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Daughters of Zion: Biblical Retellings by C.A. Gray - Like her book of Biblical retellings (Messiah), this is a collection of short stories based on Scripture along with reflections and historical background. This collection focuses on women mentioned in the Bible. Some are well-known heroines of faith like Sarah, Ruth, and Mary; and others are not named in Scripture and little is known about them - the 'woman with the issue of blood' and the Syro-Phoenician woman. A close reading of Scripture, research, and the author's imagination bring women like Rahab, Hannah, Esther, and Anna to more vivid life.
The short stories are arranged in chronological order, and each story is followed by the author's notes and reflections on what is known about the characters and the setting, and some Biblical truth that can be illustrated or learned from the story. Then the passage of Scripture is included as well.
The retellings are compelling and thought-provoking, as are the background notes and reflections. I especially appreciated the inclusion of the Scripture, which makes it easy to read the original account immediately, and see that the author has been faithful to the text. What she has added gives context and background, some historical and some imagined possibility, but is not contradictory to what is known from the Bible's account. The Afterword to each story gives valuable insight into the research and spiritual lessons that can be gleaned from these women of the Bible.
From the publisher:
Have you ever wondered what it was like for Eve to be the first woman, created as an adult but with the mind of a child? What must it have been like for Deborah to be the only female judge in Israel's history? Ever considered how Esther felt about being chosen as queen in the ungodly kingdom of Persia - particularly when she'd have to share her husband with a harem? What must Mary and Martha have thought when their brother Lazarus had died, and it looked to them like Jesus was not coming?
This collection of retellings from the perspectives of women in scripture explores these stories and more, including a few stories from female perspectives that also appear in Messiah: Biblical Retellings. While all of these women lived in various patriarchal cultures, and some of the most prominent women were even Gentiles, scripture shows that God cherished them all. As the Apostle Paul writes, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28) - and this was true for believing women under the old covenant as well, whose faith was counted to them as righteousness.
These are tales of miracles and victory: from brokenness, bitterness and envy to shalom: peace and wholeness, with nothing missing and nothing broken. For some, this meant a transition from barrenness to motherhood; for others, from widowhood to love and belonging. Still others went from bereavement to receiving their dead restored to life again. They included judges and queens, and also prostitutes and despised foreigners. God is no respecter of persons (Romans 2:11, Acts 10:25): what He does for one, He will do for all who believe in His promises.
By the same author: Messiah: Biblical Retellings
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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