Title: Israel: God’s Covenant People, God’s Promised Land
Author: Graham Coates
Publisher: XlibrisAU
ISBN: 978-1543406054
Pages: 216
Genre: Religion / Religion / History
Reviewed by: Aaron Washington

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Israel: God’s Covenant People, God’s Promised Land is divided into two sections. Section one talks about God’s covenant people and delves into Israel’s homecoming. Author Graham Coates blends religion and history to pass his message across. The book focuses a lot on Israel; her people, their way of life and God’s relationship with the Israelites. The book paints Israel as a nation loved by God, and despite the many historical injustices, the people are assured that God is with them and will always take care of their needs.

Israel is a good read for folks who love literature with a touch of religion. The author quotes Bible verses after every few paragraphs. This serves perhaps as a personal style of conveying his message, and having the readers assured and comforted. The Bible is a valuable book for Christians, and a lot of people seek comfort in Bible verses when faced with life’s difficulties. By quoting Bible verses, the author is able to prove to the reader that the texts in the book have a basis and meaning.

Graham Coates mentioned a number of personalities in the Bible including, Paul, Ezekiel, Joel, and Zachariah. With examples, he interprets bits of the Bible and their connection in today’s world. For Christian readers, this book induces the feeling of going through the Bible; just with extra explanations and a unique individual narration. It is no doubt the bond the author has with Israel is strong. “Why care about Israel? Why love Israel?” reads a part of God’s Covenant People, God’s Promised Land. The answer given is simple. “Because God cared for and loved Israel.” As you flip the pages, you come across more Bible verses which link his message about Israel.

One thing constant throughout the book is the message of love. I adore Graham Coates’ emphasis on the need to love. Through the narrations, one is able to see how spreading love instead of hate will do humanity good. There is no greater deed in this world other than love. Love your neighbor as you love yourself, as it is the same God who created everyone.

This book insinuates that history was unfair to the Jews. Modern-day churches are also accused of being anti-Semitic in the past, and thus causing Jews a lot of suffering and discrimination. Through such stories, the reader is informed about some stories which perhaps they were not previously aware of. The persecution of Jews is immensely mentioned and one can’t help but feel guilty on behalf of the perpetrators.

This book is a great read for not only religious folks but also history lovers. The author sheds light on the plight of Israel. Some of the content contained in this book is not found in the mainstream media, as sometimes the media misinforms the masses and fails to be factual in their reporting. Graham Coates excellently expounded on some hidden facts about anti-Semitism and the Israel nation.

Israel: God’s Covenant People, God’s Promised Land is an easy read. You don’t have to be into theology to find the author’s words fascinating. After reading through the pages, one thing stuck with me; the message of love. Of what importance is hate in the world? The book made me realize the absence of love leads to a lot of complexities.