Shantelle's Reviews > The Crimson Cord: Rahab's Story

The Crimson Cord by Jill Eileen Smith is a retelling of the Biblical character, Rahab’s, story. Of her fall into prostitution, the Israelites’ battles, and ultimate redemption. Considering the Bible doesn’t say very much about Rahab, I feel this book was a pretty accurate look at this particular story.

Some of the violence (Old Testament battles) and cruelty (involving Rahab’s profession) were hard to read of, but Jill Eileen Smith managed it all tastefully enough. And she went deep into the matter of the blood sacrifices and such, which was thought-provoking, and much appreciated. It kind of helped you understand everything else that had to happen.

That being said, there were some scenes not appropriate for a younger audience, and also a few scenes of violent (and bloody) happenings.

What a powerful story all in all. I love reading authors’ thoughts on Rahab, because her life is so inspiring. A prostitute (that’s quite “down there”) and a foreigner (that’s a really low position too; if you’ve read the Old Testament, you’ll understand), and yet God choses to place her directly in the lineage of Christ! Talk about grace!

So yeah, you really felt that in The Crimson Cord. Not only for Rahab, but also for Salmon. A great Biblical retelling overall, exploring amazing grace, unholy and holy judgment, and a broken young woman’s journey to God.

I certainly wouldn’t take it as the solid truth… go read the Bible for total accuracy. But I feel Rahab’s story could have perhaps gone something like the tale The Crimson Cord tells.

I received a free copy of The Crimson Cord from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest review.