Faithfulness leads to stability, peace, and joy in his own life.
‘I could only wish that my faith would help the family as much as it helps Orna and me.’
His wife is not as strong as he would like. Separation from her family and added sorrow because of uncomfortable privations of their changing lifestyle has taken its toll.
Methuselah stays strong for the Lord. Most of the others drift away.
Criticism turns to anger for many. Anger ends in bitterness. The ones who find relief in the world and its pleasures invent rational excuses for their decisions.
All they know so well is changing. This alienation from family and friends is hurting Orna; the one he loves most on Earth. Her eyes refuse to meet his where they sit looking at seven newly crafted arrows. They lay in a perfect row – arrows that had taken hours of whittling and caressing. His warm hands had tirelessly massaged the yew branches until they seemed to bend at his will. He sees no flaw; the result is perfection.
As his hand reaches across the table Nokh wonders,
‘Could my hands help my beloved?’
He will see what they could do tonight in their precious times of privacy. A gentle touch caressing her tired body could bring peace and refreshment to her inner spirit.
Their world naturally exposes family life. The raucous clamor of neighbors gets attention. They see open fighting, public displays of sensual, even wicked aggression, dirty dancing, strong ones taunting the weak, and open rebellion of children against aged parents.
This division compounded by the gruesome gaming of cock fights with its gambling causes more bitter division, cursing and broken dreams. God’s name becomes a blasphemous catch phrase. It is right in front of them – as they sit quietly on a workbench in Enoch’s dart shop in full view of the principle street.
Orna’s eyes meet his. He speaks with hesitation and measures each word carefully.
‘I have a good supply of darts and knives on hand. Haran will continue to take care of the shop, I am sure. His sense of honor holds us together. Could we go on an extended journey? I would like us to go far from all of this discouraging pressure.’
Orna’s head drops. She does not hold her gaze. Her hand tightens.
‘All right. I am willing. Where you go, I will go.’
Enoch wonders how far she will go. They both know these trips are not about ‘getting away.’ He is seeking something deeper. Her mind asks,
‘Why can’t he find it here?’
‘I will not discuss it now.’
Fear wells up – she gasps for the next breath. Orna lays uneaten bread back in the basket, takes a slow sip of wine from the shared cup, and slips toward the street.
‘I will go see Methuselah and the families.’
Without saying another word Orna is gone. Her steps lead toward the river where their daughter-in-law, Methuselah’s wife, will be washing clothes. The best part of washing is the happy sound of children’s voices as they play in the waters along the verdant shores.