Title: Redemption
Author: Susan Dayley
Publisher: Walnut Springs Press
Release Date: January 19, 2010
ISBN: 978-1935217503
Size: 209 pages, 6×9, softcover
Genre: Historical
It is the eighth century BC. No Hebrew will purposely venture into the Assyrian Empire, whose practice of barbarous slaughter casts a shadow of fear over all of Israel. But God calls Jonah, an Israelite prophet, to cry repentance to the evil empire’s capital—the great and terrible city of Nineveh. Fearing the Assyrians and doubting the wisdom of the divine call, Jonah flees in the opposite direction. But in a series of miracles, God gives Jonah a second chance to obey.
Journey with Jonah in a wealth-laden ship of Tarshish, hear his prayers inside the belly of a great fish, witness his struggles working in a desert caravan, and feel his terror as he finally arrives in Nineveh. And while Jonah does eventually preach in the great city, the prophet still has some lessons to learn . . .
With historically accurate details, Redemption is a story of repentance, trust, and God’s love for all his children.
As a former Old Testament instructor for the Institute of Religion I found REDEMPTION to be an extensive and informative work about the prophet Jonah written in a style that is entertaining and intriguing. It is difficult to put down. Reading the "Sources and Historical Notes" section in the back I could tell this book was researched extensively bringing to life this well-loved Old Testament story of the prophet Jonah.
The author Susan Dayley masterfully takes the reader inside the life of Jonah from the miraculous events and character building lessons of his youth preparing him for his divine call later in life to go to the terrible city of Nineveh. REDEMPTION expands on the Biblical account of Jonah by associating other prominent Old Testament prophets and characters of the time period such as Elijah, Elisha, and his mother, the widow of Zarapath into Jonah's life.
The biblical story of Jonah and the Whale is a favorite for many, and particularly children. Susan Dayley does a wonderful job of telling this popular bible story in a way that helps people to capture the reality of the events of his life. I was both entertained and taught. There are a great deal historical facts that have been carefully researched within these pages. As a result of reading this book, I feel much better acquainted with Jonah both as a man and as a prophet.