Noble (King David’s Brides)
The second in Andrews’ series about the wives of King David, this entry presents the story of Maakah of Geshur, who has been promised in marriage to the man who will be the next king of Israel. Daughter of a king, spirited, lively and unafraid of speaking her mind, Princess Maakah is at first displeased with David ben Jesse, whom she considers a lowly and uncouth shepherd. His strictness concerning the laws of Yahweh and his insistence that she give up her gods before they can marry, only make her more determined to escape the fate of being another of his wives. But as she becomes better acquainted with David and his wives, is taken into the family, and gradually accepts that Yahweh is the one true God, she realizes her duty is to help David become a “noble” king.
Although the narrative moves at times with a snail-like pace, author Andrews does a credible job of fleshing out her biblical characters: the unwilling Maakah, whose new-found faith and love for David become the foundation for her true destiny in Israel; David, who struggles with being both a righteous and just king and beloved by his people; and Abigail and Ahinoam, who must accept that it is part of Yahweh’s plan that their husband must take yet another wife. Andrews masterfully weaves an involving story of these characters living in turmoil, firmly setting them into the historical period in which they lived, with all its violence, intrigue, and political upheaval. For those readers who enjoy Biblical fiction.
