The Keeper of the Vineyard

Solomon was the "Keeper of the Vineyard".

Solomon awoke at dawn. The workday would be long and hard.

The Priests who ruled him and owned the vineyards expected him to be on the slopes of the vineyard, before the morning prayers at the temple. The Priests in the Temple, were his masters.

Solomon hurried to the pool of Siloam, to draw fresh water to wash his face, while his wife Zilda prepared breakfast.

After a quick breakfast, Solomon hugged and kissed Zilda and told her how much he loves her.

Smiling, he said, "I will see you before the sun hides behind the mountains". "I hope so." responded Zilda.

Solomon was forty years old, and he was strong and able.

When Solomon reached the top of the hill, in the vineyard, he looked westward towards Jerusalem, and saw the great temple, built by King Solomon, rising high above the city."

The beautiful Mount of Olives was visible to the north; dotted with olive and cedar trees.

These were hard times, and the Roman soldiers would be coming soon. They came to patrol the area, and look for runaway slaves.