David's Truth: In Israel's Imagination and Memory

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Summary: An informative examination of four different David texts
Review: Now in an new and updated second edition, David's Truth: In Israel's Imagination And Memory by Walter Brueggemann (William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament, Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Georgia) is a scholarly and informative examination of four different David texts. Professor Brueggemann accessibly offers a summary, interpretation, and blunt, unedited raw truths about the man and his era. A recommended addition to Old Testament studies shelves for scholarly studies, David's Truth is also highly recommended reading for the non-specialist general reader with an interest in Old Testament Studies in general, and biblical character and history of King David in particular.

Rating:
Summary: David's Truth--Many Parts Make a Whole
Review: Serious students of the Old Testament will enjoy searching out the 'truth' along with Walter Brueggemann, Bible scholar. I read this book as background for teaching a series on David for children and adults at my church. There were four sections, with references to the Bible verses they covered.

First, was the 'trustful truth of the tribe'--namely David's was the ultimate story of an outsider making it to the top: from obscure shepard to king of a united Israel. Those who feel themselves on the margins of society can take heart from David's ascent.

Next there is the 'painful truth of the man' as David sins and repents. David is a very human example of what God is looking for in us, which is different from what we are looking for in Him.

The third truth is the 'sure truth of the state' which includes the principles David upheld both as ruler and in our memory, shaping our heritage, and our opinions of rulers since.

Lastly there is the 'hopeful truth of the assembly' with emphasis on how David valued worship and relationship with God, making them the core of his life and being.

I took a slow, 2-week tour through this book; it is not an easy read, but well worth the effort.