Faith of My Fathers (Chronicles of the Kings Book #4) by Lynn Austin

Author:Lynn Austin [Austin, Lynn]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi, azw3
Tags: ebook, book
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2010-07-26T12:00:00+00:00

13

THE INNKEEPER DROPPED another log onto the hearth, sending a cloud of smoke and soot into the narrow, windowless room. They filled Joshua’s lungs and throat, making his chest hurt when he breathed. He hated this dingy place, but since the foreman of his work crew had invited him here to share a drink after work, he couldn’t refuse. The inn’s low-beamed ceiling seemed to press down on him, suffocating him. He couldn’t wait to finish this conversation and escape into the cool evening air. He sipped his cup of strong wine slowly, hoping the foreman wouldn’t notice his distaste.

“I have to admit, Jew, I didn’t think you could even lift a brick when you first asked for a job on my construction crew. But you’ve more than proven yourself in the last few months.”

“Thank you, my lord.”

“And you’re an excellent leader, too. The men respect you and work hard for you. That’s why I’ve decided to make you my assistant on our next project. And any more of your handy little inventions would be welcome, too.”

“I’m very honored, my lord. What is the next project?”

“I’ve been asked to make some improvements to the temple complex.”

Joshua stared down at his drink. After nine months, he still had no answers from God on why He had rejected him, but Joshua wasn’t sure he wanted to turn his back on God completely by building a temple dedicated to idols. When he remembered that his father’s first building project for King Hezekiah had been repairing Yahweh’s Temple, he felt ashamed of what he was considering.

“When would the work start?” he finally asked.

“As soon as this job is finished. Probably early next week. Why? Is there a problem?”

“A small one, my lord. I was planning to get married as soon as we’re finished.”

“Congratulations! That calls for a toast.” The foreman signaled the innkeeper to refill their glasses. What little wine Joshua had drunk was already burning his stomach and making him dizzy, but he allowed his glass to be refilled.

“So,” the foreman continued after they had toasted, “you’ll need a few days off? A week, maybe, to spend with your new bride?”

“A bit longer, my lord. She lives in Jerusalem. I’ll need time to travel there and—”

“Say no more. Take as long as you need. You’re welcome to a job with me whenever you return.”

“I’m very grateful, my lord.”

Joshua knew he would need a steady job in order to provide for Yael. His lifestyle here in Moab still wasn’t what she was used to, but he vowed to make something of himself in time. In the past several months he had already worked his way up from a common laborer to assistant foreman and discovered that he was much better suited to construction work than to farming. Joshua had a talent for engineering like his father, and his innovative ideas had already impressed his boss.

His family had moved into a nicer house on the outskirts of Heshbon, and there was room for Yael now.

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