The Life and Witness of David
- Biblical Studies & Commentaries
- Publisher: Cascade Books (Wipf and Stock)
- Published: 2020
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Publisher's Description
The Life and Witness of David introduces the general reader to the remarkable career of David son of Jesse. This man streaked across the skies like a meteor and could rightly be called a Hebrew superstar. The stories about him are among the most beloved and captivating in Scripture. The author distills this amazing story in thirteen chapters and adds a fourteenth to sum up David's legacy in history, liturgy, and worship. David transformed the land of Israel from an insignificant federation of tribes into a Middle Eastern power, an extraordinary feat unparalleled in Israel's history. His importance, however, lies less in his military and political accomplishments than in his spiritual and theological contributions. In his action-packed life and in the book of Psalms, David, the man after God's own heart, speaks through the Spirit of God to our hearts in all the vicissitudes of life. At numerous points, the author draws attention to moments in David's story that reecho in the pages of the NT. David's story prefigures the story of David's greater son, Jesus, Son of God. The typological links connecting David and Christ in redemptive history are a key emphasis in this book.
Endorsements (3)
“It is for sure that the narrative of David is a gift that keeps on giving. Larry Helyer has now added to our rich corpus on David a quite accessible study. Two markings of his book merit notice. First, Helyer has an exquisite sense of narrative and so can render each moment of the David narrative in a fresh way. Second, Helyer does not flinch from the theological claim that he finds pervasive in the text, and is able to trace the providential resolve of God through the narrative. This book is of special interest as we watch this agile reader weave together these two accents. The book shows the way in which the David story keeps giving to us.”
“In his expert retelling of the story of David, Larry Helyer helps us experience something of the drama that enveloped the greatest of the Israelite kings. In doing so, we see that the story is not quite as familiar as we might first think. In measure, David was both the very best and very worst of what a life can be. Throughout, Helyer asks, ‘So what does it mean to be a person after God’s own heart?’”
“Larry Helyer’s most recent book about the intriguing story of David goes beyond giving us the usual selected highlights about the shepherd boy who became a successful king. . . . The book clearly articulates the breadth and impact of David’s legacy, accomplishments, and flaws, as a king, poet/musician, and as a practical theologian reflecting his abiding love for God, no matter what.”
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