Here is the book summary:
The Old Testament book of Daniel comes to life in this novel for readers of Lynn Austin's Chronicles of the Kings series or Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion series.
Survival. A Hebrew girl first tasted it when she escaped death nearly seventy years ago as the Babylonians ransacked Jerusalem and took their finest as captives. She thought she'd perfected in the many years amongst the Magoi and the idol worshippers, pretending with all the others in King Nebuchadnezzar's court. Now, as Daniel's wife and a septuagenarian matriarch, Belili thinks she's safe and she can live out her days in Babylon without fear--until the night Daniel is escorted to Belshazzar's palace to interpret mysterious handwriting on a wall. The Persian Army invades, and Belili's tightly-wound secrets unfurl with the arrival of the conquering army. What will the reign of Darius mean for Daniel, a man who prays to Yahweh alone?
Ultimately, Yahweh's sovereign hand guides Jerusalem's captives, and the frightened Hebrew girl is transformed into a confident woman, who realizes her need of the God who conquers both fire and lions.
Survival. A Hebrew girl first tasted it when she escaped death nearly seventy years ago as the Babylonians ransacked Jerusalem and took their finest as captives. She thought she'd perfected in the many years amongst the Magoi and the idol worshippers, pretending with all the others in King Nebuchadnezzar's court. Now, as Daniel's wife and a septuagenarian matriarch, Belili thinks she's safe and she can live out her days in Babylon without fear--until the night Daniel is escorted to Belshazzar's palace to interpret mysterious handwriting on a wall. The Persian Army invades, and Belili's tightly-wound secrets unfurl with the arrival of the conquering army. What will the reign of Darius mean for Daniel, a man who prays to Yahweh alone?
Ultimately, Yahweh's sovereign hand guides Jerusalem's captives, and the frightened Hebrew girl is transformed into a confident woman, who realizes her need of the God who conquers both fire and lions.
And now, my review:
Of Fire and Lions by Mesu Andrews was a fictional book based on the Daniel of the Old Testament. I just love Daniel and God’s Word. Because of this, I struggled at first with this book and was not understanding why she was bringing in a life mate (wife) into his story. I was like, is this like watching a movie about Noah and having there be other boats in the water… Then I flipped to the back of the book where she shares why she decided to add this element and that helped me to see this author has sought His Scripture and is a fellow-studier of His Word, doesn’t take His Word lightly, and she wasn’t just uneducated but she shares her possible findings, most importantly she included a Biblical example. Whether that is where I’ll land or not, this helped me let go and get into the reading a bit deeper. What I found when I did this was amazing writing of fiction. I related often with the wife and her struggles for forgiveness to King Neb and all the pain he had brought into her life. Such pictures painted in words. I would liken it to watching the movies "Passion of the Christ” and “The Nativity”. Not everything is written down for us in Scripture but one example from “The Nativity” was when Joseph and Mary were leaving Nazareth to journey to Bethlehem, Joseph states that “the people were going to miss us”. Knowing the cost involved in Mary’s decision of obedience to the Lord’s will cost them, many things. To see in this book the costs involved in Daniel determining beforehand that he would not defile himself. It’s powerful. The three friends and their journey into the fire and all… breathtakingly powerful. Everything before that, after that, and in between. Exceptional fiction. I’m so blessed to have picked up this book and I’ll be reading it again and sharing it with others!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
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