Rating: 
Summary: a good fictional setting with Historical presence
Review: I really like this book, it is in depth and helps me to be able to place biblical times in terms of History able to understand and remember, I really enjoy the story and the ever knowing of God's unconditional, faithful, unfailing love, remembering we are engraved on the palm of His hand.I like the History. I can read any book for the story of characters any time.
Rating:
Summary: A Beloved Story!
Review: I saw Kay Arthur on tv doing a series on the covenant and really enjoyed the way she explained things. She mentioned that she wrote a book called Israel, My Beloved, so I was curious. I'm glad I brought the book. The story covers a time span from Jeremiah the prophet to the not too distant future. It deals with marriage, faithfulness and infidility, slavery, idolatry, suffering, hope. At times it was quite hard to read - I never knew the history of Jewish people (outside of the bible and excluding World War II). It was if nothing else, a brilliant look into the history of a nation. But it was more than that. Kay Arthur has a wonderful way with words, taking quite complex and difficult subject matters (for example the rape of women at the hands of an invading force), and doesn't make it sordid or weak. I really enjoyed reading this book and felt a little sad when I finished the last page. This is a wonderful book. You won't regret buying it!
Rating: 
Summary: Love Kay's Bible studies but this book has Big problems!!!!!
Review: I've known about the Old Testament almost my whole life. I've even read a lot of it. But NOTHING helped me understand the story of God's people like Israel, My Beloved. Not only does it give you a vivid picture of history according to the Jews, but it also helps you see God's heart for his people. Now when I read books in the Bible, I feel like I know the authors! This book inserts you into history and makes you feel like you've lived it personally. I met a Jewish store owner in Jerusalem who helped Kay Arther with Jewish perspective when she was writing the book. He himself said it turned out to be a brilliant book. Keep in mind that the majority of this book IS from a B.C. Jewish perspective, so the minimal mention of Jesus is to be expected. She didn't want to write it from a Christian point of view. It wasn't meant to be a witnessing tool, but a glimps into an epic story that ultimately shaped the world we live in today.
Rating:
Summary: A Key to Understanding
Review: I've known about the Old Testament almost my whole life. I've even read a lot of it. But NOTHING helped me understand the story of God's people like Israel, My Beloved. Not only does it give you a vivid picture of history according to the Jews, but it also helps you see God's heart for his people. Now when I read books in the Bible, I feel like I know the authors! This book inserts you into history and makes you feel like you've lived it personally. I met a Jewish store owner in Jerusalem who helped Kay Arther with Jewish perspective when she was writing the book. He himself said it turned out to be a brilliant book. Keep in mind that the majority of this book IS from a B.C. Jewish perspective, so the minimal mention of Jesus is to be expected. She didn't want to write it from a Christian point of view. It wasn't meant to be a witnessing tool, but a glimps into an epic story that ultimately shaped the world we live in today.
Rating:
Summary: A love story of a lifetime.
Review: Israel....My Beloved....How that phrase will send chills through your mind by the time you have finished this book. Kay Arthur is one of the best writers around. This book takes you back in time to witness one of the greatest love stories ever told. It's so easy to get sucked into this store. At times, I felt like I was walking among the nation. To the entire world, this woman was just a Jew.......... You will weep, cheer and think...really think! May you take each page of this book and cherish it like fine fruit. This is a great gift for any true romantic at heart. If you take the time to make it though the 444 pages, you will receive such a blessing. So, as Kay says....Hangth Thou In There, O Baby! It is a trip worth taking!
Rating:
Summary: Great.
Review: It helps you understand Israel throughout history
Rating:
Summary: Marvelous Metaphor
Review: Kay Arthur has managed to weave a marvelously intricate tapestry of the saga of a Jewish family through three millinea that is at the same time historically accurate, deeply moving and highly readable.
Although a work of fiction, it is based in historical fact. Although fictional, the characters come to life. The author draws the reader into the story with vivid detail and an emotional tie to the heroine. Her descriptions absolutely make the reader feel as if he were living in that moment in time.
I read "Israel, My Beloved" just a few weeks after I had read "The Red Tent" by Anita Diamant, and can honestly say that "Israel" is on a par with "The Red Tent."
Exposure for Arthur's book is limited mostly to Christian bookstores and the religion section of secular bookstores while Diamant's book has enjoyed a broader exposure of "best seller" status. I truly believe that if given adequate exposure, it would also be on the "best seller" list within a very short time.
Rating:
Summary: Love Kay's Bible studies but this book has Big problems!!!!!
Review: Kay has been my most favorite bible teacher for many years. I have lead many Precept Studies. But her end time Theology has always puzzled me. After reading this book I understood why. I was amazed at how she ended the book. It was as if the Jews could be saved one way and the rest of mankind were saved a another. It just didn't make sense. I later found out this is called Dispensationalism. As I started to study what Dispensationalism was, it soon became clear why I could never agree with Kay's End Times Theology. There are many other components to Dispensational Theology that have troubled people for along time. As I learned more my confusion went away. One book I would highly recommend is called, Dispensationlism: Rightly Dividing the People of God?by Keith Mathison. I still Love Kay Arthur but I no longer think she can "make no mistakes". As a matter of fact now I know why I can disagree with her and not fill guilty. I also think she is an awful writer. But then I don't think there are very many good Christian novelist. Kay is good at writing bible studies but not novels. God has used her mightily there so I would highly recommend her Bible Study Books. Gods Peace
Rating:
Summary: If you desire to understand the Bible - especially Israel &
Review: prophecy this book will thrill you!It took just a bit to realize who Sarah was-what a great way to present this history.I couldn't put it down for three days-it is brilliantly written & so full of Jewish tradition I thought the writer was Jewish. You will feel the pain of God's people throughout time - you will see his hand working & his enduring love!Drama, murder, mystery, romance, war-such characters(Just like the Bible)! Share this book with your friends-what a blessing it will be!I read many books - this is one of my top 10.
Rating:
Summary: If you desire to understand the Bible - especially Israel &
Review: prophecy this book will thrill you!It took just a bit to realize who Sarah was-what a great way to present this history.I couldn't put it down for three days-it is brilliantly written & so full of Jewish tradition I thought the writer was Jewish. You will feel the pain of God's people throughout time - you will see his hand working & his enduring love!Drama, murder, mystery, romance, war-such characters(Just like the Bible)! Share this book with your friends-what a blessing it will be!I read many books - this is one of my top 10.
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