Miriam's Song by Jill Eileen Smith REVIEWED

About the Book:

She has prayed for deliverance from Egypt.

But perhaps the greatest liberation happens within the heart.

From the very beginning, Miriam has lived in her younger brother's shadow. Thrust into the role of protective older sister before Moses was even born, she will grow up into a woman who not only keeps her family's secret but bears the burden of leading a new nation.

In her mind, she knows that she is serving both her God and her people. But in her heart, Miriam yearns for more. She longs to experience the privileges Moses has--to talk with God face-to-face. But when God finally does speak directly to her, the outcome is not at all what she expects.

With her impeccable research and keen eye for detail, bestselling author Jill Eileen Smith offers this epic novel to fill in the gaps in Miriam's story, following her from childhood to motherhood, obscurity to notoriety, and yearning to fulfillment as she learns that what God promises He provides--in His own perfect timing.

My Thoughts:

"Oh Adonai, help me to trust You more."  (p. 271)

This is the opening to a prayer Miriam prays later in the novel, but it represents the heart of the character throughout this novel.  Jill Eileen Smith has a fabulous way of bringing Biblical characters to life in a very realistic way!  She has many decades to cover, but from the time Moses is placed in a basket in the Nile, to end of life experiences on the other side of Exile, Miriam's story is filled with realistic challenges from beginning to end.

I was intrigued by the way she depicted life as an Egyptian slave - the daily challenges and how Moses' presence was always felt even from a distance.  When the plagues came, it was the first time I was aware of the correlation between the plagues and the Egyptian gods. Before it was clear that manna would be their daily sustenance, the fear of starving was palpable.  Throughout, Miriam remains a strong foundation of faith for her community, and often prays for understanding and wisdom when things appear impossible.

I also enjoyed the depiction of the close family ties and the challenges that such extended family groups presented during such a long arduous exile.  I'm glad to have an opportunity to consider that these people had no idea where they were going, much less that it would take decades to get there!  I forget that reality when I read scriptures.  Moses kept admonishing them that God was purifying their hearts through this process.  This makes me keenly aware that the redemptive process is a lifelong journey!  

Oh that I will trust God like Miriam!  Daily asking for wisdom and direction!  Can you tell I'm a HUGE fan of Jill Eileen Smith's work?  Her biblical fiction is superb!!  Enjoy!!

About the Author:

Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling and award-winning author of the biblical fiction series The Wives of King David, Wives of the Patriarchs, and Daughters of the Promised Land, as well as The Heart of a King and Star of Persia: Esther's Story. She is also the author of the nonfiction books When Life Doesn't Match Your Dreams and She Walked Before Us. Her research into the lives of biblical women has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan. Learn more at www.jilleileensmith.com.