Prince Jonathan: A Witness of Loyalty to David and Love for His GOD!!

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	• The Prince: Jonathan (Sons of Encouragement Series #3) Francine Rivers Tyndale House Publishers, 2005 - 256 pages average customer review:based on 14 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

meaningful read

Another very insightful book! I am so grateful that Francine takes the time to research the not-so-well-know-about characters and is able to present her readers with a deep perspective of what it must have been like for them to live in the time that they did. This is a book worth reading just to find out more about Jonathan's life and trials as well as how God worked in ways that may not be so clear in scripture.

great read

Book #3 in Francine River's Sons of Encouragement series, The Prince is the retelling of the life of Jonathan, son of Saul, first king of Israel. While most church-goers are familiar with the story, Francine has taken a look at this historical character in an eye-opening new light.
Jonathan, lover of God's law, for years is torn between honoring his crazed father and supporting his cherished friendship with David, the man prophesied to take Saul's place on the throne. This beautiful friendship between brothers in spirit as well as by law is brought real throughout the pages of this short, yet captivating book.
As Saul relentlessly pursues his imagined enemy David, Jonathan remains faithful to the Lord and his people, all the while on pins and needles for his friend's safety. He begs his father to see reason, to turn to God, to be forgiven.
Continually in the difficult position of having to choose loyalties, the Prince of Israel shines to the glory of his Father, the King of all eternity. I encourage you to pick this book up for a clearer understanding of the emotional struggles that we often forget these Biblical characters faced.
However, Francine does not leave the reader with her insights alone. The "Seek and Find" segment located at the end of the book, draws you into God's word to study the portion of Scripture relating the life of Jonathan. Poignant questions force the reader to discover truths about Scripture as well as himself. "The Prince" is not only entertaining. If used as a devotional, it can be a tool to mold the reader more perfectly into God's plan.

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Fun way to learn about our roots.

I just finished this book and thought I would relay the things I learned.

1) Saul was freaking bipolar. I feel sorry that Jonathan had to deal with a dad like that.
2) As the head of household, Saul is supposed to set a biblical example for his family, and to bring blessing on his family. Instead, he broke the Law many many times and therefore suffered God's wrath. (This is pre-Jesus, remember. Now, our actions don't determine if we're blessed or not. The New Testament is all about grace.) Just shows the importance of the head of the house (father) obeying God. I thank God that Aaron is a man who follows Him.
3) Hardened hearts are the hardest hearts to repair. Saul knew the Law, but knowingly disobeyed. I was at a point where my heart was hardened, and so I understand how hard it seems to repent and come back to living a life for God.

So, I give the book 4 out of 5 stars. It was good in the respect that Rivers followed the biblical account very closely, but it doesn't get five because it wasn't amazing. But that's okay. I liked it anyway. I think the main purpose of the series (Sons of Encouragement) is to educate using historical fiction. It works for me because sometimes reading the Old Testament can get, dare I say, boring.

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Back on Track!

In my review of the first book in this series by Francine Rivers, The Priest, I mentioned that I did not feel the book met the high bar Rivers has set for herself and hoped that other books in the series would show a return to her usual form. I have to say this book, THE PRINCE, is definitely a return to what I've grown to expect from this magnificent writer. The book is derived from the books of Samuel.

This book follows the life of Jonathan, son of Saul, friend of David. Although much of the story is told from Jonathan's viewpoint, this is a masterful chronicle of Saul's transgression from humble farmer to a hostile king consumed by his jealousy of David. Jonathan is accurately portrayed here as a man dedicated to The Law and we also see the beginnings of David's first transgression from God's path.

As we've come to expect, the battle scenes such as David's defeat of Goliath, are portrayed in exacting detail that will place the reader's minds' eye at the scene. And at only 200 pages, this novella is a very easy and fast read. That, however, is what I consider to be the books only short coming. It could have easily been a larger volume and gone into greater detail. For example, I would have liked to have seen Jonathan's wife, Rachel, developed further and given a larger role here.

But all in all, this is exactly what readers have come to expect from this gifted writer. Jonathan's story is certainly a treasure for us all, not just for his fierceness in defeating the Philistines, but more so for this constant dedication and unwavering devotion to God's Law.

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Prince Jonathan: A Witness of Loyalty to David and Love for His GOD!!

I thouroughly enjoyed this book. The writer stayed true to the person of Jonathan son of Saul and to the Scripture narrative.

reviews: 1, page 2, 3

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