Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt Stop #18
- It’s such a joy for me to host Mesu Andrews, a woman with a heart as big as her stories—and her stories are BIG! In her latest novel, Of Fire and Lions, Mesu takes the well-known story of Daniel, including the 70-year exile of the Jews to Babylon and Daniel’s time in the lion’s den, and imagines it through the eyes of his lifelong love, Belili. Doesn’t that sound fascinating? Mesu is sharing some amazing research from her novel!
Of Fire and Lions by Mesu Andrews
7 Wonders of Daniel’s World
When I started researching Of Fire and Lions, I was so excited to learn more about the favorite childhood stories of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Little did I know that the historical wonders of Daniel’s world would be almost as amazing as God’s miracles! The phrase Seven Wonders of the World was first coined by Philo of Byzantium in 225 A.D.. Daniel and his friends witnessed one of those wonders and so much more.
Wonder #1
Ishtar Gate
Many believe King Nebuchadnezzar built the Hanging Gardens of Babylon for his wife, Amyitis, who was homesick for her lovely Zagros Mountains.
The six “wonders” below didn’t make the official ancient list, but I found them equally wonder-full.
Wonder #2
Nebuchadnezzar restored the Tower of Babel and called it the Etemenanki. Some believed it was the only place on earth where a rope could stretch from earth to heaven (didn’t work out so well for the folks in Genesis 11).
Wonder #3
The Ishtar Gate was the mammoth entrance to Babylon, nearly fifty feet high and wide enough to turn a chariot around atop it.
Wonder #4
Daniel 4:33 describes Nebuchadnezzar’s transformation into a beast. Did you know Boanthropy is the current-day medical term for this condition?
Wonder #5
Cyrus the Great—the king who ultimately conquered the Medes and Babylonians—may have been Nebuchadnezzar’s nephew—by marriage (his wife’s sister’s son). Gotta watch those in-laws!
Wonder #6
Washington Monument
The “fiery furnace” in Daniel 3:19-23 was likely fashioned similar to 19th-century lime kilns. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego literally fell into it.
Wonder #7
Nebuchadnezzar’s image in Daniel 3:1 is built in 10:1 ratio (90 ft x 9 ft) just like the Washington Monument (555.5 ft x 55.5 ft).
I hope you’re as amazed by the wonders as I was!
Mesu Andrews
MESU ANDREWS is the Christy Award-winning author of Isaiah’s Daughter whose deep understanding of and love for God’s Word brings the biblical world alive for readers. Andrews lives in North Carolina with her husband Roy and enjoys spending time with her growing tribe of grandchildren. Please visit Mesu’s website or visit her on Facebook or Twitter.
Interesting post. Thanks for the giveaway and the chance to win.
Thanks, Emily!
Already a subscriber.
Thank you, Sonnetta! Make sure you enter through the Rafflecopter.
Subscribed
Thanks, Nancy! Make sure you enter through the Rafflecopter.
I just subscribed. Thank you!
Thanks, Perrianne! Make sure you enter through the Rafflecopter.
I already have a copy of The Sky Above Us so I’m not entering, but I just wanted to tell you how cool it is that you found all of this information in your book research! Somehow I missed the part in the Bible about Nebuchadnezzar’s transformation into a beast! I definitely won’t forget it now!
Mesu did an amazing job with this article! Fascinating research.
Thanks, Karen!
Research is my favorite part about writing biblical fiction. I always find such interesting things and often discover some of my minor characters in the historical records. Some pretty interesting folks back then for sure! Thanks for stopping by!
Love the hunt. I also look forward to reading your book. Mesu’s is fantastic. The 7 wonders–Wow!
Thanks for visiting, Lisa!
thanks for the giveaway
Thanks for dropping by!
Look forward to checking out your books
Thank you, Kellie!
Subscribed. Thanks for the giveaway!
Thank you, Kerri!
already subscribed. Thank you
Thank you, Nelda! Make sure you enter the Rafflecopter.
i love to add key ring for the book mark i got form you to give t the libary and they love them
Thanks, Desiree!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE AWESOME GIVEAWAY!
Thanks for dropping by!
These are amazing facts some I knew , but some were new to me. thank you for taking part in this adventure so I could meet you.
Thanks for visiting, Pam!
I am already a subscriber and I entered through the rafflecopter. 🙂
Wonderful! Thank you times two!
I love your books! I can hardly wait to read this one.
Sarah, you always have such fascinating historical facts to share. Your new book looks and sounds so intriguing!
Sarah, I love the keychains! What a great idea! I love your books, too 🙂 They always get put on my wish list as soon as I find out about a new one.
I enjoyed learning about Mesu’s research and the “seven wonders”. I didn’t know most of them but found them interesting.
Looking forward to reading your books !
Love the cover of “Of Fire and Lions.”
Sarah, LOVE your books!
I love Sarah’s books! Thank you for the giveaway
Super interesting stuff right here! ?
I haven’t read any of your books yet, Sarah, but I’d like to. I really enjoy reading about WWII
Hi, Sarah!
I’m glad to see you are taking part in the Scavenger Hunt.
I would love to win a keychain (I collect books and keychains, so it would be a great combination.) 🙂
I love all of your books. I tried to enter on Rafflecopter, but I’m not sure if I did it right.
Love this scavenger hunt.
I have several of your books. I love books about WWII because my dad fought in the war. I hope to win your prize! ?
Love Your books , subscribed and thank you for the chance to win!
Linda Marie
Hey Sarah! You know I LOVE about books! Thanks for introducing Mesu’s background & books.
Thanks for being part of the hunt.
Always on the lookout for new authors. Sign me up for the giveaway please! 🙂