, but they do not see....

Those who make them are like them;

So is everyone who trusts in them."

Psalm 115:5, 8

The City of ‘Azah, P’leshet

Circa 1100 B.C.

The sun still slept behind the eastern hills when twelve-year-old Akhish slipped from beneath his rough blanket. He rolled his pallet and stacked it against the wall, creeping around his fellow snoring slaves as he did so. Best not to awaken anyone. Indeed, in his years as a slave in the Temple of Dagon, young Akhish had learned the hard way that it was best to avoid anyone’s notice at all.

Watchful for night guards, he stole through the corridors. The light from the wall torches gave plenty of room for shadows to play, for which Akhish thanked Dagon when he came suddenly upon a guard. He darted back into an inky shadow and held his breath, lest the slightest noise give away his presence.

But the guard had fallen asleep standing up. His helmeted head rested against the stone wall, his eyes closed, his mouth hanging open a bit. Akhish released his breath and glided past the slumberer,

quick as a rat. Only one more corridor to tread...

Ah. His heart sighed with relief. Once more, he had made it to the sanctuary without being caught. He stood at the threshold, eyes clapped upon the object of his desire: Dagon, lord of the harvest, god of abundance and fruitfulness, stood, hands outstretched to receive his worshippers’ offerings. Carved from dark stone and rising many cubits high, the god