High School Literature 2 13 The Bronze Bow
High School Literature 2. 13 The Bronze Bow Daniel: A Slave to Anger Chapters 5 & 6
Northern Coast of Galilee Ketzah is the imaginary village in which the story of The Bronze Bow takes place. The author, Elizabeth George Speare, uses Ketzah to instruct us about the Holy Land in the time of Jesus’ ministry. Located on the northern coast of the Sea of Galilee the imaginary town of Ketzah would have been a busy port town.
Ketzah has an active fishing trade, markets, craftsmen and shops carrying a variety of goods acquired through a busy river traffic. Within the village of Ketzah there are three social classes: the merchants, the small tradesmen, and the poor. It is in this type of village that the Savior taught and walked among the people. It is here that Daniel begins to hear His words and attempts to understand their meaning in his troubled life.
Roman Law during Daniel’s lifetime. Roman rule brought high taxes, paganism, and unimagined brutality to Jewish life. The burden and humiliation Rome placed upon the common made life virtually unbearable. Roman peace came through brute force and absolute domination brought on by destroying its enemies. Rome’s military force struck fear into the hearts of other nations and fear into the lives of its people.
Roman Law Roman law allowed the average soldier the right to force any individual to carry whatever needed moving a distance of one mile. Failure to comply with any demand was often met with a backhand across the face. Roman brutality was not the greatest burden a common man in Palestine had to bear. Excessive taxes destroyed far more lives than the sword. Taxes forced the average family in Palestine to exist only slightly above the poverty level or worse.
Chapter 5 Reason and Review Daniel went to the city of Capernaum to the house of his friend Joel in an attempt to enlist Joel’s help in the rebellion. Daniel encountered slavery as men emptied large barges full of sacks of grain and baskets of fruit. Daniel realized all of this food was to feed the evil city of Tiberias which Herod built to the south. Fishing boats dragged heavy nets with their great harvest gleaming in the sun. The hillside farms fed the wealthy leaving the poor little to eat.
Daniel is hungry and fed by a fisherwoman. How does Daniel react to the offering of food? What does he feel? The fisherwoman asked Daniel the following question. “Are you waiting for the teacher? ” “You should then. It’s worth being late for work. ” Discussion: What did the woman feed Daniel? Did she offer him more than food?
Daniel saw Jesus is described as vigorous, confident, happy, friendly, greeting men by their names. Daniel is angry, hungry, fearful, and alone. Daniel pushed forward and recognized something in His strength. Jesus said, “What is the kingdom of heaven? It is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. Or the kingdom of heaven is like a net which was thrown into the see and gathered fish of every kind…” Q - What was Jesus trying to teach? Q - Why is Daniel drawn to hear what Jesus has to say?
Roman soldiers enter. As Daniel listened to Jesus, he was distracted by Roman soldiers. He could no longer stay in their presence and turned and walked away. The sounds from the Roman swords drowned out the words of the Savior. The sight of the Roman’s tall helmets all combined to make him angry and run away. Q – What are the consequences of Daniel’s choice? Q - What did he allow to happen because of his anger? Q – Do we ever let others decide our choices?
Daniel goes to see his friend Joel’s father was a wealthy merchant. Wealthy Jews and Romans lived in houses built around a courtyard. The houses had many rooms including baths, dining rooms, bedrooms, and rooms for their slaves. Fresh water was piped into the house. This is the type of house Joel and his family lived in.
Daniel’s encounter with Hezron. Daniel returned to visit his old friend Joel to enlist his help with the rebellion. His inability to control his temper, along with his feelings of bitterness and anger boiled over resulting in a loss of self-control and a confrontation with Hezron, Joel’s father. Daniel’s anger caused him to make poor decisions and act as an ungrateful guest.
Discuss his experiences. Daniel was overwhelmed at the richness of his friends house. He was met with contempt for his poor dress and manners. He was asked to leave his dusty cloak in the hallway before entering but his clothing was in even worse condition. Daniel was required by Jewish law to wash before entering and then again before eating. Daniel’s manners at the table were terrible.
The Jewish ritual of washing. Joel and his Pharisee father were law-abiding Jews and strictly adhered to the rules regarding religious hand washing. Daniel’s lack of cleanliness caused him to be poorly received by Joel’s family. Jesus challenged the idea of cleanliness by teaching the Jews that cleanliness cannot only be viewed by outward conformity but by addressing the more difficult matter of a clean heart with pure intent. Q- What is the difference? Is there a difference? Q- Are both of equal importance?
Discussion Q- What is the meaning of the washing? Q- How did Daniel’s embarrassment over his clothing effect his visit? Q- What is meant by the following scripture? Psalms 24: 4 4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
Daniel and Hezron argue. Joel’s father asked Daniel many personal questions regarding his family and his past. These questions stirred up unpleasant memories for Daniel and reminded him of why he wanted to fight the Romans. Daniel was angry, jealous, and saddened that he had lost his family. He resented the lifestyle of the rich Hezron family. Daniel challenged Hezron’s thinking about the Romans. In so doing he showed disrespect and ingratitude.
Why do these words upset Daniel? Daniel: “All I can see is the Roman fortress and the eagles in the streets. Everywhere I turn I hear the ring of Roman boots on the pavement. ” Hezron: “You will get used to it. For the most part they mind their own business and some of them are even friendly. ” Daniel: “A soldier ran over a man mending his wagon this morning ruining his cabbages. Can you get used to that? ” Hezron: “Unfortunate things happen, but your friend has doubtless found a market for his vegetables. ”
Roman Law and Brutality Daniel was asked to leave the house of his friend Joel. He was saddened at the loss of his friendship and blamed himself for ruining an opportunity to help Rosh and the rebellion. As Daniel left the city he came upon a well and bent over to scoop up water from a broken bowl for a drink. A Roman soldier demanded he water his horse and then draw water for him. Daniel watered the horse and attempted to give the remainder to the soldier when he was struck in the ribs and badly injured. Roman law allowed for this kind of behavior. The average soldier had legal rights to force any individual to do whatever was demanded. Failure to comply with any demand was often met with a backhand across the face or a blow to the body.
Daniel returns for help. Greatly wounded, Daniel made his way back to Joel’s house while he was pursued by the Roman soldier. Joel and his father were gone to worship at the synagogue while Malthace hid Daniel and took care of his wounds. When Joel returned he hid Daniel in a passage between two walls. Q- What role does forgiveness play in this part of the story?
Discussion President Hinckley said, “Anger is not an expression of one’s strength, it is an inability to control your thoughts, words, emotions. Of course it is easy to get angry. When the weakness of anger takes over the strength of reason leaves. Cultivate within yourselves the mighty power of selfdiscipline. ” Q – How does this apply to Daniel? Q – How does this apply to you?
- Slides: 19