Bathsheba by James R. Shott. 1 B: Old Testament. James R. Shott, our pianist Esther’s husband, was a minister and a writer (they are also Shirley Steinke’s parents). Shirley very kindly gave our library her father’s interesting book series called People of the Promise, in which he relates the lives of Old Testament figures: Abigail, Joseph, Leah, Hagar, Esau, Othniel, and Deborah. I chose to read his book about Bathsheba. These biographies relate the life stories of these people and show more help us understand their importance in religious history. What I really liked was how Pastor Shott brought to life these people, their struggles, triumphs, worries, and very human natures. He also describes the landscapes, buildings and rulers of their times. Their motivations and feelings drive the stories which helps these early Hebrews come to life.
The bible often takes chapter after chapter to relate the story of just one character like David, for example, and for me, sometimes the stories are complex, obscure, and do not explain the spirit of the times, who was ruling, when and where the person lived, their surroundings, kin, and so on.
That is where these books come in very handy. Here we learn how Bathsheba’s bath on her roof at midnight attracted the guy next door, King David! Eventually Bathsheba became David’s wife, living in his palace of stone and fragrant cedar from Lebanon. The story goes on to introduce David’s many sons, including Bathsheba and David’s son Solomon who eventually inherited the throne.
If you enjoy easy to read, clear, concise books with plenty of human interest, give this series a try. They are great for adults and also teens. Thank you so much to Shirley and Esther for this set. show less

Jul 18, 2021