The Scroll by G. R. Jeffrey and A. L. Gasnky, Book review

Publisher: WaterBrook Press (September 6, 2011)

ISBN-13: 978-0307729262

Synopsis:

One last dig.  One final descent into the twisted tunnels of ancient Jerusalem.  Will the truth be found among the treasures that lie beneath the holy city?

Dr. David Chambers, leading archaeologist, has spent his professional career uncovering the facts in the artifacts. His work sets the standard for biblical research in the Holy Land. But surrounded by the evidence, David has sunk into an abyss of doubt. A painful experience with a seemingly unresponsive God has left him without hope.  The Old Testament scriptures that used to fi ll his mind with wonder now drive him to frustration. His unanswered questions have ripped him from both his academic pursuits and the love of his life, his fiancée, Amber.

An old friend and mentor reaches out to David, enticing him with the riches described in the enigmatic Copper Scroll. Losing ground with his peers, his love, and his faith, David Chambers has a choice to make. Will he undertake one final dig to unlock a secret that could alter the course of history? Do the mysteries of the Old Testament hold the key to the political turmoil of the Middle East?

In a world where faith has been eclipsed by the allure of doubt, The Scroll offers a different journey: a gripping adventure to find truth worth dying for.

(The Copper Scroll - 3Q15 - Source HERE)



"In the fortress which is in the Vale of Achor, forty cubits under the steps entering to the east: a money chest and it [sic] contents, of a weight of seventeen talents." So begins the first column of the Copper Scroll, one of the most intriguing, and baffling, scrolls to be found among the collection known as the Dead Sea Scrolls. Sounding like something out of an Indiana Jones movie, the text of the Copper Scroll (3Q15) describes vast amounts of buried treasure.
It was found in 1952 in Cave 3 at Khirbet Qumran on the shores of the Dead Sea, one of the few scrolls to be discovered in the place where it had lain for nearly 2,000 years..."
 

Here are my thoughts:

It will not come as a surprise that the subject alone of this fictional narrative hooked me very quickly! History has a way to grab your attention, particularly these days with the new and extensive methods archaeologists uses in lands we know still to be rich in artifacts. 
Since these areas are also often in countries rifled with conflicts, I pray we can expend our discoveries before humanity destroys these rich finds!

Back to 'The Scroll'! In his duties as leading archaeologist Dr. David Chambers uses his extensive Biblical knowledge as well as modern science to uncover facts in artifacts. In his private life however his decidedly lack of faith following a painful experience leaves him struggling. 
Lured by Abram Ben-Judah his old mentor to participate in one more dig, David returns to  Jerusalem and finds himself facing new and old demons.
 
Featuring mesmerizing details of actual artifacts including the Copper Scroll known as 3Q15, found in 1952 in the caves of Qumrun along the west side of the Dead Sea, 'The Scroll' clearly shows the authors' extensive knowledge of the Middle East, its customs and the area's delicate balance betwixt multi faith and volatile politics. Entertaining with well developed characters it also includes solid christian values.

There is a clear twist in the arresting plot line as both authors grabs your attention with The Scroll's prologue in 2012, only to end with its epilogue in the Spring 2015! 
 
Let me end by saying The Dead Sea Scrolls have captured the imagination of scholars, archaeologists and scientists all over the world for decades so when the narrative gives you the opportunity to imagine 'what if' or shall we say 'when' the Temple is rebuilt, take a moment to immerse yourself in the splendor of this very possibility in the near future and its possible repercussions. 

In my opinion 5 Stars!

Meet the Authors:

GRANT R. JEFFREY is an internationally respected Bible teacher of prophecy/eschatology as well as biblical archaeology. Jeffrey's more than two dozen books have sold millions of copies and have been translated into more than twenty languages. 

ALTON L. GANSKY has written or collaborated on more than thirty novels and nine nonfiction works. He has been a Christy Award finalist for A Ship Possessed and an Angel Award winner for Terminal Justice.

Note to Readers: You know the drill...unless stated otherwise, reviews are not requested and provide only my opinion!