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Psalm #2
By the Waters of Babylon
When Babylon destroys Jerusalem, as Yahweh warned through his prophets, the captives' bitterness and grief pours out in the Captives' Psalm:
"[By the rivers of Babylon] we sat as exiles, mourning our captivity, and wept with great love for Zion. Our music and mirth were no longer heard, only sadness. We hung up our harps on the willow trees." (Psalm 137:1-2, The Passion Translation)
A young Israelite woman is among them, captured by a mercenary Scythian prince. Driven toward Babylon by both hatred and hope, she endures captivity to reunite with her husband.
But will he be there when she reaches Babylon? Will the prince risk the Scythian throne--and his life--to believe in the Hebrew God? Can they both find what they seek when they meet the prophet Ezekial. . . by the rivers of Babylon?
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2018
348 people are currently reading
663 people want to read
About the author
Mesu Andrews
36 books1,906 followersMESU ANDREWS is the Christy Award-winning author of Isaiah’s Daughter whose deep understanding of and love for God’s Word brings the biblical world alive for readers. Andrews lives in North Carolina with her husband Roy. She stays connected with readers through newsie emails, fun blog posts, and frequent short stories. For more information, visitMesuAndrews.com.
Her first novel, Love Amid the Ashes (Revell, 2011, the story of Job) won the 2012 ECPA Book of the Year for a Debut Author. Love’s Sacred Song (Revell, 2012) relates the poetic Song of Solomon in story form, and Love in a Broken Vessel(Revell, 2013) sets the story of Hosea and Gomer in biblical Israel. In the Shadow of Jezebel (Revell, 2014) displays God's sovereignty over Jezebel's daughter, Queen Athaliah. The Pharaoh's Daughter (Waterbrook/Multnomah, 2015), unveils Moses' early years, and Miriam (2016) introduces Yahweh's prophetess during the ten plagues and the Exodus. Isaiah’s Daughter (Waterbrook/Multnomah, 2018) introduces readers to the prophet Isaiah's captivating daughter, and its sequel, Isaiah's Legacy (Waterbrook/Multnomah, 2020) , provides the redemptive end to her life and her son Manasseh's reign. To follow Yahweh's progression toward the Messiah, By the Waters of Babylon (August 2018) continues the story of the prophets and kings through the exile, and Of Fire and Lions (Waterbrook/Multnomah 2019) tells Daniel's compelling story. And The Reluctant Rival: Leah's Story tells of Leah, Jacob's neglected wife, and how God used her to change the course of history. And when Joseph's brothers sell him into a life of slavery in Egypt, Jacob's favorite son encounters one of the Bible's most infamous bad girls in, Potiphar's Wife (Waterbrook/Multnomah 2022).
Her first novel, Love Amid the Ashes (Revell, 2011, the story of Job) won the 2012 ECPA Book of the Year for a Debut Author. Love’s Sacred Song (Revell, 2012) relates the poetic Song of Solomon in story form, and Love in a Broken Vessel(Revell, 2013) sets the story of Hosea and Gomer in biblical Israel. In the Shadow of Jezebel (Revell, 2014) displays God's sovereignty over Jezebel's daughter, Queen Athaliah. The Pharaoh's Daughter (Waterbrook/Multnomah, 2015), unveils Moses' early years, and Miriam (2016) introduces Yahweh's prophetess during the ten plagues and the Exodus. Isaiah’s Daughter (Waterbrook/Multnomah, 2018) introduces readers to the prophet Isaiah's captivating daughter, and its sequel, Isaiah's Legacy (Waterbrook/Multnomah, 2020) , provides the redemptive end to her life and her son Manasseh's reign. To follow Yahweh's progression toward the Messiah, By the Waters of Babylon (August 2018) continues the story of the prophets and kings through the exile, and Of Fire and Lions (Waterbrook/Multnomah 2019) tells Daniel's compelling story. And The Reluctant Rival: Leah's Story tells of Leah, Jacob's neglected wife, and how God used her to change the course of history. And when Joseph's brothers sell him into a life of slavery in Egypt, Jacob's favorite son encounters one of the Bible's most infamous bad girls in, Potiphar's Wife (Waterbrook/Multnomah 2022).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
March 30, 2023
Is it bad form to review my own book? Forgive me this moment of joy as I tell you a bit about the process of writing Merari and Idan's story. Merari is a completely fictional character. Idanthyrsus is a historical character, an actual Scythian prince who became king after his father, King Salius, died. His involvement with Nebuchadnezzar (and Merari), however, is a conjuring of my imagination from the Scriptures that foretold of armies from the north rallying together to bring Yahweh's destruction on Jerusalem.
I wrote the first 1/3 of this story without an outline. Without any real idea where the story would take me. I let Merari and Idan do their emotional and relational dance on the page with only the searing grief of Psalm 137 to guide me toward Babylon. But I grew almost as weary of the journey as they and had to dive into Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel to escape the sadness and hopelessness of the captives' march.
Amid the prophecies of doom and despair, I found hope of a new life in their exile and a new start after Yahweh's discipline ran its course. Only then could the story turn on the pendulum of hope, and only then did Merari and Idan set their hearts on something greater than the long road before them. I wrote a brief outline for the rest of the story and followed it--loosely.
I must confess, the twists and turns this story takes in the final chapters were NOT IN MY OUTLINE! I had no idea they were going to happen until they flowed from my fingers as I typed. It was the strangest sensation and like nothing I've experienced in any of my other nine books. What a joy this novella was to write. If it blesses you even a fraction of the blessing I've received while writing it, I'll be grateful to the Giver of Words.
I wrote the first 1/3 of this story without an outline. Without any real idea where the story would take me. I let Merari and Idan do their emotional and relational dance on the page with only the searing grief of Psalm 137 to guide me toward Babylon. But I grew almost as weary of the journey as they and had to dive into Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel to escape the sadness and hopelessness of the captives' march.
Amid the prophecies of doom and despair, I found hope of a new life in their exile and a new start after Yahweh's discipline ran its course. Only then could the story turn on the pendulum of hope, and only then did Merari and Idan set their hearts on something greater than the long road before them. I wrote a brief outline for the rest of the story and followed it--loosely.
I must confess, the twists and turns this story takes in the final chapters were NOT IN MY OUTLINE! I had no idea they were going to happen until they flowed from my fingers as I typed. It was the strangest sensation and like nothing I've experienced in any of my other nine books. What a joy this novella was to write. If it blesses you even a fraction of the blessing I've received while writing it, I'll be grateful to the Giver of Words.
August 8, 2018
Mesu Andrews is one of my favorite authors when it comes to biblical fiction. She always has a way of making the Bible come to life. That’s exactly what she does with By the Waters of Babylon. This is the second novel in her newest series, The Psalm Series which is a collection of novellas based on different passages from the book of Psalm. This particular novella is based on Psalm 137 which is a passage I’ve read before, but not one I was familiar with the history.
The author immediately begins her story by introducing us to events that happened after the last seige in Jerusalem. Death is everywhere and it’s a battle to survive. Many of the Jews have intermarried and turned to pagan gods which so life was in utter chaos. We meet Merari after her son was murdered by her own sister and we watch her through her struggles. The emotions she went through felt so realistic that I found me feeling her pain. I was amazed at the arcs for the characters of this story, many of which I never saw coming.
The writing was beautiful. This is a novella that even though there are sorrow and pain, it shines with hope, peace, and the love of God. I loved how the author intertwined historic fact with biblical fact. The added scripture was a bonus making the story come alive. It’s a novella so it is super short and can easily be a quick read. I read it in one sitting.
This was brilliant and I cannot wait to read the next book that Mesu Andrews comes out with. This will forever stay on my shelf. Go and grab yourself a copy because I highly recommend it. You won’t regret it, I promise.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
The author immediately begins her story by introducing us to events that happened after the last seige in Jerusalem. Death is everywhere and it’s a battle to survive. Many of the Jews have intermarried and turned to pagan gods which so life was in utter chaos. We meet Merari after her son was murdered by her own sister and we watch her through her struggles. The emotions she went through felt so realistic that I found me feeling her pain. I was amazed at the arcs for the characters of this story, many of which I never saw coming.
The writing was beautiful. This is a novella that even though there are sorrow and pain, it shines with hope, peace, and the love of God. I loved how the author intertwined historic fact with biblical fact. The added scripture was a bonus making the story come alive. It’s a novella so it is super short and can easily be a quick read. I read it in one sitting.
This was brilliant and I cannot wait to read the next book that Mesu Andrews comes out with. This will forever stay on my shelf. Go and grab yourself a copy because I highly recommend it. You won’t regret it, I promise.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 16, 2018
It requires a writer of keen insight to take one of the worst times in Jewish history and turn it into a story of hope. That’s exactly what Mesu Andrews has done in this novella telling of the exile of the Israelites to Babylon. Through the eyes of Merari, an Israelite woman who has known great grief, and Idan, a Scythian prince who fights with King Nebuchadnezzar’s troops, we experience two very different sides of the exile—and neither side is pretty, although the harsh realities are portrayed as sensitively as they can be.
From the moment Idan mistakenly believes Merari to be the goddess Tabiti in human (and very broken) form, I was enthralled. I had absolutely no idea how the story would unfold over the long journey to Babylon, and each new development sucked me further in. I admired Merari’s inner strength, and I loved the way you could see Yahweh working for the good of these characters even as his righteous judgement is meted out.
I don’t want to spoil any part of the story, so I will simply say that for me, one of the most powerful moments was when one of the characters lay severely injured, unable to fulfil his normal duties as a soldier. Despite his pain, he expresses his absolute trust in his commander, which Merari questions, considering how often she has heard him argue and even fight with his commander. His response was simple, and yet profound. When able-bodied, he was much better at doing whatever he thought it took to protect his commander rather than simply trusting and obeying. Now, he had no choice; he could only trust and obey. What a humbling lesson to learn!
Like Merari, I also became more and more anxious to know if she would find her husband at her journey’s end. I’m not going to say, of course, but I do promise this story will hold you in its grip until the very last page.
I received a copy of this novella from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
From the moment Idan mistakenly believes Merari to be the goddess Tabiti in human (and very broken) form, I was enthralled. I had absolutely no idea how the story would unfold over the long journey to Babylon, and each new development sucked me further in. I admired Merari’s inner strength, and I loved the way you could see Yahweh working for the good of these characters even as his righteous judgement is meted out.
I don’t want to spoil any part of the story, so I will simply say that for me, one of the most powerful moments was when one of the characters lay severely injured, unable to fulfil his normal duties as a soldier. Despite his pain, he expresses his absolute trust in his commander, which Merari questions, considering how often she has heard him argue and even fight with his commander. His response was simple, and yet profound. When able-bodied, he was much better at doing whatever he thought it took to protect his commander rather than simply trusting and obeying. Now, he had no choice; he could only trust and obey. What a humbling lesson to learn!
Like Merari, I also became more and more anxious to know if she would find her husband at her journey’s end. I’m not going to say, of course, but I do promise this story will hold you in its grip until the very last page.
I received a copy of this novella from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
August 1, 2018
I really enjoyed this exploration into what life was like for those present at the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC. This book is my favorite kind of Biblical fiction, where the main characters are fictional but their paths cross with historical and Biblical characters throughout the story. I always feel this gives the author the most liberty to be creative within the confines of what we know to be true, and Mesu Andrews did a brilliant job! I was amazed at the arcs of several of the characters as they transformed in ways I never saw coming. But most of all, I love how she portrayed our great and merciful God Yahweh, who even in the act of judgment, continues to shower His love and care on those who seek Him and are faithful to His ways.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the author.
July 27, 2018
This story is based on a Psalm that I wasn't all to familiar with so I read the story with no pre-conceived notions. I was captivated from the very beginning wondering how it would all play out.
I think the greatest compliment I can give a book written on Biblical themes is that it brought me to tears...I was so enmeshed in the story that I felt the wonder and love of God as the Scythians raised their voices to him and it overwhelmed me. Even now just thinking about the journey Merari made and the way God used her fills me with such overpowering emotion that I can barely see to type through my tears.
Bravo!!!
I think the greatest compliment I can give a book written on Biblical themes is that it brought me to tears...I was so enmeshed in the story that I felt the wonder and love of God as the Scythians raised their voices to him and it overwhelmed me. Even now just thinking about the journey Merari made and the way God used her fills me with such overpowering emotion that I can barely see to type through my tears.
Bravo!!!
September 25, 2018
Oh I love Mesu Andrews – and her books. Her insight into the Scriptures and Biblical-era history combined with her beautiful way with words always settles right into my heart and soul. By The Waters of Babylon may be a shorter read than is typical for Andrews but her skill and talent are no less at play. Andrews’ writing style – in plot, characterization and pacing – is at once sophisticated and down-to-earth, giving you the heart-swell you get from reading fiction in a class of its own as well as the feeling that you’ve just been hugged by the author.
She also keeps me on my toes as a reader (in the very best ways), and never more so than in By The Waters of Babylon. So much of this story did not go at all the way I expected it to. And that’s a great thing! Because the way it all progressed and turned out is infinitely better and more profound than I originally predicted to myself after the first few pages.
“People and courage may fail, but Yahweh is a Fortress whose mercies are new every morning.”
The history around the Babylonian exile is sobering (to say the least). Some of it is truly horrifying, from both the Scythian and Israeli sides of the occupation. Andrews doesn’t shy away from the truth but she handles it with tact and discretion. And through her characters, she is able to provide us with a more personal perspective to history we may have previously just skimmed over, letting us feel the atrocities and the desperation right along with them. Yet, at the same time, she weaves in a thread of hope and redemption and restoration that reminds us that God is with us in the fire even when we feel like He’s abandoned us. It’s certain that I will never read Psalm 137 – or any of the Old Testament books of the exile – the same way again.
Bottom Line: By the Waters of Babylon is exquisitely penned with compelling characters and an intriguing look at a period of Biblical history we don’t often camp out on – in personal study, teaching, or in fiction. And yet, it’s an integral part of both God’s judgment and His redemption of His people and the other nations He is ever drawing to Himself – and therefore, part of Scripture and history that we should be intentional about knowing. By The Waters of Babylon whets your taste buds by weaving a poignant and moving story that is not soon forgotten. Another must-read by Mesu Andrews!
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I purchased for my own collection.)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
She also keeps me on my toes as a reader (in the very best ways), and never more so than in By The Waters of Babylon. So much of this story did not go at all the way I expected it to. And that’s a great thing! Because the way it all progressed and turned out is infinitely better and more profound than I originally predicted to myself after the first few pages.
“People and courage may fail, but Yahweh is a Fortress whose mercies are new every morning.”
The history around the Babylonian exile is sobering (to say the least). Some of it is truly horrifying, from both the Scythian and Israeli sides of the occupation. Andrews doesn’t shy away from the truth but she handles it with tact and discretion. And through her characters, she is able to provide us with a more personal perspective to history we may have previously just skimmed over, letting us feel the atrocities and the desperation right along with them. Yet, at the same time, she weaves in a thread of hope and redemption and restoration that reminds us that God is with us in the fire even when we feel like He’s abandoned us. It’s certain that I will never read Psalm 137 – or any of the Old Testament books of the exile – the same way again.
Bottom Line: By the Waters of Babylon is exquisitely penned with compelling characters and an intriguing look at a period of Biblical history we don’t often camp out on – in personal study, teaching, or in fiction. And yet, it’s an integral part of both God’s judgment and His redemption of His people and the other nations He is ever drawing to Himself – and therefore, part of Scripture and history that we should be intentional about knowing. By The Waters of Babylon whets your taste buds by weaving a poignant and moving story that is not soon forgotten. Another must-read by Mesu Andrews!
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I purchased for my own collection.)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
October 29, 2018
This is the fourth book I've read by Mesu after discovering her this year. She writes riveting Biblical fiction which is very accurate. This fictional work based on Psalm 137 is about the time that Jerusalem was conquered by Babylon. This year I actually reread this part of the Bible and it was a revelation to see that the Hebrews was actually taken to Babylon in numerous occasions. With the fall of Jerusalem, a lot of Hebrews were already in Babylon - Daniel and his 3 friends.
Mesu broke open this dark time in the lives of God's people. Some of the events were so brutal, if the author did not provide the scripture at the start of each chapter, I would have thought it was made up. The first part of the book was difficult to read because of this brutality. I enjoyed the characters and seeing their story unfold. I especially liked the references to Daniel and meeting his 3 friends, Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego.
This book also can be seen as a prologue for Mesu's "Of Fire and Lions" book which is published in 2019.
Mesu broke open this dark time in the lives of God's people. Some of the events were so brutal, if the author did not provide the scripture at the start of each chapter, I would have thought it was made up. The first part of the book was difficult to read because of this brutality. I enjoyed the characters and seeing their story unfold. I especially liked the references to Daniel and meeting his 3 friends, Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego.
This book also can be seen as a prologue for Mesu's "Of Fire and Lions" book which is published in 2019.
August 3, 2018
The descriptions of the people and biblical cities brought the story to life for me. The characters were well-developed and the culture of the people was described in vivid detail so that I felt as though I knew them. The trials Merari faces seem real. Azat's feelings towards Merari grow and h compassion was evident. Even though Merari's husband had been gone many years, she didn't give into the feelings of temptation. I was moved by her self-control.
Merari's story was one of pain and loss. She had to endure a lot and her faith was strong. It was a story I found myself immersed in and inspired by. I loved the addition of biblical scripture.
Mesu Andrews is a new author to me, but I can't wait to read more of Mesu Andrews books.
I received a copy of the book from the author and voluntarily chose to review it.
Merari's story was one of pain and loss. She had to endure a lot and her faith was strong. It was a story I found myself immersed in and inspired by. I loved the addition of biblical scripture.
Mesu Andrews is a new author to me, but I can't wait to read more of Mesu Andrews books.
I received a copy of the book from the author and voluntarily chose to review it.
August 14, 2018
I always look forward to reading another Biblical fiction story by Mesu, who has set herself apart as probably my favorite author in the genre. No matter the characters, I can always anticipate learning something new and engaging with Biblical narratives I had given little thought to in the past.
By the Waters of Babylon is a story based on verses which I had never anticipated seeing turned into a work of fiction. Though I have read the Psalms a few times, I have never really thought about them as telling the story of actual events, but rather as songs which expressed abstract ideas. Clearly, I have not been paying as much attention to those Psalms as I should have been.
Story wise, this novella is short but still lives up to the caliber of storytelling which Mesu exhibits in her other works. So often, novellas fall short of many authors' other works, sacrificing plot or character arcs in order to meet the word count. However, Mesu was able to deliver everything that she has in the past. The only downsides for me in this were .
Still, I am so happy that I was able to read this and I will be able to share it with my friends. If you like Biblical fiction, and especially Mesu's other works, I highly recommend you read this.
I have provided an honest review after having received an ecopy of the book from the author.
By the Waters of Babylon is a story based on verses which I had never anticipated seeing turned into a work of fiction. Though I have read the Psalms a few times, I have never really thought about them as telling the story of actual events, but rather as songs which expressed abstract ideas. Clearly, I have not been paying as much attention to those Psalms as I should have been.
Story wise, this novella is short but still lives up to the caliber of storytelling which Mesu exhibits in her other works. So often, novellas fall short of many authors' other works, sacrificing plot or character arcs in order to meet the word count. However, Mesu was able to deliver everything that she has in the past. The only downsides for me in this were .
Still, I am so happy that I was able to read this and I will be able to share it with my friends. If you like Biblical fiction, and especially Mesu's other works, I highly recommend you read this.
I have provided an honest review after having received an ecopy of the book from the author.
January 7, 2021
Such a good book! Biblical Historical Fiction. Couldn't put it down!
August 1, 2018
By the Waters of Babylon by Mesu Andrews
An unexpected redemption
Talk about making the Bible come alive! I have read through the Bible multiple times and seem to get a little lost going through the books of Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Author Mesu Andrews did such an excellent job of taking this ugly and difficult time – the fall of Jerusalem and exile to Babylon – and made the events clear and understandable. The way she combined Biblical history with secular history and her imagination made for a fascinating story.
I really loved the way she took the story in such unexpected directions. She handled the distressing parts of the account with tact and finesse so I knew the details without the horrific images that would never leave my brain.
I also loved the way she so clearly delineated the reason for the Babylonian captivity and showed the kindness and faithfulness of God in and through it. She didn’t make light of Israel’s sin nor did she sugarcoat the conditions of Jerusalem at the time of the siege and yet the story was one of hope, of love and redemption.
This is the first book I have read by this author, but it will certainly not be the last!
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
I would like to thank Brennan McPherson for giving me a copy of this book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
An unexpected redemption
Talk about making the Bible come alive! I have read through the Bible multiple times and seem to get a little lost going through the books of Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Author Mesu Andrews did such an excellent job of taking this ugly and difficult time – the fall of Jerusalem and exile to Babylon – and made the events clear and understandable. The way she combined Biblical history with secular history and her imagination made for a fascinating story.
I really loved the way she took the story in such unexpected directions. She handled the distressing parts of the account with tact and finesse so I knew the details without the horrific images that would never leave my brain.
I also loved the way she so clearly delineated the reason for the Babylonian captivity and showed the kindness and faithfulness of God in and through it. She didn’t make light of Israel’s sin nor did she sugarcoat the conditions of Jerusalem at the time of the siege and yet the story was one of hope, of love and redemption.
This is the first book I have read by this author, but it will certainly not be the last!
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
I would like to thank Brennan McPherson for giving me a copy of this book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
August 1, 2018
Mesu Andrews' Biblical Fiction has long been a favorite of mine. This shorter work drew me in right away and kept my attention straight through. I love how Mesu weaves her fictional characters into the Biblical narrative. As always, the mark of truly great Biblical fiction for me is when it draws me back into my Bible and this story does just that. I've not often thought of the stories behind the Psalms and I appreciate that fresh perspective.
August 2, 2018
By the Waters of Babylon is a brand new novella by Mesu Andrews. Mesu’s books are always fabulous and this new novella does not disappoint for this Biblical fiction fan. The story is inspired by Psalm 137 which has to do with the exile of the Israelite people from Jerusalem to Babylon. The story focuses on one woman who has lost her entire family but hopes to find a remnant in Babylon. She must travel with her captor who has mistaken her for a goddess. As the journey progresses and Merari strives to remain true in her faith and hopeful in Yahweh’s protection, she struggles with fear of the future and loneliness. But Yahweh’s love and mercy are present even in the darkness and powerful enough to reach any heart. Amazing characters, wonderful descriptions and palpable emotions make this novella a beautiful read!
I was given an arc in exchange for my honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I was given an arc in exchange for my honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
August 1, 2020
It was okay. I think it was mostly a historical biblical romance and suffered from an audio reader who couldn't distinguish between male and female voices. Multiple times I was a little jarred to feel like we suddenly went from first to third person perspective and the voices were so similar that it was hard to know who was talking at any given point. And I didn't feel like much happened besides events leading to romance but maybe that's just me :P
August 14, 2018
Andrews draws her novella from a study of Psalm 137. I appreciate Andrews' impeccable research and gospel-centered writing. Her attention to historical and cultural detail bring the Old Testament Scriptures to life and drives me to search out the Scriptures for myself.
Andrews' characters jump off the page in living color. I'm drawn into Merari's story from the prologue to the last page.
From the Prologue...
"But God...For we who believed, those words mended broken hears, turned the tide. Lives were changed. Wanderers found purpose. Those who loved much, lost much. Yet we who trusted Yahweh, allowed Him to step into the void and fill our emptiness. Only Yahweh chooses a broken woman to heal a wounded man. Only Yahweh uses a pagan prince to offer truth to a foreign empire. And only Yahweh can use my story to change your life. You may think change impossible - but God..."
In By the Waters of Babylon, Andrews tactfully portrays the violence of Jerusalem's captivity. Readers will get a clear picture of that but also of the goodness, justness, and righteousness of a Sovereign and loving God Who can powerfully transform lives and the bleakest of circumstances.
The novella also includes a Bible study of Psalm 137. By the Waters of Babylon would be excellent used as a personal devotional study, small group study, or even as a Sunday School class study.
Andrews' characters jump off the page in living color. I'm drawn into Merari's story from the prologue to the last page.
From the Prologue...
"But God...For we who believed, those words mended broken hears, turned the tide. Lives were changed. Wanderers found purpose. Those who loved much, lost much. Yet we who trusted Yahweh, allowed Him to step into the void and fill our emptiness. Only Yahweh chooses a broken woman to heal a wounded man. Only Yahweh uses a pagan prince to offer truth to a foreign empire. And only Yahweh can use my story to change your life. You may think change impossible - but God..."
In By the Waters of Babylon, Andrews tactfully portrays the violence of Jerusalem's captivity. Readers will get a clear picture of that but also of the goodness, justness, and righteousness of a Sovereign and loving God Who can powerfully transform lives and the bleakest of circumstances.
The novella also includes a Bible study of Psalm 137. By the Waters of Babylon would be excellent used as a personal devotional study, small group study, or even as a Sunday School class study.
April 1, 2023
This is the first and I think only book? That Mesu Andrews has written during Biblical times but with fictional characters. I liked there being side characters that we find in the Bible, but the main plot line is the perspective of a Jewish women who captured and enslaved, being mistaken for a goddess in human form.
I loved the faith content in this book, how God used a Jewish woman to change the hearts of Warrior men. Mesu Andrews never seems to disappoint with a good Biblical era story.
*if your sensitive to something terrible happening to a child, you might want to skip this book.
I loved the faith content in this book, how God used a Jewish woman to change the hearts of Warrior men. Mesu Andrews never seems to disappoint with a good Biblical era story.
*if your sensitive to something terrible happening to a child, you might want to skip this book.
September 9, 2018
Riveting account of Judah’s captivity!
I felt I was there with Merari, making my way as a captive to Babylon. I never considered what it would be like for a Scythian to experience the power of Yahweh through his interaction with the captives. Nor what the captives would experience as they sorrowed over their disobedience to the one true God. Even though this is a work of fiction, it makes the Babylonian conquest and Judah’s devastation so real — and connects with many other historical points in prophecy. Mesu’s author’s notes and Bible study are an added value to this thoughtful novella.
I felt I was there with Merari, making my way as a captive to Babylon. I never considered what it would be like for a Scythian to experience the power of Yahweh through his interaction with the captives. Nor what the captives would experience as they sorrowed over their disobedience to the one true God. Even though this is a work of fiction, it makes the Babylonian conquest and Judah’s devastation so real — and connects with many other historical points in prophecy. Mesu’s author’s notes and Bible study are an added value to this thoughtful novella.
August 4, 2018
By the Waters of Babylon
Lovely short novel with a redemption story for so many. Despite the destruction of Jerusalem several Jewish characters find redemption. The years of waiting to rebuild are not wasted. Along the way, hard truth is spoken, faith is shared and God shows up spreading trust in Yahweh in hearts that will surprise you.
Another excellent work by Mesu Andrews. Well researched Biblically and historically.
This book which was provided by the author to a group of early readers. I am one of those readers.
Lovely short novel with a redemption story for so many. Despite the destruction of Jerusalem several Jewish characters find redemption. The years of waiting to rebuild are not wasted. Along the way, hard truth is spoken, faith is shared and God shows up spreading trust in Yahweh in hearts that will surprise you.
Another excellent work by Mesu Andrews. Well researched Biblically and historically.
This book which was provided by the author to a group of early readers. I am one of those readers.
August 5, 2018
By the Waters of Babylon made Psalm 137 come to life for me. The characters are fleshed out. The plot moves quickly. The settings were interesting. I would recommend this book to historical fiction readers and to Christian fiction readers. I hope to get to read more of Mesu Andrews' work. I received an ARC. I chose to write a review and share my opinion of this excellent book.
September 12, 2018
I absolutely loved this story. The author weaved an intriguing tale amidst Old Testament prophecies with Psalm 137 as the central guiding theme. Her attention to the historic details added to the sense of being "in" the story with the characters. Highly recommend!
August 2, 2018
In By the Waters of Babylon, Mesu Andrews expertly weaves Psalm 137 with an account of the second group of Israelite captives traveling from Jerusalem to Babylon. This book is well-written and researched. We care about these characters, both captives and captors. I was able to keep track of the political aspects of the story without any trouble. Readers need not be students of Old Testament history to enjoy and follow the story. I’ll be looking forward to Andrews’ upcoming release, Of Fire and Lions (the story of Daniel).
November 8, 2020
An engaging read set during the Babylon captivity. Definitely has some twists!
December 15, 2020
A story of a Jewish female exile and her Scythian mercenary captors. Sheds light on the historical context while building a story around the characters.
July 24, 2018
Loves it! Review to come.
November 20, 2020
I was not familiar with this author, but I’m learning she has a bunch these historical/biblical novels. Generally set in the Old Testament time frame.
This was a shorter one dealing with the second wave of Israelites being taken off to Babylon after Nebuchadnezzar lays siege to Jerusalem and destroys the temple.
It’s a rather fascinating look through the eyes of a Hebrew woman and an invading soldier. Author weaves in Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, among others. She does a good job of connecting specific biblical prophecies to events in the story.
There’s even some romance thrown in … more than I needed, but it was touching.
I have to admit I didn’t love it … I’m having hard time putting my finger on the reason. May have more to do with narrator, than the story. But some of the dialogue felt forced, not sure that’s the best word.
However, it was enjoyable to see how God could have been at work in these very dark and tragic years for His chosen people. Even turning mourning into dancing.
This was a shorter one dealing with the second wave of Israelites being taken off to Babylon after Nebuchadnezzar lays siege to Jerusalem and destroys the temple.
It’s a rather fascinating look through the eyes of a Hebrew woman and an invading soldier. Author weaves in Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, among others. She does a good job of connecting specific biblical prophecies to events in the story.
There’s even some romance thrown in … more than I needed, but it was touching.
I have to admit I didn’t love it … I’m having hard time putting my finger on the reason. May have more to do with narrator, than the story. But some of the dialogue felt forced, not sure that’s the best word.
However, it was enjoyable to see how God could have been at work in these very dark and tragic years for His chosen people. Even turning mourning into dancing.
November 4, 2021
Mesu Andrews’ books have been somewhat of a mixed bag for me. I really enjoy her style and expertise, but I’ve struggled with some of her descriptions of romance because they felt too intimate or sensual for me. Since I had this book available, though, I knew I wanted to try it. One can always hope that an earlier impression will be counteracted by a later one! Thankfully, this one was not like the other two I’ve read.
I’ve always loved the sorrow expressed in Psalm 137, mixed with the hope that even the grief of being in captivity cannot suppress. This book felt like it did the psalm justice—it showed the captive’s sorrow, but it also showed their trust in their God. It showed their difficulties in trusting God, and it also showed how He provided for them—even as they were walking away from Jerusalem. This book brought that time to life, and I’m glad I had a chance to read it.
(Note there are mentions of cannibalism in this book—generally not explicitly stated, but in reading the Biblical narrative, we know that happened, and it does appear here a bit.)
I’ve always loved the sorrow expressed in Psalm 137, mixed with the hope that even the grief of being in captivity cannot suppress. This book felt like it did the psalm justice—it showed the captive’s sorrow, but it also showed their trust in their God. It showed their difficulties in trusting God, and it also showed how He provided for them—even as they were walking away from Jerusalem. This book brought that time to life, and I’m glad I had a chance to read it.
(Note there are mentions of cannibalism in this book—generally not explicitly stated, but in reading the Biblical narrative, we know that happened, and it does appear here a bit.)
August 13, 2018
Talk about a real Joy-Finder: if you love biblical fiction (fiction based on events in the Bible) I'd recommend Mesu Andrews' novels, any of them. She is a voracious researcher of Bible times and customs and she is an equally talented storyteller.
By the Waters of Babylon is a novella based on Psalm 137, a psalm of the captives after the fall of Jerusalem after the siege of Nebuchadnezzar's troops. Andrews' uses the author's prerogative, the great "What-if", to take those verses and drill them down to one captive Hebrew woman and one of the men who carried her back to Babylon. Can you imagine the grief and fear in that city?
There are two points of view: that of a Hebrew woman/captive who's lost her entire family and a Scythian prince/captor who desperately wants to return home to his family and take his rightful place as king. In her story, KingNebuchadnezzar hired Scythian soldiers to capture the survivors that were healthy enough to be slaves and take them back to Babylon, but weak, sick, or injured were instantly killed. When he discovers the heroine of the story, she's weak to the point of death, but his "mistake" saves her life.
These 200 pages (paperback) are packed with intense emotion, from both the captive's and captors' point of view. As I've said before here, here, and here, Andrews is a voracious researcher. And even though the characters in this story are fictional, they're representative of what really happened to those enslaved by the Babylonians. You may recognize some characters in the story, however, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, for example. But be prepared to spend a couple of days reading and then thinking about this story. If you love great drama mixed with a little suspense, you'll love By the Waters of Babylon. This was a real joy-finder for me.
Reality Check
Y'all, this book is only $2.99 at almost any book retailer and it's a great intro to Mesu Andrews' work. By the way, if you subscribe to her newsletter, you get two more newsletters F.R.E.E! Here's my disclosure, I did receive a free copy of "By the Waters of Babylon" in exchange for my free and honest review. But I only agreed to receive the copy because I'm a fan of her work and I think you will be, too. For a sneak peek, click here. Don't forget to check out the other books in the Psalm series here.
By the Waters of Babylon is a novella based on Psalm 137, a psalm of the captives after the fall of Jerusalem after the siege of Nebuchadnezzar's troops. Andrews' uses the author's prerogative, the great "What-if", to take those verses and drill them down to one captive Hebrew woman and one of the men who carried her back to Babylon. Can you imagine the grief and fear in that city?
There are two points of view: that of a Hebrew woman/captive who's lost her entire family and a Scythian prince/captor who desperately wants to return home to his family and take his rightful place as king. In her story, KingNebuchadnezzar hired Scythian soldiers to capture the survivors that were healthy enough to be slaves and take them back to Babylon, but weak, sick, or injured were instantly killed. When he discovers the heroine of the story, she's weak to the point of death, but his "mistake" saves her life.
These 200 pages (paperback) are packed with intense emotion, from both the captive's and captors' point of view. As I've said before here, here, and here, Andrews is a voracious researcher. And even though the characters in this story are fictional, they're representative of what really happened to those enslaved by the Babylonians. You may recognize some characters in the story, however, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, for example. But be prepared to spend a couple of days reading and then thinking about this story. If you love great drama mixed with a little suspense, you'll love By the Waters of Babylon. This was a real joy-finder for me.
Reality Check
Y'all, this book is only $2.99 at almost any book retailer and it's a great intro to Mesu Andrews' work. By the way, if you subscribe to her newsletter, you get two more newsletters F.R.E.E! Here's my disclosure, I did receive a free copy of "By the Waters of Babylon" in exchange for my free and honest review. But I only agreed to receive the copy because I'm a fan of her work and I think you will be, too. For a sneak peek, click here. Don't forget to check out the other books in the Psalm series here.
August 20, 2019
Imagine learning Biblical history, world history and geography while enjoying a surprising romance. I experienced each of those and more while reading By the Waters of Babylon. I met new fictional characters who interacted with real heroes mentioned in the Bible. I cringed at the parts that depicted
actual horrors experienced by the Israelites and felt pure joy when the honest truth of God’s love provided healing and hope.
actual horrors experienced by the Israelites and felt pure joy when the honest truth of God’s love provided healing and hope.
December 8, 2018
Psalm 137
Beautiful account of a Jewish woman who used to be married to a harp maker. She is taken captive by Scythian mercenaries to the Babylonian army. As she and her Captor seek out Yahweh they learn of the blessings He has for them.
Beautiful account of a Jewish woman who used to be married to a harp maker. She is taken captive by Scythian mercenaries to the Babylonian army. As she and her Captor seek out Yahweh they learn of the blessings He has for them.
November 17, 2020
Review to come.
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