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Chariots to Jordan
Twelve-year-old Gili firmly believes in miracles. Since the day her father was miraculously healed by the prophet Elisha, her faith in God has sustained her through the hardships of life in Israel. But when her town is invaded and she is captured as a slave for Naaman, a powerful Syrian military commander, can her faith endure? Amidst the chaos of battle, a young Israelite slave impresses Naaman with her bravery. Gili's courage is admirable, and her place in Naaman's household is assured. When his incurable disease progresses, ravaging his body, Naaman is desperate for relief. And in this retelling of one the mightiest of Biblical miracles, it is a young servant girl whose knowledge of God's power is the key to Naaman's salvation . . .
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
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55 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 13, 2015
I liked this book!
It's written by a male author, which I usually have a harder time relating too. Which probably explains the descriptive nature of the fight scenes. Since they weren't overly gory, it didn't really bother me.
It jumps POV's like crazy, which could have been confusing. But as this allows us to see all the different angles and sides of the story, once again, it didn't bother me.
This includes the male author writing from a female perspective; this is a major pet peeve of mine. However, in this story, it didn't bother me. Gili was a very likable character with amazing faith.
It's written using modern lingo, so while not historically accurate, it flowed well and made for a faster read.
I wondered at whether women would really have been so valued, their opinions holding such sway, and if a servant would be allowed to talk so openly. Because the truth would potentially bug me more, this also didn't bother me.
It wrapped up kinda quickly, and I was wondering if the gentleman with Abish at the end was the older gentleman from the beginning. But couldn't decipher that for sure.
Despite these things, which could have swayed me in the opposite direction, I stayed up late reading this book in its entirety. As a Christian, it was interesting to see this biblical story fleshed out and brought to life, whether or not it actually occurred like that. Though the actual biblical story takes but a few pages, I enjoyed getting the back story leading up to the event. And I loved the faith that Gili had, and how she was able to share that with others. I confess to crying, several times. Loved Gili. her parents and brothers, Naaman and his wife and Elisha.
I'm a sucker for clean historical fiction, and this fit the bill.
It's written by a male author, which I usually have a harder time relating too. Which probably explains the descriptive nature of the fight scenes. Since they weren't overly gory, it didn't really bother me.
It jumps POV's like crazy, which could have been confusing. But as this allows us to see all the different angles and sides of the story, once again, it didn't bother me.
This includes the male author writing from a female perspective; this is a major pet peeve of mine. However, in this story, it didn't bother me. Gili was a very likable character with amazing faith.
It's written using modern lingo, so while not historically accurate, it flowed well and made for a faster read.
I wondered at whether women would really have been so valued, their opinions holding such sway, and if a servant would be allowed to talk so openly. Because the truth would potentially bug me more, this also didn't bother me.
It wrapped up kinda quickly, and I was wondering if the gentleman with Abish at the end was the older gentleman from the beginning. But couldn't decipher that for sure.
Despite these things, which could have swayed me in the opposite direction, I stayed up late reading this book in its entirety. As a Christian, it was interesting to see this biblical story fleshed out and brought to life, whether or not it actually occurred like that. Though the actual biblical story takes but a few pages, I enjoyed getting the back story leading up to the event. And I loved the faith that Gili had, and how she was able to share that with others. I confess to crying, several times. Loved Gili. her parents and brothers, Naaman and his wife and Elisha.
I'm a sucker for clean historical fiction, and this fit the bill.
November 27, 2017
Very nice historical retelling of the story of Namaan. Brutal war parts, but gratefully most of the story centered around the little Hebrew girl who becomes a war captive slave, but who is so faithful she cannot be kept from her faith and it influencing those all around her. Beautiful story.
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September 26, 2020I enjoyed this book. I would call it an easy read for the most part with a bit of excitement during a battle. But overall a very enjoyable read.
December 23, 2025
This book is really good. I love biblical historical fiction books. This one is very good and interesting. I didn’t know much about this story before reading this book.
November 2, 2016
Compelling historical fiction, retelling one of my favorite Bible stories.
Young Gili has always been close to God, and a kindred spirit to His prophet, Elisha, who stops at their family's humble farm on his travels. Gili has 3 older brothers, and ever since they moved to the outskirts of Edrei, a very small village on the edge of Syria, their family has prospered. Despite being on the enemy border, they feel safe from attack, simply because the desert at their backs is deemed uncrossable.
Gili's faith is only strengthened when the prophet heals her father from a mortal wound. When the Syrians attack Ramoth-Gilead--an Israeli settlement not far from where they live, Gili's mother Miriam wants the family to move. Somehow the Syrian armies have found a way across the desert. In the end, her husband convinces her they should stay just a little bit longer.
It is a tragic mistake. Their village is indeed next in line for attack, but this time the commander Naaman and his men take most of the women and children prisoners. Gili is taken away from her family (what's left of them), and purchased by Naaman himself as a household slave.
As she fulfills her duties, she discovers that Naaman and his wife are kind. She also discovers something else--something meant to be kept a secret: Naaman has leprosy. Before too much longer, he will be unable to continue his military command. Little Gili's faith and her masters' kindness cause her to speak out, and tell them about Israel's prophet who has the power to heal.
* * * * *
The narrative switches between Gili's family and Naaman--both at home and at war. At times other characters take the main stage, as well. I didn't mind for the most part, though a couple of times I had to backtrack a bit to figure out who was talking.
Harrison really helped me visualize how this story may have come about--how and why Naaman would have a young Israelite girl serving in his household, along with the apparent trust if not affection between her and her masters.
I enjoyed the historical side of it, as well, with the tensions and war between Syria and Israel brought to vivid life.
Content: There are a few battle scenes, and detailed descriptions of the leprosy symptoms.
Young Gili has always been close to God, and a kindred spirit to His prophet, Elisha, who stops at their family's humble farm on his travels. Gili has 3 older brothers, and ever since they moved to the outskirts of Edrei, a very small village on the edge of Syria, their family has prospered. Despite being on the enemy border, they feel safe from attack, simply because the desert at their backs is deemed uncrossable.
Gili's faith is only strengthened when the prophet heals her father from a mortal wound. When the Syrians attack Ramoth-Gilead--an Israeli settlement not far from where they live, Gili's mother Miriam wants the family to move. Somehow the Syrian armies have found a way across the desert. In the end, her husband convinces her they should stay just a little bit longer.
It is a tragic mistake. Their village is indeed next in line for attack, but this time the commander Naaman and his men take most of the women and children prisoners. Gili is taken away from her family (what's left of them), and purchased by Naaman himself as a household slave.
As she fulfills her duties, she discovers that Naaman and his wife are kind. She also discovers something else--something meant to be kept a secret: Naaman has leprosy. Before too much longer, he will be unable to continue his military command. Little Gili's faith and her masters' kindness cause her to speak out, and tell them about Israel's prophet who has the power to heal.
* * * * *
The narrative switches between Gili's family and Naaman--both at home and at war. At times other characters take the main stage, as well. I didn't mind for the most part, though a couple of times I had to backtrack a bit to figure out who was talking.
Harrison really helped me visualize how this story may have come about--how and why Naaman would have a young Israelite girl serving in his household, along with the apparent trust if not affection between her and her masters.
I enjoyed the historical side of it, as well, with the tensions and war between Syria and Israel brought to vivid life.
Content: There are a few battle scenes, and detailed descriptions of the leprosy symptoms.
September 9, 2014
The book opens by introducing us to an Israelite family at the birth of a long awaited baby girl-Gili. Her faith is nurtured as she grows under the influence of the prophet Elisha. She and her family live on the border of Syria & fear what will happen if the Syrian's decide to invade their land.
The second main character we meet is Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army. He is stricken with leprosy, yet tries to hide it knowing that once the disease progresses past a certain point he will lose his commission in the army. As this retelling of the bible story progresses, we see how their lives intertwine & the story leads to the mighty Naaman's healing by Elisha.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I wasn't sure when I picked it up, but I am glad I read it. It is pretty much a fictional account of how the bible story might have played out, but I enjoyed it. For those who like H.B. Moore's and Guy Morgan Galli's historical fiction, this is a similar feel.
language: clean, heat level: none
The second main character we meet is Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army. He is stricken with leprosy, yet tries to hide it knowing that once the disease progresses past a certain point he will lose his commission in the army. As this retelling of the bible story progresses, we see how their lives intertwine & the story leads to the mighty Naaman's healing by Elisha.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I wasn't sure when I picked it up, but I am glad I read it. It is pretty much a fictional account of how the bible story might have played out, but I enjoyed it. For those who like H.B. Moore's and Guy Morgan Galli's historical fiction, this is a similar feel.
language: clean, heat level: none
September 26, 2014
An AMAZING telling of how one little girl could have moved to one location
Which one military leader was commanded to overtake
Which led the little girl to come into his home as a servant
Who told him of the prophet Elisha
Who could heal his leprosy that he was so frantically trying to hide.
And just why did this little girl believe Elisha could heal her master Naaman?
Because Elisha had miraculously healed her father.
Can Naaman do as Elisha asks?
A beloved Biblical story brought to life with details of daily living
and what the fear of leprosy were really like.
This book is WONDERFUL!
DETAILS told so poetically you feel as if you are really there!
A story we already LOVE, this book will help you UNDERSTAND it even more!
SO. SO. SO. GOOD!
Which one military leader was commanded to overtake
Which led the little girl to come into his home as a servant
Who told him of the prophet Elisha
Who could heal his leprosy that he was so frantically trying to hide.
And just why did this little girl believe Elisha could heal her master Naaman?
Because Elisha had miraculously healed her father.
Can Naaman do as Elisha asks?
A beloved Biblical story brought to life with details of daily living
and what the fear of leprosy were really like.
This book is WONDERFUL!
DETAILS told so poetically you feel as if you are really there!
A story we already LOVE, this book will help you UNDERSTAND it even more!
SO. SO. SO. GOOD!
April 29, 2016
This book is historical fiction centered on the story from the Old Testament of Naaman's young maiden slave who tells him of the Prophet Elisha who can cure his leprosy. While the scriptures don't say much about this young girl, I have always been impressed by her faith and was really looking forward to reading what might have been her story.
E. James Harrison did not disappoint. From the very beginning he pulls you into the story and brings the characters and places alive. I loved the characters and was almost sad when the story ended. This is definitely a book I would recommend reading.
Even if you are not familiar with the story from the Bible, the story told stands on it's own.
E. James Harrison did not disappoint. From the very beginning he pulls you into the story and brings the characters and places alive. I loved the characters and was almost sad when the story ended. This is definitely a book I would recommend reading.
Even if you are not familiar with the story from the Bible, the story told stands on it's own.
October 14, 2014
It was a little more battle descriptive than I was expecting. Arrows slashing through throats or being buried deep into bones, or disembodied bodies spilling out innards and such. Okay. It was a lot more descriptive than I was anticipating...
Even with all of that, I did love the perspective of Naaman that was shown to me. His character was so different than what I've always imagined, and I'm grateful for that change.
Also, I'm just going to throw this out there... Lighted isn't a real word, right? As in, "He lighted the lamps..."
Even with all of that, I did love the perspective of Naaman that was shown to me. His character was so different than what I've always imagined, and I'm grateful for that change.
Also, I'm just going to throw this out there... Lighted isn't a real word, right? As in, "He lighted the lamps..."
September 15, 2016
I like the way it was written, I like the possibility presented in this story of how Naaman was still a commander of the armies even though he was a leper, but I did not appreciate how graphic some of the scenes were.
September 29, 2019
Chariots to Jordan
I really enjoyed this book. It moved along nicely and held my attention. It is a great testament to faith. I really got attached to the characters . Gili is a great example of true faith in Jehovah.
I really enjoyed this book. It moved along nicely and held my attention. It is a great testament to faith. I really got attached to the characters . Gili is a great example of true faith in Jehovah.
October 16, 2014
2.5 stars. The actual event from the scriptures took a very, very small amount of the book (3 pages?).
May 2, 2015
Loved it fiction from bible
October 31, 2020
2nd ward book group. Really good book. Not sure when I read this. Date is appropriate
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews