This novel is based in the second century of Roman Empire control over Palestine, and is an outcropping of the parable of the prodigal son. King Jubal of Hebron has two sons. The elder, Eliab, is rough and jealous of his younger brother, but he is an excellent manager of his father's estate. Jeru, the younger, is red-headed and blue-eyed-a throwback from some ancestor-and very popular. Eliab is espoused to a very young and attractive Philistine girl. One day he catches his younger brother, who he hates, shining up to his proposed wife. He immediately flies into a rage and tries to kill him. All this tension, jealousy, and trouble between the two causes Jeru to ask for his inheritance so he can leave home. The senile father agrees and allows Eliab to measure out two large bags of gold coins and a horse. Carrying these burdensome items causes many problems for the inexperienced young man, alone in a strange world. You won't believe what happens to him! -Everett Penrod