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Samuel: One Small Light
An old priest - the ritual-weary, careworn, accustomed to God's silence. Two dissolute sons - a disgrace to the priesthood. The sanctuary service is in decline, and the future looks dim. But then a devout mother brings her wide-eyed child to Eli, the high priest, to be raised as a Nazirite. Under the watchful gaze of the miracle child, Eli's eyes shine with a new light. This boy is his helper, his support, his salvation. The boy wants so much to be near God that he insists on sleeping in the "God place," beneath the menorah. And there God talks to him.
The author draws on ancient Jewish sources to reconstruct daily life around the tabernacle during the period of the judges. With a vast of vivid characters, Samuel and his world come alive. We watch the transformation of blind Issachar, and relish God's providence in the affair of the red heifer and the death of the Azazel. We learn along with Samuel as Eli explains in authentic detail the sanctuary rites and the Day of Atonement ceremony. But as Eli loses hi faculties, how will Samuel cope with the smoldering animosity of Hophni and Phineas? This book is for all who seek a God who brings new hope to hopeless situations.
The author draws on ancient Jewish sources to reconstruct daily life around the tabernacle during the period of the judges. With a vast of vivid characters, Samuel and his world come alive. We watch the transformation of blind Issachar, and relish God's providence in the affair of the red heifer and the death of the Azazel. We learn along with Samuel as Eli explains in authentic detail the sanctuary rites and the Day of Atonement ceremony. But as Eli loses hi faculties, how will Samuel cope with the smoldering animosity of Hophni and Phineas? This book is for all who seek a God who brings new hope to hopeless situations.
208 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2002
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September 8, 2013
4.5, really.
For starters, I think the story of Samuel is a very interesting one. He was born under unusual circumstances, then he was raised under unusual circumstances. How often in the Bible is a four-year-old turned over to the high priest to be raised and be a helper to the high priest?
And that trails back to Hannah's vow to dedicate Samuel to God's work in the temple. I really liked how the author portrayed Hannah, how he made the statement that she could have had the gift of prophecy but wasn't sure if she did. I also liked how Elkanah obviously regretted taking Peninnah as a wife and still loved Hannah the most, even though he was not completely sold on her idea to give Samuel up to God. If Hannah had had Elkanah's faith, then Samuel would have stayed with his parents. But Hannah's faith was so strong.
So why 4.5 stars? Well, truth be told...I'm not really sure. Maybe it was the writing. The author did a well-enough job with the characters and their feelings, but I still felt like I didn't feel what they were going through. And I totally understand how difficult it is to do that!
Also, the long descriptions of the sacrificial process and the Day of Atonement were a bit lengthy, but they weren't too bad, thus 4.5 and not just 4. It helped me have a better understanding of the symbolism within the rituals.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes/loves biblical narratives and stories. It is worth your time. Trust me.
For starters, I think the story of Samuel is a very interesting one. He was born under unusual circumstances, then he was raised under unusual circumstances. How often in the Bible is a four-year-old turned over to the high priest to be raised and be a helper to the high priest?
And that trails back to Hannah's vow to dedicate Samuel to God's work in the temple. I really liked how the author portrayed Hannah, how he made the statement that she could have had the gift of prophecy but wasn't sure if she did. I also liked how Elkanah obviously regretted taking Peninnah as a wife and still loved Hannah the most, even though he was not completely sold on her idea to give Samuel up to God. If Hannah had had Elkanah's faith, then Samuel would have stayed with his parents. But Hannah's faith was so strong.
So why 4.5 stars? Well, truth be told...I'm not really sure. Maybe it was the writing. The author did a well-enough job with the characters and their feelings, but I still felt like I didn't feel what they were going through. And I totally understand how difficult it is to do that!
Also, the long descriptions of the sacrificial process and the Day of Atonement were a bit lengthy, but they weren't too bad, thus 4.5 and not just 4. It helped me have a better understanding of the symbolism within the rituals.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes/loves biblical narratives and stories. It is worth your time. Trust me.
Displaying 1 of 1 review