From the first sooth draft of Son of Jethro, Chapter 6: The gloom, which had settled over Goshen after the departure of Moses, only intensified when rumors of the promised deliverer’s death began to circulate among the children of Israel. It was especially hard on both Judah and Levi. Naashon, son of Amminadab and Prince of Judah, was particularly crushed. In his sorrow, he turned to the Ephrath of Israel for advice on what action was now appropriate. It was Hur who greeted the tall, dark haired prince at the door of the big house of Caleb-Ephratah. “Welcome,” Hur spoke warmly. “What brings my favorite cousin to my door?” “You know I am more of a thorn in your side than a favorite, cousin. I come to discuss matters with the Ephrath. May I see her?” “Indeed you may. She is expecting you.” With that, Naashon was led to the comfortable parlor where Miriam sat, dressed in a simple white cotton tunic. “Good morning Naashon,” she spoke quietly. “Go ahead and sit down. Would you share some wine with me?” “That would be fine, Noble One,” the prince replied as he sat on one of the richly upholstered chairs. Quickly a servant arrived with three cups and a vase of wine from Naphtali. “My sources,” Naashon continued, “tell me Moses was killed by a border patrol and beheaded. What do you know about this?” “I know only what the God of Israel tells me; Moses will return and lead Israel back to Canaan.” “Despite what you think God has told you, we must face reality. We will receive no help from heaven. We must act for ourselves. The Thebans are gaining strength daily in Goshen, while we grow weaker. However we still have the strength to overthrow the oppressor and leave this accursed land if we unite and act with courage. I come to enlist your support, along with the backing of Hur and Aaron.” “With almost a third of our best young men in Aswan, we don’t have a chance. Besides, I will not leave my eldest son stranded in the south while I flee northward.” “I have a plan for them also. Since they are still camped near Heliopolis, I was able to communicate with them. Nun has organized a group which, upon a signal from us, will take over the camp and proceed overland to Mafkat. If we wait until they are shipped south, they will take over the Aswan quarry and seize enough ships to take them up the Qena then to the Red Sea where they will seize enough ships to take them to Midian.” “I think you are dreaming, cousin,” interjected Hur, who had been standing behind Miriam. “I’ll say this,” remarked Miriam. “Go ahead and organize secretly with the Sheik of Issachar. He will be of great help, even though he apparently bows to the God of the Golden Calf. I will seek the Lord’s advice. If he says go, we will implement your plan.” Partially mollified, Naashon turned and departed after giving the Ephrath a curt "Thank you.”
Posted on: Sat, 27 Jul 2013 18:54:50 +0000