I have enjoyed all of Jill Eileen Smith's novels. Rebekah's story isn't an easy one to tell, perhaps, because we only get a few glimpses of her in the Bible: when she agrees to marry Isaac, when she's pregnant with Jacob and Esau and God tells her that Esau will serve Jacob, when she's urging Jacob to lie to his father so he can get the blessing instead of Esau. But Smith does a great job in bringing this story, this romance, to life. It was imaginative and thought-provoking. For example, Smith has chosen an unhappy ending of sorts for the marriage of Abraham and Sarah, revealing that her fictional Sarah was never able to forgive let alone forget her husband being willing to sacrifice Isaac on the altar just because he'd heard from the Lord. Smith also has Abraham marrying again BEFORE Sarah's death as a direct result, perhaps, of his separation from Sarah. The novel reveals Isaac's heart as well, having him struggle with his father's decision. Isaac being able to FORGIVE but not forget what his father did on the mountain.
I would definitely recommend this author. To learn more about Rebekah, consider reading Genesis 24, specifically Genesis 24:15-67; Genesis 25:19-28; Genesis 26:6-11; Genesis 27:1-46.
© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible
1 comment:
Thanks for your thoughts. I just finished Sarai and really enjoyed how Smith fictionalized the events of the Bible. Looking forward to her other books.
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