Priest

The Tales of Benaiah, Book One

By: Jared Dodd

Narrated by: Adriel Brandt

Length: 7 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

The throne of Israel is in peril. A band of outlaws have pledged their allegiance to King Saul's son-in-law, David. Living in caves and deserts, the men of David try to keep hidden from the ever-vengeful wrath of their king. Meanwhile, in the small village of Kabzeel, Benaiah the priest lives peacefully with his wife and child. Against his wishes, providence continues to place Benaiah in the middle of Saul and David's battle. Rumors begin to spread that David has been chosen by God. Benaiah is told that he must pick a side. But whose side will he choose?

©2018 Jared Dodd (P)2023 Jared Dodd

Very Well Written

This is the first book I've ever read by Jared Dodd. By the third chapter, I'd purchased the 2nd in this series. Adriel's narration is very good, but it's kind of humorous/interesting simply because of the English vs Scotts-Irish accents used which implies a connection to the historical battles from medieval times to the present between those same groups...neither of which have ANY connection to the real Biblical characters or the story. Biblical accuracy by the author is spectacular!! BenaiYAH is one of my all time favorites among David's mighty men. Priest, warrior, husband, father...a great model for men of any generation. I believe ALL Branches of Special Forces in the military have their roots firmly planted in David's 33 mighty men.

Very well written!!

One critique...less usage of the word "upon" would be appreciated. Lots of action, clear line of historical detail and chronology. Would really love to have a story about Uriah, told from Uriah's point of view by Dodd, especially because his version of Bathsheba loves her husband and has a genuine skill in healing. Herbs she would have used, ways Uriah and others would have been bandaged, healing soup ingredients specific to that area of the world would provide great details that could spice up the story of how they met and married. Most authors make Bathsheba sound like a brainless ninny who only knew how to use her feminine wiles, yet she became a favorite of Nathan the Prophet, named a child after him and oversaw the crowning of her son Solomon on his wedding day surrounded by 60 mighty men (Song of Sol 3:6-11 and 1Kings1:11-39). Dodd is the first I've read where "genuine" respect for Bathsheba is displayed BEFORE she became David's queen. There are stories written about her, but the wisdom she displays as queen is usually attributed to her being guided or taught by Abigail or another wife or simply that she was a grasping harem wife with little wisdom at all...nor is her relationship with Nathan usually a factor. Yet Scripture clearly shows that there was mutual respect between them. Luke3:31 declares Maschiach's lineage goes through David's son Nathan (Solomon's brother).