©2007, The Banner of Truth Trust, 294 pp. in hardback

In God’s wisdom much of I Samuel, all of II Samuel, and the first two chapters of Kings are devoted to David’s life. Additionally, more than one-half of I Chronicles centers on this important king. God has much to teach His people by a study of David’s faithfulness and his folly.

The author has written a very pastoral, practical study of David’s life. He begins with Samuel’s journey to anoint David as king. In thirty-five chapters he takes us through David’s life to his death bed. Chantry not only opens up David’s life, he also makes apt applications that focus on the reader’s heart.

We see God’s providence and protection of David as hardened Saul attempts to end David’s life by attacks in the palace and fruitless searches in mountainous terrain. The future king also has to deal with his own temperament, provide safety for his parents, and control his men when Saul was an easy prey. As in his battle with Goliath, in the face of these trials he realizes anew that the battle is the Lord’s.

Ascending Israel’s throne after Saul’s death was a seven year process in which patience and diplomacy was essential. As those acquainted with David’s life know his years as king were time of growth as well as failure. In fact, as he lies on his death bed the elderly king has to face a dire threat to his throne from a rebellious son.

This is a book that we can read with much profit today. David desired to serve the Lord with all his heart. Yet, like us, he, many times, made foolish decisions that led to dire consequences. Those decisions and consequences drove him right back to the Lord. It is this path that we need to tread time and again through prayer in our own day. Thus this book can be a real encouragement to us.

David lived in unsettling times with various upheavals roaring through the land. David’s battles were bigger than himself as are ours. Salvation was in neither politics nor flight from trial. Then, as now, the battle is the Lord’s and we are to actively walk in light of this fact.

For David the battle against sin and facing problems did not end until his death. This is a fact that continues today in our lives. Our duty is not to be apathetic but to seek to advance the Gospel through a godly life in word, deed, and thought.

At appropriate places the author refers the reader to various psalms David wrote. He also addresses difficult passages such as II Samuel 21:1-14.  Individuals can read this book with much profit. It is also a good resource for someone who wants to teach on the life of David in a Sunday School or home Bible study setting.

Review ©2009 Byron Snapp, Hampton, Virginia