Jerusalem the City of God

by Ellen Gunderson Traylor

A city so sacred, it forever captures our imagination! This is the sweeping saga of generations who have lived in the shadow of its walls - their loves, losses, hopes, glories. Abraham, Isaac, David, Bathsheba, Jesus. Invaders, Crusaders...the dispersed people of Israel returning at last to their beloved homeland. And amid the remarkable human drama, the hand of One who calls the city his own.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Biblical Fiction, Christian Fiction

631 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1995

About the author

Ellen Gunderson Traylor, "America's Foremost Biblical Novelist," is a gifted storyteller who brings characters of the Bible to life. Her many bestselling novels have sold about a million copies in English, with numerous foreign translations.

In addition to writing bestselling novels, Traylor has been a magazine/newspaper columnist and correspondent. An award-winning feature writer, Traylor has written screenplays and political speeches, and was a contributing writer and researcher for the Tyndale Family Bible Encyclopedia project.

Reviews

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book regarding the history of Jerusalem. I didn't agree with everything but enjoyed the stories which are woven into a complete whole. The book begins with the time of Melchizedek and on to the time of the Judges. The era of King David is discussed great length. Solomon, Jeremiah, and King Herod are brought to life. The Messiah is introduced and the book concludes with the Crusades and finally the creation of the modern Jewish nation. This was a book worth reading.

[Betty Welch]

This was a history of Jerusalem, however, there is one thing that is very concerning. The author said Melchizedek was a descendent of Ham, yet the Bible makes it very clear that he was without genealogy:

“Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God he remains a priest forever.” (Hebrews 7:3)

Unfortunately, an error such as this impacts the author’s credibility in a negative manner.

[Maryellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book, and loved the subject and content. Unfortunately have found out that the 2nd part which was supposed to be published by elm Hill has never materialized. It is like reading half a book. Also the editing in the book is very poor, many typos, misspelings etc. i am hoping to obtain the original book written by Ellen Traynor at some point and finish it. i happen to really enjoy historical novels and this is a good example. Too bad about the poor quality.

[Darrel Drumm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good but the second half of the book wasn't included in my purchase for some reason.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I started this one and I liked the idea, but there was way too much speculation that could really alter the meaning of certain Bible passages and I decided to quit.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. It was my first book by this author, and now I want to read them all!! I am really enamored of biblical fiction as a genre, and this book was a fantastic first read from this author.

My one complaint about this is book is that it is written as a series of short stories. I got so enmeshed in the story of each character, and then that section would end. It was a jolt each time, and I felt destroyed the continuity of the book. In fact, as a result, I did not finish the very last section for just that reason. I could not quickly identify with the characters in that section and put it down.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thousands of years of history skillfully done.

[Arlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book but so many typos.

[Michelle Vlastnik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. It was well written and keeps you reading rather than stalling out and not finishing the book. The information within the pages give you the drive to read more of her books. Which I am.

[Will · Rating 1 out of 5]

Haven't read it. Based my rating on a friend's...

[Catriona McKeown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. This and Song of Abraham would be my favourite of Ellen's novels I've read.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parts of this book were interesting, but many sections were dull and dry. It bothered me that a Christian author and publishing company would use BCE and CE instead of BC and AD. The city of Jerusalem has a remarkable history, and the sections covering the reign of David, the time of Christ, and the birth of Israel as a nation after WWII were well done. It was just OK for me.