King David

A Biography

By: Steven L. McKenzie

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Paperback | 1 January 2002

At a Glance

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256 Pages

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23.39 x 15.6 x 1.37

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Through a close and critical reading of biblical texts, ancient history, and recent archeological discoveries, Steven L. McKenzie concludes that David was indeed a real person. This David was not the humble shepherd who slew Goliath and became king, however, but was a usurper, adulterer, and murderer--a Middle Eastern despot of a familiar type. McKenzie shows that the story of humble beginnings is utterly misleading: "shepherd" is a metaphor for "king," and David came from a wealthy, upper-class background. Similarly, McKenzie reveals how David's ascent to power, traditionally attributed to popularity and divine blessing, in fact resulted from a campaign of terror and assassination. While instituting a full-blown Middle Eastern monarchy, David was an aggressive leader, a devious politician, and a ruthless war chief. Throughout his scandalous reign, important figures who stood in his way died at convenient times, under questionable circumstances. Even his own sons were not spared.
David's story, writes McKenzie, "reads like a modern soap opera, with plenty of sex, violence, and struggles for power."

Industry Reviews

"McKenzie is little short of brilliant."--The New York Times Book Review "A provocative look at a complex biblical figure....McKenzie uses biblical texts and recent archaeological discoveries to paint a searing portrait of the 'real' King David."--The Sunday Star-Ledger "[A] remarkable book...McKenzie brings to bear all the analytical tools of the modern historian....We see a darker and more realistic David and a more troubling biblical history....McKenzie's portrait of David is both convincing and disturbing."--Bible Review

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Acknowledgments
Maps
Introduction: Images: The Need for a Biography of David	p. 1
Was There a King David? Extrabiblical Sources	p. 9
Royal Propaganda: The Bible's Account of David's Life	p. 25
Was David a Shepherd? David's Origins and Youth	p. 47
Who Killed Whom? The Goliath Story and David's Career as a Soldier in Saul's Army	p. 69
Holy Terrorist: David and His Outlaw Band	p. 89
Assassin: David's Reign as King of Judah	p. 111
The Cost of Kingship: The Policies and Changes of David's Administration	p. 129
Like Father, Like Son: The Bathsheba Affair and Absalom's Revolt	p. 153
Poetic Justice: The Last Days of King David	p. 175
Finished Portrait: A Synopsis	p. 185
Notes	p. 191
Bibliography	p. 211
Index	p. 231
Table of Contents provided by Blackwell. All Rights Reserved.

King David

A Biography

At a Glance

Paperback

Industry Reviews

Shipping

How to return your order

Defective items

You Can Find This Book In

Other Editions and Formats

Hardcover

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