Dinah

Chapter 5

The following morning our early chore of grinding grain was interrupted by Simeon. Grinning impishly he said, "Don't stop on my account. You may be here all day as it is."

It seems that we were to grind twice as much grain as usual for a celebration to be held the following evening. Extra bread would be needed as part of the feast that would accompany the festivities. We would be thanking Yahweh for the safe arrival here and the purchase of land.

As he departed, Simeon called back over his shoulder, "Remember, Dinah, the princes will be here. Don't get too close to them with anything liquid." The daggers my eyes threw at his back didn't even penetrate his laughter.

Our morning was spent in the usual activities, but it took much longer to grind the grain. I thought my arm was coming loose because I had to rotate the hand mill so many times. I wished we were established in a permanent place so that we could have a large mill like Grandpa Laban's. His was operated by oxen, freeing the women from the daily drudgery of grinding grain.

Eating a late breakfast, I realized my hunger would be less than usual at the evening meal. This was unsettling because the next day would be a time of fasting in preparation for the worship experience. I had fasted before, but this would be my first fast as an adult. Though fasting was not usually expected of children, when they participated their amount and kind of food was merely limited. This would be the first time that I would abstain from food for a full day, so I wanted to stuff myself at the evening meal. I suppose that I could drink lots of water since it was allowed when fasting.

I knew the reason for fasting: to allow time for one to ponder his sins and seek forgiveness, to show his dependence on God and his gratefulness to Him for His bounty. Fasting is supposed to draw one close to Yahweh, giving unencumbered time to spend in prayer. For me fasting is probably a waste of time. Instead of drawing closer to Yahweh, I find my gnawing stomach interfering in any attempt to pray; I catch myself daydreaming about food. I was certainly not looking forward to my first day as an adult faster.

After the midday rest, everyone expendable from daily chores was sent to locate stones suitable for an altar. As a member of the weaker sex, I was counted with the children as a spotter. We were to scatter over the available land searching for stones of sufficient size and shape to be stacked together into an altar on which a sacrifice could be made. We were to mark our discoveries by placing a piece of colored cloth under the rock. Scraps from used clothing and curtains were kept for purposes such as this.

Male servants were assigned to different locations as gatherers. They would locate the marked stones and take them to a designated spot. Papa and his two eldest sons would be responsible for the construction of the altar. They remained at the place where the altar would be built, directing the gatherers to place stones into various piles by size and shape. Only after all stones had been brought would actual construction begin. At time intervals determined by Papa, spotters and gatherers would be summoned by the sounding of cymbals. We would then assemble for instructions on sizes still needed and for water.

I enjoyed this type of activity. I was not under the usual observation and between summons would loosen my veil allowing it to fall below my chin. The freedom to wander at will in this territory had not been granted prior to the stone search. I hoped to familiarize myself with the terrain for future reference. If the chance arose for a secret rendezvous with Sheerah, I did not want to get lost looking for a landmark.

Shortly after the first break, I wandered in the direction of the pool. Entering a glade of trees, I looked around curiously. I stood in a clearing that had evidently been maintained purposely. Noting the stacks of pebbles, the shapes drawn on large boulders positioned at the far end and the unusual number of nicks in the surrounding trees, I surmised that this served as a practice area for the city's hunters. I envisioned muscular youths being instructed in the arts of bow, sling and spear by aged men with long gray beards. My imaginings were interrupted by a sardonic voice coming from the shadows amongst the boulders.