King Ahaz rules Judah with power and might, foolishness and bravado. An idol worshipper at heart, he neglects to follow the council of Isaiah the prophet and makes sacrifices to Molech, a huge graven image of fire. One night as his troubles seem to overtake him, his enemies at his doors, he decides to sacrifice his sons to the great god.
Servants come to carry away young Hezekiah and his brothers. His mother does everything in her power to stop her young son from being taken, but she’s just not strong enough. Hezekiah is brought to the very mouth of the idol, but then he is overlooked and his life is spared.
This is the start of Lynn Austin’s series, Chronicles of the Kings, in which she tells the story of King Hezekiah of the Old Testament. Of course, much of it is fictionalized, but her storyline follows along with the Bible and brings the events to life in a very accessible way. This first volume gives the account of all the dealings of King Ahaz, and how his pride leads to his downfall as he becomes a vassal to the ruler of Assyria. All he was blessed with is stripped away as he turns his back on the true God of Israel and mires himself down with idol worship.
His young son Hezekiah begins to learn the true word of God from his grandfather, and flourishes as he studies the Torah and the commandments. He hates everything his father represents and vows that someday, when he becomes King, he will set right the things his father did wrong, restore the temple, and teach the people the right way of the Lord. But his grandfather is taken from him and his teaching ends, leaving the prince to flounder in confusion.
My only real criticism is that from time to time, an expression or a word is used that doesn’t quite sit right in my mind as being Biblical and it throws the tone of the story.
I very much enjoyed this novel and found that the Bible story came to life in my mind as I read. I recommend it not only for its value as literature, but to help increase an understanding of the Old Testament.
(This book was published in 2005 by Baker Publishing Group)
