Title: The Harbinger
Author: Jonathan Cahn
Publisher: Frontline
Date: 2011
Pages: 262

The Harbinger (book review)

This book is a novel that is documentary/fictional story based upon true facts with the author’s belief as to what those events mean. Jonathan Cahn in the story takes a look at what is happening in America and sees the events as warnings or judgements of God against America.

Nouriel, the main character (there are only three characters in the entire story) is mysteriously given an old coin by mail with no message or meaning to it. Later he is met by an unnamed man who helps him uncover the meaning of that coin and is given, one by one, eight other coins to discover their meanings. Each of these coins link America to ancient Israel and Solomon and God’s judgements upon both.

The primary verse that is looked at is Isaiah 9:10. Throughout the story, Jonathan quotes many different presidents, politicians and leaders, in real life, in linking them to what Israel had done and America is currently doing that is bringing upon America God’s judgement. The events begin with 9/11 and lead up to the fall of the stock market in 2008. In the end he is challenged to determine what he must do with what he now knows.

Every quote and event mentioned have footnotes that show a link where it can be verified that they actually occurred. I had checked many of them for verification and also because I did not honestly believe that some of the people had said some of the things that were quoted. All of them were true.

As a believer it will challenge one to think about how he sees things that are occurring and how God’s hand is in those events. This story is not a feel good, happily ever after story, but one that paints a picture of coming doom if no change occurs. After reading this it is very difficult to state that what Jonathan points out is not actually very possible, but extremely probable.

One thing that I was concerned with in this story is that there is no mention of following Jesus, only in following and obeying God. Other than that, I highly recommend reading this book. And as you read it, open your heart to what God may be saying and doing in America.