Keepers of the Covenant

Keepers of the Covenant, Book Two in the Restoration Chronicles

The Old Testament Comes to Thrilling Life in the Latest from Lynn Austin

In one life-changing moment, the lives of the Jewish exiles in Babylon are thrown into confusion and despair when a decree arrives from the king’s palace in Susa. It calls for the annihilation of every Jewish man, woman, and child throughout the empire on the thirteenth day of Adar, in less than one year. Ezra, a quiet Jewish scholar and teacher, is suddenly called upon to lead the community as they seek God for a reason for this catastrophe. When a second decree arrives, authorizing them to fight back, Ezra is thrust into the role of military leader as they defend themselves against their enemies.

When the battles come to an end, Ezra’s brother Jude is dead and Ezra is required by the Law he so diligently studies to marry Jude’s widow, Devorah, and provide an heir. Fatherhood changes Ezra, and he asks God to make a way for him and the other exiles to leave Babylon for good and return to Jerusalem. His prayers are answered and the exiles move to Judea to revitalize worship at the temple–but the fight to keep God’s Law is never easy. As more and more of his community are tempted, a new battle emerges…this one for the survival of God’s covenant and the souls of His chosen faithful.

My thoughts: This book is amazing! I love how the series really breathes life into the Old Testament stories, making one really stop and look at the people in the Bible and realize the similarities between them and ourselves. I think it helps to make the Bible stories more applicable in our lives when we see them in a new life, since (obviously) they are there for a reason, to help us to grow closer to the Lord.
Keepers of the Covenant is a hard book to put down! With amazing characters that come to life and rich historical detail, this book will keep you up late.
Lynn Austin is one of my favorite authors, since she truly knows how to weave an engrossing story!
I received this book from Lit fuse in exchange for my honest review.