“THE BURNING COALS OF THE BROOM TREE” (Part 2)
Psalm 120:4b
Older children were trained to look for wood which burned hot and long. A half-rotted log did not burn well. Pine burned quickly and made a poor cook fire. If one chose well he did not have to carry as much wood. The one who chose well also curried the favor of the cooks and was often allowed to share the choicest meats. Saduk knew where to look. When he found a broom tree he knew he had found “gold.” He made several trips to those spots and brought back fuel for many meals. But he would not share his hoard if he could find worthy wood at the next location. Broom tree wood burned hot, and did not die out quickly. A small bundle was sufficient for an entire cook fire. When the fire was put out, if he could he would rake out the charcoal pieces and allow them to cool. They would burn well again for the morning fire.
The caravan traveled a short while, not as far as they would have preferred, when several riders on horseback were sighted. They were coming from the direction their camp had been. The leader of the raiders did not like it that he did not find them unhitched and doing breakfast chores. They had hit several caravans at just that moment and found the fighters disorganized, one or two per wagon, sometimes still dressing for the day and shaving. Often they sent 3 riders to find some of the weaker fighters among the horse-line feeding the animals. It took seconds to dispatch them. The remainder of the raiders would descend quickly upon the first wagon to eliminate the leader. By the time they reached the fourth or fifth wagon there were only a few fighters remaining. It didn’t take long.
This time, however, by the time they came to the first wagon, there was a significant number of fighters well prepared, but not on horses. It looked like it would take a bit longer. But a moment later there was a second line of defenders behind them. One had only a small bow and looked like he had never been in battle before. The leader of the raiders almost laughed aloud. He ordered his raiders to divide into two groups. The smaller group was trained to ride to the side and attack while the main group attacked directly.
Just as the raiders began their attacks the 3 caravan fighters on horseback appeared behind them. The raider leader called 3 names and they turned to face the 3 coming from behind. Just as they were about to meet the caravan horsemen, 6 more riders were seen coming from the front of the caravan. (These were fighters from the sister caravan ahead. They had rode hard to assist.) Half of the raiders in the group attempting to attack from the side turned to meet this new threat.
It was now or never. Saduk pulled his best arrow and laid it on the string. He took a careful aim at the broad back of one of those who had turned. As his arrow flew he knew it was true. But it did not have the power adult arms would provide. It sunk only a few inches. The recipient would not die from his arrow. He did, however, pull back from the fight. It was enough to give the other caravan riders an edge. He let fly all the arrows in his quiver (the other 7), but none found their mark. One, however, drew blood on the flank on one of the horses. That was enough to make the horse move skiddishly sideways at a critical moment. The rider missed his target on the downward swing while his opponent’s sword was accurate. The fighting was closer now and Saduk prepared his knife. An enemy raised his arm to slash leaving his armpit exposed. The knife made one complete revolution before burying itself deep. The man cried out in surprise and pain, falling from his horse. Saduk just stared. The fighter beside him swung his sword a moment too late and was killed instantly. That’s when Saduk came to his senses. He grabbed the fallen sword and prepared for his last moments. He didn’t know how to use a sword. It was heavy in his hand.
Looking for the nearest enemy he realized that the few who had survived were fleeing back the way they had come. Four of the caravan defenders had lost their battles and lay on the ground. Two others had injuries, but would heal with time. Looking about he saw that the raider with an arrow in his back was dead, but not from the arrow wound. He took a few minutes to remove the arrow and search for the other arrows. He found 3. When shooting targets he remembered where each flew, but in battle there is too much to consider. He also found his skinning knife. He cleaned it carefully on the dead man’s clothing before returning it to its sheath. He remembered the proverb, “He who swings a sword…may die from the lack of a sewing needle.” Just then the energy left his body, he staggered to the ground, and wept.
It had been a horrible two days. Yet, they had won. They had fought hot and long, like the broom tree. That would be the symbol for the rest of his life. The power of the broom tree is its hot ferocity and ability to last long. Others might say say it was hope, restoration, and divine provision, but Saduk thought that overly optimistic. He knew the reality of the fight.
He then remembered he hadn’t eaten in two days and he thought he would like a biscuit and a cup of tea.
Part 1 of this story can be found HERE
Copyright 2025 Donald Whelpley
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