To Cleave

By Patricia Hetticher

In the eleventh-century BC, during the final days of King Saul’s reign and the early days of King David’s reign, it’s a time of shifting borders, blending cultures, and changing allegiances. It’s harder and harder to discern who is friend and who is enemy. It’s a time of turmoil for soldiers and civilians of Israel and Philistia.

Without warning, Belah and Junia, two teen-aged sisters, are forced from their home in Azekah by Amalekite raiders. The girls must flee to the land of Israel, their enemy. Clinging to nothing but each other, they are captured by King Saul’s army, and their fate is in the hands of the highest-ranking officers. Belah is chosen to be the bride of Simeon, the cruelest of them all, while Junia will be a servant until she is old enough to marry.

With their heads shaved, their clothing burned and replaced with awful, coarse tunics, the terrified girls await the morning’s light. In their tiny tent, Belah’s only thought is to protect her sister, whose innocence cannot conceive what the future holds for them. How will they escape? And who was the soldier who caught Belah’s gaze and wouldn’t let go?

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Jul 26, 2023
• ISBN: 9798385003358

Patricia Hetticher

Patricia Hetticher is a founding member of Line-it-up-Writers in Dover, New Hampshire. She spends her days caring for senior citizens in their home and enjoying her children and grandchildren. She lives in Manchester, New Hampshire, with her husband. They are both well-traveled Navy veterans.

Book preview

Copyright © 2023 Patricia Hetticher.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by

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without the written permission of the author except in the case of

brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents,

organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products

of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

WestBow Press

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models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English

Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing

ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

ISBN: 979-8-3850-0334-1 (sc)

ISBN: 979-8-3850-0336-5 (hc)

ISBN: 979-8-3850-0335-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023913437

WestBow Press rev. date:07/25/2023

Contents

Part 1

Introduction

The Main Characters

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Part 2

List of New Characters in Part 2

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

A Note from the Author

Endnotes

To Cleave

Patricia Hetticher

Dedicated to my friend Lynda, who initiated

the dialogue that birthed this adventure.

Special thanks to Kay Page, Marion Claus, and Sara Lapointe for

their individual strengths of critique and visionary superpowers.

Kay reminded me of the reader’s perspective. Marion shared

her knowledge of horticulture and her love for detail. Sara

fixed my misplaced punctuation and my grammar mistakes.

They all played a crucial role in the writing of this work.

Part 1

Cleave: become very strongly involved with or

emotionally attached to (someone).

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Map of the kingdom of King Saul and

the territory of the Philistines.

Introduction

Imagine for a moment you have traveled back in time to the days when King Saul reigned over the people of Israel. Their hearts were divided between their king and a warrior named David, whom the prophet Samuel had anointed to succeed the king instead of the king’s own son. David grew in favor with God and men when he stood up to the giant Goliath. The intimidating foe was vanquished with one smooth stone and David’s faith in the hand of the Lord to give him victory. The more David succeeded in battle, the more King Saul’s fury against him grew.

Though the fighting had gone on for decades, the Israelites had failed to take all of the lands their God had promised to them after He had delivered them from slavery in Egypt. Now there were wars and rumors of wars between the Israelites and their Philistine neighbors. Animosity brewed between them from generation to generation. King Saul’s army fought against the Philistine armies while David dwelt among them unharmed because of Adonai’s protective hand and David’s own wit. When he slipped back into Israel with his small company of men from time to time, King Saul hunted him down like an animal. But David managed to elude capture.

For the people of Israel and Philistia, it was a time of shifting borders, blending cultures, and changing allegiances. It became harder and harder to discern who was friend and who was enemy. This is an unusual love story from that tumultuous time. It was a time not so different from our world today.

The Main Characters

Philistine Family from Azekah

Gebar, the grandfather, is a weaver of blankets and baskets.

Elizur, the son, is married to Sarah, the daughter-in-law.

Belah is the sixteen-year-old granddaughter.

Junia is the thirteen-year-old granddaughter.

Israeli Family from the Tribe of Dan in Zorah

Darius, the father, is a carpenter. His wife died in childbirth.

Rebekah, his daughter, is married to Felix, who is a bodyguard of King Saul.

Kenan, his son, is a foot soldier in King Saul’s army.

Nathaniel, the father, is a shepherd and a brother of Darius.

Leah is his wife and mother of their three children.

Milcah is their sixteen-year-old daughter, who is betrothed to Jacob.

Hannah is their fourteen-year-old daughter.

Jesse is their thirteen-year-old son.

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Simeon is an officer in King Saul’s army.

The LORD will cause your enemies who rise against you to

be defeated before you. They shall come out against you

one way and flee before you seven ways. The LORD will

command the blessing on you in your barns and in all that

you undertake. And he will bless you in the land that the

LORD your God is giving you. The LORD will establish you as a

people holy to himself, as he has sworn to you, if you keep the

commandments of the LORD your God and walk in his ways.

—Deuteronomy 28:7–9 (ESV)

Chapter 1

Rebekah handed a worn cloth pouch filled with unleavened bread, a block of goat cheese, and sweet dates to her youngest brother, Kenan, as she had for each of her brothers over the years as they set out for battle with King Saul’s army. She was only ten years old when their mother died giving birth to Kenan. At that tender age, she was thrust into a motherly role to the three boys. Rebekah didn’t mind. It was a position that came naturally to her. Kenan’s two older brothers had both fallen in battle, a loss that took the little light remaining after the death of his beloved wife from their father’s eyes. Darius’s bent frame rested in his weatherworn wooden chair at the entrance to their dwelling.

Kenan kissed him on both cheeks and bid him farewell. The Lord bless and keep you both in my absence.

Rebekah gave him a second pouch, saying, Please tell Felix I love and miss him. May the Lord be his high tower.

I will. He misses you too. Take care of his child you are carrying.

She caressed her swollen belly, praying for strength to push aside the fear that often gripped her. The memory of her mother breathing her last as Kenan took his first gasp before letting out a healthy wail still haunted her all these years later. That moment from her past swirled in her head with certain verses of the law recited by the priests each year. Those words joined in an unholy conception to birth doubt about Adonai’s love for her family in Rebekah’s thoughts. Could it be we are cursed to the third and fourth generation for some great sin in the past?

Rebekah shook the idea from her mind. She tucked an escaped strand of raven hair under her plain brown veil as she waved farewell to Kenan. Maybe it was fear that had closed her womb until now. Year after year, she and Felix had waited for the blessing of a child. She had often thought he would give up on her and take another wife who could give him sons and daughters. But he had remained faithful, ever patient the Lord would hear their pleas.

There was a familiar ache in her heart as she thought of Felix, so far away and surrounded by danger. And now Kenan was returning to the army as well. She gave thanks he had been chosen as messenger to come back from the soldiers’ camps to enlist more young men from the villages near his home in Zorah. They were only boys who would be trained soldiers in a matter of weeks. Boys fighting against the giants of Gath. Their women sent them off with pride and broken hearts, mixed emotions entwined together. Love and pain were inseparable.

Rebekah turned slowly, the speed of all her actions these days. She touched her father’s shoulder to get his attention.

Abba, come inside out of the sun. I’ll make you some lemon water.

With great effort, the old man rose and followed her without comment. He was not yet sixty but appeared much older. Rebekah hoped the impending birth of her child would draw him out of himself and bring him joy.

As she poured his drink, there was a familiar greeting from the courtyard. Rebekah, it is me, Adah. How are the mother and baby today? asked the middle-aged midwife.

Come in. Come in. I am well, praise the Lord. Have a seat. I will pour you a refreshing drink. Rebekah placed a wooden bowl filled with dates and bread on the table.

Such a big deal you make. You should not have bothered, Adah said, washing her hands in the bowl of water Rebekah provided and drying them before reaching for a date.

Adah began updating them on the town gossip as she examined Rebekah behind a curtain. Her booming voice easily carried to Darius at his workbench in the little shop attached to the house. Whether he registered all she said, only the Lord knew. He sat quietly mending the broken chair of a wealthy spice merchant of the town. Though so much of him was gone, his skill as a carpenter he did without thinking. It put food on the table.

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Kenan approached the sentry to the camp that was led by his captain, Joseph. The excited new recruits clumsily trailed behind him, weary from their journey. He whistled three short notes, the signal they were friends and not foes. The sentry, who had surely detected their noisy approach, returned his call with a whistle of his own. The group of boys proceeded until they were close enough for Kenan to make out the form of his friend in the darkness.

Kenan, my brother, you return with only these young things? They will make good servants, if nothing else, I suppose.

They are as we were not long ago, my friend. Proper instruction will have them strong and ready for battle in no time. Have you forgotten the grueling training we endured on our own arrival at the camp?

No, you are right, of course. The blood of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob flows in their veins, after all. They will be brave warriors, fighting unto the Lord, said the sentry.

Kenan motioned for the boys to follow, and they made their way up the slope to the top of the hill overlooking the Valley of Elah. It had been twelve years since David, the shepherd boy, had slain Goliath in this place. Now King Saul was impatient to move his army on from there, the spot where the hearts of many had shifted from him to the man whom he now considered his enemy. Many of his men, however, drew courage and strength from the fact David’s impossible victory was the work of Adonai, the one who fought their battles when they walked in obedience to His commands.

Kenan left the young men in capable hands as other messengers were doing in the nearby camps with their training officers. Groups of recruits would be coming in over the next few days as well, from cities and towns of greater distance away than Zorah. King Saul would leave them all here with a contingent of his men while the army moved out in pursuit of David.

With his mission accomplished, Kenan gladly returned to his company and greeted his comrades before he approached the king’s tent where his brother-in-law, Felix, stood guard.

Kenan, you are back! How are my Rebekah and the baby?

She sends her love and prayers and says she misses you. The child grows large in her womb. All is well, he replied, handing Felix the pouch of food she had given him.

Felix attached the pouch to his belt. He was fully aware it held a simple letter from his beloved written in his father-in-law’s hand. Darius had the benefit of being the favored companion of a priest’s son as a child. This friend taught him to read. It was a rare skill for a craftsman such as himself, even rarer still for a soldier. Felix was grateful for the few lessons he had received from his father-in-law.

Praise Adonai, who watches over the mighty and the weak! He puts my heart at ease.

Kenan asked quietly, What has happened in the camp during my absence? Will we move out soon?

King Saul is leaving at dawn for Gibeah with only his bodyguards and his most trusted officers, whispered Felix.

Why?

To meet with his officials and spies to find out if they have reports on David’s location. As one of his bodyguards, I will be going, explained Felix.

Felix’s position sparked jealousy in young Kenan’s heart. Felix was twelve years his senior. Kenan would be stuck here until the king’s company returned. He decided to volunteer to help with training the new soldiers. It would be entertaining and pass the time while he waited.

There was a shout from inside the tent. Felix commanded, Go quickly, Kenan! The king is in one of his moods. Thank you, brother.

The Lord’s blessing on your journey, Felix, Kenan said before darting down the hill. The hour was late. It was time for rest, but Kenan knew sleep would be a long time coming as he thought about home and what lay ahead for the army. The king’s fits grew more frequent. Sometimes they were soothed by the musicians as if by magic. Other times, Saul drank himself from his destructive rages into a drooling stupor.

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Adah wiped the sweat from Rebekah’s brow. It was taking too long, even for a first baby. Drink this, she commanded before the next pain came.

What is it? asked Rebekah.

It is an herb tea to relax you. You must stop fighting the pains and work with them.

Rebekah obediently swallowed a few sips of the nasty-tasting brew. Another pain seized her and she screamed. Darius paced back and forth outside their home, reliving the nightmare of so long ago when the Lord had taken his beautiful wife from him.

Lord, I beg your blessing on this birth. Spare the lives of my daughter and grandchild. You alone give the breath of life, he prayed.

Rebekah, after the next pain, I want you to rise from the birthing stones where you are squatting and get on your hands and knees. Rock back and forth. This should shift the baby’s weight and, Lord willing, help it to make progress toward birth.

Adah assisted her to the new position and rubbed pain-numbing lotion on Rebekah’s lower back.

Now breathe slowly in and out during the next pain. Do not let your muscles be tense.

Rebekah complied until her breathing turned to a wail as her water broke with a gush. Adah quickly helped her back onto the birthing seat. The pressure was intensified with the next pain, and Rebekah could not help but push with all her might. Lord, deliver me from this, please. I do not have the strength to endure any more. I am so weary, but I do not want to die.

As she pushed again during the next pain, Adah said, Good, good! Don’t let up! The head is coming! Push!

Before the pain subsided, another was already on top of it. Rebekah wept and pushed, delivering the head and then the body of her healthy newborn. Adah went to work on the baby, who soon let out a hearty complaint. Rebekah had collapsed in exhaustion onto the bed. At the sound of her son’s cry, she said a prayer of thanksgiving. Tears of laughter replaced the sorrow of pain in an instant.

You have a beautiful baby boy, Rebekah! Well done!

When Adah had finished cleaning mother and child, she took him out to meet his grandfather. Darius sat in his chair outside the door, holding the infant and singing praises to Adonai. His prayers had been answered.

What is his name? asked Adah.

His name is Isaac. He brings us laughter after all our sorrows, said Darius.

Adah took the baby back to his mother to nurse. Darius has named him Isaac. What do you think of that, Rebekah?

I think it suits him. Isaac he shall be. Can you send my young cousin, Jesse, to the camps with the happy news for Felix and Kenan?

Of course. After you drink this and eat a little bread and dates, lie back and rest. You have had a grueling couple of days. It is all behind you now. Your aunt Leah is coming to take care of you for a few days.

Thank you, Adah. I never could have done this without you.

You were brave. Sleep and enjoy your bundle of joy, Isaac. The whole town will rejoice with you.

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Jesse boldly approached the sentry, proud to be sent alone with the important message for his relatives. After a thorough scrutiny of the boy, the soldier pointed toward the location where Kenan was sparring with a recruit. In a few years, it will be me training to be a soldier, thought Jesse. He waited until Kenan had defeated his opponent and had a sword to his chest.

Cousin Kenan, he called.

Kenan turned, letting the young man at his feet go free. Jesse, what brings you here? Is there good news or bad?

The best news, Kenan. Rebekah has given birth to a son. His name is Isaac. They are both well. Your father sends his blessing too.

Kenan lifted the boy and spun him around in happiness. You are a bringer of good tidings indeed. Come. Eat with me. I want a full report.

I must speak with Felix first, Jesse replied.

He is away from camp. I will tell him the minute he returns. I promise.

Jesse had come with a cherished meal of dried fruits, yogurt, bread, and cheese from his mother for the men to celebrate at Jesse’s announcement. Kenan added a bowl of lentil stew from the large pot that fed his company.

Is there any word in Zorah of the soldier David? asked Kenan.

There is gossip he hides in the wilderness near Nob, said Jesse. But this is probably old news, if it is even true. Lies and legends about him grow each year.

Yes, I am sure he can’t hide from King Saul much longer. Tell me: how is my father?

He smiles. I have never seen him smile before, said Jesse.

Here is another happy report. I can probably count on one hand the number of times I have beheld his smile.

There was an unexpected shout followed by a trumpet blast. Kenan shot to his feet. The king returns. It appears you will be able to give the message to Felix after all.

Jesse beamed with excitement. He had never been this close to the king. The thunder of many hoofbeats grew louder by the minute. King Saul appeared, leading his men. He dismounted, his powerful frame a head taller than the rest of them. Kenan and Jesse stood at attention until the king disappeared into his tent. Servants rushed in and out of the tent, bearing water, wine, and food to be tasted before the king ate and drank. Some of the king’s bodyguards took their posts, and the rest of the soldiers led the horses to their subordinates to be cooled down, brushed, watered, and fed.

Apparently, Felix was not assigned this watch. Kenan and Jesse saw him slowly make his way down the hill. He plucked a few dandelions and chewed them leaves and all. Observing the presence of Jesse, he picked up his pace considerably.

Is there good news? he hollered, still a distance away.

There is, cousin! Quite good news! You have a son!

Felix picked up the boy as if he were a feather. Giving him a bear hug, he asked, And Rebekah? She is well?

Yes, Felix. Both are well. His name is Isaac. Darius is all smiles now.

Darius, all smiles? How is it possible? Does not his face crack from the effort? he joked. I cannot think of a better way to end such an awful trip, Felix said, a dark mood overshadowing his joy.

Come. Eat. You must be weary, brother.

Felix gladly took a seat and ate and drank heartily of the fresh feast and water after so many days of stale rations.

Why was the trip terrible, Felix? Did the king fail to find David’s location?

He did not fail. Doeg the Edomite was with the officials when the king questioned them about their loyalty as he sat under the great tamarisk tree. Doeg informed the king of Ahimelek the priest’s assistance to David in giving him provisions and the sword of Goliath the Philistine.

What did King Saul do? asked Kenan.

He sent for Ahimelek and all the men of his family who were the priests at Nob. The king ordered me and the other guards to strike them all down.

Kill the priests? The Lord would surely bring judgment on such an action! said Kenan.

When we refused, King Saul commanded Doeg to do it. And he did. He killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod. The Edomite was not even satisfied until he returned to Nob and killed everyone—men, women, children, infants, and also the livestock.

Felix and Kenan locked eyes as they considered the situation they were in, serving a king who no longer feared the Lord.

It was truly the hand of Adonai that stayed the king’s own sword from executing us for disobeying his order, said Felix. King Saul’s spies say David has gone to Gath. We will stay here until it has been verified. Surely the king will not seek him there.

Gath of the Philistines? Why would David go to Israel’s enemies for sanctuary? asked Jesse.

Who are his friends in Israel these days? He can only trust the band of men who travel with him, said Felix.

People say he was anointed to be our next king by the prophet Samuel before his death. Do you believe it? whispered Jesse.

Shhh. You speak treason in the king’s camp, rebuked Felix. His words spoke one thing, but his actions another as he nodded his head in agreement. Let us return to our joyous conversation. I am the father of a son! I long to meet him and gaze upon Rebekah’s happy face.

May he be the first of many sons! said Kenan.

Chapter 2

Belah, take Junia and flee at once! Go southeast to Socoh. It is less than half a day’s journey away, commanded her grandfather, Gebar.

You must come too!

No, I will only slow you down. Hurry. The Amalekite raiders are surrounding the town as we speak! Go on foot. It is a better way to keep hidden.

With trembling hands, Belah rolled up two blankets and took the water jug from her grandfather. She wrapped four barley loaves in a cloth and packed it in an empty grain sack with the blankets. Gebar kissed them both and shoved them out the door. The sun was a warm glow on the horizon to the east. It would be their only guide to safety.

Go out through the Valley Gate and run to the trees! Keep the sun slightly to your left shoulder to get to Socoh.

Belah, I don’t want to go, sobbed thirteen-year-old Junia. Why can we not stay?

Belah’s green eyes flashed impatience as she thought of what would happen to those in the town of Azekah after they left. The Amalekites were without mercy. They would slaughter everyone in their path. She shoved the images and fear from her mind. Be strong, Junia. We must get to safety.

But what about grandfather? Shouldn’t he come too?

He will hide and be safe, she lied. No more talking. We must be silent and invisible.

They wove their way through the streets. The mouth-watering fragrance of freshly baked bread from the cooking pits made it seem like any other day, despite what was about to happen. Belah and Junia were joined by other girls and women who had heeded the warning and were escaping as well. It would be dangerous with so many running to the tree line at the same time.

While having doubts about her grandfather’s instructions, an idea popped into Belah’s mind.

Go to the northeast corner of the wall. You will find an opening there that is hidden from view. Follow the trench. The rocks on each side will conceal you from the hillsides above.

Belah did not comprehend where the vision came from; maybe she had the gift of the seer like her grandmother. Both girls had raptly listened to incredible stories recited by their grandfather from the time they were toddlers.

Junia and Belah’s parents had gone to Gath days ago to trade woven blankets and baskets for supplies they needed.