Just how many nameless, faceless friends had I been protected by without knowing it?

We have many more years together on our mountain, Lukio," she'd said. "So bring yourself back to me, unscathed.

I may not be the champion of Ashdod anymore, but I would not go down without a fight.

Long ago he'd chosen me as his son, offered me a home and love and protection just like one of his children, but today I chose him as a father. It did not matter that Philistine blood ran in my veins. I was now and for always his child.

I sank into the water until every part of me was submerged, and then rose again. I stretched my palms upward as I did so, asking that Yahweh would take the hands that had done so much damage and consecrate them, vowing that never again would they be lifted in anger or violence, only in defense of those who could not defend themselves.

I wanted to know more of her, to build a future with her, to hold a life in my hands that we'd created together.

This is a gift to you from Yahweh because of his goodness. Just like I've learned that my failures do not lessen my family's love for me, yours do not change the character of the God who offers grace for all us through the blood of the sacrifice on the mercy seat.

...I already felt the loss of her like a knife between my ribs. But it was time to keep my distance.

I've now given two daughters away in marriage, Eliora, and arranged matches for Gershom and Iyov as well. I know a concealed motive when I see one.