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A.D. Chronicles #7
Seventh Day
As Yeshua continues his ministry, and is challenged by the religious leaders, his beloved friend Elazar (Lazarus), in Bethany, falls ill. When Yeshua finally arrives, it is too late . . . or is it?
304 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
About the author
Bodie Thoene
220 books1,409 followersBODIE AND BROCK THOENE (pronounced Tay-nee) have written over 45 works of historical fiction. These best sellers have sold more than 10 million copies and won eight ECPA Gold Medallion Awards.
Bodie began her writing career as a teen journalist for her local newspaper. Eventually her byline appeared in prestigious periodicals such as U.S. News and World Report, The American West, and The Saturday Evening Post. She also worked for John Wayne’s Batjac Productions (she’s best known as author of The Fall Guy) and ABC Circle Films as a writer and researcher. John Wayne described her as “a writer with talent that captures the people and the times!” She has degrees in journalism and communications.
Bodie and Brock have four grown children—Rachel, Jake Thoene, Luke Thoene, and Ellie—and five grandchildren. Their sons, Jake and Luke, are carrying on the Thoene family talent as the next generation of writers, and Luke produces the Thoene audiobooks.
Bodie and Brock divide their time between London and Nevada.
Bodie began her writing career as a teen journalist for her local newspaper. Eventually her byline appeared in prestigious periodicals such as U.S. News and World Report, The American West, and The Saturday Evening Post. She also worked for John Wayne’s Batjac Productions (she’s best known as author of The Fall Guy) and ABC Circle Films as a writer and researcher. John Wayne described her as “a writer with talent that captures the people and the times!” She has degrees in journalism and communications.
Bodie and Brock have four grown children—Rachel, Jake Thoene, Luke Thoene, and Ellie—and five grandchildren. Their sons, Jake and Luke, are carrying on the Thoene family talent as the next generation of writers, and Luke produces the Thoene audiobooks.
Bodie and Brock divide their time between London and Nevada.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
November 15, 2017
Another great historical novel from the Thoenes.
February 4, 2022
A beautiful book of this series once again. It was shorter than most Thoene novels, but in no way lacking.
Once again we're back to Peniel's POV and telling. It's interesting to see how Peniel has come into his own. He doesn't speak in phrases that much anymore. But he still likes a good story ;)
Once again the tight political tension of the day is played out to its fullness, and the plot keeps racing towards it's conclusion. There is hardly a dull moment. And the story is in and of itself, poignant without being overly dramatic.
Overall, an enjoyable read, looking forward to the next one.
Once again we're back to Peniel's POV and telling. It's interesting to see how Peniel has come into his own. He doesn't speak in phrases that much anymore. But he still likes a good story ;)
Once again the tight political tension of the day is played out to its fullness, and the plot keeps racing towards it's conclusion. There is hardly a dull moment. And the story is in and of itself, poignant without being overly dramatic.
Overall, an enjoyable read, looking forward to the next one.
November 25, 2018
Even knowing how the (Biblical) story goes, I was still in suspense!
Wonderful writing that helps me see the Scriptural accounts in a
whole new light.
Wonderful writing that helps me see the Scriptural accounts in a
whole new light.
March 24, 2019
3.5*
The seventh in the series of 12 books, Seventh Day brightens up a bit with an echo of the Thoene's potential. Although it took me a while to warm up to the story after the disappointment of the last three in the series, I ultimately was glad to have read it. This entry into the popular biblical series set during the time of Jesus' presence on Earth is told from the perspective of Peniel. Shimon returns to the prologue and epilogue of the story, which I was happy to see. (It also made me interested in reading the Zion Chronicles.) Peniel recounts the story of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. I really enjoyed the ending, although I still feel frustrated that they seem to have somewhat repeated their story from "When Jesus Wept". I am looking forward to finishing the series, although I admit that my previously strident enthusiasm for the series has been lost. Still, I love their "Jerusalem Chronicles" series, and will certainly read more of their titles.
The seventh in the series of 12 books, Seventh Day brightens up a bit with an echo of the Thoene's potential. Although it took me a while to warm up to the story after the disappointment of the last three in the series, I ultimately was glad to have read it. This entry into the popular biblical series set during the time of Jesus' presence on Earth is told from the perspective of Peniel. Shimon returns to the prologue and epilogue of the story, which I was happy to see. (It also made me interested in reading the Zion Chronicles.) Peniel recounts the story of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. I really enjoyed the ending, although I still feel frustrated that they seem to have somewhat repeated their story from "When Jesus Wept". I am looking forward to finishing the series, although I admit that my previously strident enthusiasm for the series has been lost. Still, I love their "Jerusalem Chronicles" series, and will certainly read more of their titles.
January 4, 2021
Seventh Day...Yeshua in All His Glory!
Leading the people of ancient days to The Truth was so difficult. Many witnessed all the miracles that only God on Earth could do, many did believe that Yeshua was the promised The Messiah. But too many had hardened hearts, selfish ambitions, blinded to the realities of life that was temporary on this earth. Blinded to the Eternal Life that Yeshua offered as a free gift. In our world today, this problem still sadly exists. Another well-written book by The Thoenes to give us a historical insight into the life & times of Jesus.
Leading the people of ancient days to The Truth was so difficult. Many witnessed all the miracles that only God on Earth could do, many did believe that Yeshua was the promised The Messiah. But too many had hardened hearts, selfish ambitions, blinded to the realities of life that was temporary on this earth. Blinded to the Eternal Life that Yeshua offered as a free gift. In our world today, this problem still sadly exists. Another well-written book by The Thoenes to give us a historical insight into the life & times of Jesus.
August 10, 2013
This is a great book and series - based on scripture, but adding details around the stories…. For me it is another way to enjoy seeing Jesus at work and knowing that he is the true author of life…
October 6, 2018
Everything means something
February 25, 2019
This book packs a strong wallop of spiritual truth towards the end. Really enjoying this series more and more.
June 14, 2020
The continuing saga of Christ's life. Well written and thought provoking.
August 16, 2025
This is a long review, that is mostly for myself to remember my thoughts about this book. I continue to LOVE this series but did have some disappointments with “Seventh Day.”
First of all, I didn’t like the switch to Peniel’s first person narration for parts of this story. All of the other books have been a third person narrator. This book begins as such, then switches to Peniel’s POV. I love the character of Peniel, but thought we could still view the story “through his eyes” without him narrating. I didn’t get the rationale for why the authors switched it up for this book.
Secondly, what really disappointed me was the characterization of Miryam & Marta (sisters Mary & Martha). I have always seen Martha’s profession of faith to Jesus in John 11:27 to be a profound moment - she gets it! “Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God,” she says! Instead of being a statement of faith, the book portrayed it to come from a place of bitterness or resentment. I know that could be seen as my interpretation of scripture versus someone else’s, but I really think it’s unfair to Martha. I see a story arch of growth in Martha’s heart, from Jesus’ rebuke in Luke 10:41-42 to this confession in John. I guess I’m just disappointed the authors missed that - that is a powerful story & evidence of a heart transformed. Missed opportunity to really explore that in a novel!!
Also, the authors implied sister Mary is also Mary Magdalene. I’ve never read of any Bible scholar who interprets these two women as being the same person. It was also unnecessary for the storyline, so I don’t know why they did that.
First of all, I didn’t like the switch to Peniel’s first person narration for parts of this story. All of the other books have been a third person narrator. This book begins as such, then switches to Peniel’s POV. I love the character of Peniel, but thought we could still view the story “through his eyes” without him narrating. I didn’t get the rationale for why the authors switched it up for this book.
Secondly, what really disappointed me was the characterization of Miryam & Marta (sisters Mary & Martha). I have always seen Martha’s profession of faith to Jesus in John 11:27 to be a profound moment - she gets it! “Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God,” she says! Instead of being a statement of faith, the book portrayed it to come from a place of bitterness or resentment. I know that could be seen as my interpretation of scripture versus someone else’s, but I really think it’s unfair to Martha. I see a story arch of growth in Martha’s heart, from Jesus’ rebuke in Luke 10:41-42 to this confession in John. I guess I’m just disappointed the authors missed that - that is a powerful story & evidence of a heart transformed. Missed opportunity to really explore that in a novel!!
Also, the authors implied sister Mary is also Mary Magdalene. I’ve never read of any Bible scholar who interprets these two women as being the same person. It was also unnecessary for the storyline, so I don’t know why they did that.
April 20, 2023
I know we all hold different beliefs, so if you don’t agree, please just scroll on through.
I started this book before I went to Israel and finished it when I got home. To say my mindset was way different before and after, is a massive understatement. This book covers some of the miracles Yeshua (Jesus) performed while he was walking this earth for his ministry in the last 3 years of his life. One such notable miracle being raising someone from the dead. In this book, this took place a few times and one of them was his friend. We can’t help but marvel at that as a human race. Death is so final. The last stop on our earthly journey. But to think someone, breathed their last on this earth, then brought back to breathe again is in and of itself a marvelous work. It is controversial, but as we dug deeper in Israel, I saw the common theme- that Jesus was controversial. And honestly, a look at this world in the now and not much has changed. We should never take for granted our freedom- Freedom to scroll through if you don’t agree, freedom to worship or not worship where you see fit… Freedom is not common everywhere. And even back then, people were trying to stop the marvelous miracles Jesus performed.
And not in this book, but they eventually succeeded in silencing Him.. For only 3 days though.
Book Quote: “Where there’s unbearable facts in this life, Yeshua proves the Truth that The Eternal Father is not only Almighty, but that his love and mercy are forever.”
I started this book before I went to Israel and finished it when I got home. To say my mindset was way different before and after, is a massive understatement. This book covers some of the miracles Yeshua (Jesus) performed while he was walking this earth for his ministry in the last 3 years of his life. One such notable miracle being raising someone from the dead. In this book, this took place a few times and one of them was his friend. We can’t help but marvel at that as a human race. Death is so final. The last stop on our earthly journey. But to think someone, breathed their last on this earth, then brought back to breathe again is in and of itself a marvelous work. It is controversial, but as we dug deeper in Israel, I saw the common theme- that Jesus was controversial. And honestly, a look at this world in the now and not much has changed. We should never take for granted our freedom- Freedom to scroll through if you don’t agree, freedom to worship or not worship where you see fit… Freedom is not common everywhere. And even back then, people were trying to stop the marvelous miracles Jesus performed.
And not in this book, but they eventually succeeded in silencing Him.. For only 3 days though.
Book Quote: “Where there’s unbearable facts in this life, Yeshua proves the Truth that The Eternal Father is not only Almighty, but that his love and mercy are forever.”
November 16, 2023
Thoene once more switches voice. She picks up the initial frame of Shimon and Alfie in Jerusalem 2004. Alfie gives a grieving Shimon Peniel's record "Seventh Day." In this scroll, Peniel speaks in the first person (much like the switch in the second half of Acts) to tell the stories of several people raised from the dead. Part one describe's Jairus' daughter and the son of the widow of Nain. The rest of the book details the story of El'azer and Ben Dives (Thoene's invention) during a diphtheria plague in Jerusalem. The way Thoene weaves together several biblical stories in the punchline is stunning beautiful and will give you hope. Additionally, Zadok's explanation of the difference between Facts (Moses was trapped by the Red Sea & Pharoah) and Truth (God provided a way through and destroyed the Egyptian army) is changing the way I pray and endure my own struggles.
September 19, 2025
Eve the widow of Absalom the scribe has one thing to live for-her only son,abel.she grieves over his every rasping breath.shes heard of a great healer who walks the earth.could the rumours be true?could she be a miracle for Abel?
While riffling through the archives under the temple mount,religious leader ra'nabel Ben dives discovers startling information about a child who escaped the slaughter of herod the greats soilders.if king herod,Antipas and high priest caiaphas dont know Ben dives schemes,perhaps I can turn this news to my own advantage.
Meanwhile in Bethany et azar a close friend of yeshua grows seriously ill.miyam and marta,his sisters quicky send word to yeshua but yeshua delays.why does he not come?the sisters wonder.does he not care?
This book also has study questions suitable for individual use or group discussion.
While riffling through the archives under the temple mount,religious leader ra'nabel Ben dives discovers startling information about a child who escaped the slaughter of herod the greats soilders.if king herod,Antipas and high priest caiaphas dont know Ben dives schemes,perhaps I can turn this news to my own advantage.
Meanwhile in Bethany et azar a close friend of yeshua grows seriously ill.miyam and marta,his sisters quicky send word to yeshua but yeshua delays.why does he not come?the sisters wonder.does he not care?
This book also has study questions suitable for individual use or group discussion.
March 24, 2019
Seventh Day is written from the previous character Peniel’s point of view.
I do enjoy this series, the Thoene’s certainly are good writers.
I enjoy reading about what it might have been like at the time when Jesus was walking with us. There are several miracles in this story that are depicted fairly accurately from the Bible. And anything that Jesus says, has scripture references in the back of the book.
Don’t get me wrong, the book was very good. I gave it 3 stars because there is a little repetition from the previous books. And it was not as active as the others. At least not till the last couple of chapters.
On to Eighth Shephard!
January 17, 2022
Book 7
This series is my favorite of all the Thoene's series. It just brings Jesus to life as I feel I am there too. Actually I love all the series they have written and this is my third time of reading it. I start with this one and continue to the next. Try it!
This series is my favorite of all the Thoene's series. It just brings Jesus to life as I feel I am there too. Actually I love all the series they have written and this is my third time of reading it. I start with this one and continue to the next. Try it!
May 20, 2017
Simply amazing.
November 24, 2020
no offensive content: Xn historical fiction
May 18, 2021
I'm ready for the next and some new stories. This one was good, but had a lot of repetition from the book 2 of the previous series (the death of Lazarus).
July 18, 2021
Another great book! I can't wait to begin the next one.
Did Not Finish
July 26, 2021i have no idea what's going on and i'm confused (I got this from a second-hand shop that sells randomised book bundles and turns out this was part of a series) but my interest wasn't piqued
January 20, 2026
Just okay.
June 21, 2019
The difference between fact and truth. Excellent book. A must read!!!!
January 10, 2016
I am enjoying this historical fiction series - especially how the authors flesh out well known bible stories and bring their own unique spin on what may have happened. The last book was a flashback to Yeshua's (Jesus) childhood, while this one returns to his last days and focuses on His healing ministry. The story is told by a recurring character named Peniel the Scribe who was born blind and was healed by Jesus. He is one of Jesus's followers.
The book chronicles the deception and conniving of the Jewish religious leaders who did not believe Yeshua was the Messiah and who were trying to trap him and convict him of blasphemy. Specifically, it portrays High Priest Caiaphas and his nasty secretary Ra'nabel ben Dives. Ben Dives finds a journal chronicling the birth of the Anointed One, the murder of the babies, and a cryptic note at the end saying "but he escaped". Ben Dives plots to turn that news to his own advantage as he realizes the present day "healer" must be the baby spoken of in the journal. This book also details the concern of Yeshua's followers and friends for His safety at this time. BUT the truth of His message escaped them all as they try to protect Him.
The 1st healing portrayed is of Abel, the son of Eve and Absalom the Scribe. The 1st two chapters describe his young life as being neither strong nor healthy. Then he dies at the age of 13, and Jesus brings him back to life. The rest of the book fleshes out the story of El'azar (Lazarus) and his sisters Miryam (Mary) and Marta (Martha) who were close friends of Yeshua. The unique spin here is how Lazarus becomes sick and dies. Ben Dives brings a plague (diphtheria) to the street urchins called Sparrows. He's hoping Yeshua will show up and heal them. Then he will be captured and jailed. But El'azar, Peniel, Miryam, and her servant Tavita feel compassion for the orphan boys when no one else will go near them and use their resources to help heal them. The religious leaders hear they are praying for Yeshua to heal the boys, and they spread the news that the boys are being healed by witchcraft. El'azar is the only one of the four who has not been exposed to diphtheria in the past, and you guessed it - he gets it and dies. If you have read the bible I'm not giving anything away here - Yeshua resurrects El'azar after he has been dead four days.
The authors are superior at capturing the descriptions of the people, places and culture of the time. Diphtheria is more than adequately described here!!! They are also great at blending historical facts and characters with fictional ones but remaining true to scripture. Highly recommended series. Remember: "everything means something" in scripture.
The book chronicles the deception and conniving of the Jewish religious leaders who did not believe Yeshua was the Messiah and who were trying to trap him and convict him of blasphemy. Specifically, it portrays High Priest Caiaphas and his nasty secretary Ra'nabel ben Dives. Ben Dives finds a journal chronicling the birth of the Anointed One, the murder of the babies, and a cryptic note at the end saying "but he escaped". Ben Dives plots to turn that news to his own advantage as he realizes the present day "healer" must be the baby spoken of in the journal. This book also details the concern of Yeshua's followers and friends for His safety at this time. BUT the truth of His message escaped them all as they try to protect Him.
The 1st healing portrayed is of Abel, the son of Eve and Absalom the Scribe. The 1st two chapters describe his young life as being neither strong nor healthy. Then he dies at the age of 13, and Jesus brings him back to life. The rest of the book fleshes out the story of El'azar (Lazarus) and his sisters Miryam (Mary) and Marta (Martha) who were close friends of Yeshua. The unique spin here is how Lazarus becomes sick and dies. Ben Dives brings a plague (diphtheria) to the street urchins called Sparrows. He's hoping Yeshua will show up and heal them. Then he will be captured and jailed. But El'azar, Peniel, Miryam, and her servant Tavita feel compassion for the orphan boys when no one else will go near them and use their resources to help heal them. The religious leaders hear they are praying for Yeshua to heal the boys, and they spread the news that the boys are being healed by witchcraft. El'azar is the only one of the four who has not been exposed to diphtheria in the past, and you guessed it - he gets it and dies. If you have read the bible I'm not giving anything away here - Yeshua resurrects El'azar after he has been dead four days.
The authors are superior at capturing the descriptions of the people, places and culture of the time. Diphtheria is more than adequately described here!!! They are also great at blending historical facts and characters with fictional ones but remaining true to scripture. Highly recommended series. Remember: "everything means something" in scripture.
March 15, 2014
**Update** I actually found myself more disappointed by this book and the three that follow than the ones I mentioned below. Even though I read this book mere hours ago, I have only vague recollections of the contents. This book did not survive the second round of the purge from my personal collection.
After the extremely disappointing books 4, 5 and 6, I was pleasantly surprised with this book. It seems like this book (and the next...at least what I've read so far) was written by a different, yet similarly styled, author.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. The Thoenes stuck to the Biblical storyline and did not feel the need to weigh it down with extraneous drama. I'm not a huge fan of shifting to having Peniel use first person but that's really my only complaint about this book.
I hope the remaining books in the series will be more along the lines of this one rather than the first six.
After the extremely disappointing books 4, 5 and 6, I was pleasantly surprised with this book. It seems like this book (and the next...at least what I've read so far) was written by a different, yet similarly styled, author.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. The Thoenes stuck to the Biblical storyline and did not feel the need to weigh it down with extraneous drama. I'm not a huge fan of shifting to having Peniel use first person but that's really my only complaint about this book.
I hope the remaining books in the series will be more along the lines of this one rather than the first six.
March 26, 2008
The authors have some unique takes on the events that took place during Jesus' time on earth. This book describes events during the last months of Jesus' life, showing the subterfuge of the Jewish religious leaders to try to destroy Him and His message and the concern of His followers and friends to try to save Him from destruction. I especially liked the juxtaposition of Jesus' parable about the death of the beggar Lazarus and the rich man with the death of His friend Lazarus of Bethany. The authors are good at capturing the emotions and describing the action sequences. Their use of Hebrew versions of the names and places lends an air of authenticity to the story. Looking forward to their eighth book in the series even though I already know the end of the story.
October 19, 2016
The entire AD Chronicles series, starting with book 1, is some of the best writing I've encountered, both in the spiritual and secular realms. Bodie's insights into Scripture are consistently deep, often deeper than what I have seen from many pastors and teachers of God's Word. The fictional details that she creates to flesh out the details of the story not recorded in Scripture seem insightful and accurate to a surprising degree. I highly recommend this book and series as the pinnacle of Bodie and Brock's work, which has all been superb in my opinion. Each book of the series (I've read 1-12) is well written and hard to set down. There is romance, passion, action, and fun. At the same time one can learn Biblical truth and insight, without even being aware of it most of the time. Enjoy.
October 1, 2012
Yes, I do can keep track of three books at a time. I can keep track of more then I'm inclined to do so. I love the Thoene books. I've been reading them for over twenty years now. Seventh Day is book (guess what) seven of Their AD Chronicles about the life of Jesus, the people he rubbed shoulders and early Christians. I haven't gotten to far in the Seventh Day but I will let you know how it goes when I'm done. I've enjoyed the other six books and am already on page 34 of this one.
I've finished this book and have also finished "The Eighth Shepherd" as well. Loved both of them. Pure Thoene. Great story, fun to read and very hard to put down.
I've finished this book and have also finished "The Eighth Shepherd" as well. Loved both of them. Pure Thoene. Great story, fun to read and very hard to put down.
June 12, 2013
Mostly, I think I'm enjoying these books for the ways they point out how "Everything means somthing" in Scripture. They also bring to life the realities of what it might have been like to live during such a time. I'm really enjoying this series. The Thoene's do a great job of weaving story-telling with research, so everything does feel real.
As usual with the Thoene's, my only complaint is the physical descriptions of some of the characters don't really jive with Middle Eastern physique's. That bugs me.
As usual with the Thoene's, my only complaint is the physical descriptions of some of the characters don't really jive with Middle Eastern physique's. That bugs me.
February 22, 2008
I'm not usually one to enjoy a lot of "inspirational fiction" because the genre is often so contrived, but I enjoy these authors. I like the way they mix historical facts and characters with their fictional ones. I always feel like I'm learning something I didn't know already. I can't imagine researching one of their series! They are prolific writers (which doesn't always translate to quality), but I like the way this is driving me to my Bible to check out the facts.
March 20, 2014
The latest entry in their Biblical historical fiction series returns us to the last year of Jesus' life as everyone seems to be plotting against him. But when Lazarus gets caught up in the plot, what will happen? I enjoyed this book much better then the last one, but it's constant switching from first to third person wasn't handled well.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews