In 2000, I self-published my novel, The Brotherhood of the Scroll. The novel begins in 605 BC, when the Prophet Jeremiah prophesied that Jerusalem would be carried into Babylonian captivity for 70 years. In that same year, Babylon defeated Egypt at the Battle of Carchemish, Nebuchadnezzar became King of Babylon, and within a year, carried the first of three groups of Jews into exile. Among that first group of exiles was a teenager named Daniel. Along with another future prophet of Judah, Ezekiel, these two teenagers would have known, and quite possibly been disciples of, a middle-aged Jeremiah. Using the novel to introduce people to the Old Testament in the Bible, it also appeals to those who enjoy a spy novel with multiple subplots. The only difference between the geopolitical competition between the United States and the Soviet Union of the Twentieth Century and the struggles between Babylon and Egypt circa 600 BC is technology. Take that away, and the human elements of spies, war, international plots, and romance remain. I use the historical fact of a canal Egypt was building near where the Suez Canal is today to create an international political crisis. I even use an ancient Hebrew “secret code” known as Athbash for the spy, Troas, to send secret messages with.

I’ve decided to start publishing it as a Blog. So, twice each week, I’ll unwind the novel as a serial publication. Here on Facebook, we can open the conversations up to more people where it's not just about what I (David Lantz, the Author), think - but about what others who want to share the truth of God's word have to say.

So, through this Face Book Group, I see this as a way to spark conversations about the Old Testament, and how we can relate what happened in ancient times to life, culture, politics and making a difference in our world today.

I hope you'll consider joining us. Be sure to subscribe to the RSS feed, “Wise Jargon Notes” at http://www.feedblitz.com/f/?sub=394100 so you’ll know whenever the latest episode is out. (read less)

In 2000, I self-published my novel, The Brotherhood of the Scroll. The novel begins in 605 BC, when the Prophet Jeremiah prophesied that Jerusalem would be carried into Babylonian captivity for 70 years. In that same year, Babylon defeated Egypt at the Battle of Carchemish, Nebuchadnezzar became King of Babylon, and within a year, carried the first of three groups of Jews into exile. Among that first group of exiles was a teenager named Daniel. Along with another future prophet of Judah,... (read more)