Abraham was pleased to see that the steward drank the grape wine leisurely and lingered over the honey cakes. All this took place before the steward was even ready to begin edging toward the business he had come to discuss.
“My friend,” he said as he slowly ran his finger around the edge of the brass goblet, “you have found exceptional favor in the eyes of the king.”
Abraham nodded and waited with growing apprehension to hear what had brought this all about.
“The king has observed that you manage your business well.”
“He is kind to say such things.”
“He has even heard that you speak five languages.”
“I was a merchant for some years, and one must learn many languages in such a business.”
“It seems that at one time you were a special friend of the pharaoh of Egypt. Is that true?”
“Yes, yes, that is true.” He could tell by the man’s hesitation and sly look that he wanted to ask about Sarah’s experience with the pharaoh but didn’t dare for fear of offending him.
“You have a fine son,” he said slowly as he gave Abraham a penetrating look. “I have seen him at times in Gerar. I suppose he will marry a princess from Egypt.” Though Abraham knew it was the custom for any messenger to edge up cautiously onto the main subject of his visit, still this bantering made him uneasy. He was especially uncomfortable as the subject of marriage and his son was brought up. The steward was obviously closing in.
“No, there are no plans for my son to marry an Egyptian princess.”
“Do you have plans for him to marry within your family, or perhaps the daughter of a friend?”
“We are making such plans concerning my family.” Abraham felt trapped. He could see clearly where things were going and he had no way of stopping them.
The steward didn’t seem to hear the hint. “Well, if he is not yet betrothed to anyone, my news will certainly find a ready welcome.” Slowly and deliberately, the steward wiped his hands on the scented towel held for him by one of the young servants, waved aside the tray holding the date cakes, and turned to face Abraham. “My lord,” he said, “you will be delighted to hear the king has found that his daughter Anatah favors the young Isaac. She has had many suitors but now insists she wants only your son.” He leaned back among the cushions and smiled. He was relaxed and confident as he waited to get some reaction from Abraham.
“I’m aware of the mutual attraction that exists between the princess and my son,” Abraham said slowly and deliberately as he struggled to find words that would not offend the king’s messenger but would put an end to the matter.
Thinking that Abraham was waiting for more information, the steward continued, “There are only a few very minor conditions that must be agreed to first.”
“Minor conditions?” Abraham said, frowning.
“Yes, they are very minor but important to the king.”
“And …” Abraham said as he struggled to remain calm.
“Any king would require the same.” He took the scroll from the scribe and unrolled it. “You will see the first is simply that his daughter and her husband must remain in the city of Gerar. It is quite obvious that the young man must become a part of the royal household. He must worship our gods and would be expected to pledge himself to defend the king at all times. If these simple conditions can be agreed upon, it will bind your two families closer together and make these young people very happy.”
Abraham’s worst fears had come to pass. He dared not offend the king’s steward, and yet the conditions were impossible. How could Isaac, the son of promise, marry a foreign princess? Furthermore it was unthinkable that he become a part of the worship and the family of the king. “I am greatly honored,” he said. “The king’s daughter is a great prize. To be a part of the king’s household is also a very great honor.”
The steward smiled. “Then it is all very simple. I’ve brought the king’s scribe with me, and the agreement that must be signed. It can all be done very easily.”
The scribe’s aides had quickly placed the small stand in front of Abraham with the reeds all laid out ready for the signing.
Abraham was appalled. He saw that there was going to be no easy way out of the dilemma. He must do something that was entirely contrary to his very nature; he must be strong and resolute even if it offended the king. “My friend,” he said, “as much as I admire the king, this marriage can never take place.”
The steward was shocked. “What do you mean? This is a great honor for you and your family. How can it be refused?”