Customer Reviews

Israel, My Beloved

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

What a treasure "Israel, My Beloved" is! I read it over 2-3 days - I just could not put it down. I have shared it with all of my "reading buddies" and they all come to the same conclusion. You will never look at the Jewish nation again in the same way after reading this book. The mix of Biblical accounts as well as historical events makes this book stand head and shoulders above the rest. I would love to see Mrs. Arthur write other books along these lines (examples: the stories of Ruth, Esther, and Mary the Mother of Jesus). Someday I would like to meet Mrs. Arthur in person and let her know how very much I enjoyed her book. I am an avid reader. and besides my Bible, Israel my Beloved is truly the best book I have ever read.

Baruch HaShem ! Praise the Name of the Lord. This book gives a deeper understanding of the love of God. Being a Jew (a Jewish believer in Messiah Yeshua -- Jesus) this book touched me deeply. It tells the history of the Jewish people in a unique way. It also speaks of our own human nature. If this book cost 10 times more, it would still be worth every penny. I pray the book blesses you.

whilst reading this book, i have people popping into my mind, who i would love to give this book to.

i am jewish, i studied and accepted yeshua is messiah.

kay arthur has a talent, i feel like jeremiah and daniel have been brought alive to me, i feel the application of scriptures in conversations in this book jump off the page and to the heart.

the unfolding of events in jewish history , i feel i am sharing with the characters as i read.

i cried as i just had not thought deep enough how devastating it was during the times where the romans snatched babies from their mothers.

kay arthur has a gift of communicating biblical and historical events, and she has found a way to write for jewish readers, so they can read about their history and heritage , and also read about Yeshua, factually.

the book is tactfully written, and i feel purposely written not as a witnessing tool, that is not even neccessary .

any one who wants to learn the whole history of israel in a very readable way would love this book, and considering it is a novel, kay arthur has covered so many historical events that it is also a history lesson.you will feel like you are walking the land and walking the life of israel and the plight of the jewish people.

miriam fauth.

I am Jewish, yet I am not very religious. Lately I have been feeling the need to become closer to my religion... keep in mind, I am only 15. I am only half way through "Israel, My Beloved" and I have a greater understanding and sympathy for my heritage. While it is known that we are "the chosen people", sometimes I wonder if we are "the chosen people" to be persecuted all throughout time. I don't think many people understand what we, as a religion, have had to go through. I think this book was written incredibly well, and it portrays the history of Judaism in an awesome way. I wish more people would be open-minded and learn about different religions, rather than persecuting them. I already have a list of people I will be recommending this outstanding book to. Everyone should read "Israel, My Beloved"- it is truely a one of a kind book. A must read!

I found this book almost impossible to put down. It was exciting and well written. However, it is historical fiction, and is based on the history of the nation of Israel. When you take a moment to consider how tragic this history is (the Jewish people have been repeatedly and systematically brutalized throughout the ages), you'll realize that this book is very serious indeed. I found myself feeling very unsettled, and even having nightmares. My advice: buy it, but read it prayerfully.