King David: A Biography (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780195147087)

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."

Author: Steven L. McKenzie
ISBN-10: 0195147081
ISBN-13: 9780195147087
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Language: English
Published: 01/17/2002
Pages: 256
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.81lbs
Size: 9.20h x 6.08w x 0.68d

Review Citation(s):
New York Times 12/23/2001 pg. 16