After decades of exile, the prophesies are coming true–King Cyrus has declared the Jews may return to Jerusalem. Iddo, a priest, is sure this is a sign of God’s renewed favor. For too long they’ve remained in Babylon, and many, including Iddo’s sons, are losing the faith that sets them apart. And so only a few choose to leave everything to return–return to their home and their God.
Nothing about their journey to the Promised Land is easy. As hardships mount, even the faithful, like Iddo’s beloved wife, Dinah, question the sacrifice of following God’s leading. Zechariah, Iddo’s oldest grandson, feels torn between his grandfather’s ancient beliefs and the family they left behind. But one life-changing encounter with the Holy One gives him insight that will change Zechariah–and history–forever.
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Bestselling author Lynn Austin has sold more than one million copies of her books worldwide. She is an eight-time Christy Award winner for her historical novels, as well as a popular speaker at retreats and conventions. Lynn and her husband have raised three children and live near Chicago.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Let me say from the outset that this is easily the best Biblical fiction book I have ever read. I am only familiar with the story of the return from exile and the rebuilding of the temple from the Biblical narrative, and I had forgotten many of the details. It is a story we often gloss over, and I have never studied it in great detail. This insightful, well-researched, and expertly written book captures the story, but it goes beyond that. The reader will be invited to make an emotional connection with the story and the extraordinary characters the author has woven into the fabric of this tale.
There are two themes that unquestionably captured my attention in this book. First of all, the tension surrounding the Jews not wanting to leave Babylon is a dramatic illustration of the Christian walk and our reluctance to leave the world behind. I was thoroughly touched at the depiction of the Samaritans, and I almost found myself in tears as I read about their horrendous acts. But I then realized that we Christians do the same thing. We won’t give up the world that we have grown accustomed to in exchange for the life God wants us to have.
The second theme truly blessed me. All too often, we look at the Old Testament and see laws, rules, and a God who is just waiting for us to break one so He can chastise us. That seems to be the Old Testament Jewish mindset. However, this book features an Old Testament Jew who finds what God has promised all along–forgiveness, mercy, and love. Not to give anything away, this character realizes he cannot keep the law, and he realizes that it is only through God that he can be saved. I was so inspired to read that a Jew discovered the secret of salvation even before Christ came, and this was an alluring portion of the story.
This is history, and it never comes across as being preachy. How can it when one of the main characters practices sorcery quite profoundly? It is realistically written, and it stays true to the Biblical account in spite of the obvious fictional insertions.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
