Inscriptions: Calling the Prophecy Revealed

By D.H. Deason

A message chiseled into stone and signed by the Prophet Ezekiel was found, hidden at the end of a tunnel, underneath the city of Jerusalem. A secretive group of scholars, called the Temple Society, had searched for years to no avail for this rumored message. Then at one of their meetings an old Rabbi walked in with a scrap of parchment, claiming it was part of a copy from the writings of Ezekiel. The parchment was old and fragile, and the old Priest appeared the same until he began to speak, for his words contained a power and spirit that could not be denied. After much discussion he agreed to help them find the original, but was adamant on the condition that only one other person was to go with him. Little did they know that unearthing the Inscription was only the beginning of a journey, for the Inscription w0as not a new teaching from the old Prophet, as they thought it would. No, the Inscription was in reality a call to action for the faithful, and a dire warning to the rest of the world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: D.H. Deason
• Release date: Jan 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005424565

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Book #1

The Calling, Prophecy Revealed

By D.H. Deason

Copyright 2021 D.H. Deason

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INTRODUCTION

Are you sure this is the right place?

Yes Ira, I am sure. The instructions were clear about where we were to search for the tunnel, in the basement of the old library. The elder Rabbi said.

He had just finished speaking when a sound from behind caused them both to turn and look. As they did, they both caught a glimpse of a bookcase slowly moving to one side revealing the entrance to the tunnel for which they had long been searching. Looking at each other they cautiously approached. Ira turned on his light and shined it inside.

Rabbi, turn your light off. Rabbi Moshe said.

When he did, they saw a faint glow coming from the other end. It appears someone is waiting for us.

But Rabbi, this place looks like no one has been down here for years; the dust on the floor is not even disturbed, except where we have walked. How could someone be waiting on us? Ira asked.

We shall soon find out. Rabbi Moshe answered as he switched his light on and entered the tunnel.

And just what is supposed to be at the end? Ira asked as he followed the old Rabbi.

If we knew that my friend we would not have to make this journey, now would we.

I suppose you are correct, Rabbi Moshe.

All the other members said, was that our assignment was to see what was at the end awaiting us, and report back to them.

With the old Rabbi leading the way, it took nearly half an hour to reach the end of the tunnel and enter a room about ten feet by twenty. As they entered the cavern, suddenly their lights went dark. Before either of them could react to the darkness, a faint glow appeared at the far end and they started walking toward it. As they approached, they noticed the light was coming from the stone itself. Reaching over the elder Rabbi lay his hand on the arm of Rabbi Ira, do you see writing, or are my old eyes playing tricks on me.

Yes I see it, but what does it say? I do not recognize the dialect. Ira asked.

It says, ‘Only the watchmen may proceed, they will be led by Isaac Wattson.’ It also mentions something about the last days. I cannot read the other words, they seem to be worn down by age, but the message is signed by; Ezekiel son of Buzi

Rabbi Moshe, are you sure, there is no mistake?

Yes I am positive.

Then we must find this person, this Isaac Wattson.

I agree Moshe, we have to carry this out to the end, but where do we start?

We turn it over to the temple society’s investigators Ira; the rest will be up to them. If anyone can find a specific person out of the entire world, they can.

Of course, you are right my friend. Wait, do you hear some one speaking?

As they listened closely the voice became clearer, and they began to back away from the stone. When they had moved back about ten feet a flame appeared in front of the stone which contained the writing. Ira remembered hearing; You must leave this place and bring The Watchmen back when you return they are my chosen ones.

As the voice became silent, Ira Sheba looked at his companion and noticed there were tears on his cheeks and beard. Rabbi, is everything ok? We really need to leave and begin the search.

The elder rabbi spoke without turning to follow; My mission is complete, I was only to lead you to the stone. The rest is up to you Rabbi Sheba, now the mission becomes yours. I must return to my master and you must find the Watchmen and bring them here at all cost. As he spoke, Ira watched a faint glow come from the stone and envelope his friend. Stumbling backward he slipped, fell to the ground, and watched as Rabbi Moshe vanished with the light, leaving him alone in the cavern. With his heart pounding Rabbi Sheba stumbled and ran back down the tunnel and out into the basement of the old library. It seemed he did not slow until he had exited into the alley behind the building and locked himself inside his car.

Chapter 1

The weeks before this flight seemed like a dream, the only memory he held clear was the last week in the mountain retreat with Michelle. It had been a surprise spur of the moment trip to celebrate their wedding anniversary. She was as lovely now as the day they had met some twenty plus years ago, and had loved him enough to stick by him through the darkest time in his life, when he came home from Desert Storm more dead than alive. He had survived more by the strength of her faith and prayers than anything else, of this he was certain.

Then just when they thought life was going to settle down and give them some time for themselves, Yashim walked into their lives from behind a waterfall of a secluded mountain stream. Now he and Michelle were traveling to Israel to see a stone carved by the prophet Ezekiel, which somehow contained his name. None of it made sense, but at the same time, they both felt a sense of peace neither could explain.

Yashim had told them the Temple Society had taken over a year to find him and make sure he was the correct one. Finally, when they were certain, he came to make contact and convince them to come to Israel and meet with the Society. Isaac had been shocked when Yashim told him the society traced his ancestry back to Zechariah of the tribe of Levi. What had really floored him was the revelation that his great great grandfather was Isaac Shama, the head Rabbi of a synagogue in Berlin. Hitler had imprisoned him in the concentration camp, Dachau, where he spent the rest of his life.

Now Isaac finds himself seated a few rows in front of the wing watching Michelle stare wide eyed out the window as they circled over the Mediterranean Sea making an approach to the Dov airport in Tel-Aviv. They would meet an acquaintance of Yashim’s who would take them to the Sheraton Moriah. Yashim would be joining them later that evening. It would be good to see him again, since he had returned to Israel two weeks earlier.

As the plane docked at the terminal, and they disembarked in search of their luggage, Michelle grabbed his arm and said, Isaac Look. Fully armed security seemed to abound everywhere.

I guess we are not in Virginia anymore, he finally muttered. He knew security had been tightened considerably since 9-11 but he wasn’t prepared for this much of a change since his last visit in the previous year. Michelle followed close behind him as they weaved their way through the crowds on their way to retrieve their bags. They had only brought one bag each, but by the time they found them both, they were wishing they had only used a carry on piece of luggage instead. With bags in hand, they followed the other travelers toward the customs area where they encountered more lines. Slowly the line moved as person after person passed through the checkpoint. At last, it was their turn to meet the official.

Papers please, are you here on business or pleasure Mr. & Mrs. Wattson? He asked in an automated tone.

Business, I am here on assignment with the Richmond Times newspaper. Isaac let the last of the sentence trail off as he saw the official pick up the phone. Keeping an eye on the two of them, he spoke rapidly to someone on the other end.

Upon hanging up the phone he said, I am sorry would you please follow this gentlemen.

The request came in a pleasant enough tone, but the person he motioned to had two guards by his side. The guards were the same as those stationed throughout the airport. Each carried a sidearm on their belt and an Uzi slung across their chest. Their presence made it clear this was not a request they could refuse.

As Isaac reached for their bags, Michelle slipped her hand into his free one. It only took a quick glance for him to recognize the alarm showing in her eyes.

The official did not bother introducing himself, he simply said, Follow me please, as he turned and led them toward a set of non-descript double doors. Isaac and Michelle quietly followed as the guards fell in behind them. Passing through the doors, they continued down a hallway until they reached a row of offices. Without hesitating, they were ushered into the third room with, someone will be with you momentarily, make yourselves comfortable, and the door quickly closed. A glance through the blinds confirmed to Isaac that the guards had stationed themselves on either side of the door.

As Isaac was peering through the blinds, he felt Michelle grip his forearm as she took a look as well, What’s going on Isaac? She whispered as he turned to her.

Looking in her eyes, he could see the anxiety growing. I wish I knew, but I’m sure everything will be alright. We were probably just the unlucky ones picked at random. What other reason could there be? He said doing his best to reassure her.

The room contained a small rectangular table, which held some bottled water. They had just settled into a couple chairs next to the windows and opened some water when the door was opened slightly, then closed again as someone else walked up. They listened as a rather heated exchange ensued just outside the door. The discussion quickly turned from a conversation to a one sided lecture. Neither Isaac nor Michelle could understand what was being said during the exchange, but it was not long before the door opened and a rather distinguished gentleman entered.

Mr. and Mrs. Wattson my name is Jason Durban I am the under-secretary to the Prime Minister. Our mutual friends informed us of your arrival and we flagged your names in the database. I was to be here to escort you through the customs process. Unfortunately, a traffic accident nearly blocked the road slowing traffic to a crawl, delaying me from getting here on time. I do apologize for being late. I hope you were not overly alarmed at being singled out and pulled aside.

As he explained a single tear of relief trickled its way down Michelle’s cheek that she quickly brushed away.

That is a relief to hear. Thank you so much for coming, Isaac said breathing a sigh.

Our staff was only following protocol for a flagged name. They were not aware of the reason behind the flag. I apologize again for not being here when you arrived.

Everything is fine now. I look forward to seeing more of your country, Michelle added.

It is not only my country, it is our country. From what I understand Israeli blood flows through your veins also. You are one of us now. This is your country also. Mr. Durban said. I would love to talk with you more, but unfortunately the delay has cut my time short. I am due at the Knesset for a meeting. If you will follow me, it would be my pleasure to escort you to your car.

Upon leaving the room, one of the guards went along with them. With the under-secretary, using his credentials they quickly made it to the front lobby emerging a few feet from the main concourse through a panel that virtually disappeared once it closed.

Your driver is waiting just outside. I am sure we will meet again, and I look forward to it. Now enjoy a good nights rest.

Thank you. A bath and a night’s sleep would be nice. Michelle said.

I have enjoyed meeting you Mr. Durban, Michelle and I look forward to seeing you again.

With that said, Under-Secretary Durban disappeared back through the hidden panel. Isaac and Michelle turned and exited the building in search of the car awaiting them, unsure how they would recognize it. It was such a relief to be out into the sunshine and fresh air even though the heat was somewhat stifling.

The driver was waiting beside the car holding a sign with their names hand printed on it. As they approached he said, My name is Karam, Yashim sends his greetings, he will meet you a little later in your room. He wants to give you some time to relax a little from your flight.

Thank you Karam. Have you known Yashim very long? Isaac asked.

Yes, for quite some time, we both grew up on a kibbutz outside of Ramallah. Then later we served in the military together. He is a fine man dedicated to God and his country.

Then Michelle asked, Are you part of the Temple Society also Karam?

Karam looked around clearly disturbed and said, Please, be very careful about mentioning the society except in private settings, we have many dangerous enemies, so please be discreet.

Michelle looked at Isaac and whispered, Isaac, what are we mixed up in?

You know as well as I do that what we are mixed up in is God’s will. What it all entails we can’t even begin to comprehend yet, but we can trust in the knowledge that He does, he said as calmly as possible. The rest of the ride to the hotel they chatted about the scenery, which much of it Michelle had never seen before. Isaac had been here a few times for work, but Michelle only once, and then she mainly took in the regular tourist spots. This trip was promising to be completely different from any either of them had been on before. Not only did they not fly into the major international airport of Ben Gurion but into Dov airport in Tel-Aviv. Then instead of taking the direct route to the hotel, the driver took a series of small side streets and Isaac was almost certain he doubled back a few times. When they did arrive at the Sheraton Moriah, instead of making their way to the front desk to check in, Karam pulled the car into a side parking lot. Upon parking the car, he got out and said, Please follow me, you have already been registered and your bags will be delivered momentarily. They entered and walked directly to the elevator and took it to the twelfth floor, where the concierge, met them with their key in hand to show them to room #1214, which he opened handing them the key.

My name is Neriah, he said, We hope you will enjoy your stay with us. If you need anything at all call me personally, I am at your service. Then handing Isaac a card with his name and a handwritten phone number on it, he promptly disappeared out the door and toward the elevator.

Neriah can be trusted, Karam said, No matter the time or the need, he will come if you call him.

All this is a little intimidating, Michelle said. I don’t quite know what to think.

It is when we start to think that we start to doubt my friends. The words came from an all too familiar voice. Our faith in God and our trust in His plan must be stronger than our feeble thought processes.

Yashim! they both seemed to shout at once.

My friends how are you, he laughed.

Well, very well now, Isaac said as Michelle raced across the room and threw her arms around his neck, at which he promptly turned a bright shade of red.

Realizing she had embarrassed him, she composed herself and stammered, I’m, I’m so sorry Yashim, I’m just so happy to see a familiar face.

That’s quite all right my dear, I am happy to see you both as well. I trust your flight was comfortable and my friend Karam has taken good care of you, he replied with a big smile.

Our flight was as good as any lengthy flight could be.

Then Michelle chimed in, and Karam has been a charming host, taking us on an interesting route to the hotel, and even pointing out a lot of things we had never seen, and probably would never have noticed without his bringing them to our attention.

Yes, I avoided most of the normal traffic routes, preferring the less traveled paths. I also gave our friends some good advice, Karam said. I cautioned them about speaking too openly about the Temple Society and especially of their involvement with it, he added.

Thank you for doing so, Karam, it was good advice indeed. I really should have mentioned it before the trip, but things happened so fast once we started the process until it slipped my mind. I should not have let that happen.

I must admit, we were a little taken aback at the talk of enemies and hints of danger, Isaac said.

I do apologize, my friends, I should have cautioned you. I have lived with this for so long until it is second nature to me. I should have thought about the difference you would experience in the transition from your peaceful home to our land. Our land has been plagued with war and violence since even before the rebirth of Israel as a State. To answer the questions behind your eyes, yes there are factions that would like to destroy the Temple Society or at least discredit it. We must be very cautious in everything we say and or do in public, because there are people who would like nothing better than to stop us. However, even more important, we must remember we are on a mission, a calling from God, and He will protect, provide, and see us through. We have to remind each other of this because we all need to hear it from time to time, Yashim said.

You are so right, Michelle chimed in.

So what is next on our agenda? Isaac asked.

Well, I don’t know about the two of you, but I am starving. I say we grab an early dinner, afterward we can come back and discuss things.

That sounds wonderful, I hadn’t even noticed how hungry I was until you mentioned it, Michelle responded. Karam, you’ve been so quiet, would you like to join us, I’m sure you’re more than welcome.

Thank you for the invitation, Karam said, but I must decline, I have one more stop to make at the market before I go home.The children will be home from school soon and dinner will be ready, but thank you, maybe some other time though. It has been a pleasure to meet you both, and I trust to see you again soon. With that he turned and shook Isaac’s hand, embraced Yashim and left.

Now my friends, where would you like to eat? We have KFC around the corner, McDonalds is just down the street, and there’s….

Hold on a minute. Michelle said jabbing a finger into his chest, do you honestly think I am going to come all this way to Israel and then want to eat fried chicken or a hamburger as soon as we get here. If that is what you have in mind then…

Ok, Ok, my dear, I get your point, he said through the laughter engulfing both he and Isaac.

Oh, you’re rotten, just like Isaac, Michelle said once she realized he made the suggestions just to get a reaction, and had succeeded rather nicely.

Actually there is a little place about two blocks away, which serves an excellent meal. I know the owner quite well. In fact, he is a cousin of mine. Would you like to freshen up before we go or shall we leave now? Yashim suggested.

Give me about five minutes and I’ll be ready, Michelle replied as she made her way toward the bedroom with bags in tow.

That was a good one Yashim, I didn’t know you had it in you, Isaac said still chuckling.

It just slipped out, it happens from time to time when I am with people I am really close to.

We feel the same way about you as well, but I take it you could tell that by Michelle’s reaction to your appearance today.

Yes, but I must admit she did catch me a little off guard.

Just then, the door opened and Michelle appeared looking as if she were ready to take on anything. You would never guess by looking at her that it had been nearly twenty-four hours since either of them had closed their eyes.

I’m ready, was all she said as she walked straight to the door. Yashim and Isaac just looked at each other, shrugged and obediently followed.

Chapter 2

Once they reached the lobby, Yashim regained the lead since neither Isaac nor Michelle knew the area. As they exited the building, the sweltering heat of the Israeli summer greeted them again. The temperature had cooled slightly from their arrival at the airport and drive to the hotel around one pm. but only slightly. The sidewalks were teeming with people going home after a long days work. It could have been Chicago or New York for that matter except for the difference in language spoken and signs printed in Hebrew. Yashim led them down the street, which they followed for about half a block, then turned down a small side street and followed it for about two more blocks, then made a left at the next corner. He abruptly stopped and with a big smile announced, We are here, Bayet Baruch the best food in all Tel-Aviv. All they saw was a narrow staircase leading up the side of a building to a nondescript wooden door, with a barely visible sign hanging above it. Yashim bounded up the stairs two at a time, Michelle and Isaac dutifully followed, though a bit slower, not sure about the sturdiness of the stairs. As they reached the landing the door opened, and a couple stepped out. The two of them had to squeeze against the wall to allow them to pass.

Just as they were nearing the landing a voice called out, Yashim!אתה ישן גמלים רועה, איפה היית? (Yashim, you old camel shepherd, where have you been?) and he disappeared inside after being grabbed by an arm that seemed larger than Isaacs waist. Suddenly a big burly head appeared out the door, I do apologize, I am Abra, Yashim’s cousin, I thought he was alone, I hope I did not alarm you. He still held Yashim’s head in the crook of one of his massive arms.

Yashim smiled as best he could and said, All is well Isaac, Michelle, we are among friends here.

With the mention of our names, Abra released his hold on Yashim, bowed from the waist, and said, I am honored to be your host tonight, anything you wish is on the house. Then he showed them to a table in the corner near a window. As they sat down, he turned to Yashim and said just above a whisper, Isaac and Michelle?

It is true Abra, from the lineage of Zechariah. Yashim responded to the unfinished question.

Of the tribe of Levi, Abra finished for him. Yashim only nodded. Abra then turned to them again, bowed once more, and was off to the kitchen. Michelle and Isaac just sat there and stared at them not knowing what to think of the exchange they had just witnessed.

Turning back to them, Yashim must have seen the bewildered look on their faces, because he said, relax, all is well, Abra may seem a little rough around the edges, but he understands more than most do. We are safe here. I would trust him with my life. In fact I have on more than a few occasions.

Yashim had just finished speaking when Abra exited the kitchen door with a tray in each hand, which he deftly placed on a nearby table. This is my own blend of tea and herbs which I trust you will find delightful. For your meal I will get you started with Baba Ganoush and Matzo. Yashim did not hesitate, but broke off a piece of Matzo and dipped it into the Baba Ganoush, Isaac and Michelle followed suit. The flavors seemed to explode in their mouths, they didn’t know if they were starving or if it was just that good.

Michelle was the first to speak, Abra, this is heavenly, what is it? It is delicious.

It is my own recipe of eggplant and spices, which I refuse to divulge, even to my own children for now! He exclaimed excitedly, I am so happy you like it.

It is fantastic, Isaac said.

Yashim just nodded in agreement and grunted as he stuffed another piece in his mouth.

Take your time my friends. I will bring the Cholent out in a few minutes, just relax and enjoy, after saying that he returned to the kitchen.

After he had gone, Michelle gave Yashim a quizzical look and asked, How did Abra know what to bring? We didn’t order yet, we haven’t even seen a menu.

To which he rather nonchalantly replied, Neither did anyone else in the room.When you enter here, you simply tell Abra if you are here for lunch, dinner, or just a snack, and he provides the best he has. I have never seen anyone go away disappointed.That is the way in Bayet Baruch, the House of Praise.

House of praise? She asked.

Yes, my dear, that is what Bayet Baruch means, the house of praise, Yashim replied.

As if on cue, Abra stepped out of the kitchen carrying a big pot, followed by two youngsters in their teens. One of the youngsters sat bowls down in front of each of them, and the other placed a big loaf of bread on the table. Then Abra placed the pot in the center of the table and ladled out the hot Cholent into each bowl. This is my Grandmother’s recipe, he said, which she handed down to my mother, who gave it to me when I opened the restaurant. May I introduce two of my children? This is Gideon who is fourteen and his sister Hannah who is thirteen. The others are either at home, or school except for the oldest who is doing a tour in the military.

Hello Gideon, Hannah, it is nice to meet you, Michelle said.

It is nice to meet you to, they both replied almost in unison.

You two run along to the kitchen now, and you three try your Cholent with some Cholla, Abra said. As they tore off a piece of the Cholla and dipped their spoons into the steaming bowls of Cholent, Isaac noticed the two children peering out the kitchen door.The door quietly closed just as Abra turned to look in their direction. They were peeping out the door weren’t they? They are just curious; we do not get many Americans visiting our restaurant. It is good for them to see there is more to the world than just our little corner of it, Abra said.

It did not take them long to eat their fill of the best stew any of them had ever tasted. Then Abra came out and cleared away the bowls and brought out a cup of coffee for each of them, and a piece of pastry he called Kugel. Isaac was tempted to decline it until he caught a glimpse of sheer delight on Michelle’s face as she took the first bite. She never said a word, she didn’t have to, her look said it all. Abra stood there just beaming, and then reaching back, he pulled up a chair, sat down, and quietly said, My friends, I did not make the Kugel, but I lay claim to it because it was made by Hannah, my daughter.

You’re kidding me! Michelle exclaimed, Hannah made this?

Yes, it is true, Abra replied, she has been helping me in the kitchen since she was just barely able to reach the counter tops. She seems to have developed a gift for pastries, he added.

A gift would be an understatement, this is exquisite, Michelle replied.

Thank you very much, I will gladly tell her what you said. To know that someone besides the family thinks she is gifted will be good for her to hear. She is at the age where she doubts herself so much, Abra said, then under his breath almost to the point of a whisper he said to himself, If only her mama was still here. Then before anyone could say anything, he stood and headed for the kitchen. Once inside voices could be heard, followed by the sound of a young girl’s squeal. Then the door flew open and Hannah came running over to their table. She looked at Michelle with tears streaming down her cheeks; Michelle was instantly up, wrapping her arms around the child. They both crumpled to the floor with Hannah heaving in sobs. Abra came out the door and started to speak, but Michelle shot him a look that froze him in his steps. He quietly slipped back into the kitchen.

Isaac looked at Yashim not knowing what to think. Yashim leaned in close and said, Hannah lost her mother nearly a year ago, being the youngest she took it really hard. I think she has been holding a lot in, hopefully Michelle’s love and touch will help.

Isaac sat in awe at the scene, which began to unfold before his eyes. Michelle held the child in her arms. With tears flowing, she began to whisper a mother’s love into her heart.Then slowly she turned her face upward and started to pray, barely above a whisper.People started to look their way as a faint glow began to envelope them, and then started to get brighter as her prayer became more intense. Tables moved back to clear a circle as women came from every corner of the room and joined their cries to those of Michelle’s.Isaac unconsciously started to rise, but Yashim put a hand on his arm. Abra came out of the kitchen with a prayer shawl draped over his head. He stopped about five feet away from the group of women, and silently raised his hands toward heaven. At this, the men began to join him and encircle the women with uplifted hands. The women became louder, the men became louder, and the presence of God