Three months later –
Zebina puttered in the garden early before the sun reached its burning point. As she strolled back to the house, she saw her mother looking our the window at her. “Fresh vegetables for lunch!” Zebina announced when she came inside. But she noticed that her mother’s eyes had teared up.
“What’s wrong, Mama?”
“”It’s nothing, dear. I was just thinking how you are growing so. Here you are betrothed to Seth and before I know it, you will be married and gone.”
“Aw, Mama” Zebina reached out and put her arms around her mother. “I won’t be gone far and I will still see you often.”
“I know, but it just won’t be the same.”
Zebina released her, but held her at arms length to look her in the eye. “Just think, you still have two more daughters to raise. They need to be taught about the garden and cooking and cleaning, just like you did for me.”
A slight smile crossed Mama’s face. “You’re right, of course.”
One more quick hug, and Zebina was off to the well with jugs in hand. “I’ll be back soon,” she called.
At the well, Zebina and Mary worked methodically taking turns dipping and pouring and of course—talking. Zebina told about her morning incident with her mother.
“Your mother, too?” Mary couldn’t believe both mothers were having the same feelings. Then she smiled. “I guess we will be the same when our sons and daughters are betrothed and looking toward marriage.”
“Perhaps so.” They finished filling their second jugs and sat to rest a moment. “I have a question about the reading at the synagogue on the Sabbath. The rabbi read from the prophet Isaiah who said, ‘Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel of the fire.” What does that mean?
“I asked my father about that. He said it is a prophecy about the Promised One yet to come. When he comes, soldiers will no longer be needed.”
“By ‘Promised One,’ do you mean the Messiah?”
“Yes. ‘For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulder.’ ”
“So he will come to us as a child?”
“It seems so. Isaiah says he will be called several things that describe him—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
“Sounds like someone perfect, like someone who could help us with all this Roman domination.”
“Yes, but remember Isaiah said every boot and garment will be thrown in the fire.” Mary stood to gather her water jugs. “I suppose all the other prophecies of Messiah will come to pass as well.” Zebina stood. “I think it’s more than my little mind can understand.” One big heave and she had her two jugs ready to go. “I’ll see you next week.”
As she wandered down the path to home, she thought about all these things, so happy to have her good friend, Mary to help her understand the Torah and the Prophets.
~ Joyce ~
