Baara's Dreams

Chapter 21

When Naaman and Ophiram reached camp, they entered a tent that was obviously not used by the family for sleeping. Three walls were folded up to allow the breeze to enter, with the side nearest the sun rolled down. A fine, mesh netting hung from the frame on the outside, with some sort of lush thin fabric hanging inside the netting. In the center of the tent was a fine leather mat that served as a table. Several finely tooled leather and carved olivewood camel saddles were scattered about the mat. The saddles looked new and elegant and were used to recline against so guests could rest comfortably while talking or eating. Naaman had brought this frivolous entertainment tent, hoping to share hospitality with the family of a prospective groom.

Sending a maid for refreshment, Naaman gestured to the expensively draped tent. "I hope this does not seem ostentatious to you," he said. "I came seeking a groom for Baara and thought it best to bring a tent for entertainment so I could share hospitality with the groom's family without having to invite them into our living quarters. I did not know if an Israelite's bride's family normally provides any wedding entertainment, but thought it best to be prepared. I hope you understand that though Baara has served as servant to my wife, their relationship is more like mother and daughter. We plan to provide for Baara in the same way we would our own daughter. But then such matters can await the arrival of your brother. Why don't you and I just spend some time getting to know one another?"

Approximately an hour after Ophiram and Naaman arrived, Manoah rode up to the camp on a mule, leading another mule laden with bags of pottery. He had returned to the market following Naaman's invitation and packed his wares. He had no trouble finding Naaman's camp. Not many caravans traveled to Kedesh and set up large camps outside the gates.

After Manoah had tethered his mount and pack animal, he joined Naaman and Ophiram in the plush tent. As he leaned against a camel's saddle and gratefully drank the water Naaman offered and partook of the sweet grapes, he looked around at the obviously expensive trappings of the large tent. He was surprised that such an obviously wealthy man would go to so much trouble for a slave girl. He couldn't help but wonder if the girl had been his mistress or had some other hold over the man.

As though sensing his thoughts, Naaman said, "It might be best to start by telling you what has transpired in the years Baara has lived in my household. I know it is not only unusual, but unheard of, for a family to go to so much trouble for a slave. I know Ophiram heard the abbreviated version I told those gathered at the gates, but I don't know if you had arrived yet, Manoah. Even if you had, I imagine your curiosity is stirred and you desire more detail."

The telling of the tale took some time. Naaman began with Baara's capture and included all pertinent happenings save Zipporah's defilement of the girl. He knew that information would have to be shared, but thought it best to talk to Manoah alone and allow him to discuss the matter with Ophiram before the betrothal was finalized. When he finished, he asked the two brothers if they had any questions.

"Not about your story," Manoah answered. "I must admit I wondered why a man of your station would concern himself with the disposition of a slave girl. Your story has allayed those worries. But several things will need to be discussed. Even though I trust you, it would probably be prudent to have my mother or wife at least talk to Baara about her virginity. Also, we will need as detailed as possible a description of Nahbi's land from the girl. I am sure there will be skeptics who believe she is an imposter. I cannot imagine why anyone so obviously well-placed would go to this kind of trouble to obtain a fairly insignificant piece of land here, but there are those who will contest its assignment to a slave girl. There is also the matter of dowry. Since you are not Baara's parents and did not pay to purchase her as a slave, what do you expect as a bride price? Do you need enough to compensate your wife for the loss of her services, enough to purchase another maid? Baara will bring land with her into the marriage, but since the land is not yours, I presume you do not expect compensation for the land," he finished, completing his concerns.