Title: The Scroll
Author: Grant R. Jeffrey and Alton L. Ganksy
Publisher: WaterBrook Press
Book Description
One last dig. One final descent into the twisted tunnels of ancient Jerusalem. Will the truth be fund 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 fill 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.
Review
A biblical archaeologist who lost his faith is drawn into one last expedition in Israel, but what he presumes to be a simple dig turns out to be a life-threatening, world-changing adventure.
David Chambers has decided to leave biblical archaeology behind since he has lost the faith that drove his pursuit of the discipline. A phone call from his good friend and mentor, Professor Ben-Judah, convinces him to undertake one last expedition in Israel. This expedition promises to be unlike any other, since he’ll be following the clues provided in the Copper Scroll. Although the project is cloaked in secrecy from the beginning, David can’t help but be intrigued by Ben-Judah’s insistence that they can find the treasures listed in the Copper Scroll. To David’s irritation, he learns that the two archaeologists he will be working with are his ex-fiancée Amber Rodgers and his nemesis Nuri Aumann. While the inclusion of these two people from David’s past adds plenty of tension to the story, it is never explained why David and Nuri hate each other. They just appear to be arch rivals for no specific reason. The reason David’s relationship with Amber ended is explained and remains a constant source of tension between them.
For anyone with even a passing curiosity for biblical archaeology, this book provides plenty of historical background, discussion of archaeological finds, explanations of techniques, and biblical references for several of the items listed on the Copper Scroll. While fascinating information, at times it slows down what is otherwise an exciting, suspenseful story. Despite the slow moments, however, the danger faced by the archaeological expedition, the growth of the characters, and the dry humor inserted here and there all combine to make The Scroll a great read.
The West Corner Reviews 