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Editorial Reviews
David was a man after God's own heart…
What does it mean to be someone after God's own heart? David, Old Testament shepherd, king, and psalmist, offers an answer in the shape of his own life.
In many ways he was a most extraordinary man--intelligent, handsome, abundantly gifted as a poet, musician, warrior, and administrator. Yet in other ways he was a most ordinary man--often gripped by destructive passion, rocked by family chaos and personal tragedy, and motivated by political expediency. How did David become the national hero of God's chosen people? Why is he the one character in the Bible described as a man after God's own heart? Chuck Swindoll explores the many facets of David--from his teenaged years and dysfunctional family life to his overwhelming passion for God.
David's life offers hope to all of us. It shows how devotion doesn't mean perfection--that God loves us in spite of our weaknesses, and can do extraordinary things through ordinary men and women. David offers an insightful and timeless perspective on what it means to be truly spiritual, to become like David--men and women after God's own heart.
David is the first of a multi-volume series exploring Great Lives from the Bible and mining them for the qualities that made them great. Chuck Swindoll wants to show us that these great men and women were not great in and of themselves--in fact most of them were humble and ordinary as you and I. They became great when they placed themselves at the Lord's disposal, allowing Him to develop within them the marks of true character: humility, purity, authenticity, and integrity. To live a life God considers great is within the reach of everyone who submits to Him.
Related Reviews
Mr. Swindoll gives you a complete account of David's life. Not only does he accurately depict the greatness of David, the anointing by Samuel, the victory over Goliath, and the courage of Daivd, but he also vividly portrays the human side of greatness. That is the fleshly side. For so long we have to come to highly esteem our Biblical brothers and sisters just for the good side and great accomplishments. Mr. Swindoll takes you into every aspect of David' s human side (David's sin and faults). He expounds on David's lack of discipline toward his children, his inability to provide a functional home, his quick temper with Nabal the husband of Abigail, his issues with Bathsheba that we all know about along with his murderous plot of Uriah, his pride in numbering the people of God, and the rashness (quick judgment) of his counsel as when he was instructed by the Prophet Nathan to build God a house. This was not God's will for David but he was instructed as so. I don't want to dwell on the negatives, I just want to commend Dr. Swindoll for covering the whole aspect of the life of David and not just the good. Every human being, even Bible great ones as David, have two sides. We ought to learn from both. Take the good side of the great ones and model it. Then take the faulty human side in order to learn how not to make the same mistakes. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Romans 15:4. I commend Dr. Swindoll for doing a wonderful job of covering every side of the life of David. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking to take the lives of the Bible Patriots as a modeling tool and as a studying tool. This book was recommended to me by a friend. and I do the same to any interested party
Excellent Book About a Great and Flawed King!
Consistent with Swindoll's writing style, the reader sees the character as described by the Bible - both good and bad.
While David was Israel's greatest king, he also committed grevious sins that adversely impacted those around him. Even so, he was described as " a man after God's heart".
Some of the excellent points Swindoll covers in his book include:
1. God can use our talents and use them for His glory.
2. Do not fight battles in your own strength! Rely on the
Lord and His timing and methods.
3. How our bad decisions affect others.
4. God cares about the details of your life - the better you
know your standing with the Lord, the freer you are.
5. We must not abuse God's grace to sin and expect no
consequences.
6. When God says no to our dreams, it may be because of
redirection in our lives.
7. The importance of having a thick skin - if you want God
to use you, you need to shed your ultrasensitivity.
8. Important notes about true friendship.
All in all, an excellent read that can encourage us and sober us about the impact we have on other people!
Charles Swindoll does an excellent, if not remarkable, job of not only presenting the trials of David in modern day life, but he also vividly illustrates the psalmist's shortcomeings into lessons for today. Without a doubt, this book was written with God's guidance (no slight intended towards Mr. Swindoll), and I recommend this book to be used as a tool for the Christian of today in his/her walk with God. Upon finishing, I not only had renewed insight upon David, but also within myself, and found newborn strength to conquer my own daily struggles. God has annoited this book, of that there is no doubt, and I strongly urge Christians to delve into it.
This is a well written, thought provoking book. I am currently using it as a manual for a Bible study class. It's not one of those "deep theological" biographies, but it speaks to the layman, in a very easy-to-understand style. Recommended for study groups, or anyone, who wants to know more about the "man after God's own heart".
Chuck Swindoll has done us all a favor with this series on great lives from the scriptures. I think "David" is his best one from this series, and I highly reccomend. Thought-provoking, well-presented. Interesting and informative. Fun. Theologically well-grounded. Profound and insightful, too. I liked it! :)
A book written with passion and destiny!
Every time a pick up a book from Swindoll's "Great Lives from God's Word" series I think that nothing can be better than the last one. Starting with Joseph and then reading Moses gave me the impression that these were his best. Now I've returned back and read David and continue to find that brother Chuck has been blessed with a deep understanding about God's word, God's people and God's ways. As with the other books, Chuck doesn't leave any stone unturned in David's life and digs deep into the things that we can all relate to. I recommend this reading especially to those who are facing the giants in life whether they are physical or spiritual. King David is a great study for all of us seeking to be a "man after God's own heart."
All the books are good ... this one was great. It hit home for me.
I thought this was one of the best books I have ever read. It touched my heart in a way no other book has, and gave me an understanding of just how great God's grace truly is.
very easy to read, indepth book.
Chuck Swindoll is an excellent author that helps me under stand the bible very easily. in an exsample of how much I enjoyed what I have learnd, i'll tell you that I have started reading the book "Moses a man of selfless dedication" and have the one on Josphe on the book self that I bought through amozon.com. Seindoll pours over all the detail to bring King David into a real sence and not a bible caricter that lived 3000 years ago, but some one that I can understand and see in life, or in someone around me, I loved what the book tought me and what makes me different then david and how to become more of "a man after Gods own heart".
DAVID, CERTAINLY A MAN AFTER GOD'S HEART
DAVID, A MAN OF PASSION AND DESTINY, CAUGHT MY ATTENTION THE MOMENT I HEARD IT MENTIONED ON THE DAILY BROADCAST. SINCE READING DAVID I HAVE PURCHASED THE ENTIRE SERIES UP TO MOSES. CHUCK HAS A WAY OF BRINGING BIBLICAL CHARACTERS TO LIFE AND IT MAKES UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE FUN, EASY, AND SPIRITUALLY UPLIFTING. FROM DAVID TO ESTHER TO JOSEPH AND NOW MOSES, CHUCK HAS LIT A SPARK WITHIN ME THAT CAN ONLY BE QUENCHED BY THE CONTINUATION OF THIS SERIES OF BIBLICAL CHARACTERS... CAN'T WAIT UNTIL HE INTRODUCES US TO MR. PAUL AND HIS DAMASCUS JOURNEY.
Great book about one of God's greatest characters
Chuck Swindoll has once again painted a great picture of one of the Bible's greatest characters. David was a man after God's own heart, yet he was not perfect. Swindoll does a great job of painting a very real portrait of this man and makes him come alive for the modern reader. Anything by Swindoll is great, but this book was really exceptional. I can't wait for the next book in his great characters series to come out
The BEST book on leadership principles I have ever read...
Brilliantly explores the glory, challenges and pitfalls of leadership. If you are seeking a unique perspective or original thinking on leadership, Swindoll will not disappoint you. A must read for all President's and CEO's.
David - Ancient Life Still Relevant For New Millenium Living
David, though a king, was an ordinary man like us - full of emotions and struggles, and passionate in life. Charles has taken the ancient pages of David's life and unfolded them in simple but powerfully relevant ways. I found the David in me rising up, and renewed passion aflame to meet the challenges facing me, as I studied this book chapter by chapter in my daily devotions.
A powerful book on leadership. Highly recommended!
Swindoll uses great insights into the life and character of one of the richest biographies in Scripture. He draws powerful lessons in leadership and the essential elements of a wonderful walk with God. It is one of the best books, religious or secular, written on leadership. I highly recommend this book for Christian leaders and have purchased it for all of my leadership team.
Our Small Group Liked this Book
David's life spanned a multitude of characters, tight spots, historical turning points, spiritual highs, messianic prophecy, and character lessons. Where to begin? This book does a good job of "biting it off" into a manageable study. Our Small Group needed some sort of "back stop" study book to organize itself, and Swindoll's book was very good for this purpose. There ARE plenty of very important incidents in Davdi's life that Swindoll doesn't address, I assume for space reasons. It is a book of some 24 chapters, so even with Swindoll's editing, you are probably looking at a 6 month study.
Anyway our Group simply loved the study of "the man after God's own heart". We wound up digging in to a much more exegetical study, and using Swindoll's book as a sort of skeleton outline, while we went verse by verse. Just about every pesky boss, ex-wife, work rival or rebellious teenager has a counterpart in David's life!! You name it, he saw it. We had some great conversations.
One word of caution: We found that there are two separate versions of this book. The hardback version is written as simply text, similar to a sermon. It is longer. The paperback is truncated version of the text with some discussion questions. So make sure you are consistent when ordering for your Group.
Anyway our Group simply loved the study of "the man after God's own heart". We wound up digging in to a much more exegetical study, and using Swindoll's book as a sort of skeleton outline, while we went verse by verse. Just about every pesky boss, ex-wife, work rival or rebellious teenager has a counterpart in David's life!! You name it, he saw it. We had some great conversations.
One word of caution: We found that there are two separate versions of this book. The hardback version is written as simply text, similar to a sermon. It is longer. The paperback is truncated version of the text with some discussion questions. So make sure you are consistent when ordering for your Group.
This is a great read. Very sobering, very real. Anyone truly seeking to understand what it means to be "a man (or woman) after God's own heart" will be greatly challenged, yet enormously blessed! You will probably smile and probably cry, but, most certainly, you will see yourself in the life of David.
David: A Man of Passion & Destiny
I have read all the books in this series except this one. David is the first book in the series and I'm pleased I did not read it first. I believe I have gotten used to Dr. Swindoll's voice and find it interesting how the author has taken the simple things and clarified them. It is a good book.
A Good Bible Study and Lessons from the Life of King David
I've always admired Dr. Chuck Swindoll's radio ministry, as I believe he preaches the unadulterated Word of God. His Insights For Living are lessons I have carefully listened to and tried to apply to my own life. A while back, I recall him doing a series of radio programs on the life of King David, and I believe those programs resulted in him writing this book.
I heartily recommend this book to those who desire a study of King David and his life and times. Swindoll takes his information directly from Kings and Chronicles, and considers the life of David from when he was a young boy tending his father's sheep, to an old man of 70, about to die. Swindoll tells King David's story and the lessons Christians can learn from the most written about person in the entire Old Testament. Swindoll is a list-maker, and in each chapter he provides a list of key ideas or lessons to be learned by King David's attitude or actions that are applicable to believers today. For example, what kind of mindset is required to face down a giant challenge, such as a Goliath? What does it mean to be "A man after God's own heart?" How can a man of faith commit adultery and then have a man murdered in order to steal his wife? What should our response be with our children rebel against us? These and many more questions are asked and answered in Swindoll's book.
I am using this book as a nightly Bible study and I can hardly wait to get to bed to read another chapter. I have enjoyed this book so much that I will likely purchase the next book in his series on Biblical characters.
I knew very little about King David before beginning this study, and as I come to the conlcusion of the book, I feel I know the general outlicne of David's life so much better, and have improved insights into his personality, his struggles, his moral failings, and his faith in his God. David's life is one of great contrasts. Since he is the most written about person in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit must want us to learn about this Man of God, and learn how he failed and how he suceeded in his walk of faith.
This is not a difficult book to read. Swindoll writes for the average reader, yet has insights and clarity that will benefit the church deacon or pastor. I most highly recommend this book as a great starting point to learn about the greatest King of Israel.
konedog
I heartily recommend this book to those who desire a study of King David and his life and times. Swindoll takes his information directly from Kings and Chronicles, and considers the life of David from when he was a young boy tending his father's sheep, to an old man of 70, about to die. Swindoll tells King David's story and the lessons Christians can learn from the most written about person in the entire Old Testament. Swindoll is a list-maker, and in each chapter he provides a list of key ideas or lessons to be learned by King David's attitude or actions that are applicable to believers today. For example, what kind of mindset is required to face down a giant challenge, such as a Goliath? What does it mean to be "A man after God's own heart?" How can a man of faith commit adultery and then have a man murdered in order to steal his wife? What should our response be with our children rebel against us? These and many more questions are asked and answered in Swindoll's book.
I am using this book as a nightly Bible study and I can hardly wait to get to bed to read another chapter. I have enjoyed this book so much that I will likely purchase the next book in his series on Biblical characters.
I knew very little about King David before beginning this study, and as I come to the conlcusion of the book, I feel I know the general outlicne of David's life so much better, and have improved insights into his personality, his struggles, his moral failings, and his faith in his God. David's life is one of great contrasts. Since he is the most written about person in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit must want us to learn about this Man of God, and learn how he failed and how he suceeded in his walk of faith.
This is not a difficult book to read. Swindoll writes for the average reader, yet has insights and clarity that will benefit the church deacon or pastor. I most highly recommend this book as a great starting point to learn about the greatest King of Israel.
konedog
I would buy from this vendor again! I received the book just a few days after I ordered it!! And, it was in better condition than they had stated!
Wonderful Book/Wonderful Part of Series
Worthy of the reading and study whether this is by itself or part of the series.
Yet another great book in the series. Well worth the reading and study. I have ordered additional copies to give as gifts.
A wonderfully written book of King David
A wonderful book that compares our lives today to that of King David. So often we feel unworthy - it is very comforting to know that we, like David are sinners yet loved so greatly by our God. I especially appreciated the scriptures followed by an explaination. I chose this book as part of a summer bible reading program through our church. Also part of this program is to read at least 10 of the Psalms - how appropriate! I highly recommend this book to any age level.
A must for anyone desiring, or in, a position of leadership.
This book should be on the required reading lists of all Seminaries and Business Schools. If the reader desires, or is currently in a position of leadership, what better example of success and failure than David. Swindoll does an amazing job at describing the ways to succeed, and avoiding the pitfalls, associated with success. VERY important book.
One of my top 5 favorite books!
This book is OUTSTANDING! Swindoll has done it again in his classic 'conversational' writing style. A person truly after God's own heart will identify with David's weaknesses (certainly not his kingship), but not want to put this book down until finished; which by then it may be discovered how much closer one is in knowing and loving God than David.
Martha H. Brad
For the most part Swindoll misses the point
We used this book for an adult Sunday School class that I taught. I was extremely disappointed by the superficial treatment of the text. I found myself using the Biblical text and other sources. For the most part Dr. Swindoll's book was a distraction rather than a help. For example, 2 Samuel 7 descibes
God's covenant with David that Christ, the True King, would be David's descendant. Swindoll uses this text as to how to react when God says no to our plans. (In this case, it is God's rejection of David as the builder the temple that Solomon eventually built) The covenant IS the point and Dr. Swindoll completely misses it.
If your looking for moralisms that you really already knew this is your book. If you want a serious study of the life of David
you would do well to look elsewhere or try something bold-- a careful reading of the Biblical text.
God's covenant with David that Christ, the True King, would be David's descendant. Swindoll uses this text as to how to react when God says no to our plans. (In this case, it is God's rejection of David as the builder the temple that Solomon eventually built) The covenant IS the point and Dr. Swindoll completely misses it.
If your looking for moralisms that you really already knew this is your book. If you want a serious study of the life of David
you would do well to look elsewhere or try something bold-- a careful reading of the Biblical text.
This book is the greatest book I have read on leadership and on the Life of David. One thing that will always stick with me as a leader and what I have to embrace is, solitude, obscurity, monotony. For in solitude God teaches his leaders life lessons in obscurity God trains his best personnel and in monotony that is where God teaches to be faithful. Whether you are a Pastor, sunday school teacher or just desire to serve God in his church this book is very rewarding.
Chuck Swindoll really challenged me with this book. I learned a lot about my life by learning about the life of David. I face many of the same struggles he did. Swindoll wrote this book as if he were talking to you instead of writing a book. The personal touch helped in gaining a greater understanding of King David.
This Book is a MUST have for all Christians! Charles Swindoll is a gifted writer and brings the story of King David to life while pointing out timeless Christian lessons to be learned from David's life.
Swindoll's relational style of writing is reflected throughout the book. There are many gems in the book which you should seek to find. An excellent book on David; his faith, his aspirations, his failures, his struggles, his fall and his God, of course! A must read for all those aspiring to be leaders.
God's Grace and Comfort to a college student
I needed the inspiration I recieved from reading this book to make it through my academic year. Dr. Swindoll has the wonderful gift of analizing biblical stories and applying them to modern life! I give the book PROPS!
Helped me to understand the life of this Bible character!
Fantastic biography of the life of David. I now understand what the trials and triumphs of his life were and it encourages me tremendously to not give up on God. Written with brilliant clarity, passion, wit, truth. An excellent all around profile on a man and also into the character of God.
This was the first book I read in the Great Lives series and was totally hooked to Mr. Swindoll. This book was extremely personal, insightful and hilarious. What I love about this author is that he writes in such a down to earth way so that anyone can understand the points he is making. This book was so touching to me, I cried several times. Usually I could've read this book in two days, but because it was so informative and thought-provoking it took me longer. By far this is the best book I've read in this series.
WE ALL HAVE OUR LITTLE SAULS' OR SALIERI'S IN LIFE
What I do like about Chuck Swindoll's is that he brings that Old Testament to life for Born Again Christians and makes it relevant to adult lives and problems. This book on David as well as his study guide did give me much food for life when I was having non-legal problems with the government after I had applied for the Federal Civil Service in 1985. I heard on TV that Reagan had to approve in signature even applications for GS-9 position and I was on the list for considerations for such jobs when I was in grad school. I think they just wanted to teach young men like ma a lesson in life the hard way!
David had become a national hero by killing the Philistine Giant Goliath. Then the prophet Samuel had annointed David to be Israel's future king since Saul had committed an act of disobedience against him. Saul became paranoid how David become a military hero where "Saul has slain his thousands; David his ten thousands"! So, Saul in his madness set out to kill David.
What I found so some food for thought was that when David was losing heart about Saul persuing him to kill him and he had to live underground and off the land, that David decided to defect to the pagan Phillistine army-kind of like seeking Political Assylum with the Soviets or the North Koreans! When I was being persecuted on Park Street in North Toledo, I did seek assylum with several foreing nations. But nothing happened. I told myself who is "America's Philistines"-Russia, China, North Korea and Iran. I even sent them all resumes through my shortwave radio hobby. I had a big foreign address book called THE WORLD RADIO TV HANDBOOK! Plenty of people to complain to there!
Other things I liked about David was that he had a thing for the ladies; and I also like pretty girls, but never seem to make it with any of them. David had an entire Harem of seven wives. You cannot find the definition of the word "Harem" in my Bible Dictionary; so sexless and loveless is America's Christianity! He was such an opportunist that he picked up the wife Abagial from a dead enemy Nabal who denied him and his men food when they were on the run from Saul. God stuck Nabal dead with a heart attack for his stinginess. I used to say that my former father in law was liewise a hard man like Nabal-yet God did not strike him dead. And of course David was a Prophet and a Man of God. He wrote about 50 of the Old Testament Psalms, some of which prophesy of Christ;s crucifion on the cross and the coming Millennial Kingdom of God. God had taken David from tending the sheep to becoming Sheperd of Israel! David was a man after God's heart as David did what God had wanted him to do during his reign as King. I found that defining verse in Acts.
I liked the folk guitar in high school and in the Army. I read that David played the small harp, which was a forerunner of the modern folk guitar. Me and David liked music and pretty ladies. I was just thinking the other day that when I die and go to Heaven I will really like to meet this man, as though he was my friend!
David had become a national hero by killing the Philistine Giant Goliath. Then the prophet Samuel had annointed David to be Israel's future king since Saul had committed an act of disobedience against him. Saul became paranoid how David become a military hero where "Saul has slain his thousands; David his ten thousands"! So, Saul in his madness set out to kill David.
What I found so some food for thought was that when David was losing heart about Saul persuing him to kill him and he had to live underground and off the land, that David decided to defect to the pagan Phillistine army-kind of like seeking Political Assylum with the Soviets or the North Koreans! When I was being persecuted on Park Street in North Toledo, I did seek assylum with several foreing nations. But nothing happened. I told myself who is "America's Philistines"-Russia, China, North Korea and Iran. I even sent them all resumes through my shortwave radio hobby. I had a big foreign address book called THE WORLD RADIO TV HANDBOOK! Plenty of people to complain to there!
Other things I liked about David was that he had a thing for the ladies; and I also like pretty girls, but never seem to make it with any of them. David had an entire Harem of seven wives. You cannot find the definition of the word "Harem" in my Bible Dictionary; so sexless and loveless is America's Christianity! He was such an opportunist that he picked up the wife Abagial from a dead enemy Nabal who denied him and his men food when they were on the run from Saul. God stuck Nabal dead with a heart attack for his stinginess. I used to say that my former father in law was liewise a hard man like Nabal-yet God did not strike him dead. And of course David was a Prophet and a Man of God. He wrote about 50 of the Old Testament Psalms, some of which prophesy of Christ;s crucifion on the cross and the coming Millennial Kingdom of God. God had taken David from tending the sheep to becoming Sheperd of Israel! David was a man after God's heart as David did what God had wanted him to do during his reign as King. I found that defining verse in Acts.
I liked the folk guitar in high school and in the Army. I read that David played the small harp, which was a forerunner of the modern folk guitar. Me and David liked music and pretty ladies. I was just thinking the other day that when I die and go to Heaven I will really like to meet this man, as though he was my friend!
This book was as much the author's opinion and imagination as anything else. He makes claims that are not substiantiated by facts, biblical or otherwise. I will not purchase further books by this author.
Chuck Swindoll, though an engaging speaker and a prolific and even sometimes insightful writer, has written here what I feel is a watered down version of the real lessons to be learned from the life of David. As Jack Miles said in his book God: A Biography, we have the advantage of knowing how things turn out when we read the Bible and this colors our interpretations of the Old Testament stories, in particular. Swindoll is very adept at bringing in later ideas, even New Testament ideas, into the story to make his points. Bottom line--the story of David the King of Israel is not a Christian story, it is a Hebrew story. Because of this, any "Christian" lessons taken from it are at least suspect, if not completely misguided. While we, as Christians, can learn lessons from the life of David, we must remember that the Hebrew people believed in a very different God than we do today. Yahweh was a warrior God that always went to bat for his people and stood up for the underdog. He did not, however, encourage the "little people" to have a personal relationship with him. In fact, only priests, kings, and prophets had any direct access to him at all. The God of the New Testament, on the other hand, is a nurturing God who wants each of us to know we are his children and that he will do anything to have a deep, personal relationship with him. The point of all of this is, if you read this book, please read it in the light in which it was written--as a book for beginning Christians who have not, as Paul said, given up the baby food.
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