The city of refuge
Synopsis: Based on the OT provision for cities of refuge for those accused of manslaughter. The play traces an instance of where a terrible accident and a relative seeking revenge forces a man to flee to his nearest city of refuge.
At the end the play should incorporate an explanation of the concealed teaching, namely that we are all found guilty by the law, and are thereby required to flee to the city of refuge. The difference being, as out High Priest does not die, we are to stay there forever.
Characters:
Jonathan engaged to be married to a woman.
Rachel woman he is engaged to.
Obed brother of woman-he dies
Joram friend of brother who wanted to marry woman
Abel Builder who works for Jonathan
Father of Obed and Rachel
Mother of Obed and Rachel
Other builder
Guard 1
Guard 2
Judge
Scribe
Narrator
Other characters-other workers, servants, crowd at trial etc.
Builders: Crowd at Hebron.
Scene 1 Men are working on a building. A woman (Rachel) approaches carrying provisions for the workers. She is greeted warmly by her fiancé (Jonathan) and they talk. She tells him that her father has now accepted that she can marry him. The woman leaves after a short talk and inspection.
Then two more join them, her brother (Obed) and his friend (Joram). They are far from happy at the news, it becomes clear that the brother does not wish his sister to marry him, and an argument erupts. The friend joins in, but shortly after they both leave.
Scene 2 Obed and Joram are walking home. Joram is doing his best to keep the argument smouldering, but they stop, and the brother, in an obvious change of heart about his sister’s engagement starts to question his friend’s motives in stirring up trouble. He has guessed that the friend wants his sister for himself. He turns on his heel and starts back to the building site. The friend after a delay follows him at a distance.
This scene can take place in a spotlight away from the stage.
Scene 3 The day turns to dusk and many of the workers have gone, leaving Jonathan and Abel, the other builder working on a high wall. Jonathan is at the top of the wall; Obed arrives and calls up just as Jonathan is lifting a heavy piece of stone into place. The stone topples and falls, hitting the Obed on the head. After suitable screams he fall silent-dead. Joram emerges from the darkness shouting to Jonathan that he has murdered him. Jonathan protests his innocence, but the friend will not listen and runs off to fetch the father; leaving a distraught Jonathan and the other builder with the dead man. Abel shakes him by the shoulders and urges him to flee before news gets to the father. He tells him to flee to Hebron and stay there.
Jonathan starts packing his things, but Abel urges him to leave everything and make haste.
Scene 4 At the father’s house. Joram has presented things in the worst possible light and Rachel’s father has taken things badly. Sorrow gives way to rage, and he calls for his sword.
Scene 5 On the run Interspersed scenes of the main character dashing to the back of the room, then after a decreasing interval being followed by the father, clutching his sword. They pass a waymarker “Hebron, 7 miles”
Further running, each time the pursuer closing in on the pursued. Finally the gates of Hebron are seen, firmly closed for night. The runaway, on the point of exhaustion hammers on them screaming to be let in, just as the father closes in on him. The gates open to admit him and close to bar the avenger. The guards at the gate assure the father that the incident will be investigated fully, but for now the runaway will be protected by the law of God.
Scene 6 Back at the father’s house. Rachel and her mother discuss the situation, and Rachel decides to travel immediately to Hebron to be with Jonathan. Abel arrives afterwards and explains what really happened, and agrees to help.
Scene 7 Hebron- next morning Trial. Jonathan faces his accusers, the father and the friend of the dead Jonathan. As they start questioning Jonathan, Joram maintains that he murdered the brother because they had quarrelled over his sister. At this point the sister arrives, white-faced and confused, not knowing whom to believe.
The trial goes badly for Jonathan. There is motive for deliberate killing; the friend acts as witness, although his evidence is false. Finally sentence is pronounced. He has cold-bloodedly murdered his future brother-in-law and must pay the penalty, at first light the day after. (The day is approaching Sabbath.)
Abel slips out to go the site of the incident, there he finds that stone that killed Obed, it is too heavy to lift, thus disproving Joram’s account.
Final scene
Outside the walls of the city. The condemned man kneels and Rachel’s father prepares to kill him. Suddenly Abel arrives, with the massive stone. The execution is halted and the fresh evidence is examined. The word of the genuine witness prevails and the Jonathan is set free. The terms of his freedom are spelled out to him; he must not leave the area of the city, he is free to marry and live here but all of his previous life must be left behind. His fiancé agrees to come and live with him in Hebron until the death of the high priest.
Finally Joram is confronted with the evidence of his deceitfulness. Under the law he is condemned to death.
Epilogue A speaker shows how by God’s perfect standards we are all condemned to death, but by His grace we are permitted to dwell in safety from the avenging Law by living in the city of refuge. Here we must remain until the high priest dies. Only our High Priest is immortal.
Scene 1 At the building site.
Narrator “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that through patience and through encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” In the book of Romans, the Apostle Paul tells us that there is nothing written in the Old Testament which cannot teach us something valuable. Our play is about just one such teaching in the Law of Moses, which shows God’s provision for the man who accidentally kills someone. It is about the Cities of Refuge.
Present: Jonathan, Abel and two workmen who are working on a high wall, placing large blocks of stone in place. The atmosphere is good-natured and cheerful. Abel and two others are struggling with a huge stone, which they are carrying up to the top of the wall.
Jon “Abel, hurry up with those stones, we are aiming to finish this by Atonement!”
(Laughter)
Abel (in a slow voice and yawning) “But master, Atonement’s not till next year…”
Jon “Exactly! Now hurry up, there’s a good chap.”
Another builder (to J.)
“Now you leave him alone master, he’s got another little one squawking and keeping him from his sleep all night.” (to Abel) “How many’s that now Abe?”
Abel (counting his fingers slowly) “seven…. Eight…. Ah be ten I think. Soon be your turn master! Wait till that young lady of yours starts having kids.”
Other builder “How’s it going between you and Rachel then? Has her family come round to accepting you yet?”
Jon (Uncertainly) I think they’re coming round to the idea of us getting married. At least her mother and father are. But they weren’t ever the problem. It’s her brother who worries me.
Other builder “You mean Obed?”
J. “Yes, that’s him. Him and his friend, Joram. I can’t seem to make any headway with either of them. They have done nothing but run me down since I first met Rachel. What’s worse, I don’t know what I’ve done to make them so angry.”
Abel “You want to beware of that Joram. He’s a nasty sort. I worked for him once, lazy good-for-nothing. Caused trouble wherever he went.”
Other builder “I hope you won’t mind my telling you this master, but that Joram wanted to marry your Rachel. Dead struck on her he was.”
J. (Startled) “Wanted to marry Rachel? Are you sure? When? What happened?”
Abel “Now don’t go getting heated about it young master, it was a long while ago. Promised to turn over a new leaf for her, he did. But he never got out of his old ways, and she got rid of him. That’s as most likely why they seem so set against you.”
J. “Well it makes sense of many things, I just wish Rachel could have told me.”
Other builder “Well here she comes now, so say no more about it.” (shouts down) “Hello there Miss Rachel, is it me you’re wishing to see?”
Rachel “Get away with you. I’ve brought some supper for those of you who haven’t got homes to go to. Is Jonathan with you up there?”
J. (Scrambling down) Here I am, love. Is all this for me?”
R. “You’d eat it all given half the chance as well. I’ve done packed supper for four, so I guess that leaves me some as well,” (snatches one of the parcels before J. has chance to.) “Here catch!” (Throws other parcels up to builders.)
“Now I need to have a word with you.” (Other builders mock groans.)
(As other builders are eating their food)
R. “There was a row back home this morning…”
J. “Let me guess, about you and me?”
R. “Yes, but it’s not as bad as you think any more. Father has finally agreed that we can marry. Mother is over the moon.”
J. “That’s marvellous news! So why the row?”
R. “It’s Obed. He’s still being difficult. He says I can do so much better.
J. “Meaning of course Joram?”
R. (Looking startled) “No, of course not… well, yes I suppose so.”
J. “He did want to marry you once?”
R. (Angrily) “What if he did? I won’t be made to marry someone I thoroughly dislike! It’s my choice and I choose you. The two of them have been quite poisonous about it. I can’t wait to be out of there.”
J. “But your parents are happy about it now?”
R. “Oh yes, that’s what the argument was about, they were trying to persuade Obed to change his mind.”
J. “Do you think he will?”
R. (Sighs) “I don’t know. I don’t really care now that Mother and father are behind us. Perhaps when we are married he will change his mind as well. You do still want to marry me, do you?”
J. (Jokingly) “Oh, I don’t know now. You are a lot of trouble after all!”
R. (Gently punches him) “That’s just fine, you’ll be very lonely in this great big house, with just Abel for company when his latest addition drives him out of his home. Anyway show me how much you’ve done today, and then I must be off. Good night gentlemen!”
(They walk off to inspect the building, with other builder. Pause. Enter Obed and Joram)
Obed (loudly) “Is he here?”
Abel “What of it? Who asked you to come over here making trouble?”
Joram “I think our friend is pleased to see us. How now, Abel, is your dear wife still producing the brats? No wonder you have to work so long to support such a fine family. Who knows how you are going to feed and clothe all of them. Getting a bit ragged aren’t they?”
Abel “I don’t think you’re wanted here, either of you, so clear off!”
Joram (to Obed) “He doesn’t think we’re wanted here! Since when were you paid to think, Abel?”
Obed “Is your master here? We want a word with him?”
Abel “no he isn’t, so clear off. You’re troublemakers, the pair of you.”
(Enter Jonathan on his own)
Jon. “What’s all the shouting for? Oh, it’s you.”
Obed “Yes, it’s me, and I have a message for you. (Advances threateningly on Jon.) It’s enough. You are not to go near my sister again. Do you understand?”
Jon. (quietly) “No, I don’t understand. Not at all. What is it I have done that you hate me so much? What cause have I given you to be so angry?”
Obed “I don’t have to answer to you. It’s you who persists in this ridiculous idea of marrying Rachel. What right do you have to pester her so? Leave her alone.
Jon. “I can’t talk to you like this. But I want you to understand that Rachel has chosen to marry me, she was not forced in any way. We will marry with or without your blessing. But we would much rather you were happy for us.”
Joram “Can’t you see how he feels? You’re not worth her and you know it. You and your grand ideas of building this miserable house for you both. Such a small place after what she is used to! She won’t settle with you and you’ll both end up hating each other.”
Obed (to Joram) “I can answer for myself!” (To Jon.) “Go your way then, make your mistakes. But I warn you now, if you make Rachel unhappy, you will have me to answer to!” (Turns on heel)
Jon. (angrily) “Why should I fear you? It’s you who should be afraid! Get out, and don’t come back or you’ll regret it!”
(Both leave)
Abel “Master, that was badly said. You could have won him over if you tried. Now you’ve made an enemy of them both.”
Jon (sighs) “Oh, I know Abel. You’re right. I’ll try to make my peace with Obed when he’s not with that poisonous friend of his. Well I’m going to try and get this wall finished by nightfall. Are you staying or going back to your family?”
Abel “Well, I’ll stay a bit longer if you would like me to master, we do need the money.”
(End of scene)
Scene 2, on the way back to Rachel’s family home.
Present Obed and Joram walking.
Joram “Whichever way you look at it, it’s not going to work. He has little or no money, his family is the poorest in the tribe of Judah, he is a mere farmer with nothing to offer. And he has ideas above his station in thinking that Rachel loves him.”
Obed “but she does love him. I’ve no doubt about that. She has convinced father.”
Joram “A foolish girl who doesn’t know what to think. She has romantic notions of being poor and in love. She must be stopped.”
Obed “Must be stopped? Does she not have freedom to choose? I may dislike her choice, but I cannot command her! Especially now father is of the same mind.”
Joram “Minds change. Especially when word gets around that her beloved is not all that he seems….” (Whispers)
Obed (sharply) “What is this? No! I will have none of this. How can you suggest such a scheme in Israel? This is unworthy of you Joram.”
Joram “I will see that Rachel has no stain on her reputation after it is done.”
Obed (stands still for a few moments, then very angrily) “I see it clearly now. I see why you have stirred the flames of this dispute. You want Rachel for yourself. (Runs hands through hair) It’s so obvious. How could I be so blind? But, Joram, how could you stoop so low?
Joram (smoothly) “Come on, admit it, you hate him as well. You would be glad to see him ruined.”
Obed “I dislike him, but I do not hate him. But now it’s so very clear. All these months you have goaded father and me to blindly hate him, and now I see why. You want her as your wife, so you cannot tolerate a rival. (Pause) You’ve asked her, haven’t you? You’ve asked her to marry you but she has refused. And now you can’t stand to see another man succeed where you have failed.”
Joram “What of it? I am worth ten of him. I can give her the money, fine house, servants and position she needs. All she needs to see is how much better she would be with me than him. Or don’t you think I would be a better match for her?”
Obed (furiously) “You? She has already decided against you. And now you want to blacken Jonathan’s name and reputation just as revenge? You’re not worth her shadow falling across you. It’s you who should leave her alone.” (turns back in way they have come)
Joram “where are you going?”
Obed “Back to Jonathan. To tell him how wrong I was. Wrong about him, especially, wrong about you.” (walks off)
(Joram waits a short while, then stealthily follows Obed)
Scene 3 Back at the building site.
Jonathan and Abel are moving some huge blocks of stone into place at the top of the wall. It is nearly dark. All the other builders have gone.
Abel “Well, that’s about it for me, master. It’s almost too dark now to see what I’m doing. I’d get along home if I were you.”
Jon. “This feels like home to me now, Abel, this room here where we will stable the sheep in the winter, then that room over there where Rachel will cook all our meals, and just behind… hello, who’s there?”
Abel “It’s Obed, back again for more trouble I’ll be bound.”
Jon. (shouts) “Obed, is that you? What are you doing back here?”
He leans over the top of the wall, as he does a huge block of stone starts to shift and move.
Obed “I want to speak with you, alone.”
Jon. “If it’s more threats, I want none of them. Haven’t I made myself clear?”
(The stone shifts further towards the edge)
Obed “Peace. I come in peace. I have been a fool, listening to the poison of Joram. I wish to talk with you as a brother.”
(Leans further over the top of the wall. As he does, the huge stone starts to topple.)
Jon. “This is good news, hold on, I’m coming down to you…WATCH OUT!”
(The stone falls, striking Obed on the head. He staggers back from the foot of the wall, clutching his head, blood pouring down his face.)
Jon + Abel “Oh, no! Obed, are you all right? Quick help him.”
(Obed sinks to his knees, as he does, Joram appears from the shadows and supports him. As Jonathan and Abel arrive, Obed dies.)
Joram “So, you have your revenge on my friend? You throw down a great stone and kill him like Abimelech. The judges shall hear of this.”
Jon. (Wildly) “No, no! The stone fell, I could not stop it. It was an accident. Abel, you saw what happened, tell him, tell him it was an accident!”
Joram “What will the judges think when they hear what you last said to him? ‘Don’t come back or you will regret it!’ I don’t imagine they will think it an accident!”
Jon. “I tell you it was an accident! Abel will back me up.”
Joram “I’m sure Abel’s word is worth a great deal. Especially when I give evidence against you. Which I will gladly.”
Jon. “Why, you wouldn’t… surely you wouldn’t tell lies to the judges?”
Joram “Who do you think his father is going to believe? You or me? (Grabs him by the arm, he shakes himself free) Going to kill me next are you?” (He runs off into the night.)
Abel (pulls him back) “Master, leave him he’s set on trouble. The important thing now is to look after yourself.”
Jon. “The important thing now is to get back to his family, they will need to know what has happened. Will you come with me Abel?”
Abel “No master, no! Didn’t you hear him? He’s going to tell his story to Rachel’s father. Who knows what lies he’ll tell? And when her father hears he will come seeking your blood. That’s his right. There won’t be any chance to tell the truth.”
Jon. “That’s a risk I’ll have to take, I can’t just run away like a murderer. They must know that I am innocent.”
Abel “They’ll know that all in good time, but the law of God allows you chance to flee for your life. If you don’t Rachel’s father is allowed by law to hunt you down and kill you. And by the time that snake has spread his poison, he’ll be after your blood.”
Jon. “What shall I do?”
Abel “What the law allows, you shall flee for your life to the nearest city of refuge. There you will be safe until the affair is sorted out. Now get you gone, you’ll have about three hour’s lead and Hebron is fourteen miles away. What are you doing with those tools?”
Jon. “I’m just clearing up, then I’ll put a few things in a bag…”
Abel “Master, you haven’t time, just go, leave everything, GO BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE!!”
(He bundles Jonathan off stage)
Scene 4 At Rachel’s home
(Rachel is with her mother. Her father enters the room)
Father “And how is my little girl? Soon to fly the nest?”
(Kisses her, then sits down)
Mother “No thanks to you and Obed, I’m ashamed of the pair of you, taking against Jonathan like you did. I’ve felt all along how right they are for each other. (to Rachel) Oh, how glad I am it’s sorted now and we can get on with the wedding. I’ve taken the dress in around the waist like you asked.”
Father “Dress? Do you mean to say you’ve been planning this wedding anyway? Even although I haven’t given my blessing?”
Mother “Course we have dear. We knew you’d come round anyway, just a matter of time. Then we didn’t want to start having to plan it all from the beginning. It’s an important time for the girl.”
Father “Women! Never could make sense of them. Ah well, I’ll leave the preparation to you both.”
Mother “That’s just as well dear, because you’re no good at Weddings, look what happened when we got married….”
(The door burst open, Joram runs in, breathless)
Joram “Terrible news, it’s Obed. He’s… he’s dead!”
Rachel, Father, Mother “Dead? How, what’s happened? When?”
Joram (trying to catch his breath.) “We went to talk with Jonathan early in the evening. There was an argument and when Obed and I left him, he was very angry. Then Obed wanted to go back again, alone. I tried to talk him out of it, but he insisted on going. I followed at a distance. When I got there, Obed was arguing with Jonathan. Jonathan was hurling insults at him, As I watched he picked up a stone from the top of the wall and threw it down at Jonathan It hit him right on the top of the head. He died in my arms minutes after.”
Rachel’s mother puts her face in her hands and starts moaning softly, father remains seated, but repeats, “Obed, my son..dead?” Rachel walks up to Joram and looks him straight in the face.)
Rachel “Joram, listen to me. I was with Jonathan this evening. We talked about you and Obed. There was no anger then. What happened between you? What did you say?”
Joram “When we left Jonathan he warned us with threats not to return. Shortly after Obed is killed. Jonathan is a dangerous man, and I’ve tried to warn both you and Obed against him. It seems that Obed saw him as he really is and could not let the matter rest, and had to confront him one more time. Then when I arrived and saw what he did, he fled into the night to save his skin”
Rachel (breaking down into tears) “Oh Jonathan, what have you done?”
Joram “Is that your care? Do you grieve for Jonathan when your brother lies dead at his feet? (He takes Rachel into his arms) He has saved you from a terrible mistake. But he has paid a terrible price!”
Rachel (breaking free) “Father, what are you doing?”
(Father does not reply. He lifts a cloth wrapped item from off a shelf, and with trembling hands starts to remove the wrappings)
Rachel “Father, what are you doing?”
Father (distantly) “It is years since I shed blood in Israel. Then, it was those cursed Philistines. Now it shall be his cursed blood.”
(He lifts the sword free of the wrappings and swings it through the air.)
Mother “No, this can’t be. Put away your sword!”
Father “Hold your peace, all of you. Blood has been shed, and blood shall be required. This night I shall hunt him down, and see justice done.”
Rachel “Father, no, you must find out what really happened!”
Father (Shouting) “Too long have I listened to your mother and you. Too long have you gone behind my back and defied my wishes. Now, because of you, Obed is dead, and before Sabbath Jonathan will be with him. Joram, you will take some servants and collect Obed and bring him back here.”
(He belts a scabbard and thrusts the sword into it, throws a cloak around his shoulders and storms out. Joram once more tries to take Rachel in his arms as if to comfort him, but she brushes him off. He too leaves.)
Rachel “Mother, will he really kill Jonathan?”
Mother “He was a capable soldier, he is an active man. He will run fast, and if he overtakes him, Jonathan will not stand much chance.”
Rachel “I will go now and find out what happened. I don’t trust Joram’s account. Perhaps we can find out where he has fled to.”
Scene 5 On the run.
Alternate scenes of Jonathan running the full perimeter of the hall. Then Rachel’s father also following the same course. They pass a waymarker “Hebron 7 miles” followed by other waymarkers “Hebron 5 miles” “Hebron 2 miles.” The scenes alternate more swiftly to convey the impression of Jonathan losing his head start. At points he stops to gasp for air before carrying on. As the city gates come into sight at first dawn, the gates are shut, and Rachel’s father, his sword in hand is close to catching him. Jonathan batters on the gates screaming for entry, slowly they open, and the guard allows him to enter, whilst firmly barring the way to his pursuer.
Father “Let me enter, I have come to revenge the blood of my son upon this man.”
Guard “You may not enter to shed blood here. He has come for sanctuary, and the laws of God will grant it.”
Father “Will you permit a murderer to live?”
Guard “If that is what he is, then he shall die. But he has sought sanctuary and until enquiry is made into his crime, then he will be safe in this city.”
Father “You must let me pass. I must avenge my son.”
Guard “Vengeance belongs with God. He will see to it. In the meantime you cannot enter. This is a city of Sanctuary.”
He turns to a second guard.
“Take this man to the city prison and tell the judges that he is here to seek sanctuary. They will know what to do.”
Second guard “Here is a judge now.”
Judge “What is all this commotion?”
Guard “It is this man, sir, he is seeking sanctuary.
Judge “Then he shall have it. What is his crime?”
Father “He slew my son, Obed because he opposed his sister’s marriage to him.”
Jonathan “That’s not true! It was an accident! I was leaning over the wall….”
Judge “We will hear the case in the afternoon. Produce your witnesses and bring them to the gate of this city. In the meantime we will hold him in prison. Any attempt to harm him will be severely dealt with. We will see justice done!”
(He turns about and walks off. The two guards lead Jonathan off.)
Scene 5 Back at Rachel’s family home.
(Obed’s body lies centre stage, covered with a sheet. Rachel and Mother are talking together.)
Mother “If only I knew. Has father slain him? Or did he get to Hebron in time?”
Rachel “We will know soon enough. What worries me is what has happened to Joram. He should be here with us, what mischief is he up to?”
Mother “Ask the servants, if anybody has seen him.”
(Rachel disappears for a few minutes. Shortly she reappears looking grim.)
Rachel “It’s worse than I thought. No one has seen him since he brought Obed back here.”
Mother “You don’t think he’s gone down to Hebron?”
Rachel “That’s exactly what I think! Gone to spread his lying tale to anyone who’ll listen.”
Mother “Do you think he’s lying then?”
Rachel “Mother do you think he’s telling the truth? Would it help you make up your mind if I said that Obed wants to marry me himself?”
Mother “I know that, dear, and I have to admit I’m glad you didn’t agree, but surely he wouldn’t try to get Jonathan killed…. Would he?”
Rachel “Once, I would have said no, now I’m not so sure. But this I am sure of, Jonathan wouldn’t kill anyone for any reason. Oh! I wish Abel would show up!”
Mother “Joram said he had fled too, as if he were also to blame.”
(Rachel shakes her head, then fall silent for a while)
Rachel “Mother, I’m going to Hebron. I feel that something terrible might happen, and I want to be there. I’ll take a donkey and a couple of servants.”
Mother “But Rachel, your brother must be buried before nightfall!”
Rachel “I have no choice, I have a horrible feeling that Jonathan might be dead before nightfall- if he’s not dead already! No, please mother, let me go!”
Mother (brokenly) “Go then, my daughter, and may the God of mercy go with you.”
(Exit Rachel, Mother weeps silently by Obed’s body)
(Some minutes pass, then Abel enters.)
Abel “Is Rachel here?”
Mother “No, she’s gone to Hebron to find out what’s happening.”
Abel “That’s good! We are going to need to be down there to counter Joram’s lying tongue!”
Mother “He’s in Hebron then?”
Abel “According to the village folk, he left early this morning, not before he spread his lies and gossip- it’s common knowledge around here now that Jonathan murdered Obed by throwing a great stone down upon him.”
Mother “Then it is as Rachel feared. Abel, you were there, tell me exactly what happened.”
Abel “Obed came back just as Jonathan and I were finishing work. He was alone and he came with a greeting of peace. I think he and Joram had quarrelled, and he came back to make amends. In the dark Jonathan leant over the wall to speak with him, which was when the accident happened.”
Mother “What exactly?”
Abel “The top of the wall was lined with loose blocks of stone, ready for setting in place. As they spoke, one dislodged and .. well.. you know the rest.”
Mother “Did he suffer much?”
Abel “I doubt if he was alive for more than a few seconds after the stone hit him. It was mercifully quick.”
Mother “Abel, you have done much for us, but I must ask for your help now. We must have your witness if there is a trial. Will you go to Hebron for us?”
Abel “I was on the point of leaving earlier, but I think we have to do more than just give evidence. It would be my word against that lying serpent Joram. He is an influential man, and I am just a common labourer, he speaks convincingly, and is persuasive. No, I will go as you say, but first I must see if there are other witnesses who might be able to help our case.”
Mother (trembling) “We won’t forget this Abel, thank you, thank you.”
Abel (Places his hand on her shoulder) “Jonathan is a good man, he deserves the best we can do.”
(Leaves)
Scene 6 The trial in Hebron.
(Jonathan stands with his hands tied, the Judges seated in front of him. A scribe stands close by with a scroll of the law in front of him. Joram and Rachel’s father are nearby. Just as things are settling down, Rachel arrives with Abel.)
Judge “We are here to hear the case of this man Jonathan who is accused of murder of Obed, the son of this man here. Before we begin we will hear the relevant law relating to this case.”
(The scribe stands and finds a passage of scripture)
Scribe “you shall set apart three cities for you in the land which the LORD your God gives you to possess.
You shall prepare the roads, and divide into three parts the area of the land which the LORD your God gives you as a possession, so that any manslayer can flee to them.
”This is the provision for the manslayer, who by fleeing there may save his life. If any one kills his neighbour unintentionally without having been at enmity with him in time past – as when a man goes into the forest with his neighbour to cut wood, and his hand swings the axe to cut down a tree, and the head slips from the handle and strikes his neighbour so that he dies — he may flee to one of these cities and save his life; lest the avenger of blood in hot anger pursue the manslayer and overtake him, because the way is long, and wound him mortally, though the man did not deserve to die, since he was not at enmity with his neighbour in time past.
Therefore I command you, You shall set apart three cities.
And if the LORD your God enlarges your border, as he has sworn to your fathers, and gives you all the land which he promised to give to your fathers – provided you are careful to keep all this commandment, which I command you this day, by loving the LORD your God and by walking ever in his ways — then you shall add three other cities to these three,
lest innocent blood be shed in your land which the LORD your God gives you for an inheritance, and so the guilt of bloodshed be upon you.
”But if any man hates his neighbour, and lies in wait for him, and attacks him, and wounds him mortally so that he dies, and the man flees into one of these cities,
then the elders of his city shall send and fetch him from there, and hand him over to the avenger of blood, so that he may die.
Your eye shall not pity him, but you shall purge the guilt of innocent blood from Israel, so that it may be well with you.
Judge “This is the case before us this day. Is this man guilty of deliberate killing, or was the blood shed as an accident? If this man is found to be guilty of murder, there can be no sanctuary here, he must die, and at the hand of the avenger of blood.
However, if we can prove that there was no enmity beforehand, and Obed died as a result of an accident, then he is safe within this city and free to live and work here.
Who accuses this man?”
Father “I do.”
Judge “Then let us hear your accusation.”
Father “There has been bad blood between my son and this man for many months, since he asked to marry my daughter Rachel. Obed and I were against the marriage, and many attempts were made to persuade Jonathan to change his mind.
Finally Obed went to see Jonathan alone last evening and it was then that he was killed.”
Judge “Do you have other witnesses?”
Father “I have here Joram, who saw the murder take place.”
Judge (to Joram) “What happened?”
Joram “Both Obed and I went to see Jonathan in the early evening to try to persuade him to give up the ridiculous notion of marrying Rachel…”
Judge “Why do you say it was a ridiculous notion?”
Joram “Well, my lord, they are poles apart. Rachel is from a family in Israel well known for its valour, nobility and honour. Jonathan is nothing but a poor farmer. The match was disapproved of by most concerned at the beginning.”
Judge “Thank you, please continue.”
Joram “There was a short, angry exchange of views between Obed and Jonathan. It was clear that he had no intention of changing his mind, and he was bitter about the objections to the marriage. As we left his words were, “If you return I will kill you both.”
Abel “LIAR!!”
Judge “You will have your turn to speak if you have anything to say to help, in the meantime please keep silent. Pray continue.”
Joram “We walked back towards Obed’s house. Obed was very upset about the situation; he felt he had been misunderstood. Finally he stopped and said, ‘I can’t leave this as it is, I must go back and ask him one more time to leave Rachel alone. If he will not then I must accept him as my brother.’
I told him to wait until the morning, because I was fearful of the bitter rage of Jonathan, but he made light of it. He told me to go on, but still fearful I followed at a distance until he came back to the house that Jonathan was building. It was nearly dark but there were torches lit so I could see what took place..” (He pauses, looking upset)
Judge “Go on.”
Joram “Jonathan was at the top of the wall shouting bitter insults down at Obed. He called him a stirrer of strife and an arrogant man. Then as I watched, he caught up a stone from the top of the wall…”
Judge “just one thing, was Jonathan alone at this wall he was building?”
Joram “Yes, my lord he was.”
Abel “He’s lying like a Philistine. I was there with them both..”
Judge “Silence! You will have your turn to speak. Now Joram, please continue.”
Joram “He shouted, ‘I warned you not to come back’ and then threw this stone at Obed. It struck him squarely on the head. He died at once, his skull had been crushed. I held him in my arms until he had stopped breathing.”
Judge “Then what happened?”
Joram “When Jonathan saw me he turned his threats on me. He said, ‘You will say it was an accident, or I will kill you too.’ I was concerned for my own safety so I left Obed there and went back to tell his family.”
Abel “Lies, lies, lies! He always was a liar, now I was there….”
Judge “Who are you?”
Abel “I am Abel, son of Jechoniah, of a farming family in Judah.”
Judge “Well listen, Abel, son of Jeconiah. If you do not hold your peace then I will throw you out of the city. You will have your turn to speak in due time.”
(To Jonathan) “You hear what they witness against you, what do you have to say?”
Jonathan “There was, as they say, bitter anger between us. But, as the LORD is my witness, there never was intent in my heart to do harm. When Obed came back, he came with words of peace, he wanted to make amends. As he spoke from the bottom of the wall I dislodged a stone which hit Obed and killed him.
Judge “Did you utter threats against the dead man and Joram?”
Jonathan “Yes, when they came to see me earlier on, they came with insults, saying I was not worthy of Rachel. I became very angry, I do not remember what I said, but I did not threaten to kill them.”
Judge “But you did threaten them?”
Jonathan “Yes.”
Judge (to Abel) “And now, what say you of this man?”
Abel “I say that his witness (points to Joram) is utterly false. He wants to marry Miss Rachel himself, and she has refused him. Now his malice is clear, he wants to dispose of his rival. His evidence cannot be trusted.”
Judge “Did you hear this man make threats against Obed?”
Abel (flustered) “He did speak angrily, it is true. I told him off for it afterward.
But when Obed came back later, he spoke words of peace, and master here was well pleased to hear him speak so. Then the stone fell on him. I immediately told him to get here to escape revenge.”
Judge “You call him ‘master’, you are in his pay then?”
Abel “I am doing some building work for him, in that sense he is my master.”
Judge “Do you have anything else to add?”
Abel (pointing to Joram) “Only this. He has told many lies; he has every reason to do so, considering his feelings for Miss Rachel. If the judges of this city cannot see through his deceit, then there is a God in Heaven who will hold all present to account for this injustice.”
Judge (to Joram, who is smiling slightly) “Time is pressing on, the Sabbath approaches. Have you any reply to this man?”
Joram “My lord, I do not blame this man for his loyalty to his master. He has a large family, they are pressed down with troubles, and amongst his type, loyalty is often cherished above all truth. However, the dead man’s father is of a noble family, and in his judgement, there is no doubt as to this man’s guilt. So he comes with a sword to dispense justice, and no half-witted defence by a paid worker should stand in his way. To you I submit my witness, I saw what I saw and there can be no doubt as to the guilt of this man.” (Points to Jonathan)
Judge (To Jonathan) “Have you anything to say before I decide your verdict?”
Jonathan “Just this. I call God to witness as to my innocence of this crime. I am guilty of negligence, and for this Obed’s blood must be held to my account. For this I am willing to submit to the penalty of the law, but for the crime of murder I cannot accept any charge. May God deal out justice to those who have lied to this court to pervert the truth and destroy an innocent man.”
Abel “Amen!”
Judge “I represent the law handed down by God to our forefather Moses at Mount Sinai. In His wisdom God appointed judges in every city to see that a full enquiry was made into difficult matters such as these. I will now consider what shall be done.”
(Leaves room. Rachel goes over to Jonathan and stands by him. Several minutes pass. (Music?) Finally the judge enters the room.)
Judge “I have given much thought to this affair. Whilst I hear Abel’s account, I have to remember that he is in the pay of the condemned man, and therefore his opinions are not to be taken as wholly trustworthy. On the other hand the condemned man has admitted a feeling of bitter anger towards the dead man before he was killed, and the account of Joram, who is of an honourable and noble family clearly shows that Jonathan’s anger towards Obed was so great, that given the opportunity of seeing his enemy alone, he seized a stone and cast it down upon his head. On being discovered, he was unable to conceal his crime and fled here in hope of sanctuary. This, by the laws of the God of Israel, we cannot give. Jonathan must die at the hand of Obed’s father on the day after the Sabbath.”
(There is a gasp, Rachel throws her arms around Jonathan and breaks down weeping. Joram smiles triumphantly. The judge leaves, Abel slips out after him and disappears.)
Scene 7 Rachel and Jonathan
Rachel “I can’t believe this has happened. Yesterday we were building our house, making our plans and everything was going well. Now this…”
Jonathan “And the day after tomorrow I shall be no more. Rachel, this is no place for you to stay. Get back to your mother and comfort her for Obed. I don’t want you to be here… when, when it happens.”
Rachel “This is my place. Obed is dead, there will time for grieving later. But while you are alive I must stay with you. Perhaps I can persuade father to have mercy.”
Jonathan “It is no longer his decision. The laws of God dictate that the murderer must die. And I have been found to be a murderer, so die I must. Even if your father refuses to strike me down, others will do so, (Laughs bitterly) or perhaps they will stone me to death!”
Rachel “Don’t talk like this. I believe in your innocence. Many do. I heard many complaints when the judge gave his decision. Jonathan, look at me!”
(Jonathan turns to look at her directly)
“Just once I will ask and no more. Was it an accident? Completely an accident?”
Jonathan “Yes. My ‘half-witted worker’ spoke the whole truth.”
Rachel “Then why isn’t he here to appeal? He has vanished.”
Jonathan “He has served me well. I could ask no more of him. Let him return to his family and his land. Be good to him for my sake. Abel is a good man.”
Guard “Time you was going Miss!”
Scene 8 Execution
(Early morning. Jonathan stands centre stage with his hands loosely tied behind his back. The scribe reads the charge from the law.)
Scribe Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.
Judge “You have heard the condemnation. It is not just the law of this city, or of this tribe, it is the law and judgement of God Himself. Do you have anything to say?”
Jonathan “As God, who gave this law, is my witness, I am innocent of the crime of murder. May God require my blood at the hands of those who have brought about this verdict. (Turns to Rachel) Good bye my love, thank you for our time together.”
Judge “then let sentence be carried out!”
(Rachel’s father steps up with a sword in his hand. He is trembling also. But he raises the sword above his head. At this moment somebody crashes into the back of the crowd, it is Abel.)
Abel “In the name of Almighty God stop this execution!!”
Rachel “Abel, you’ve come back!”
Judge “What means this? There had better be good reason!”
Abel “I am in time to prevent a hideous injustice. This man is innocent and I can prove it.”
Joram “More of your loyal lies, Abel? They cannot save him now.”
Abel “It is you that has lied, and I can prove it.”
Joram “It is too late. (shouts to Rachel’s father) Strike him down. Now!”
Father “I will not. I must hear this new evidence.”
Judge “What is this of which you speak?”
Abel “Joram, tell everyone again how you saw Obed die.”
Joram “I have given my evidence, I will not be questioned further.”
Judge (Sternly) “Do as he says!”
Joram “Very well. Jonathan was at the top of the wall, Obed down below speaking to him. Nothing Obed could say would pacify him. He poured down abuse upon him. Then he caught up a stone from the top of the wall and threw it down upon his head.”
Abel “A stone like this one?”
(Two servants stagger through the crowd carrying a very heavy stone. It is covered in dried blood. They deposit it before the judge and condemned man.)
Judge “This is the stone that killed Obed?”
Abel “Ask him, he saw it all happen.” (He points to Joram, who is shaking uncontrollably.)
Judge (To Joram) “Is this the stone?”
Joram “I can’t be sure, it was dark..”
Judge (Angrily) “This stone is covered in blood. I presume it came from the house that Jonathan was building. Is it the stone that struck Obed on the head?”
Joram “I… I…”
Judge + father “ANSWER THE QUESTION!”
Joram “Yes. That is the stone.”
Abel “Jonathan ‘caught up this stone and threw it at Obed’ is what you have said. Now Joram, you are a strong man. Perhaps you would like to throw this stone at me?”
Joram “There’s no need. The case has been proved.”
Abel “There’s every need. Your account states that Jonathan was able to throw this stone. I say that it slipped from the top of the wall. So show us how you saw Jonathan throw this stone.”
Judge “Do as he says.”
(Joram tries to pick up the stone. He can barely get his fingers under the corner, let alone lift it from the ground. He tries several times but it is simply too heavy.)
Abel “Having difficulty? Yes, we did as well. It took three of us to lift that stone into place. You see it is a capstone, and its weight holds many other stones in place. If we had managed to set it securely in place it would never have moved when it did. But because it was loose, it was able to fall and hit Obed.”
(Joram looks wildly around, then makes a sudden dash through the crowd. Rachel’s father bars his way and drags him back to the middle. He cringes before them all.)
Joram “I didn’t want it to come to this, I beg you be merciful to me!”
Father “More lies, you had every intention of bringing about this young man’s death by your falsehoods. You are a disgrace to your family honour, you are not fit to live in Israel.”
Joram (To judge) “It won’t happen again, I promise. Just be merciful to me!”
Judge (To scribe) “What says the law of God about such false witness?”
Scribe (Finds passage in law) “If a malicious witness rises against any man to accuse him of wrongdoing, then both parties to the dispute shall appear before the LORD, before the priests and the judges who are in office in those days; the judges shall inquire diligently, and if the witness is a false witness and has accused his brother falsely, then you shall do to him as he had meant to do to his brother; so you shall purge the evil from the midst of you.
And the rest shall hear, and fear, and shall never again commit any such evil among you. Your eye shall not pity; it shall be life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot”
Joram (wildly) “Mercy! You must show me mercy!”
Judge “As you were prepared to show mercy to this man? No, no one here can show you mercy. The law decrees your death and this sentence will be carried out immediately. Bind him and take him to the Priests. They shall hear and decide also.
(Joram is lead away, Jonathan’s hands are untied and Rachel throws her arms around him. Both of them go to Abel.)
Jonathan “I owe you my life, my friend. If I were a wealthy man I would give you much for what you have done for me this day.”
Abel “No more of this talk! Let’s be back and mourn for Obed. Then we have a house to build.”
Judge “Not yet! The law is not finished with you yet.”
Jonathan “Not finished? Am I not found innocent?”
Judge “Innocent of the charge of murder, yes. But you fled here as a manslayer. Here you must build your house, raise your family and live in safety until the death of the High Priest. Then you are free to depart to your own village. Until then no guarantee can be made for your safety should any choose to revenge Obed’s death against you. The blood of any man shed upon God’s land must be accounted for.”
Jonathan “Then so it must be. Rachel, will you come here to be my wife?”
Rachel “Of course. You are my home, wherever we might be together.”
Judge “Wait, there is more. In Hebron the lands and possessions of a condemned man are disposed to his victim. In this case, Joram’s wealth is forfeit; it is yours to do with as you wish. That is all.”
(Leaves)
Jonathan “Abel, I owe you much. Now I have much wealth. You will be well rewarded. Rachel and I must set up our home here, which leaves our nearly-built house ready for a large family. Will you take our house? Will this be acceptable to you?
Abel “With all my heart, master!”
Jonathan “No more of the master, now. You have done well, you deserve this change in your fortune. But for you I would be a dead and disgraced man. Go with Rachel and her father to mourn for Obed, then settle in your new house and enjoy your prosperity. In the meantime I will look for a house here where we can live together.”
Rachel “What will happen to Joram?”
Abel “I think his fate is sealed. Too long has that young man made havoc of people’s lives, I can’t say I will grieve for him!”
(All leave)
Scene 9 Execution (2)
(Best done as a shadow theatre, where a number of people surround Joram and start casting stones at him. After two or three hits he slumps to the ground.)
Narrator And so our play is done. The Bible teaches that the blood of any man shed violently must be accounted for. Jonathan must serve his sentence for the accidental killing of Obed, and Joram must pay the penalty for attempting to murder Jonathan. In all ways God’s laws are just and fair.
But there are lessons for us too. We all stand convicted by the same laws that demand that the penalty for sin is death. In this way the law is both Judge and executioner, demanding our lives as the punishment for our sins.
Yet God in His mercy provides a refuge to which we can flee. He demands that the roads to these cities of refuge are well-maintained and short. In these cities we can have our death sentence reduced to the sentence for the manslayer, that is, we must remain in the city until the death of the High Priest. To leave it is to invite the avenger of blood to take our lives.
“We have here, on earth, no continuing city, but we seek one to come,” says the book of Hebrews. This continuing city, New Jerusalem is our refuge from this world and its evil, and we run to it for our very lives. Here we must remain for as long as our Greater High Priest, Jesus Christ remains, which is forever. To leave would be to yield ourselves to the mercy of a law that can only demand our eternal death.
Whether we live forever in God’s Kingdom, with Christ as our King, or whether we leave this sanctuary to live our lives as we please out in the world, is our choice!
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