"--God is my strong refuge,
and has made my way safe.
He made my feet like hinds' feet,
and set me secure on the heights.
He trains my hands for war,
so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze."
The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare is a story of revenge, of fear, of forgiveness, of love. It's a story of overcoming. Daniel and his sister Leah live in Roman-ruled Jerusalem at the time when Jesus lived and taught there. They witness the crucifixion of their father and subsequent death of their mother. The story is their reaction to this terrible event and how they grow and change because of the people they meet afterward.Daniel's reaction is to hate and seek revenge. He joins a rebel group in hopes of overthrowing the Roman soldiers, but eventually learns from Jesus that hate isn't the way. During one teaching moment, Jesus tells about a rich man who came and wanted to follow him. When Jesus told the man to give up his wealth the man went away. Daniel replies that he would give away everything he has, to which Jesus responds, "Riches are not keep you from the kingdom. . .You must give up your hate."
Leah responds with fear and avoidance. She hides in her house and doesn't come out or see anyone. Toward the beginning of the story Daniel is forced to return home and care for Leah. The only person, besides Daniel, she allows in her home is Thacia, the sister of Daniel's rebel friend. Thacia's kindness is one of the things that helps Leah change. After Thacia's first visit Daniel notices the change in his sister's face. She is smiling.
Daniel and Leah are the main characters in the book, but there are others who change and grow. My favorite change is found in the last chapter, but I'd like to leave that for you to discover in your own reading of the book.
