Song of Redemption (Chronicles of the Kings #2)

This is a beautiful love story, but more predominantly a story of growing faith in the midst of great trial of that faith. Well written.

I picked up this with great anticipation because I loved "Gods and Kings". There was always a slight pain stabbing me deep within, because in short, I've been there. I haven't trusted, and I have certainly been bitter. So while this is about King Hezekiah, rest assured that it goes a little bit (OK, a LOT deeper) then simply that. King Hezekiah wants and needs to become his own man. That point is obvious in and of itself. He doesn't want to be like Ahaz, and for good reason. Yet people who were under Ahaz can't fathom why Hezekiah wouldn't want change, including his own advisor, Shebna. Yet he stands firm in his faith! Doubt stares him in the face from all angles possible. His own wife doubts that Yahweh will provide an heir, and she is tempted to turn to Asherah for help. So while I related to Hezekiah, I really felt as if I'd walked in the shoes of Eliakim. Despite what his precious father believes, he doesn't WANT to believe, because it just doesn't seem possible. More than that, Eliakim wants answers, and they can't come in a timely manner for him. Yet we find Elaikim in the end surprised, and a man who knows he needs the one true God. I can personally praise God that I've improved vastly over the years, and my trust in God has expanded greatly! It has given me bold ambition at times, and I can only give God the glory for that. The story of Jerusha is one that compares pretty vividly to the story of Francine Rivers' "Redeeming Love". She, like Eliakim, feels there is no hope for her. Yet she knows the tricks and cruelties of the Assyrian nation, and she can help Judah prepare (if it is possible against Assyria) for an attack. Now, to be quite blunt, I didn't feel that Lynn Austin would come within ear-shot of describing Assyrian culture. I figured she might be too kind and water it down so the reader wouldn't be offended. Austin holds NOTHING back, and it enhances the story beyond measure! Way to go!! The theme I lived in this was an unshakable faith, and a staggering patience, although patience is something I still struggle with at times. Don't we all, amen? I guess reliving certain things in my own life made this a longer read. It also made it all the more appropriate. Sometimes we all need a wake up call, and this did the trick for me! Thank you, Lynn Austin!

Following the blasphemy of his father, Hezekiah sits on David's throne. He wants to do the right thing for his people starting with a renewed belief in Yahweh and a cleansing of the Temple. However, adhering to the laws of Yahweh is complex and dangerous. The young monarch has enemies who make demands on him. Making matters worse the Assyrians are demanding tribute that his country can ill afford though prosperity has begun to return. More critical to Hezekiah, he believes God will protect the Jews though his closest advisors counsel him to pray. When he meets Jerusha, a Jew who fled from Assyrian captivity; he knows he has found his queen. As the Assyrians march closer to Jerusalem, pressure on Hezekiah to abandon the Lord grows, but though he has doubts shared by his frightened spouse, he stays the course. SONG OF REDEMPTION continues the fascinating biographical fictionalized account of King Hezekiah (see GOD AND KINGS) trying to return his people to the one God while struggling with his council recommending bowing to the Assyrians instead of Yahweh. Readers will feel they have been transplanted to biblical times as Lynn Austin brings to life Hezekiah trying to stay what he believes is the proper course that Yahweh would expect him to lead his people down. This is an insightful well written biblical biographical fiction that readers will treasure. Harriet Klausner

I love this series so much that I have had to replace the entire set three times. I lend them out and they disappear! These are by far the finest novels that Ms. Austin has written. I was drawn into the story, and I just couldn't put the books down. Ms. Austin provides Scriptural references so it is easy to see what she is basing her story on. After reading the Scriptures, elements in the story that are taken right out of the Bible are easily discerned from those that the writer may be taking an artist license with. It breathed life into these characters and made them very relevant to me.I immediately began reading the remaining books in the series, and every one was a delight. I enthusiastically recommend the series.

In this book, Austin aligns the brief Biblical account of King Hezekiah to the words of the prophets of the times along an exciting line of fiction. Prophecies, often confusing or misunderstood suddenly come alive as they are placed into everyday situations and applied to specific situations. This book creates in your mind a thrilling scene of the reality of the despair of Israel and Judah and an understanding of the great compassion Yaweh has for his Chosen People. After reading this book, you will never read prophecy the same again.