Dinah

Chapter 14

When Papa and Mama entered the tent, Sheerah left quietly. Taking in my relaxed appearance and swollen belly, Papa demanded, "Why have I been summoned if Dinah's life is not endangered and the baby is yet unborn?"

Standing with eyes downcast, Mama responded, "I know this is none of our affair, but I didn't want Dinah agitated. I was afraid the baby would come too early if I did not arrange for her to talk to you."

Frowning Papa said, "Well, what is so urgent? I have more important things to do than listen to your babbling."

Angered by Mama's apparent cowardice and lack of support, I said, "I am concerned about your refusal to allow Asher to wed Sheerah."

Papa responded, "Leah, how could you indulge her impudence? I do not have to explain my actions to women!"

As he turned to leave, I called out, "Wait, Papa. She is my friend. She saved my life. It is in your power to grant her happiness. It's not too much to ask."

Turning back and sinking down beside my pallet, Papa said, "I know I am in her debt. I have promised her freedom and a dowry. It may be insufficient payment for your life, but I cannot give her my son also. He is my tenth son, a blessing from Yahweh. Yahweh promised to make our descendants as numerous as the sand. We are to spread Yahweh's glory throughout the land. The wives of my sons must bring honor to God. Sheerah is a slave. What do we know of her lineage?"

I had deliberately kept Sheerah's paternity from my family, afraid of their wrath. I still was unwilling to reveal who she was. Instead I said, "You have promised Sheerah her freedom, and she has embraced Yahweh. You may find a woman willing to forsake her own gods when she marries into our family, but that won't make her a true believer. Sheerah has a firsthand knowledge of Yahweh. She will support Asher in his worship."

With a sigh, Papa said, "There is still the matter of lineage. I'm sorry, Dinah, but I cannot change my edict. Asher will have to wait until I find him a suitable wife."

Before he could stand, Sheerah entered. Coming to stand beside me, she spoke. "I can answer the question of ancestry." I watched, my fear mingled with admiration as she continued. "My father is Hamor, King of Shechem. My ancestors were pagan, but their bloodline was unblemished. I have abandoned their beliefs, but I do not deny their kinship. Is the aunt of your expected grandchild not good enough for your son?"

Standing to his full height beside Sheerah, Papa looked down and spoke, "I admire your courage and pride. I must pray and ask Yahweh's preference before I make a decision. If Yahweh gives His blessing, I cannot withhold mine."

After he left, Sheerah slumped down beside me. Taking her hand, I squeezed it and told her how proud I was of her. She suggested that we pray for Yahweh to make clear to Papa His blessing on a union between her and Asher. I had forgotten Mama's presence until she spoke, apologizing for her seeming timidity. Explaining that she had felt Papa would be less angered if she allowed the idea to be all mine, she said she had planned to argue my position if needed. Sheerah's intervention had made it unnecessary. However, she would be happy to join us in our petition of Yahweh.

For the next few days, we impatiently waited for Papa's decision. Sheerah had gone to see Judith and left a message for Asher about Papa's prayer vigil. Neither of us had seen him since the day by the spring and so didn't know if he had gotten the message. We had not told Papa of Asher's time limit, but hoped he would make a decision quickly. Sheerah feared Asher would not be put off again.

The third day after Sheerah's confrontation of Papa is one we have all long remembered. Shortly after daybreak Zilpah appeared at our tent asking to see Sheerah. Papa had sent for Asher, but Zilpah did not know where to find him. She thought perhaps Sheerah would know. Sheerah said she didn't, but suggested Zilpah send someone to see if Judith knew since she had acted as messenger for Asher and Sheerah. Judith had left only moments before, so Zilpah caught her easily. Judith said Asher was fasting and praying in a private place near where she pastured her goats. She would send him home.