Over the Christmas holidays I took a mini vacation and reclined to read between Christmas dinner preparations and visits with those we love. During the read, I became eager to share the book and purchased an additional copy to pass on as a gift.
Reading fiction is my guilty pleasure so this months book club Ellen's pick Bathsheba by Angela Hunt was a gift in itself. Biblical fiction can be a wonderful way to imagine what might have been in regards to culture of that time and and as I have found, it motivates me back to the Bible to read the true account with a fresh perspective.
The book covers a large passage of scripture from the time King David spies on Bathsheba as she bathes in her courtyard to the time when Solomon is crowned king.
The story is told from a first person perspective by both Bathsheba and Nathan the prophet. There is a good deal of fiction written into the relationship between Nathan and Bathsheba which added in enough tension to the novel to keep me wondering what would happen or what I hoped would not happen.
I've often marvelled at King David's sins and the relationship he had with God. If anyone could think the Bible is boring to read they just need to tuck into Samuel 1 and 2 and read this account of the man after God's own heart who did some despicable things in his life. This story includes among other things, broken relationships, lust, rape, jealousy, pride, murder, regret, repentance, humilty and forgiveness.
There was much for me to ponder while I read this narrative. I thought how there is nothing as sweet as reconciliation with God and though David's sins were great, he embraced humility and found forgiveness. There is much to learn from Nathan's character in the book too as he waits for God's timing to confront David's sin. I wondered then how should we confront sin when it affects us through others. As the story unfolds, Nathan clearly puts some thought into how to approach David. I can see where taking time to confront unrepentant sin should be led by God.
I saw again anew, how when God who always knows more than we do of any circumstance is left to deal with sin, instead of our own try at revenge, the outcome will always be preferable.
Besides the heart wrenching sin of the story, I think of Bathsheba and appreciate how she was woven into the fictional account of the story with grace, dignity and a heart of faithfulness. I loved her in her loneliness and in her pain and conflictions of love between two men.
I was left with the amazing wonder of the truth that God uses the most unlikely people to accomplish his purpose.
I've linked up with Ellen's Picks and look forward to reading what others have learned through their reflections of this great drama taken from God's word.
Reading fiction is my guilty pleasure so this months book club Ellen's pick Bathsheba by Angela Hunt was a gift in itself. Biblical fiction can be a wonderful way to imagine what might have been in regards to culture of that time and and as I have found, it motivates me back to the Bible to read the true account with a fresh perspective.
The book covers a large passage of scripture from the time King David spies on Bathsheba as she bathes in her courtyard to the time when Solomon is crowned king.
The story is told from a first person perspective by both Bathsheba and Nathan the prophet. There is a good deal of fiction written into the relationship between Nathan and Bathsheba which added in enough tension to the novel to keep me wondering what would happen or what I hoped would not happen.
I've often marvelled at King David's sins and the relationship he had with God. If anyone could think the Bible is boring to read they just need to tuck into Samuel 1 and 2 and read this account of the man after God's own heart who did some despicable things in his life. This story includes among other things, broken relationships, lust, rape, jealousy, pride, murder, regret, repentance, humilty and forgiveness.
There was much for me to ponder while I read this narrative. I thought how there is nothing as sweet as reconciliation with God and though David's sins were great, he embraced humility and found forgiveness. There is much to learn from Nathan's character in the book too as he waits for God's timing to confront David's sin. I wondered then how should we confront sin when it affects us through others. As the story unfolds, Nathan clearly puts some thought into how to approach David. I can see where taking time to confront unrepentant sin should be led by God.
I saw again anew, how when God who always knows more than we do of any circumstance is left to deal with sin, instead of our own try at revenge, the outcome will always be preferable.
Besides the heart wrenching sin of the story, I think of Bathsheba and appreciate how she was woven into the fictional account of the story with grace, dignity and a heart of faithfulness. I loved her in her loneliness and in her pain and conflictions of love between two men.
I was left with the amazing wonder of the truth that God uses the most unlikely people to accomplish his purpose.
I've linked up with Ellen's Picks and look forward to reading what others have learned through their reflections of this great drama taken from God's word.
How interesting...I recently heard a sermon on Bathsheba, which was most fascinating. I think she had a remarkable faith in spite of everything. She raised a son...Solomon... who became the wisest man on earth and who ultimately came to great faith himself. Life...it has its ups and downs...times of great faith and flagging faith. This one is going on my wishlist.
ReplyDeleteI also love Biblical fiction stories for the same reasons you mentioned. You have sold me on wanting to read this one!
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy Biblical fiction and this one looks like an excellent read. I've read Angela Hunt's books before. I will have to look for this one.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a very interesting read Lovella! I must check into more of Ellen's picks - what a great resource.
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ReplyDeleteSounds like a good read. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteYes... I admire Angela Hunt.. and enjoyed ghis book.
ReplyDeleteYes... I admire Angela Hunt.. and enjoyed ghis book.
ReplyDeleteI always appreciate an honest review, and this one made me interested in finding the book........and in checking out Ellen's Picks. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteNeeding a book. Your review has me putting this book on my shopping list.
ReplyDeleteI want to read this book now, thanks to your well written review! The older I get, and the more I read the Bible, the more I see how our God continues to use those who at times, we would not. I find the story of Bathsheba, most inspiring and encouraging. It reminds me too, that God's ways are higher than man's ways, and only eternity will reveal some of the whys.
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