The Arrow of Justice and Other Bible Stories

by Broder, Aryeh Leib

• ISBN13: 9781467000789
• ISBN10: 1467000787
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-02-09
• Publisher: Author Solutions

Summary

The stories in this book, 'The Arrow of Justice', portray all facets of human behaviour - their strengths and their weaknesses. The noble integrity of Joshua to honour his treaty with the Gibeonites; the anguish and frustration of the childless woman, Hannah; the immense courage of Jonathan when facing the better equipped Philistines; the incredible bravery of David's general, Joab in the conquest of Jerusalem; the sheer malice of Doeg in annihilating an entire community; the diplomatic skills of Archai in thwarting the efforts of Absolom to overthrow his father David; the treachery of Gechazi to his master Elisha and the tragic naivety of the last king of Israel, Zedekiah. These stories also demonstrate that the Bible is not just a history of the ancient people of Israel. It is also a guide to the relationship between man and his Creator Who is concerned with justice and fairness in all nations of the world and in the story 'The Arrow of Justice', the author briefly addresses the ever nagging question 'Why does God allow cruelty in His world?'

Excerpts

The day after Naboth was stoned to death and his properties transferred to the king, Ahab, escorted by a troop of his soldiers, came to the vineyard in Jezreel - to plan its demolition and rebuilding as a shrine and vegetable garden for the pagan gods of his wife, Jezebel. Ahab ordered his soldiers to wait by the gate of the vineyard as he walked slowly and triumphantly towards the rows of vines glimmering in the morning sun. "Now, at last, I can build a worthy shrine to Baal. Jezebel will be proud of me," he said to himself. "These vines will be a fitting sacrifice to so powerful a god." "Is that the only sacrifice you have made to your worthless idol?" The voice of Elijah thundered in the ears of Ahab. "An innocent man has been killed so you can pretend to be a man of god in the eyes of your pagan wife, Jezebel. And who is your god? What does he stand for? He is nothing but a god of deceit, of vanity, and of destruction. "Ahab! Listen very carefully. In this vineyard you have unjustly acquired, the warm blood of Naboth is shrieking out from its ground for vengeance and justice. Your god is a murderer and a liar. The God of Israel will never let such an injustice go unpunished." "How did he get into this vineyard past my soldiers?" thought Ahab. "Where did he come from? What sort of man is he?" With fear in his heart, Ahab looked at Elijah, as he strode purposefully towards him. He wanted to shout out a command to his soldiers to seize and execute him. But he was unable to do so. Deep down in his heart, he accepted the truth of Elijah's rebuke. He knew his soldiers would never raise their hands against a prophet of the God of Israel. He listened meekly as Elijah roared out the fate that would befall him, his wife, Jezebel and their descendants. "The God of Israel holds you guilty for the death of Naboth," declared Elijah. "Jezebel's crime is your crime. The blood of Naboth will be avenged. In the place that the dogs licked up the blood of Naboth, the dogs will lick up your blood as well." "You cannot hold me responsible for Jezebel's crime," Ahab pleaded. "A king of Israel is held responsible for the crimes of his subjects," countered Elijah. "A husband is held responsible for the crimes of his wife. "Not only will you perish but your entire household will be destroyed. And as for Jezebel, She did not live as a queen of Israel and she will neither die nor be buried as a queen of Israel. The dogs will also lick up her blood in the valley of Jezreel." Like thrusts from a dagger, Elijah's dire words penetrated the mind and soul of Ahab. He knew his fate had been sealed. He knew he was powerless to escape the justice of the God of Israel. The passion of Elijah's words transfixed not only Ahab, but his soldiers as well. They felt they were in the presence of God's personal messenger. One soldier, especially, felt the full majesty and power of the God of Israel and His servant, Elijah. A Divine decree had been made. It had to be fulfilled. The wheels of God's retribution were beginning to whirr. At the appropriate time and signal, that soldier would fulfil his Divine mission.