The familiar story of patriarch Jacob and his twelve sons comes to new life and power in this masterful retelling by Gilbert Morris. Joseph seems to be the one who will be chosen to carry on the family name and birthright, but Jacob makes a startling announcement: "The scepter will not depart from Judah until Shiloh comes..."
Gilbert Morris was one of today's best-known Christian novelists. He lived in Gulf Shores, Alabama, with his wife, Johnnie. He is the father to Lynn Morris and Alan Morris
In Book 4 of the Lions of Judah series, Gilbert Morris brings to life the story of Joseph. From his swelled head as a teenager to his second in command position to the Pharoah of Egypt, the story is a fascinating read and an excellent blend of Biblical foundation and historical research along with a touch of fiction. I definitely appreciated following Joseph's life and seeing how God changed him as well as used him.
This series is one I highly recommend for those who like Biblical fiction.
Sprawling and diffuse, this novel inspired by the story of Joseph and his brothers didn't really seem to have a central core narrative. In retrospect, perhaps it did: it was all moving towards that moment when one of the brothers would receive the blessing and become the bloodline of the Redeemer whom Jacob calls 'Shiloh', peace. But retrospect is way too late: I wanted to sense of anticipation. Instead of fulfilment, there was the slightest sense of letdown.
The main focus of the story was Joseph; however there were many changes of scene to highlight Reuben or Judah, Tamar or Jacob. A hundred or so pages in, it was disconcerting to have Asher speak for the first time. The 'head-hopping' was considerable but sufficiently well-done not to be distracting.
If you like old-fashioned writing and like your information presented, rather than learning it through the eyes of the characters, you'll likely find this an enjoyable book.
I enjoyed how the book presented the story of Joseph from the Bible and that it came from the perspective of many different people instead of just one or two. Also, found it interesting how talk about the coming Messiah, "Shiloh," was woven into the story. This book helped to bring the story of Joseph to alive.
It gave me a better picture of Joseph. I enjoyed the book, although Mr Morris often takes a little too much license in adding total conjecture to factual Bible stories.
Again the story has been enriched by this Bible pastor. It shows us the emotions of these biblical men. What a delight to read.
I have been reading Gilbert Morris for several years.. I enjoy how each books continues to to build on each other. History and the word of God makes a strong subject.
I actually really enjoyed this book! A bit of fiction and a good amount of history make this book both entertaining and educational. And to see how God worked in so many lives for His (and even their) good. It's simply beautiful.
Gilbert Morris is one of my favorite authors. I love the story of Joseph in the Bible and Morris gives such a great portrayal of this time in history as well as what can happen when God directs a person's life even when things can seem hopeless.
Good story but the writing was weak. Description was thrown at the reader in clumps...I choked on it. There was no show, only tell, tell, tell, and more tell. It would have been perfect had it been better written.