Recent Reads - The Prophetess

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The Prophetess: Deborah's Story (Daughters of the Promised Land) by Jill Eileen Smith - Once again, Jill Eileen Smith brings to life an intriguing woman from the Bible. Deborah is the only woman named as a judge of Israel, which is fascinating in itself, but we're not really told how she came to this respected position. She is the wife of Lappidoth, and her word carries so much weight with the commander of Israel's army  that he requests that she accompany them when they go to battle. Deborah agrees, but tells Barak that the Canaanite commander will be killed by a woman instead of by him. That woman is Jael, the wife of a Kenite, and not much is known about her either, except that she killed Sisera by driving a tent peg through his head. What a framework for a novel! You can't make this stuff up, folks, but Smith's research and imagination provides details and background that are believable and historically accurate.

The story focuses on Deborah and her relationship with her husband, Lappidoth, and daughter, Talya. When reading the Biblical account, I've often wondered who Lappidoth was and why his wife was the judge rather than himself. Smith's novel poses a believable explanation. Talya is a fiercely independent young woman who challenges her mother with her determination to take part in the fight against the Canaanites. The commander Barak is given some background, as he is presented as mourning the death of his wife at the hands of Sisera, and trying against great odds to defeat the Canaanites and stop further attacks against Israelite villages. Even Jael and her family get their own chapters in the story, as Smith invents a reason for this Kenite family to be living in Israel's territory and the compelling reason Jael has to act so courageously in order to protect her family.

By the same author: Abigail, The Crimson Cord, Michal; Sarai: A Novel

  

   

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