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Daughters of the Promised Land #1
The Crimson Cord : Rahab's Story
Wife to a gambler who took one too many risks, Rahab finds herself sold as a slave to cover her husband's debt. Forced into prostitution by Dabir, counselor to the Syrian king, Rahab despairs of ever regaining her freedom and her self-respect. But when Israelite spies enter Jericho and come to lodge at her house, Rahab sees a glimmer of hope and the opportunity of a lifetime. In one risky moment, she takes a leap of faith, puts her trust in a God she does not know, and vows to protect the spies from the authorities. When the armies of Israel arrive weeks later, Rahab hopes they will keep their promise, but she has no idea what kind of challenges await her outside Jericho's walls--or if she will ever know the meaning of love.
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First published February 1, 2015
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About the author
Jill Eileen Smith
28 books1,479 followersJill Eileen Smith is the bestselling, award-winning author of the Wives of King David series, the Wives of the Patriarchs, Daughters of the Promised Land, Heart of a King, Star of Persia, Miriam's Song, The Prince and the Prodigal, Daughter of Eden, and The Ark and the Dove. Her research has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Bible times.
When she isn’t writing, she loves to spend time with her family and friends, read stories that take her away, ride her bike to the park, snag date nights with her hubby, try out new restaurants, or play with her lovable cats Kody and Kaelee. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan.
Contact Jill through email (jill@jilleileensmith.com), her website (http://www.jilleileensmith.com), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/jilleileensmith), or Twitter (https://twitter.com/JillEileenSmith).
When she isn’t writing, she loves to spend time with her family and friends, read stories that take her away, ride her bike to the park, snag date nights with her hubby, try out new restaurants, or play with her lovable cats Kody and Kaelee. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan.
Contact Jill through email (jill@jilleileensmith.com), her website (http://www.jilleileensmith.com), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/jilleileensmith), or Twitter (https://twitter.com/JillEileenSmith).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 410 reviews
April 22, 2023
This is my 2nd rereading of the Crimson Cord. I love story of Rahab and what she went through and how forgiveness extends for everybody. I recently read Pearls of Sand and I don't know what I like better. The Crimson Cord focuses on Rahab life in Jercho and The Pearl of Sand focuses on the love story of Rahab. So dependent what you want both are great reads. Glad I reread both of them!!
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May 3, 2014This book is currently "in house" awaiting cover design, editing, and all of the work that goes into a book before it is published. It should release around February 2015.
February 18, 2015
I didn't used to like Biblical fiction, and I went years without reading any. Most of what I read years ago didn't impress me and so I avoided that genre'. Then some new authors started writing it, and I started reading some of it again, and found to my amazement that there is some great Biblical fiction out there.
This book really interested me. We don't know a lot about Rahab. She was a prostitute, hid the spies that Joshua sent into Jericho and was rewarded by having her and everyone in her house spared. She evidently embraced the God of the Israelites, for she married one and is one of four women mentioned by name in the lineage of Jesus. She is a character that needs a story, and this book gives her one.
Now as with all Biblical and historical fiction, the author takes some license and weaves fiction around the real story. I liked the results of Jill's efforts to bring this story to life, while staying true to the Biblical account. The author gives a scenario from her mind of how Rahab may have gotten into the life she was living, and it worked for the story.
There is some romance in the book, and the reader gets a look at what it may have been like for a non-Jew to come into the Jewish faith and leave behind their life and gods to worship the one true God. I found myself moved by the story, as I read anew how God defeated Jericho and other cities, how Achan's sin causes so many deaths and what his end was. The book was entertaining, yet had the great message that God can redeem anyone and use them. He even used a harlot in the lineage that would bring Jesus into this world.
This is book one in the Daughters of The Promised Land Series, and if this book is any indication, this will be a great series.
This book really interested me. We don't know a lot about Rahab. She was a prostitute, hid the spies that Joshua sent into Jericho and was rewarded by having her and everyone in her house spared. She evidently embraced the God of the Israelites, for she married one and is one of four women mentioned by name in the lineage of Jesus. She is a character that needs a story, and this book gives her one.
Now as with all Biblical and historical fiction, the author takes some license and weaves fiction around the real story. I liked the results of Jill's efforts to bring this story to life, while staying true to the Biblical account. The author gives a scenario from her mind of how Rahab may have gotten into the life she was living, and it worked for the story.
There is some romance in the book, and the reader gets a look at what it may have been like for a non-Jew to come into the Jewish faith and leave behind their life and gods to worship the one true God. I found myself moved by the story, as I read anew how God defeated Jericho and other cities, how Achan's sin causes so many deaths and what his end was. The book was entertaining, yet had the great message that God can redeem anyone and use them. He even used a harlot in the lineage that would bring Jesus into this world.
This is book one in the Daughters of The Promised Land Series, and if this book is any indication, this will be a great series.
June 9, 2019
Jill Eileen Smith is one of my favorite Biblical fiction authors. Both her historical and Biblical foundations are always present displaying the intense research that she does. We know very little about Rahab other than what is mentioned in the Bible as she helps the Hebrew spies to overtake the city of Jericho. We also know that she had a deep abiding faith and appears in the ancestry of Jesus.
I have read several stories about Rahab and each book speculates on her early life. Smith speculates that Rahab is married off by her father at a young age, then sold as a slave to settle her gambler husband's debts, and finally set up as a prostitute by her wealthy owner to increase his wealth. Even her family distances themselves from her due to her occupation. Rahab feels as though she is never loved for herself but always for her beauty until she develops a relationship with Yahweh and discovers someone who loves her with a deep and abiding love.
Beautifully written story that I highly recommend.
I have read several stories about Rahab and each book speculates on her early life. Smith speculates that Rahab is married off by her father at a young age, then sold as a slave to settle her gambler husband's debts, and finally set up as a prostitute by her wealthy owner to increase his wealth. Even her family distances themselves from her due to her occupation. Rahab feels as though she is never loved for herself but always for her beauty until she develops a relationship with Yahweh and discovers someone who loves her with a deep and abiding love.
Beautifully written story that I highly recommend.
August 7, 2015
4 1/2 Stars!
Setting: Jericho.
Unknowingly, Rahab's father arranges a marriage for his daughter that turns out to have disastrous results.
Rahab's husband makes unmerciful choices, which leads him to drink, gamble, women and abusing his wife.
Her husband is eventually imprisoned for debt and betrayal to the prince, who recently granted him mercy.
Rahab must endure greater violence than any soul can imagine when she also pays the price because of her husband's deeds by being sold into sex slavery.
Kept in a prison of her own by serving as a prostitute, she hears rumours of the Israelites and decides to consort with Israelite spies, hoping they will spare her life and give her a new freedom that she has never known before in Jericho.
Supposedly... God has a plan for Rahab, but will she ever believe she is worthy of any kind of love?
Yes, this is a "Inspirational" or "Christian" romance novel, with prostitution, women abuse, sex and other touchy subjects.
But oh how the author did a fabulous job of adding all of it so tastefully ( nothing was described in detail )
but left to the readers own vision of what went on.
The reader is also given a historical view of the treatment of women by those who worshipped idols and bowed down to their rulers who were corrupted by greed.
The story of Jericho, Rahab and her family and the only home they ever knew, unfolds slowly but builds toward the events that surrounded the rumours of the Israelites who camped and worshipped the one true God.
The author did a fantastic job of captivating the message of what took place in Jericho, with great attention to historical detail without it taking away from Rahab's trials and her finding forgiveness and love within herself.This is the first book in "The Daughter's Of The Promised Land," and I truly wont hesitate to pick up the next one as well as check out other books by this author!
Setting: Jericho.
Unknowingly, Rahab's father arranges a marriage for his daughter that turns out to have disastrous results.
Rahab's husband makes unmerciful choices, which leads him to drink, gamble, women and abusing his wife.
Her husband is eventually imprisoned for debt and betrayal to the prince, who recently granted him mercy.
Rahab must endure greater violence than any soul can imagine when she also pays the price because of her husband's deeds by being sold into sex slavery.
Kept in a prison of her own by serving as a prostitute, she hears rumours of the Israelites and decides to consort with Israelite spies, hoping they will spare her life and give her a new freedom that she has never known before in Jericho.
Supposedly... God has a plan for Rahab, but will she ever believe she is worthy of any kind of love?
Yes, this is a "Inspirational" or "Christian" romance novel, with prostitution, women abuse, sex and other touchy subjects.
But oh how the author did a fabulous job of adding all of it so tastefully ( nothing was described in detail )
but left to the readers own vision of what went on.
The reader is also given a historical view of the treatment of women by those who worshipped idols and bowed down to their rulers who were corrupted by greed.
The story of Jericho, Rahab and her family and the only home they ever knew, unfolds slowly but builds toward the events that surrounded the rumours of the Israelites who camped and worshipped the one true God.
The author did a fantastic job of captivating the message of what took place in Jericho, with great attention to historical detail without it taking away from Rahab's trials and her finding forgiveness and love within herself.This is the first book in "The Daughter's Of The Promised Land," and I truly wont hesitate to pick up the next one as well as check out other books by this author!
July 17, 2024
Trying to get my reading done whilst I buddy read another book.
I’ve been really getting into biblical fiction like reading retellings of bible stories I have read before. Like the story of Rahab is quite a short story, it’s about a woman who’s a prostitute and has faith in the God of Israel and protects his spies which leads to her saving her family.
Her story I don’t think much about but reading this book made me really think about her as a person, like the story she makes about her life is so compelling how men throughout her life have failed her.
From her father (screwed her life 😔) to her husband Gamal (waste of a human always gambling there money😒) to Dabrir ( like he’s the scum of the earth he’s the guy who leads her to prostitution🤬) to even the prince (empty promises 🥺).
But we see in the end how God always keeps his promises and how merciful he is.
Her brokenness to redemption is beautiful but Salmon (her love interest)(which again so cool that Salmon in genealogies is related to King David and to even Jesus 🥹)
change in how he saw Rahab was to quick and he was so hateful of her AND it felt like he was only into her because of her looks.
Needed more time to see the blooming romance and more time for Rahab to heal before marriage.
Good work, need more biblical fiction for me to read.
I’ve been really getting into biblical fiction like reading retellings of bible stories I have read before. Like the story of Rahab is quite a short story, it’s about a woman who’s a prostitute and has faith in the God of Israel and protects his spies which leads to her saving her family.
Her story I don’t think much about but reading this book made me really think about her as a person, like the story she makes about her life is so compelling how men throughout her life have failed her.
From her father (screwed her life 😔) to her husband Gamal (waste of a human always gambling there money😒) to Dabrir ( like he’s the scum of the earth he’s the guy who leads her to prostitution🤬) to even the prince (empty promises 🥺).
But we see in the end how God always keeps his promises and how merciful he is.
Her brokenness to redemption is beautiful but Salmon (her love interest)(which again so cool that Salmon in genealogies is related to King David and to even Jesus 🥹)
change in how he saw Rahab was to quick and he was so hateful of her AND it felt like he was only into her because of her looks.
Needed more time to see the blooming romance and more time for Rahab to heal before marriage.
Good work, need more biblical fiction for me to read.
March 12, 2015
CRIMSON CORD
There are some passages in the Bible that I wish I could just step back in time and see the inside story of the person’s life. Rehab is one of them.
As I read this book I found myself pulled back into time. The author's descriptions of the people, both physically and emotionally, bring them to life. This is why I commend Jill Eileen Smith's for this excellent rendentation on the story of Rehab. Rahab's amazing story is a lesson for us all - from Harlot to Heroine. Whether you are a new or mature believer in Christ or not a believer at all, one can benefit from these timeless and faith-strengthening stories that Jill writes.
Jill Eileen Smith's writing style is always a delight, even as her stories are captivating. “Crimson Cord – Daughters of the Promise Land” is no exception. From the opening scene the reader is drawn into Rehab’s life, and we care about her from that moment on. This is more than a heart-tugging romance—though it is that—but it is also a mind-challenging read that will leave us in a different place than when we began. In the first chapter, I wanted to swath Rehab’s husband, Gamal, because he made me so mad with his ways and treatment to Rehab.
Yet, I love how Jill incorporated the “Parable of the unforgiving servant” (Matthew 18-21-35) into the story - that being reflected in Rehab’s husband, Gamal. The King forgives him his debts, and yet he does not forgive the friend that owed him money. That causes his demise. A tragically flawed hero, his gambling debts led him into great trouble, for him and his beloved wife Rehab, for they are both sold into to slavery. Only her intertwinement with an admirer puts her in a place of redemption. Although she knew the one that bought her, she thought at the time that she had only been “traded from one fool to another, hopelessly bound by their desires.” Held prisoner in a dwelling on the walls of Jericho, she longs for escape.
She awaits her deliverance as Joshua marched on Jericho. When Joshua entered the city he set about the execution of the divine command to destroy the city. As a sign of protection - a scarlet rope hung from the window-the crimson cord. She is not left behind, but takes her place with her new found friends, Gods chosen people in the Promised Land. There the story proceeds on to her life after Jericho. And what a story it is. You must read it to see what happens next. It’s a Boaz!
I received this book from the author for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. How gloriously daring she is in her faith, and how richly rewarded we are in her willingness to expound upon the life in a cause she knows to be of God! Thank you Jill Eileen Smith for sharing your wonderful stories with us, we are truly blessed.
Jill has also written about The Wives of the Patriarchs that is a three-book biblical fiction series set in ancient Mesopotamia, ancient Egypt, and ancient Canaan. Each story is a fictional rendering of the biblical account, focusing on Sarai, Rebekah, and Rachel. The Wives of King David series is also great. She writes about Michal, Abigail and Bathsheba. And we cannot forget the Loves of King Solomon series.
There are some passages in the Bible that I wish I could just step back in time and see the inside story of the person’s life. Rehab is one of them.
As I read this book I found myself pulled back into time. The author's descriptions of the people, both physically and emotionally, bring them to life. This is why I commend Jill Eileen Smith's for this excellent rendentation on the story of Rehab. Rahab's amazing story is a lesson for us all - from Harlot to Heroine. Whether you are a new or mature believer in Christ or not a believer at all, one can benefit from these timeless and faith-strengthening stories that Jill writes.
Jill Eileen Smith's writing style is always a delight, even as her stories are captivating. “Crimson Cord – Daughters of the Promise Land” is no exception. From the opening scene the reader is drawn into Rehab’s life, and we care about her from that moment on. This is more than a heart-tugging romance—though it is that—but it is also a mind-challenging read that will leave us in a different place than when we began. In the first chapter, I wanted to swath Rehab’s husband, Gamal, because he made me so mad with his ways and treatment to Rehab.
Yet, I love how Jill incorporated the “Parable of the unforgiving servant” (Matthew 18-21-35) into the story - that being reflected in Rehab’s husband, Gamal. The King forgives him his debts, and yet he does not forgive the friend that owed him money. That causes his demise. A tragically flawed hero, his gambling debts led him into great trouble, for him and his beloved wife Rehab, for they are both sold into to slavery. Only her intertwinement with an admirer puts her in a place of redemption. Although she knew the one that bought her, she thought at the time that she had only been “traded from one fool to another, hopelessly bound by their desires.” Held prisoner in a dwelling on the walls of Jericho, she longs for escape.
She awaits her deliverance as Joshua marched on Jericho. When Joshua entered the city he set about the execution of the divine command to destroy the city. As a sign of protection - a scarlet rope hung from the window-the crimson cord. She is not left behind, but takes her place with her new found friends, Gods chosen people in the Promised Land. There the story proceeds on to her life after Jericho. And what a story it is. You must read it to see what happens next. It’s a Boaz!
I received this book from the author for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. How gloriously daring she is in her faith, and how richly rewarded we are in her willingness to expound upon the life in a cause she knows to be of God! Thank you Jill Eileen Smith for sharing your wonderful stories with us, we are truly blessed.
Jill has also written about The Wives of the Patriarchs that is a three-book biblical fiction series set in ancient Mesopotamia, ancient Egypt, and ancient Canaan. Each story is a fictional rendering of the biblical account, focusing on Sarai, Rebekah, and Rachel. The Wives of King David series is also great. She writes about Michal, Abigail and Bathsheba. And we cannot forget the Loves of King Solomon series.
April 5, 2024
Beautiful 🥹♥️
February 16, 2015
"The Crimson Cord" is a Biblical fiction novel. I found the first 142 pages very depressing because Rahab's suffering wasn't even the refining kind. She's a kind, caring woman who is repeatedly abused by her husband, then by her master and the men of her city. Though Rahab loses everyone and everything she cares about, she doesn't become bitter. Even though many men betray and abuse her, she's still very trusting. She reassures her sister that Joshua is a good man before she has even met him. I would have expected her abuse to have impacted her more deeply and in many more ways than it did.
The spies finally appear on page 143. Salmon briefly meets Rahab and falls instantly in lust with her though he despises her for being a prostitute. Rahab is instantly attracted to this handsome stranger whom she knows lusts after and despises her. Not a healthy start, and this is the basis of their few, brief interactions for most the book. Salmon isn't drawn to Rahab's ongoing faith until the last fifteen pages. Rahab rejects Salmon because she doesn't feel worthy. Somehow, she knew what sin was even without the Hebrew Law and believed what she was doing was wrong. She wants to feel clean before she can marry Salmon.
It bothered me that Joshua (without consulting God) kept pushing Salmon and Rahab to marry when she might still be married, was barren, and hadn't had time to show that she was serious about following God. And they acted like Rahab couldn't simply convert (with related teaching and rituals) but needed to become a "captive bride."
There were numerous cultural/historical errors. A few examples: Rahab's husband is left alive, but when Rahab is sold as a slave, she's taken as a "mistress" and "consort" by a powerful man. Culturally speaking, she's a concubine--a slave "second rank" wife. Her new husband then sells time in her bed to all of his political pals...and to rich, foreign men off the street. This would be like the Vice President pimping his wife to his political friends and strangers alike. He should have lost respect, but it's treated like he's a modern street pimp with Rahab as his modern high-class call girl. She calls him her "employer" rather than her master or husband. Birth control and abortion drugs are treated like they were reliable and safe. Rahab's master stated that prostitutes never keep the children of their prostitution. But some do even in modern times, and more would have when birth control was ineffective and abortion dangerous and generally ineffective.
Later, Salmon goes to battle, then buries dead--so he's ceremonially unclean--and yet he's allowed to go into the direct presence of God...and God, amazingly, doesn't even notice. Rahab prayed to her moon god like a Christian prays to God--like she assumes the god is always listening and willing to help. Pagan religions usually assume the petitioner has to do something (like a sacrifice) to get the god's attention and good will, and even then the god's reaction could be negative. Rahab just changes one god (who doesn't answer but at least doesn't appear to ask for much) for another god (a very exacting one who tends to punish with death) because at least He's more powerful. She hopes to find unconditional love and forgiveness in Salmon, not God, though she does finally accept that God forgives her.
There were no graphic descriptions of sex. There was no bad language. I suppose the writing itself must be fairly good to have provoked such a strong emotional response in me, but unfortunately, it was a largely negative response. I guess I was expecting a story as good as Tessa Afshar's "Pearl in the Sand," but I should have just re-read that story.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
The spies finally appear on page 143. Salmon briefly meets Rahab and falls instantly in lust with her though he despises her for being a prostitute. Rahab is instantly attracted to this handsome stranger whom she knows lusts after and despises her. Not a healthy start, and this is the basis of their few, brief interactions for most the book. Salmon isn't drawn to Rahab's ongoing faith until the last fifteen pages. Rahab rejects Salmon because she doesn't feel worthy. Somehow, she knew what sin was even without the Hebrew Law and believed what she was doing was wrong. She wants to feel clean before she can marry Salmon.
It bothered me that Joshua (without consulting God) kept pushing Salmon and Rahab to marry when she might still be married, was barren, and hadn't had time to show that she was serious about following God. And they acted like Rahab couldn't simply convert (with related teaching and rituals) but needed to become a "captive bride."
There were numerous cultural/historical errors. A few examples: Rahab's husband is left alive, but when Rahab is sold as a slave, she's taken as a "mistress" and "consort" by a powerful man. Culturally speaking, she's a concubine--a slave "second rank" wife. Her new husband then sells time in her bed to all of his political pals...and to rich, foreign men off the street. This would be like the Vice President pimping his wife to his political friends and strangers alike. He should have lost respect, but it's treated like he's a modern street pimp with Rahab as his modern high-class call girl. She calls him her "employer" rather than her master or husband. Birth control and abortion drugs are treated like they were reliable and safe. Rahab's master stated that prostitutes never keep the children of their prostitution. But some do even in modern times, and more would have when birth control was ineffective and abortion dangerous and generally ineffective.
Later, Salmon goes to battle, then buries dead--so he's ceremonially unclean--and yet he's allowed to go into the direct presence of God...and God, amazingly, doesn't even notice. Rahab prayed to her moon god like a Christian prays to God--like she assumes the god is always listening and willing to help. Pagan religions usually assume the petitioner has to do something (like a sacrifice) to get the god's attention and good will, and even then the god's reaction could be negative. Rahab just changes one god (who doesn't answer but at least doesn't appear to ask for much) for another god (a very exacting one who tends to punish with death) because at least He's more powerful. She hopes to find unconditional love and forgiveness in Salmon, not God, though she does finally accept that God forgives her.
There were no graphic descriptions of sex. There was no bad language. I suppose the writing itself must be fairly good to have provoked such a strong emotional response in me, but unfortunately, it was a largely negative response. I guess I was expecting a story as good as Tessa Afshar's "Pearl in the Sand," but I should have just re-read that story.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
March 14, 2015
Big thank you to Revell publishers for sending me this book!
The story of Rahab is one of my ultimate favourite stories.
When i was in bible college i took a class on the book of Joshua, so imagine my utter happiness when i was reading this story to see the wars, the treachery of Achan and the deception of the Gibeonites in here!
This story was a really original retelling of Rahab and Salmon's story (which again, is one of my ultimate favourites) What I liked about it was the originality.
I've read loads of Rahab retellings and none had her be sold into prostitution because of a husband, so this is awesome! Also, many retelling stop after the Hebrews take Jericho. This one goes beyond that and shows what happens after!
The characters were great, smith did what not a whole lot of Christian Authors do...she made the character, even the hero- Salmon flawed. Cool right?
So for those who are not familiar with Rahab's story found in the book of Joshua, I'll do a bit of a plot description.
Is there any hope of redemption for a prostitute?
Rahab didn't think so.
In the land of Jericho, filled with pagan practices and debauchery, fear has suddenly consumed the land.
The Hebrews are coming.
The Hebrews with their God- Adonai, who parted the red sea, who destroyed Egypt, the nomads who have wandered the desert for 40 years...are finally claiming their promised land.
Rahab has lived a horrifying life, satisfying the wiles of men. So when destruction is inevitable and suddenly salvation comes knocking at the doorway... how could she refuse?
Will the Hebrew God accept her?
Read to find out!
Okay now, what i wasn't a big fan of:
Rahab in this story showed only minimal interest in the Hebrew God before the Hebrews took Jericho and then, she becomes devoted.
I would have loved it if she had showed a stronger curiosity even before...because let's face it, why else would she put herself in danger?
But apart from that is was original (as original as a biblical retelling can be) and it had biblical references for a lot of the chapters.
I liked it!
-The Book Herald.
Tweet me @thebookherald
The story of Rahab is one of my ultimate favourite stories.
When i was in bible college i took a class on the book of Joshua, so imagine my utter happiness when i was reading this story to see the wars, the treachery of Achan and the deception of the Gibeonites in here!
This story was a really original retelling of Rahab and Salmon's story (which again, is one of my ultimate favourites) What I liked about it was the originality.
I've read loads of Rahab retellings and none had her be sold into prostitution because of a husband, so this is awesome! Also, many retelling stop after the Hebrews take Jericho. This one goes beyond that and shows what happens after!
The characters were great, smith did what not a whole lot of Christian Authors do...she made the character, even the hero- Salmon flawed. Cool right?
So for those who are not familiar with Rahab's story found in the book of Joshua, I'll do a bit of a plot description.
Is there any hope of redemption for a prostitute?
Rahab didn't think so.
In the land of Jericho, filled with pagan practices and debauchery, fear has suddenly consumed the land.
The Hebrews are coming.
The Hebrews with their God- Adonai, who parted the red sea, who destroyed Egypt, the nomads who have wandered the desert for 40 years...are finally claiming their promised land.
Rahab has lived a horrifying life, satisfying the wiles of men. So when destruction is inevitable and suddenly salvation comes knocking at the doorway... how could she refuse?
Will the Hebrew God accept her?
Read to find out!
Okay now, what i wasn't a big fan of:
Rahab in this story showed only minimal interest in the Hebrew God before the Hebrews took Jericho and then, she becomes devoted.
I would have loved it if she had showed a stronger curiosity even before...because let's face it, why else would she put herself in danger?
But apart from that is was original (as original as a biblical retelling can be) and it had biblical references for a lot of the chapters.
I liked it!
-The Book Herald.
Tweet me @thebookherald
October 11, 2016
It's been a long time since I picked up a biblical fiction story, but this was a great read to dive into for "re-entering" the genre. I love the story of Rahab, short as it is, and Smith did a wonderful job of fleshing out her story and adding in details of the time and lifestyles of both the Canaanites and Israelites.
I do wonder how Rahab became a prostitute, and this shows what one of those paths could've been. We see her before, during, and even after the fall of Jericho. I loved, loved, loved how fleshed out Rahab was. She had so much depth and character. The secondary characters were all so three dimensional that I found myself hating and loving them along with Rahab. I cried over the forced abortion and was saddened by the loss of the important people in Rahab's life as they left or died.
Now it's possible her family/household stayed with her for real, but I found that the idea that they DIDN'T all survive and none of them stayed extremely powerful. You have a foreign woman in a despised profession whose family falls away and yet she still stays with Israel.
My only problem with the story was Rahab's lack of faith. I always pictured Rahab as hearing a lot about God before the spies come to town and believing in Him. Something that made her save the spies at the risk of her own life, and that made her say, "I know your God is real, please save me and mine." That's a lot of faith. She's in this big town, surrounded by a huge wall, with trained, well-fed soldiers and there's a huge river between them and the Israelites. I wanted to see where she found that faith, and have it shown.
Instead it's more like, hey, I've kind of heard about you and your God. I guess I'll hide you, but I don't have a real motivation. I couldn't see THIS Rahab doing that. And then as they waited and even after the rescue, she still seemed distant with God. It wasn't until very near the end that we see her faith.
Other than that, I loved this story. I was excited to see how Smith wove the parable about the rich man who forgave a large debt, only to have the debtor turn around and not forgive a small debt into this story so that it was actually played out.
I do wonder how Rahab became a prostitute, and this shows what one of those paths could've been. We see her before, during, and even after the fall of Jericho. I loved, loved, loved how fleshed out Rahab was. She had so much depth and character. The secondary characters were all so three dimensional that I found myself hating and loving them along with Rahab. I cried over the forced abortion and was saddened by the loss of the important people in Rahab's life as they left or died.
Now it's possible her family/household stayed with her for real, but I found that the idea that they DIDN'T all survive and none of them stayed extremely powerful. You have a foreign woman in a despised profession whose family falls away and yet she still stays with Israel.
My only problem with the story was Rahab's lack of faith. I always pictured Rahab as hearing a lot about God before the spies come to town and believing in Him. Something that made her save the spies at the risk of her own life, and that made her say, "I know your God is real, please save me and mine." That's a lot of faith. She's in this big town, surrounded by a huge wall, with trained, well-fed soldiers and there's a huge river between them and the Israelites. I wanted to see where she found that faith, and have it shown.
Instead it's more like, hey, I've kind of heard about you and your God. I guess I'll hide you, but I don't have a real motivation. I couldn't see THIS Rahab doing that. And then as they waited and even after the rescue, she still seemed distant with God. It wasn't until very near the end that we see her faith.
Other than that, I loved this story. I was excited to see how Smith wove the parable about the rich man who forgave a large debt, only to have the debtor turn around and not forgive a small debt into this story so that it was actually played out.
November 24, 2015
The Crimson Cord by Jill Eileen Smith is a retelling of the Biblical character, Rahab’s, story. Of her fall into prostitution, the Israelites’ battles, and ultimate redemption. Considering the Bible doesn’t say very much about Rahab, I feel this book was a pretty accurate look at this particular story.
Some of the violence (Old Testament battles) and cruelty (involving Rahab’s profession) were hard to read of, but Jill Eileen Smith managed it all tastefully enough. And she went deep into the matter of the blood sacrifices and such, which was thought-provoking, and much appreciated. It kind of helped you understand everything else that had to happen.
That being said, there were some scenes not appropriate for a younger audience, and also a few scenes of violent (and bloody) happenings.
What a powerful story all in all. I love reading authors’ thoughts on Rahab, because her life is so inspiring. A prostitute (that’s quite “down there”) and a foreigner (that’s a really low position too; if you’ve read the Old Testament, you’ll understand), and yet God choses to place her directly in the lineage of Christ! Talk about grace!
So yeah, you really felt that in The Crimson Cord. Not only for Rahab, but also for Salmon. A great Biblical retelling overall, exploring amazing grace, unholy and holy judgment, and a broken young woman’s journey to God.
I certainly wouldn’t take it as the solid truth… go read the Bible for total accuracy. But I feel Rahab’s story could have perhaps gone something like the tale The Crimson Cord tells.
I received a free copy of The Crimson Cord from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
Some of the violence (Old Testament battles) and cruelty (involving Rahab’s profession) were hard to read of, but Jill Eileen Smith managed it all tastefully enough. And she went deep into the matter of the blood sacrifices and such, which was thought-provoking, and much appreciated. It kind of helped you understand everything else that had to happen.
That being said, there were some scenes not appropriate for a younger audience, and also a few scenes of violent (and bloody) happenings.
What a powerful story all in all. I love reading authors’ thoughts on Rahab, because her life is so inspiring. A prostitute (that’s quite “down there”) and a foreigner (that’s a really low position too; if you’ve read the Old Testament, you’ll understand), and yet God choses to place her directly in the lineage of Christ! Talk about grace!
So yeah, you really felt that in The Crimson Cord. Not only for Rahab, but also for Salmon. A great Biblical retelling overall, exploring amazing grace, unholy and holy judgment, and a broken young woman’s journey to God.
I certainly wouldn’t take it as the solid truth… go read the Bible for total accuracy. But I feel Rahab’s story could have perhaps gone something like the tale The Crimson Cord tells.
I received a free copy of The Crimson Cord from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
February 17, 2015
A very compelling story that I had to read all in one sitting as I could not put it down. The author did a good job linking Rahab's story with the line of Israel, after all she is in the lien of Christ.
Yet there were times when I wondered if the author played too much with the few verses about this young women, which are mentioned in the Bible. Is it right to fabricate a story on so little? All that we know about Rahab from scripture can be drawn from chapters 2 & 6 in the book of Joshua, Hebrews 11:31, and from the lineage of Christ listed in Matthew 1:5. Also at times I wonder if Joshua was portrayed as he should be .
Now comes my personal opinion of the book. To be honest, I did not think it spectacular. The story was weak. I couldn't sympathize with the heroine. It went on and on and then jsut ended. I knew what was to happen long before it did.Let me say, this author had a brilliant idea when it came to this series' story line. I guess the book should have been shorter.I hated the fact that marriage was not held sacred. Yet I was pleased how it showed forgiveness and god's grace.
NOTE : I received a copy of the Crimson Cord in exchange for an honest review from Revell Publishers.
November 13, 2015
Interesting concept on the whole. The author gave a plausible backstory for this Biblical heroine, filling in the gaps--the author invented a life for Rahab before, during, and after the events in the Book of Joshua: her life in Jericho, how she became a prostitute, Biblical events and her subsequent life with the Israelites, acceptance of their God, and marriage. I enjoyed the book but I felt it a bit cloying. I didn't like how Rahab and Salmon tiptoe around each other--each liking the other but not admitting it. I felt soap [mentioned several times] would have been an anachronism in that time and place.
August 25, 2016
This was a well written and interesting fictional expansion of Rahab's story. I really liked how the author developed the characters and the plot.
January 14, 2017
I love books about Rahab, interesting spin on a biblical story.
April 5, 2019
Thank you Baker Publishing & Revell Reads for this review copy.
Rahab the Harlot.
Not exactly a Disney princess... and yet... she married a prince in Israel... and she's listed as the great-great-grandmother of King David. We all know Jesus is called Son of David. I've lost track of how many greats that is. ~smile~
I've read some historical fiction books about the Bible before, so I thought that this one might give me some insight into the customs of the time period. It did. I am continually amazed at how God works. Oh I want to tell you, but I'm not allowed! You just have to pay attention to why the Israelites marched around the city for seven days. ~hint hint~
Truthfully, I nearly had to put this book away. It's so hard to imagine women being treated merely as property. That's exactly what Rahab was in Jericho. I found that the way that Rahab was forced into prostitution and some of the details shared were a bit too much for me. Since it was a review book, I decided to give it just one more chapter. I'm glad I did. The whole book changed when the Israelite spies came. From there, it got really good. It was a beautiful story of redemption. While I know that we do not know the details of Rahab's life, this story of how it might have been made her true story, while unknown, all the more precious. It truly highlighted the loving, all powerful, holy God that we call Jehovah.
Jesus is our redeemer, but God was redeeming people, not just the Israelites, even before Jesus. Rahab is a prime example. The Crimson Cord is a story of redemption. I believe it is a tool to show the love of God to those who are hurting in their sins longing for a savior without even knowing what or whom that may be.
I recommend this book, but do not put it in the hands of a teenager. It's mature content is for mature adults. It's not explicit. I wouldn't have read it if it were, but Rahab was a harlot. I don't want my young daughters to read it.
Dear Reader,
No sin is too great, no sinner too far gone for Jesus Christ to redeem. He loves you and is reaching out to you.
Have you been redeemed? Jesus is the only way and truth and life.
Meet Jesus.
Now is the time.
God bless you!
Laura
~~~~~
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from Baker Publishing Group and Revell Reads. Opinions expressed are my own.
Rahab the Harlot.
Not exactly a Disney princess... and yet... she married a prince in Israel... and she's listed as the great-great-grandmother of King David. We all know Jesus is called Son of David. I've lost track of how many greats that is. ~smile~
I've read some historical fiction books about the Bible before, so I thought that this one might give me some insight into the customs of the time period. It did. I am continually amazed at how God works. Oh I want to tell you, but I'm not allowed! You just have to pay attention to why the Israelites marched around the city for seven days. ~hint hint~
Truthfully, I nearly had to put this book away. It's so hard to imagine women being treated merely as property. That's exactly what Rahab was in Jericho. I found that the way that Rahab was forced into prostitution and some of the details shared were a bit too much for me. Since it was a review book, I decided to give it just one more chapter. I'm glad I did. The whole book changed when the Israelite spies came. From there, it got really good. It was a beautiful story of redemption. While I know that we do not know the details of Rahab's life, this story of how it might have been made her true story, while unknown, all the more precious. It truly highlighted the loving, all powerful, holy God that we call Jehovah.
Jesus is our redeemer, but God was redeeming people, not just the Israelites, even before Jesus. Rahab is a prime example. The Crimson Cord is a story of redemption. I believe it is a tool to show the love of God to those who are hurting in their sins longing for a savior without even knowing what or whom that may be.
I recommend this book, but do not put it in the hands of a teenager. It's mature content is for mature adults. It's not explicit. I wouldn't have read it if it were, but Rahab was a harlot. I don't want my young daughters to read it.
Dear Reader,
No sin is too great, no sinner too far gone for Jesus Christ to redeem. He loves you and is reaching out to you.
Have you been redeemed? Jesus is the only way and truth and life.
Meet Jesus.
Now is the time.
God bless you!
Laura
~~~~~
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from Baker Publishing Group and Revell Reads. Opinions expressed are my own.
April 9, 2022
This was a beautiful story! I absolutely loved it. Stories from the Old Testament draw me in so well, maybe it's because of how well I can see it connect to the ultimately story: the birth, life and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I love the beginning of Rahab's life, because it showed how we all must go through some hard "hell" before meeting God, some worse than others but all still bad indeed. (This sounds so clunky, I'm just trying to say that we can't compare our past lives. Yes some people have it worst, but to find common ground we have all had it worse in some type of way. Our stories should unite us, not divide us.) I also love love love the biblical parallel with how Gamal was the unforgiving servant, nah he ain't even learn about his sin while he was still enslaved. I love Tendaji!! His fatherlike figure and companionship to Rahab was beautiful, and I love how he was firm in his devotion and protection to her. Dabir can go die. Mishael, I am so sorry for your end. I'm lowkey happy Rahab's family left her, they would probably hold her back in her journey in pursuing Yahweh just because they weren't ready to do the same Eliana, I love her. She's like a mom to me, even if she's a character. We need the goofball Othniel. I love Joshua! I love Salmon, he was honest and I love his conflicted inner dialogue. Ultimately, I loved the message of redemption and how God uses all of our past in His beautiful story. He would have known Rahab would be an ancestor to many kings, not to mention the King of Kings?
July 25, 2020
Disappointing. The idea of Rahab being sold into prostitution to pay her husband's gambling debts works very well, and the first part of the book is quite strong. However, I was hoping for a more authentic historical flavour to the writing style - there is too much contemporary dialogue. Also I was expecting more justification or remorse for
Later in the book the romantic heart searching became quite repetitive, but the ending was satisfying.
I would consider reading contemporary fiction by this author, but will avoid her historicals. Will try more of Orson Scott Card's biblical fiction next.
Later in the book the romantic heart searching became quite repetitive, but the ending was satisfying.
I would consider reading contemporary fiction by this author, but will avoid her historicals. Will try more of Orson Scott Card's biblical fiction next.
September 7, 2018
There are very few instances where I actually find a historical novel that I like. Let alone Biblical fiction. This one had me turning page after page.
Meet Rahab in a way she has never been portrayed before in a thrilling tale of love, betrayal, and faith.
You know her story in the bible. Watch it come to life in a painfully realistic way that will stay with you and encourage your faith.
I recommend this book for ages 18+ for mature (none explicit) content. This is a story of a prostitute, after all.
Meet Rahab in a way she has never been portrayed before in a thrilling tale of love, betrayal, and faith.
You know her story in the bible. Watch it come to life in a painfully realistic way that will stay with you and encourage your faith.
I recommend this book for ages 18+ for mature (none explicit) content. This is a story of a prostitute, after all.
March 2, 2020
This is the first book I have read by Jill Eileen Smith, and it won’t be my last.
The story of Rahab is brought to life through the historical narrative. The details of the culture, and the times of Jericho explain the predicament in which Rahab found herself.
Married to a greedy, selfish and dishonest man, Rahab’s life has not turned out the way she thought it was going to be. Sold into slavery and prostitution, there is little hope for this beautiful woman used and abused by the men in her life until she encounters the two Israelite spies. A decision and an agreement change the course of Rahab’s life, and allows us to see how God uses ordinary, broken people to fulfill His plans and purposes.
Smith has beautifully written story of Rahab highlighting Rahab’s redemption through the forgiveness and mercy of God.
The story of Rahab is brought to life through the historical narrative. The details of the culture, and the times of Jericho explain the predicament in which Rahab found herself.
Married to a greedy, selfish and dishonest man, Rahab’s life has not turned out the way she thought it was going to be. Sold into slavery and prostitution, there is little hope for this beautiful woman used and abused by the men in her life until she encounters the two Israelite spies. A decision and an agreement change the course of Rahab’s life, and allows us to see how God uses ordinary, broken people to fulfill His plans and purposes.
Smith has beautifully written story of Rahab highlighting Rahab’s redemption through the forgiveness and mercy of God.
January 27, 2018
This was a beautifully written book. The author combined the actual facts in the Bible and used her imagination for the rest of the story about Rahab. Not a whole lot of information into the life of Rahab was given in the Bible. I liked how she portrayed the main character. I also liked how Rahab turned her life around and served God and boy, oh boy, did God use Rahab for His Kingdom work!
January 9, 2020
This was the first book I read for the new year, and it was no disappointment. It was so good, and I love how the author kept to the historical facts of The Bible throughout the story line. Jill Eileen Smith created a wonderful backstory for Rahab, the prostitute who helped the Israelite spies in Jericho. I couldn't put this book down.
January 4, 2020
So much about Rahab is unknown to us, yet this author formed a believable story that well followed the little we are told within the Bible. While parts were not easy to read, they were necessary to the story, and Ms. Smith did well in telling enough to make things clear without crossing lines into too much information. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors for biblical fiction.
May 30, 2017
Rating 3.5 stars
Biblical stories are not something I usually read, but I was in the mood for something truly historical and set in the Middle East, if only to cleanse my reading palate. I enjoyed The Red Tent a few years back, so I was optimistic this one wouldn't be a complete miss and I was right. While the book did not produce any extra sparks of excitement, it wasn't bad either. I still don't undersand why Israelites needed to genocide Caananites, or the arbitrary rules of their god, but I won't write about this topic for a historical romance story. Suffice to say I liked Rahab, even though some of her decisions did not always make sense from my modern viewpoint.
Biblical stories are not something I usually read, but I was in the mood for something truly historical and set in the Middle East, if only to cleanse my reading palate. I enjoyed The Red Tent a few years back, so I was optimistic this one wouldn't be a complete miss and I was right. While the book did not produce any extra sparks of excitement, it wasn't bad either. I still don't undersand why Israelites needed to genocide Caananites, or the arbitrary rules of their god, but I won't write about this topic for a historical romance story. Suffice to say I liked Rahab, even though some of her decisions did not always make sense from my modern viewpoint.
November 1, 2019
I enjoyed reading this as it gave interesting background to the biblical story, bringing it to life.
April 30, 2020
I love reading books that took place during biblical times! I loved Jill Eileen Smith's take on Rahab's story! For those that like these types of books, I totally recommend this book!
November 13, 2025
I loved reading about God's grace and how he brought Rahab close to him, and answered her prayers. Rahab's faith, courage, and love for him. And the romance, and how God sees marriage. I recommend people should read this book.
July 18, 2025
I just adore Jill Smith’s writing! The amount of research she puts in to keep the story as true to the Biblical telling as possible, yet portrays people’s lives in a way to make them feel so realistic to our own in today’s society… ugh! I just love her books!
March 31, 2018
Love, love, love this book. I've been looking for something that delves deeper into women of the Bible and their life stories. This is the first book I found, and I fully enjoyed it. Rahab's story is one of pain and lies and deception that is eventually redeemed through God's love for her. Jill Smith did a wonderful job, I plan on reading the rest of her books just as soon as I can get them!
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