More a 4.5, Knowing God's Voice is one of the most educational and uplifting books I've read so far this year. It's one of a kind, in that I've seen other authors discuss one, maybe two, of the women covered in this book as part of other topics. Yet never have I read a book exclusively dedicated to female prophets, the prophetic gift in women, or the influence those women had on Biblical culture and continue having today.
Rachael Groll's approach to each woman's story is deft, thorough, and fascinating. For instance, she does have you read the same passages of Scripture several times in a chapter or section. But because she brings out different angles each time, the passages never feel dry or as if you're reading them for the sake of reading. My "brainy Christian" side also loved how Rachael brought out interesting cultural and historical tidbits, such as that crocodiles are scared of reeds and Jochebed would've known that. Ergo, a basket made of reeds for baby Moses! Heber the Kenite chose to isolate himself and make himself an adversary toward the Israelites. Ergo, Jael was in the perfect position to become the unlikely heroine of one of Deborah's prophecies. And on and on it goes, throughout the book.
Additionally, I loved Rachael's careful attention to each lady prophet's personality and individuality, coupled with her faith in Yahweh and how both those things could apply to 21st-century readers. I saw so much of myself in Miriam--an oldest daughter, an older sister, and yes to my chagrin, someone who could tend toward resentment, jealousy, or misplaced protectiveness. I drew hope and courage from Anna, as we have both endured long, *long* waiting seasons. And even when I couldn't identify with someone or was tempted to compare myself to her in a negative sense, both Rachael and God would "bring me back" with the reminder, "Her calling was and is not yours; every prophetic calling and prophetic word is designed for the woman to whom God bestows it."
I appreciate Rachael's careful attention to how prophecy can be used rightly or wrongly in the church and inside the body of Christ at large. Her tips and admonitions on what to share, when, and with whom will stick with me for a long time. I especially liked and will hang onto the part where she mentions, sometimes God gives a message that is just between Himself and His daughter, at least for the moment and sometimes for much longer. As someone who has a teacher's heart and wants to share *everything* God says to her, this is a convicting yet timely point I would do well to tell myself often!
Finally, I loved Rachael's often simple but profound insights into Yahweh Himself throughout Knowing God's Voice. I remember highlighting entire paragraphs at various points as I was reminded how personal, how intentional, and how kind He is. Even when the words He gives us are hard or "bad news," as with Huldah's prophecies, there are plenty of important things to glean.
I did find myself wishing some sections were longer, or that Rachael had dived just a bit deeper into some of her lessons. Near the end of the book, I also wondered if she shouldn't go into, not only the fact that we should *ask* God for the ability to prophesy, but how to know when we have it and how to hone said gift. Additionally, I do agree that the patriarchal structure of Christianity and the church has taken the roles of women way out of context. However, in some places, I found myself wondering, "Okay, is this particular issue really about patriarchy and men, or is it more, misinterpretation in general? Also, how *is* a woman's prophetic gift different from a man's? How do we, or should we, approach prophecy differently?"
These, however, are pretty minor notes, and as I said, they don't cost the book much at all in terms of rating. I'd say grab a copy and savor. Read slowly, highlight if you choose, and learn, because there's a lot of learning to be had. And maybe take up the challenge to think of prophecy differently, because I have a feeling this book could help produce many strong, solid female prophets the church could use.