A letter I found when I was cleaning my room the other day… I wrote it a few years ago as a class project. We had to write a letter about the time period we were currently studying as if we were in that particular period.
Dear Jerome,
The kingdom was not always this way, for the kingdom is falling apart. I want you to know what Solomon was really like when we were children. He was not at all what he is like today, but much better. I, as the well known Tamar, daughter of Jephunneh, was considered one of Solomon's best friends during our childhood. I took it for granted that the palace was like a second home to me. Solomon, my twin brother Barzillai, Solomon's sister Milcah and I were inseperable. We did absolutely everything together as children/youngsters. Our childhood was much like yours, as some people say, the world never changes! Although young ladies were not supposed to go hunting, Milcah and I often accompanied Solomon and Barzillai on their expliots, which were well known. Riding was one of our favorite pastimes, we enjoyed going in the winter especially, to return to a warm fire beside which to sip a mug of something hot while listening to some of David's beautiful music. David often played for us, he enjoyed it. But as we grew older our little group began to disintegrate. We got married eventually and began socializing in our family's circles more. The most often we would see each other was once a month.
Today Solomon and I rarely see or speak to each other. The kingdom is falling apart. Solomon is marrying women on impulse, instead of for love. He neglects the temple and builds groves, high places and altars for all the gods of his many wives. He has grown so much different from the man he used to be! He has become a wretch and a large part of his time to keeping his wives happy. The reason that kingdom is falling apart is because Solomon is not taking national matters seriously and is straying from God. Do you ever wonder why there is so much killing these days? It is because order is not being properly kept. If there is no one to take care of and organize a country or nation that country or nation will soon disintegrate. It may not happen over night but gradually you will see a change. I do not envy your generation, Jerome, because it will be the generation that will try to sew back together the torn blanket of Israel. But, in reassurance, I am sure it will be your children and grandchildren that will be able to enjoy a bit of peace. Enjoying it wholly will be up to future generations.
My dear Jerome, eldest grandchild, I will die soon. Comfort your cousins, aunts and uncles when I am gone. Remind them that I am happier in heaven, that the artherites that plagues me day and night now and which robs me of my strength will be gone. But do not let them envy me! Envying me will ruin them, for they will think of nothing but relief from the discord of earth. Remind our family of the harsh consequences Israel has in store for it, if it continues in it's wicked ways. Remind them that the one true God rules over all and will take care of those that love Him. Above all remind them that the unfaithful will be punished and the faithful WILL be rewarded. Because you trust God, I ask you to please talk to them. I will pray for you. I will pray that you have wisdom in leading our family. God bless you, Jerome! Remember, I may be forgotten, but God cannot and must not be forgotten! I love you! May God bless you in the future.
your loving grandmother,
Tamar, daughter of Jephennuh.
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