Daughters Of The Benjamin Tribe
956 Words
Hadassah POV
Purim has arrived again and as usual I spent the morning in prayer. Now I stood on the balcony looking out at the streets of Susa. My people were celebrating their freedom gained under my reign.
"Mother, why aren't you celebrating?"
I turned to see my beautiful daughters Sarah and Raquel. It was a family tradition to join the Jews of Persia every year, even Xerxes would attend. I loved how he embraced my culture throughout our marriage.
"I am not in a celebrating mood my loves. Although nothing is stopping you all from joining the festivities." I responded.
"C'mon mother please, the queen always attends and this is my first year as such. I would love for you to teach me. I know nothing about the your tribe." Sarah begged.
"So you wish to know about the tribe in which I was born?" I inquired.
She nodded and I sighed in acquiescence. Following them out the room and outside the palace. Songs of praise and worship rang out among the people to the Lord.
The girls and I began singing and dancing as well. My heart became full of joy. It was a beautiful moment. As the evening came the story of our deliverance was told to the young. I smiled as the young ones acknowledged my presence.
"Hadassah may the Lord continue to bless you and your family. The tribe of Benjamin lives on through you Raquel as well as your brother the king." Honnah said.
"Why is our tribe so special?" Raquel inquires.
"Benjamin was Rachel's child as was Joseph who was sold to an Egyptian as a slave. Joseph became the second highest official in Egypt behind Pharoah. Benjamin was the last born and was beloved by Jacob. His children grew and as the lineage we received a special gift in your mother, Hadassah. She was born of the first family of Isreal. As you know Jacob was given the new name by God. So when she became queen, our favor with God was restored. Her obedience is the faithful act that redeemed centuries of wrongdoing by King Saul. So your heritage doesn't just stop with Persian history." Honnah explained.
"That's a beautiful story. I am of the tribe of Levi. We are worshippers." Sarah said.
"Another gifted tribe my dear. Worship and praise, along with prayer will guide you as queen." I said.
She beamed under my praise. Another song errupted within our midst. She began to sing unto the Lord.
Our cries of thanksgiving carried on into the late night hours. My daughters and I sang as we celebrated our heavenly father. Another hour passed before we retired into the palace.
"Mother thank you for sharing with us this day. I will never forget this beautiful moment." Sarah said.
She amazes me everyday and her knowledge of our people is astounding. I was truly a blessed woman. I prayed yet again and went to bed.
King Xerxes POV
I watched my beautiful wife as she slept. I was with her all day but never said a word. My kingdom was prosperous and at peace. I was a little disappointed Benjamin was not with them. Isaac was in attendance from dawn. I hope my son has not abandoned his roots. He loved God and I won't let that change. I know how desperately he wants to follow after me. I keep telling him I wasn't perfect. Honestly sitting here in pergatory was eye opening. I failed multiple times as king. I keep asking for a chance to help him see his errant ways. I should have guided him more as a father.
Benjamin, my son please don't forget where you come from. Raquel, my beloved princess let Isaac lead, submission isn't a form of weakness in fact it's an amazing form of strength. Isaac, please learn to accept your role in the family. Sarah, my darling girl continue to pray for our country and your hardheaded husband, you will be Persia's guiding force. Michael and Gabriel, continue to grow and learn my young princes. Hadassah, my beautiful wife, my love, the heartbeat of our family, stop mourning over me its been two years now. I love you my dear girl and that will never change.
I see the beauty of the tribe of Benjamin and his daughters are the pearls. As I look to my left I can see Mordecai beaming with pride.
"My beautiful Hadassah, oh how I miss you. All my love forever and always." He whispers.
I agree with him wholeheartedly. Words cannot express the peace I am in knowing she is in great hands. I stared at the necklace upon her nightstand. She still resides in my former chambers. I wish she would request a different space.
Until next time........
Queen Sarah POV
I searched the palace for my husband only to find him in the library. He was studying maps and law books. I shook my head in annoyance. I never spend time with him anymore. I left the room quickly as tears clouded my vision. I was losing him every single day.
Knowing our marriage was strained hurt more than anything. I need help on how to get through to him. I prayed and prayed that God would hear my plea. I could care less about Persian protocol right now. In the morning I am going to speak to him even if I have to do so unsummoned. I was going to fight for us even if he wouldn't.
Hegai saw me running down the hall in tears. He tried to stop me but I continued onward. I made it to my room and flopped onto my bed sobbing until I fell asleep.
- Writer
