King David

The Real Life of the Man Who Ruled Israel

By: Jonathan Kirsch

Narrated by: Jonathan Kirsch

David, King of the Jews, possessed every flaw and failing a mortal is capable of, yet men and women adored him and God showered him with many more blessings than he did Abraham or Moses. His sexual appetite and prowess were matched only by his violence, both on the battlefield and in the bedroom.

A charismatic leader, exalted as "a man after God's own heart," he was also capable of deep cunning, deceit, and betrayal. Now, in King David: The Real Life of the Man Who Ruled Israel, best-selling author Jonathan Kirsch reveals this commanding individual in all his glory and fallibility. In a taut, dramatic narrative, Kirsch brings new depth and psychological complexity to the familiar events of David's life - his slaying of the giant Goliath and his swift challenge to the weak rule of Saul, the first Jewish king; his tragic relationship with Saul's son Jonathan, David's cherished friend (and possibly lover); his celebrated reign in Jerusalem, where his dynasty would hold sway for generations.

Yet for all his greatness, David was also a man in thrall to his passions - a voracious lover who secured the favors of his beautiful mistress Bathsheba by secretly arranging the death of her innocent husband; a merciless warrior who triumphed through cruelty; a troubled father who failed to protect his daughter from rape and whose beloved son Absalom rose against him in armed insurrection. Weaving together biblical texts with centuries of interpretation and commentary, Jonathan Kirsch brings King David to life in these pages with extraordinary freshness, intimacy, and vividness of detail.

At the center of this inspiring narrative stands a hero of flesh and blood - not the cartoon giant-slayer of sermons and Sunday school stories or the immaculate ruler of legend and art but a magnetic, disturbingly familiar man - a man as vibrant and compelling today as he has been for millennia.

©2000 Jonathan Kirsch (P)2000 Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Both educates and entertains." (Publishers Weekly)

"[A] splendid biography....An eminently readable account of perhaps the best-known and most popular of all biblical heroes." (Los Angeles Times)

Don't expect a Sunday School lesson

This book is written by a Bible scholar, not a Sunday School teacher, so you will be treated to a very scholarly look at King David, not a sermon from a limited perspective and religious agenda. If you enjoy a historical perspective on David, then you will enjoy this book. If you are looking to bolster your preconceived ideas about who he was from a religious perspective, you will probably not enjoy it. No matter who you are, though, if you enter this with a desire for facts - you will enjoy learning some things you never knew or even considered about one of the most famous men in the Hebrew Scriptures. He was as flawed as they come and nobody can deny that. If he had not been flawed, he would probably not be such an iconic character today.

Interesting listen

The life of David is intriguing, but the book almost made it seem over-sensationalized. I did not like the book because the author seemed biased. There was too much conjecture. This is probably worth the listen, but maybe pick up another book to get a more balanced perspective.

More of a commentary, but a great commentary

It focused primarily on the biblical narrative, and peppered in archaeological, theological, and literary info.

Paints a good picture.

Overall I like the picture you paint. It's very descriptive and you give me ideas. However, you fall into the trap of many other people. 1 I heard you say the conquest happened in Judges, giving me the impression you don't accept the conquest of Joshua. Also, God never makes mistakes. Israel asked for a king he gave them one. Then he sat back and pulled the strings to put David on the throne and birth his whole line all the way to Jesus. Other than that I enjoyed it.

Well done

Kirsch provides information that is often lost on casual readers of The Bible.

Fascinating work that leads to more readings.

Intriguing History of David

I found this audiobook fascinating because of its in-depth review of David using various translations of the Old Testament with clarifying information from other religious sources. The best part of this book was its comprehensive look at David's life using the whole scriptural record rather than just focusing on the children's stories shared in Sunday School. It is a scholarly treatise so it will offend listeners who struggle when beloved religious figures are portrayed as mortal, with faults and sinful behavior. The scripture by scripture detail, with additional perspective provided by scholarly research, highlights the society and perspective of the time. The politics involved are fascinating and the book, overall, is quite engaging - when taken from the academic perspective in which it is written. The narration is well done with a reader who has a fine timbre of voice.

Interesting

Starts off pretty slow but really starts building good momentum. Very informative. The only complaint I have is that the author (who also reads) is constantly sighting his sources mid-narrative. Slightly annoying. But a great historical "read"

A great story told well. A terrific job by Kirsch.

A great story told well. A terrific job by Kirsch. From the writing, to the reading, to the intrigue generated, the old story of David become alive again.

Negative

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

agnostic

What could Jonathan Kirsch have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

be less jaded and pre-judgemental

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

I thought it was an attempt to discredit the biblical texts and authorship. It focused on and magnified the negative aspects of King David, his life and legacy.

I should have looked at the reviews first.

5 stars from the non christians, 1 star from the christians... I tried to push through it just to hear another take on the character, but you win buddy. I wish you would have been a little more factual in the "real" story of David. and I might have finished it had it not been so insulting to those with faith. I got past the line about God having multiple personality disorder, because we refer to him at 3 in 1. but the line about God being whiny was when I decided that everyone is entitled to their opinion, although I'm normally open to hearing what others believe, I don't to be have my beloved insulted to do so.