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Chronicles of the Kings #2
Song of Redemption
As King Hezekiah embraces God's Law, he leads his country into renewed prosperity. But following the will of Yahweh is a perplexing process, requiring unpopular choices--for both his personal life and political career. Now his archenemy's demands for tribute are forcing Hezekiah into a precarious situation.
Jerusha, a young Jewish woman far from home, has seen firsthand what the dreaded invaders are capable of. As the powerful Assyrian army sweeps through the northern provinces, leaving little but devastation in its wake, Jerusha longs to escape. Her desperate will to live could become a link to Jerusalem's survival.
With Assyria on the march, moving closer to the heart of Judah, Hezekiah's decision to follow the everlasting One is about to face the ultimate test.
Jerusha, a young Jewish woman far from home, has seen firsthand what the dreaded invaders are capable of. As the powerful Assyrian army sweeps through the northern provinces, leaving little but devastation in its wake, Jerusha longs to escape. Her desperate will to live could become a link to Jerusalem's survival.
With Assyria on the march, moving closer to the heart of Judah, Hezekiah's decision to follow the everlasting One is about to face the ultimate test.
349 pages, Paperback
First published January 22, 1995
660 people are currently reading
4154 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Austin
55 books5,457 followersFor many years, Lynn Austin nurtured a desire to write but frequent travels and the demands of her growing family postponed her career. When her husband's work took Lynn to Bogota, Colombia, for two years, she used the B.A. she'd earned at Southern Connecticut State University to become a teacher. After returning to the U.S., the Austins moved to Anderson, Indiana, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and later to Winnipeg, Manitoba.
It was during the long Canadian winters at home with her children that Lynn made progress on her dream to write, carving out a few hours of writing time each day while her children napped. Lynn credits her early experience of learning to write amid the chaos of family life for her ability to be a productive writer while making sure her family remains her top priority.
Extended family is also very important to Austin, and it was a lively discussion between Lynn, her mother, grandmother (age 98), and daughter concerning the change in women's roles through the generations that sparked the inspiration for her novel Eve's Daughters.
Along with reading, two of Lynn's lifelong passions are history and archaeology. While researching her Biblical fiction series, Chronicles of the Kings, these two interests led her to pursue graduate studies in Biblical Backgrounds and Archaeology through Southwestern Theological Seminary. She and her son traveled to Israel during the summer of 1989 to take part in an archaeological dig at the ancient city of Timnah. This experience contributed to the inspiration for her novel Wings of Refuge.
Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published 27 novels. Eight of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.
It was during the long Canadian winters at home with her children that Lynn made progress on her dream to write, carving out a few hours of writing time each day while her children napped. Lynn credits her early experience of learning to write amid the chaos of family life for her ability to be a productive writer while making sure her family remains her top priority.
Extended family is also very important to Austin, and it was a lively discussion between Lynn, her mother, grandmother (age 98), and daughter concerning the change in women's roles through the generations that sparked the inspiration for her novel Eve's Daughters.
Along with reading, two of Lynn's lifelong passions are history and archaeology. While researching her Biblical fiction series, Chronicles of the Kings, these two interests led her to pursue graduate studies in Biblical Backgrounds and Archaeology through Southwestern Theological Seminary. She and her son traveled to Israel during the summer of 1989 to take part in an archaeological dig at the ancient city of Timnah. This experience contributed to the inspiration for her novel Wings of Refuge.
Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published 27 novels. Eight of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 492 reviews
March 1, 2012
I started this book on Saturday, I'm almost finished. I am loving this series. They are very exciting and I love the separate stories of each character. Some people have commented on how modern the language is for being a biblical fiction. I love that the language is modern, to me, it is so much easier to read - I know it isn't how they talked back then, but if I read it in that language I would constantly be trying to determine the meanings. I love how I can completely understand the story, relate to the conflict, mourn with the characters or rejoice with them and feel like I totally get what they are saying.
I really liked one readers comments that said "very relatable human beings faced with one of mankind's oldest conflicts -- the choice between faith and fear". Yes, this book is full of those choices between faith and fear. While back then the "fear" was probably much more than we could bare today in these times, back then choosing to do what they know is right comes with angering those who can just beat you to death, or worse. Today we face those same choices but it is probably more like choosing between what you know is right and risk losing friends, or risk feeling alone or foolish, or facing some taunting or teasing. I feel strength from the characters in standing up for what they believe is true and right. I love how King Hezekiah is such a great King, yet he too loses faith, or struggles with despair, or mourns and questions God about why a loved one was lost. In fact, all the characters in this book have faced great adversity and have had moments of losing faith, some of them fall, and some of them regain thier faith and press forward and are stronger. Life's challenges come to everyone, its a matter of how we deal with them and will we ultimately stand up for what is good.
I really liked one readers comments that said "very relatable human beings faced with one of mankind's oldest conflicts -- the choice between faith and fear". Yes, this book is full of those choices between faith and fear. While back then the "fear" was probably much more than we could bare today in these times, back then choosing to do what they know is right comes with angering those who can just beat you to death, or worse. Today we face those same choices but it is probably more like choosing between what you know is right and risk losing friends, or risk feeling alone or foolish, or facing some taunting or teasing. I feel strength from the characters in standing up for what they believe is true and right. I love how King Hezekiah is such a great King, yet he too loses faith, or struggles with despair, or mourns and questions God about why a loved one was lost. In fact, all the characters in this book have faced great adversity and have had moments of losing faith, some of them fall, and some of them regain thier faith and press forward and are stronger. Life's challenges come to everyone, its a matter of how we deal with them and will we ultimately stand up for what is good.
May 9, 2012
Song of Redemption is the second book in the Chronicles of the Kings series about the life of King Hezekiah of Judah, who's story is told in 2 Chronicles, 2 Kings, and Isaiah in the Bible.
I only bought Song of Redemption because Ms. Austin cruelly started a romance at the end of Book 1, and I HAD to see how it panned out. Ironically, the romances in this series are not heavy-handed, and the culmination of the aforementioned romance was not what I expected.
However, the rest of the book was very enjoyable. Maybe this sounds bad, but unlike a couple of other reviewers, I liked the violent aspects of this book because they felt authentic for the time period. And although it's clear what violence occurs, Ms. Austin does not write the violence with as excruciating detail as she could have.
Perhaps my favorite part of this book and the next one in the series is that it made certain parts of Scripture come alive for me like never before. I have spent a lifetime reading the Psalms as metaphorical, and working to apply it to my current day life, things like, "When I'm surrounded by my enemies, the Lord will destroy them all." But to see it in action, to read a well-written story where, when they are surrounded by enemies, and against all logic put their hope in the Lord, that the Lord actually DOES come to their defense... well, that's just cool.
One other thing Ms. Austin does well is to depict the tension that would have occurred among the highest level of government officials when dealing with a crisis. The constant building of pressure, the questioning on what to do, the second guessing of decisions, the desperation, all felt authentic and was well-done.
Ms. Austin did, once again, super-impose today's beliefs onto characters who wouldn't have had them, but this time I barely cared. The titular redemption, and the way the character comes to accept it, is one of the best I've ever seen in Christian fiction.
In short, I really liked it.
I only bought Song of Redemption because Ms. Austin cruelly started a romance at the end of Book 1, and I HAD to see how it panned out. Ironically, the romances in this series are not heavy-handed, and the culmination of the aforementioned romance was not what I expected.
However, the rest of the book was very enjoyable. Maybe this sounds bad, but unlike a couple of other reviewers, I liked the violent aspects of this book because they felt authentic for the time period. And although it's clear what violence occurs, Ms. Austin does not write the violence with as excruciating detail as she could have.
Perhaps my favorite part of this book and the next one in the series is that it made certain parts of Scripture come alive for me like never before. I have spent a lifetime reading the Psalms as metaphorical, and working to apply it to my current day life, things like, "When I'm surrounded by my enemies, the Lord will destroy them all." But to see it in action, to read a well-written story where, when they are surrounded by enemies, and against all logic put their hope in the Lord, that the Lord actually DOES come to their defense... well, that's just cool.
One other thing Ms. Austin does well is to depict the tension that would have occurred among the highest level of government officials when dealing with a crisis. The constant building of pressure, the questioning on what to do, the second guessing of decisions, the desperation, all felt authentic and was well-done.
Ms. Austin did, once again, super-impose today's beliefs onto characters who wouldn't have had them, but this time I barely cared. The titular redemption, and the way the character comes to accept it, is one of the best I've ever seen in Christian fiction.
In short, I really liked it.
April 21, 2023
Not me starting and finishing this book in one day. I loved this. This is exactly what I hoped to read as a sequel to Hezekiah’s beginning. I’m really enjoying this and I hope the series keeps this momentum.
June 30, 2012
I loved this book. For me, it is a 5-star rating. Why is that? This novel earned my elusive 5-star rating because of the self-examination it stirred within my soul. When I find myself thinking about my own life and evaluating my faith and my convictions long after finishing a book, the author gets the rating. In addition, it sparked some pretty good conversations with my teenage son.
Was the writing perfect? No. However, the author is bringing the Old Testament to life. She doesn’t avoid the hard topics, and she handles them well. The Assyrians are involved so this story does involve rape, torture, and death. I felt that she wrote enough to demonstrate how evil they were, but didn’t cross the road into glamorization.
Honestly, I have always had a difficult time with Isaiah. I have found him a bit difficult to understand. However, within the context of this story, I have begun to gain a much greater appreciation of him. The author does not use the King James Version, so I find myself rewording certain passages with the text I know. For the first time, they are not merely words on paper.
As others have mentioned, this is a modernized story. I do not find that to be a distraction. Rather, I find that it gives me a greater desire to search out the true historical context.
Was the writing perfect? No. However, the author is bringing the Old Testament to life. She doesn’t avoid the hard topics, and she handles them well. The Assyrians are involved so this story does involve rape, torture, and death. I felt that she wrote enough to demonstrate how evil they were, but didn’t cross the road into glamorization.
Honestly, I have always had a difficult time with Isaiah. I have found him a bit difficult to understand. However, within the context of this story, I have begun to gain a much greater appreciation of him. The author does not use the King James Version, so I find myself rewording certain passages with the text I know. For the first time, they are not merely words on paper.
As others have mentioned, this is a modernized story. I do not find that to be a distraction. Rather, I find that it gives me a greater desire to search out the true historical context.
September 12, 2021
Out of the whole series this book has to be my favorite. The story continues for the King to follow God Laws but there is another story in this book that is hard to read but so good as well. It follows a girl who gets capture by Israel enemy. What she goes thru is hard to read but will show how good are God is for getting her out of the situation and blessing her. If you have a hard time reading about rape then this book in the series is not for you, but know you will see God work throughout the whole book. Reading this book you will see what happens when you walk with God and when you don't what circumstances you can face. Such a great series and I do highly recommend it!!
March 31, 2016
There were some great concepts in this - especially the idea of giving God a part of ourself, but not surrendering all aspects of our lives.
I didn’t start keeping track of quotes straight away, but these were 2 I liked once I did start noting them down:
“…it had never occurred to him to call on Yahweh for help. He had shut God out of his life, living his own way, on his own strength. And that was arrogant pride.”
“He had tried to trust in God yet control his own life at the same time, trying to reconcile the two sides of himself: his self-reliance and his faith in God. And he suddenly remembered that his grandfather had once warned him that he could never do both.”
I am enjoying reading a fictional account of Hezekiah’s life and will definitely continue on with the next one.
I didn’t start keeping track of quotes straight away, but these were 2 I liked once I did start noting them down:
“…it had never occurred to him to call on Yahweh for help. He had shut God out of his life, living his own way, on his own strength. And that was arrogant pride.”
“He had tried to trust in God yet control his own life at the same time, trying to reconcile the two sides of himself: his self-reliance and his faith in God. And he suddenly remembered that his grandfather had once warned him that he could never do both.”
I am enjoying reading a fictional account of Hezekiah’s life and will definitely continue on with the next one.
February 29, 2016
A great sequel! It lagged in the beginning for me but by the middle and end I couldn't stop reading! So suspenseful. Greatly written to show the grace and power and glory of God.
August 23, 2019
Four stars
Prose: 4/5
Romance: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 4/5
Prose:
Ocassionally it modernized things a bit, but other than that it was good.
Romance:
Very good! It does depict a married couple- but it does it very tastefully and I liked how Lynn Austin showed different parts of marriage (reliance on each other/being partners) that aren't always seen in novels. Also- I really ship
Characters:
Pretty good! Lynn Austin does a really good job of making the biblical people seem real and adding just enough fiction to make it interesting.
Plot:
Pretty good. Very realistic to the biblical timeline/setting.
Overall:
I really liked it. I'm definitely going to read the next few books!
Content:
Assyrians do burn villages/pillage. There are mentions of rape, some implications of women being raped and then killed. Mentions of aborting a child mentions of child sacrifice. (all things depicted as bad) Mentions of having concubines, harems, and multiple wives. (also treated as wrong) Mentions of birth (glossed over) marriage, and kissing (all between spouses/engaged couples) Mentions of being barren and miscarrying a baby.
Prose: 4/5
Romance: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 4/5
Prose:
Ocassionally it modernized things a bit, but other than that it was good.
Romance:
Very good! It does depict a married couple- but it does it very tastefully and I liked how Lynn Austin showed different parts of marriage (reliance on each other/being partners) that aren't always seen in novels. Also- I really ship
Characters:
Pretty good! Lynn Austin does a really good job of making the biblical people seem real and adding just enough fiction to make it interesting.
Plot:
Pretty good. Very realistic to the biblical timeline/setting.
Overall:
I really liked it. I'm definitely going to read the next few books!
Content:
Assyrians do burn villages/pillage. There are mentions of rape, some implications of women being raped and then killed. Mentions of aborting a child mentions of child sacrifice. (all things depicted as bad) Mentions of having concubines, harems, and multiple wives. (also treated as wrong) Mentions of birth (glossed over) marriage, and kissing (all between spouses/engaged couples) Mentions of being barren and miscarrying a baby.
April 17, 2013
The thing I love about these books, is that Mrs. Austin does a masterful job of bringing the Kings to life.(as well as the other characters) I know for me, when I read my Bible, I don't think much about the day to day struggles the people in any particular book faced.
Lynn Austin has made me realize that these people had struggles and issues just like all of us! In this book, there are times King Hezekiah is conflicted,and trying to do what is right, but the situation seems hopeless. You will see his struggles as he tries to stay true to God's laws.I know I don't think of the Biblical characters sometimes as feeling emotion, but Lynn Austin has made me think about that as well. I caught myself a couple of times saying "NO! What are you thinking??" when one of the main characters took advice that would ultimately get her into trouble. I cried along with King Hezekiah at times, laughed, felt compassion, even though this is "Just a booK" I love when an author can make me feel as if I am right there, watching it all unfold!
You will want to make sure to keep the next book close at hand. I only had to wait two days for the third book to come, but it felt like an eternity!
Lynn Austin has made me realize that these people had struggles and issues just like all of us! In this book, there are times King Hezekiah is conflicted,and trying to do what is right, but the situation seems hopeless. You will see his struggles as he tries to stay true to God's laws.I know I don't think of the Biblical characters sometimes as feeling emotion, but Lynn Austin has made me think about that as well. I caught myself a couple of times saying "NO! What are you thinking??" when one of the main characters took advice that would ultimately get her into trouble. I cried along with King Hezekiah at times, laughed, felt compassion, even though this is "Just a booK" I love when an author can make me feel as if I am right there, watching it all unfold!
You will want to make sure to keep the next book close at hand. I only had to wait two days for the third book to come, but it felt like an eternity!
October 3, 2018
It took me 3 years to continue this series, and thankfully I have the rest, because this second story grabbed my attention and at my heartstrings so I'm looking forward to continue with this series.
I loved how Biblical accurate the story of Hezekiah is told. The author did a great job of bringing these biblical characters to life and taking me with on their emotional journey in discovery of God and the fulfillment of surrendering every aspect of your life to Him.
Evil back then was just as vicious, if not more, as it is today. The Assyrians were cold-hearted with no respect or compassion for any human life. My heart broke a few times for Jerusha, who was taken by these evil men and had to endure a lot of pain, suffering and heartache.
There was quite a few introspective lessons in this story. Especially with regards to surrendering to God and seeking Him.
I will definitely continue this series and highly recommend it to fans of Biblical fiction. I would recommend it for older readers since this covers difficult issues like rape, murder and idol worship.
I loved how Biblical accurate the story of Hezekiah is told. The author did a great job of bringing these biblical characters to life and taking me with on their emotional journey in discovery of God and the fulfillment of surrendering every aspect of your life to Him.
Evil back then was just as vicious, if not more, as it is today. The Assyrians were cold-hearted with no respect or compassion for any human life. My heart broke a few times for Jerusha, who was taken by these evil men and had to endure a lot of pain, suffering and heartache.
There was quite a few introspective lessons in this story. Especially with regards to surrendering to God and seeking Him.
I will definitely continue this series and highly recommend it to fans of Biblical fiction. I would recommend it for older readers since this covers difficult issues like rape, murder and idol worship.
August 27, 2025
Beautiful story
Beautifully written book that takes place during the reign of Hezekiah in Jerusalem. This haunting retelling is full of the grace and love of God. Definitely worth the read.
Beautifully written book that takes place during the reign of Hezekiah in Jerusalem. This haunting retelling is full of the grace and love of God. Definitely worth the read.
December 1, 2022
Good story, but with some very disturbing events.
March 29, 2019
Captivating Epic
The story keeps getting better. Gripping and a page turner. The pages of the bible have come to life in a different way.
The story keeps getting better. Gripping and a page turner. The pages of the bible have come to life in a different way.
September 3, 2024
One of the things I really enjoyed in this book was learning about the building of Hezekiah's tunnel, which I knew nothing about. This alone is enough to me glad I read the book (it's a decent portion of the book.)
I also appreciated (though I won't say *enjoyed*) her depiction of the cruelty of the Assyrians. Some of Isaiah's prophecies make more sense in light of that.
One minor complaint is that the characters occasionally did/said things that were too modern - or at least, I think they were. A single man and woman taking a walk all over the city together, etc.
I also appreciated (though I won't say *enjoyed*) her depiction of the cruelty of the Assyrians. Some of Isaiah's prophecies make more sense in light of that.
One minor complaint is that the characters occasionally did/said things that were too modern - or at least, I think they were. A single man and woman taking a walk all over the city together, etc.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2025
Beautifully written book that takes place during the reign of Hezekiah in Jerusalem. This haunting retelling is full of the grace and love of God. Definitely worth the read.
June 14, 2022
I really liked this book! It's the second in the series and tells the story of the beginning of King Hezekiah's rule and his efforts to help Israel remember the Lord and keep His laws. He asks for the prophet's guidance and wants to do the Lord's will, even when that doesn't make sense to others. It takes faith and trust. It helps us to understand the challenges of the day, for women, for captives, and for those trying to live faithful to God. There are thought-provoking questions and situations here that are applicable to our day and helpful to me--do we pray, do we seek to know God, do we trust that He cares and that He is our strength? Here are some of my favorite quotes:
"'It's too easy to believe in our own importance when we're surrounded by our own creations all day... Can we fashion anything as fragile and perfect as this leaf--or as solid and enduring as those mountains (p. 23)?'"
"'Pray. And you allow the Lord to be your strength. Remember--the Lord doesn't give you strength... He is your strength (p. 26).'"
"'Our nation has stumbled around in darkness, without God's light to lead us, for much too long... But this is about to change. I'm going to rebuild this government from the ground up, and I intend to rule this nation according to the laws of Moses (p. 45).'"
"'How can Shebna make wise decisions without the Lord's guidance?' 'Because he's a brilliant man.' 'They're the most dangerous kind. Man's wisdom is foolishness in God's eyes (p. 57).'"
"'There are no alliances in God's plan... Alliances with other nations lead to bondage... You don't need to trust in the fickleness of other nations. Put your trust in God (p. 59).'"
"'Yahweh. He is the only God we will ever worship in this nation and in this household as long as I am king. The others are only wood and stone (p. 66).'"
"Now he could begin to lead his nation on God's path (p. 74)."
"'Passover will be the beginning. I'm going to reawaken in my people a knowledge of our history--and of our God (p. 84).'"
"If you return to the Lord, then your children will be shown compassion by their captors and will come back to this land (p. 91)."
"'The Torah says that it's a great blessing to extend hospitality to strangers at Passover (p. 100).'"
"In his heart Hezekiah knew that he didn't feel the depth of love for God that they felt. He felt gratitude for his salvation... But he didn't really know God. How could he say that he loved Him (p. 106)?"
"'When you brought your sin offering to the Temple and placed your hand on the animal's head, how did you feel at that moment?'... 'I felt... unworthy.' 'Then you do know Yahweh. When we feel unworthy in His presence it's because we glimpse His holiness. You obeyed the Law, and He revealed His holiness to you (p. 107).'"
"'Son, I want you to keep these words to Moses very close to your heart. They were Yahweh's promise to Joshua as he prepared to lead His people. And they will be God's promise to you, too: 'Be strong and courageous' (p. 118).'"
"He suddenly knew what these heaps of tithes really meant. This was the beginning of God's blessings on his nation. God had renewed his nation's prosperity as His part of their covenant... 'With God you can do anything (p. 131).'"
"'Yahweh answers some prayers--but not all prayers. Not one hundred percent of the time. Surely you know how impossible this situation is... You're asking for a miracle (p. 139).'"
"'Jerusha, is it really you?'... 'I never thought I'd see any of you again... I never thought I'd come home again (p. 185)!'"
"'Are you out of your mind?... How can you still believe in God? Was He deaf to the cries of all these people? Is He blind to what's happening to His promised land? Doesn't He care about any of this (p. 200)?'"
"'The Assyrians use powerful weapons of war and machines that can break down even the strongest walls. Besides, they don't accept defeat (p. 219).'"
"He had worked hard to obey God's Law... purging idolatry from the land--but had he done enough? Would Yahweh spare his nation because of his faithfulness (p. 228)?"
"'Where am I going wrong? Why is everything falling apart (p. 229)?'"
"'All of your fortifications will certainly slow them down... But the Assyrians don't care how long it takes. Six months or six years--it's nothing to them... I've never seen them lose (p. 234).'"
"'Sometimes I wonder about God. I wonder if He truly delights in all our religious forms and rituals or if they are barriers that keep us at arm's length from Him. I wonder if He wouldn't rather have our simple love, like a father with his children, instead of as a king and his subjects (p. 263).'"
"'I have no use for people who don't believe in God. You can blame my father for instilling me with that prejudice (p. 279).'"
"Now all Hezekiah could do was pray that his plans and fortifications would never be needed (p. 287)."
"'The decision isn't mine to make... It's God's. I'm not going to choose either alternative until I know what God's will is. Find Rabbi Isaiah. Ask him to seek the word of the Lord for me. Tell him I'd do whatever Yahweh says (p. 296).'"
"He needed to hear from God first. He wondered if the prophet had fled because he knew that Judah was about to be invaded. All of a sudden God seemed very far away (p. 299)."
"'God of Abraham... My son hasn't called on you, has he? He hasn't sought your wisdom and help... He needs your help, Lord, and he's too proud to ask (p. 315).'"
"'God never answered any of my prayers (p. 315).'"
"'My sweet child, I think He has answered them, but you refuse to recognize it... What they've done to you can never be changed. But now you face another choice, Jerusha. How will you live the rest of your life? You can let the past make you bitter and unforgiving and unloving. Or you can turn the pain into something beautiful by choosing to do so (p. 316).'"
"'Because of what you've been through, you can reach out to others--but first you have to stop thinking of yourself. Did your father and mother die to save you so that you could be crippled with self-pity for the rest of your life (p. 317).'"
"'You're a living testimony that God answers prayers (p. 317).'"
"'I started to search for a way to end my life, too... but the day I decided to die was the day they set me free to track me down again. They gave me hope--a reason to want to live--but it was a mockery. How did I dare believe that I could escape from them (p. 321)?'"
"'Have you prayed?... Have you asked God for help (p. 321)?'"
"Yahweh was a living God to Hilkiah and Jerimoth, a God they could turn to for help. But in spite of the fact that Eliakim attended the sacrifices and festivals year after year... Yahweh remained a distant, unknown God to him. And it had never occurred to him to call on Yahweh for help. He had shut God out of his life, living his own way, on his own strength (p. 321)."
"'Your Majesty, you've earned my deepest respect for seeking the will of the Lord... May God grant you the grace to hear it and understand it... You stockpiled your weapons... You built a reservoir... but you didn't look to the One who made you... the One who planned everything long ago (p. 324).'"
"'The Lord is your strength, King Hezekiah. And Yahweh's word to you is to wait (p. 325).'"
"'God, give me the faith to believe (p. 326).'"
"In all the years he had come to the Temple, Eliakim could never remember a service like this one. But had he ever come with his heart surrendered to God before (p. 328)?"
"'Remember how Yahweh helped us defeat the Philistines? They were stronger than us, too (p. 330).'"
"'How can the arm of man possibly succeed if God himself fails us (p. 332)?'"
"Jerusha knew that Hilkiah would gladly give her money for an offering, yet she didn't want to ask him. An offering that didn't cost her anything wasn't a true sacrifice at all. God had given everything to Jerusha. What could she possibly sacrifice to Him in return?... As Jerusha walked away, her eyes filled with tears. 'I'm sorry, God. But this is the only thing I really own.' She reached into the fold of her dress and pulled out the torn fragment of blanket that had once swaddled her baby. It was her only link to her daughter--and to her past. Tears rolled down Jerusha's face as she held it out to God. 'It's all I have, Lord. But I'll offer it to you. Please accept my sacrifice. Please forgive me and make me whole again (p. 339).'"
"'If you had died, I never would have seen the power of God. But you're God's gift to me, to show me that He has the power to answer prayer. That's why you lived. It was God's choice, Jerusha. Not yours (p. 341).'"
"'When you pass through the fire, you won't be burned. The flames will not hurt you. For Yahweh is your God. The Holy One of Israel is your Savior (p. 345).'"
"'Someday God will turn these tears into joy (p. 348).'"
"'It's too easy to believe in our own importance when we're surrounded by our own creations all day... Can we fashion anything as fragile and perfect as this leaf--or as solid and enduring as those mountains (p. 23)?'"
"'Pray. And you allow the Lord to be your strength. Remember--the Lord doesn't give you strength... He is your strength (p. 26).'"
"'Our nation has stumbled around in darkness, without God's light to lead us, for much too long... But this is about to change. I'm going to rebuild this government from the ground up, and I intend to rule this nation according to the laws of Moses (p. 45).'"
"'How can Shebna make wise decisions without the Lord's guidance?' 'Because he's a brilliant man.' 'They're the most dangerous kind. Man's wisdom is foolishness in God's eyes (p. 57).'"
"'There are no alliances in God's plan... Alliances with other nations lead to bondage... You don't need to trust in the fickleness of other nations. Put your trust in God (p. 59).'"
"'Yahweh. He is the only God we will ever worship in this nation and in this household as long as I am king. The others are only wood and stone (p. 66).'"
"Now he could begin to lead his nation on God's path (p. 74)."
"'Passover will be the beginning. I'm going to reawaken in my people a knowledge of our history--and of our God (p. 84).'"
"If you return to the Lord, then your children will be shown compassion by their captors and will come back to this land (p. 91)."
"'The Torah says that it's a great blessing to extend hospitality to strangers at Passover (p. 100).'"
"In his heart Hezekiah knew that he didn't feel the depth of love for God that they felt. He felt gratitude for his salvation... But he didn't really know God. How could he say that he loved Him (p. 106)?"
"'When you brought your sin offering to the Temple and placed your hand on the animal's head, how did you feel at that moment?'... 'I felt... unworthy.' 'Then you do know Yahweh. When we feel unworthy in His presence it's because we glimpse His holiness. You obeyed the Law, and He revealed His holiness to you (p. 107).'"
"'Son, I want you to keep these words to Moses very close to your heart. They were Yahweh's promise to Joshua as he prepared to lead His people. And they will be God's promise to you, too: 'Be strong and courageous' (p. 118).'"
"He suddenly knew what these heaps of tithes really meant. This was the beginning of God's blessings on his nation. God had renewed his nation's prosperity as His part of their covenant... 'With God you can do anything (p. 131).'"
"'Yahweh answers some prayers--but not all prayers. Not one hundred percent of the time. Surely you know how impossible this situation is... You're asking for a miracle (p. 139).'"
"'Jerusha, is it really you?'... 'I never thought I'd see any of you again... I never thought I'd come home again (p. 185)!'"
"'Are you out of your mind?... How can you still believe in God? Was He deaf to the cries of all these people? Is He blind to what's happening to His promised land? Doesn't He care about any of this (p. 200)?'"
"'The Assyrians use powerful weapons of war and machines that can break down even the strongest walls. Besides, they don't accept defeat (p. 219).'"
"He had worked hard to obey God's Law... purging idolatry from the land--but had he done enough? Would Yahweh spare his nation because of his faithfulness (p. 228)?"
"'Where am I going wrong? Why is everything falling apart (p. 229)?'"
"'All of your fortifications will certainly slow them down... But the Assyrians don't care how long it takes. Six months or six years--it's nothing to them... I've never seen them lose (p. 234).'"
"'Sometimes I wonder about God. I wonder if He truly delights in all our religious forms and rituals or if they are barriers that keep us at arm's length from Him. I wonder if He wouldn't rather have our simple love, like a father with his children, instead of as a king and his subjects (p. 263).'"
"'I have no use for people who don't believe in God. You can blame my father for instilling me with that prejudice (p. 279).'"
"Now all Hezekiah could do was pray that his plans and fortifications would never be needed (p. 287)."
"'The decision isn't mine to make... It's God's. I'm not going to choose either alternative until I know what God's will is. Find Rabbi Isaiah. Ask him to seek the word of the Lord for me. Tell him I'd do whatever Yahweh says (p. 296).'"
"He needed to hear from God first. He wondered if the prophet had fled because he knew that Judah was about to be invaded. All of a sudden God seemed very far away (p. 299)."
"'God of Abraham... My son hasn't called on you, has he? He hasn't sought your wisdom and help... He needs your help, Lord, and he's too proud to ask (p. 315).'"
"'God never answered any of my prayers (p. 315).'"
"'My sweet child, I think He has answered them, but you refuse to recognize it... What they've done to you can never be changed. But now you face another choice, Jerusha. How will you live the rest of your life? You can let the past make you bitter and unforgiving and unloving. Or you can turn the pain into something beautiful by choosing to do so (p. 316).'"
"'Because of what you've been through, you can reach out to others--but first you have to stop thinking of yourself. Did your father and mother die to save you so that you could be crippled with self-pity for the rest of your life (p. 317).'"
"'You're a living testimony that God answers prayers (p. 317).'"
"'I started to search for a way to end my life, too... but the day I decided to die was the day they set me free to track me down again. They gave me hope--a reason to want to live--but it was a mockery. How did I dare believe that I could escape from them (p. 321)?'"
"'Have you prayed?... Have you asked God for help (p. 321)?'"
"Yahweh was a living God to Hilkiah and Jerimoth, a God they could turn to for help. But in spite of the fact that Eliakim attended the sacrifices and festivals year after year... Yahweh remained a distant, unknown God to him. And it had never occurred to him to call on Yahweh for help. He had shut God out of his life, living his own way, on his own strength (p. 321)."
"'Your Majesty, you've earned my deepest respect for seeking the will of the Lord... May God grant you the grace to hear it and understand it... You stockpiled your weapons... You built a reservoir... but you didn't look to the One who made you... the One who planned everything long ago (p. 324).'"
"'The Lord is your strength, King Hezekiah. And Yahweh's word to you is to wait (p. 325).'"
"'God, give me the faith to believe (p. 326).'"
"In all the years he had come to the Temple, Eliakim could never remember a service like this one. But had he ever come with his heart surrendered to God before (p. 328)?"
"'Remember how Yahweh helped us defeat the Philistines? They were stronger than us, too (p. 330).'"
"'How can the arm of man possibly succeed if God himself fails us (p. 332)?'"
"Jerusha knew that Hilkiah would gladly give her money for an offering, yet she didn't want to ask him. An offering that didn't cost her anything wasn't a true sacrifice at all. God had given everything to Jerusha. What could she possibly sacrifice to Him in return?... As Jerusha walked away, her eyes filled with tears. 'I'm sorry, God. But this is the only thing I really own.' She reached into the fold of her dress and pulled out the torn fragment of blanket that had once swaddled her baby. It was her only link to her daughter--and to her past. Tears rolled down Jerusha's face as she held it out to God. 'It's all I have, Lord. But I'll offer it to you. Please accept my sacrifice. Please forgive me and make me whole again (p. 339).'"
"'If you had died, I never would have seen the power of God. But you're God's gift to me, to show me that He has the power to answer prayer. That's why you lived. It was God's choice, Jerusha. Not yours (p. 341).'"
"'When you pass through the fire, you won't be burned. The flames will not hurt you. For Yahweh is your God. The Holy One of Israel is your Savior (p. 345).'"
"'Someday God will turn these tears into joy (p. 348).'"
April 3, 2011
"The Song of Redemption", the second offering in the "Chronicles of the Kings" series by Lynn Austin breathes life into the continuing saga of the reign of King Hezekiah. I don't know that I thought that I would have enjoyed these books as much as I have, but I will absolutely keep reading this series as Lynn Austin truly does a wonderful job bringing her characters to life with a fast paced tale.
King Hezekiah is truly beginning his reign and learning what it is to be a King who honors and follows the way of Yahweh and how that plays out. This presents itself in choosing to have one wife, instead of a harem and choosing to have faith in God over fear of the Assyrian's constant threat of attack. Always Lynn weaves in the character's struggles and crisis of faith in a very moving and realistic way. A new character that we meet in this book is Jerusha- her heartbreaking tale is really a page turner as she is a beautiful girl taken and enslaved by the vile Assyrian army on one of their raids through her small town. We learn how she is able to survive her captivity and live to tell about it, truly a survivors story.
I particularly find interesting in this book the very real havoc that idol worship had in this day and age and just how vile and twisted it was in that culture. It is a very thought provoking look to ask ourselves, "what idols do we have today in our own lives that maybe we donh't recognize?". I highly recommend this book and will definitely finish out the series.
King Hezekiah is truly beginning his reign and learning what it is to be a King who honors and follows the way of Yahweh and how that plays out. This presents itself in choosing to have one wife, instead of a harem and choosing to have faith in God over fear of the Assyrian's constant threat of attack. Always Lynn weaves in the character's struggles and crisis of faith in a very moving and realistic way. A new character that we meet in this book is Jerusha- her heartbreaking tale is really a page turner as she is a beautiful girl taken and enslaved by the vile Assyrian army on one of their raids through her small town. We learn how she is able to survive her captivity and live to tell about it, truly a survivors story.
I particularly find interesting in this book the very real havoc that idol worship had in this day and age and just how vile and twisted it was in that culture. It is a very thought provoking look to ask ourselves, "what idols do we have today in our own lives that maybe we donh't recognize?". I highly recommend this book and will definitely finish out the series.
August 29, 2017
I have been reading a few books by Lynn Austin for a while now, this is about the second for the year. She is an award-winning author in Christian literature. She writes both historical and contemporary fiction. This is the second book in the Chronicles of the Kings series. This looks at the reign of Hezekiah in Judah in 761 BC. He has decided to trust Yahweh to guide his decisions and live according to the laws of Torah.
It will be hard for me to be distant in this review. This book has been such a timely read. I related well to the struggles of both Hezekiah as he seeks to be a king guided by the laws of Torah and being rational/common sense and those of Jerusha( the other story-line protagonist). At one point, I no longer cared if it was historically accurate, it was well researched by the way or whether it was too modern in speech. The struggle to recognise pride, dealing with the doubts and sin , having good counselors around you became more vital. I wish the book was mine to read again but highlighting all those key promises and verses. And honestly, Lynn Austin is becoming my go-to fictional Christian author to read. She brings alive the story of these people in a way that transcends modern times. Whilst, it can not replace reading scripture, it brings life without being blasphemous. Would recommend to anyone, whether a Christian or not.
It will be hard for me to be distant in this review. This book has been such a timely read. I related well to the struggles of both Hezekiah as he seeks to be a king guided by the laws of Torah and being rational/common sense and those of Jerusha( the other story-line protagonist). At one point, I no longer cared if it was historically accurate, it was well researched by the way or whether it was too modern in speech. The struggle to recognise pride, dealing with the doubts and sin , having good counselors around you became more vital. I wish the book was mine to read again but highlighting all those key promises and verses. And honestly, Lynn Austin is becoming my go-to fictional Christian author to read. She brings alive the story of these people in a way that transcends modern times. Whilst, it can not replace reading scripture, it brings life without being blasphemous. Would recommend to anyone, whether a Christian or not.
September 29, 2019
Song of Redemption by Lynn Austin, An emotional colourful expansion of an overlooked bible passage in 2nd Kings ch 17 & 18, yet It tells a powerful simple message, return to the Lord and you will be blessed.
The dual kingdoms of Israel & Judah are under threat from the north the Assyrian empire is expanding and by right all nations who oppose them, must be brought low. The fictional story follows Jerusha she is captured, enslaved & abused, but she has belief in the Lord which she doesn't realise at first but it carries her through to her eventual song of redemption.
Amazing & captivating, 2 highly charged story lines, I really had mixed thoughts going in but after the first couple of chapters man I was hooked line and sinker to the end. Lynn tells this epic in an easy simple to follow manner, just holly molly cow wow.
The dual kingdoms of Israel & Judah are under threat from the north the Assyrian empire is expanding and by right all nations who oppose them, must be brought low. The fictional story follows Jerusha she is captured, enslaved & abused, but she has belief in the Lord which she doesn't realise at first but it carries her through to her eventual song of redemption.
Amazing & captivating, 2 highly charged story lines, I really had mixed thoughts going in but after the first couple of chapters man I was hooked line and sinker to the end. Lynn tells this epic in an easy simple to follow manner, just holly molly cow wow.
August 28, 2022
I’ve read this series once before, and I struggled with it more this time. It was more violent than I remembered, and I really struggle with all the brutality exhibited by the Assyrians to their captors. My stomach turned a bit several times, and that’s just not really a reading experience that I desire. That being said, every single book makes me tear up with the astounding depths of God’s grace and compassion. Lynn Austin makes the stories of the Old Testament spring from the pages. She quotes a lot of scripture, and lists scripture references in the front of the book so you can read from Kings and Chronicles and Isaiah to get the real account. This series always makes me want to dive headfirst into those Bible passages.
Content: violence, war, forced prostitution, rape, murder, infant sacrifice
Content: violence, war, forced prostitution, rape, murder, infant sacrifice
July 28, 2018
It wasn’t as good as the first one. Darker themes and issues in this one which focused on Eliakim building the tunnel that would create Jerusalem’s water supply and a new character named Jerusha. By the end the author finally showcased the biblical truths that both Hezekiah and Eliakim learned through trials: having enough faith to trust Him completely and not relying on your own strength.
March 8, 2016
I could not put this book down! I believe the story is well written. I love how Austin keeps the different story lines and character perspectives going throughout the story. I am hooked and cannot wait to finish the series!
June 28, 2014
couldn't put it down; could feel the characters emotions. much easier to visualize 7th century Jerusalem.
October 7, 2023
2023: Fijn weer
?: Ik was vergeten hoe geweldig deze boeken waren.
?: Ik was vergeten hoe geweldig deze boeken waren.
Read
July 30, 2019I really enjoy this series!
September 16, 2021
I enjoyed this book, and Jerusha’s story kept me enthralled.
I do get tired of beautiful women being the only ones being wanted by men in this series. Hephzibah’s sole purpose as a pretty comforter at the end of a hard day was not my favorite. I wish the author gave her some purpose, or a hobby, or something! She and Hezekiah lust one another rather than love each other. I get that marriages are often flawed, but I wish it was highlighted a little more how little these two actually know each other, that this marriage is not ideal, rather than gushing over long lashes, perfume, muscles, and hard chests. I do assume the author will get into this later in the series, or at least show better marriages as a contrast, so I can look past it for now.
However, I really don’t like how (so far in this series) if someone is fat they are bad. I get this being used with rich officials, as it compares to the starving poor, but this one line, however, made me angry:
“So maybe some of them are a little chubby. So what? What’s wrong with chubby?”
“What’s wrong with beautiful, Abba? Beautiful is much nicer.”
First complaint: who says “willowy” was the beauty standard of the day?
Second complaint: Why should a Christian author perpetuate the myth that “chubby” is ugly, even through the lips of a flawed hero?
This line is the reason this book got four stars instead of five from me.
I do get tired of beautiful women being the only ones being wanted by men in this series. Hephzibah’s sole purpose as a pretty comforter at the end of a hard day was not my favorite. I wish the author gave her some purpose, or a hobby, or something! She and Hezekiah lust one another rather than love each other. I get that marriages are often flawed, but I wish it was highlighted a little more how little these two actually know each other, that this marriage is not ideal, rather than gushing over long lashes, perfume, muscles, and hard chests. I do assume the author will get into this later in the series, or at least show better marriages as a contrast, so I can look past it for now.
However, I really don’t like how (so far in this series) if someone is fat they are bad. I get this being used with rich officials, as it compares to the starving poor, but this one line, however, made me angry:
“So maybe some of them are a little chubby. So what? What’s wrong with chubby?”
“What’s wrong with beautiful, Abba? Beautiful is much nicer.”
First complaint: who says “willowy” was the beauty standard of the day?
Second complaint: Why should a Christian author perpetuate the myth that “chubby” is ugly, even through the lips of a flawed hero?
This line is the reason this book got four stars instead of five from me.
September 12, 2024
The second book in a series about King Hezekiah, a king in the days after Israel’s glory who decided to return to the ways of the Lord after his father’s wandering, this book was a sweet continuation of the first book.
This book had a lot of added elements to it, a lot more than the first book than I can remember (relationships, added storylines, etc.) which made for a really entertaining book, but for me PERSONALLY, I love the HISTORICAL part of historical fiction, not as much the fiction. But it was really good, I just didn’t learn as much about the facts of who King Hezekiah is and what he did. It was more a storyline of what could’ve possibly happened. Anyway, it was a good storyline.
Five stars because I’ve been too hard on rating books in the past, so I’m not going to make the average goodreads rating go down just because it’s not my favorite book in the world lol. Again, this book was a really good historical fiction read!
This book had a lot of added elements to it, a lot more than the first book than I can remember (relationships, added storylines, etc.) which made for a really entertaining book, but for me PERSONALLY, I love the HISTORICAL part of historical fiction, not as much the fiction. But it was really good, I just didn’t learn as much about the facts of who King Hezekiah is and what he did. It was more a storyline of what could’ve possibly happened. Anyway, it was a good storyline.
Five stars because I’ve been too hard on rating books in the past, so I’m not going to make the average goodreads rating go down just because it’s not my favorite book in the world lol. Again, this book was a really good historical fiction read!
December 29, 2023
De obicei, cărțile care urmează după primul volum sunt mai bune, dar asta a depășit orice limită.
E absolut devastator...ți se ridică firele de pe mâini și te simți că și când ai fi băut zeama de la o lămâie întreaga. Nu mai pot sa continui sa citesc celelalte volume, e prea dureros, prea multe pierderi și cred că rămân cu sechele...
E absolut devastator...ți se ridică firele de pe mâini și te simți că și când ai fi băut zeama de la o lămâie întreaga. Nu mai pot sa continui sa citesc celelalte volume, e prea dureros, prea multe pierderi și cred că rămân cu sechele...
July 5, 2022
This was not my typical genre. I read this for a book club at church. I liked hearing the Psalms and Scripture references spoken in conversation between the characters. I know that other reviewers felt like the modern language detracted from the story, but I rather appreciated it. I felt like it made the story more readable.
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