Description
Book SynopsisDavid's Politics evaluates what we can learn about politics by studying David's life as presented in the Books of Samuel through the first two chapters of 1 Kings. I begin by discussing the rules for kingship set forth in Deuteronomy and carry this through to the elders' demand that the prophet Samuel appoint a king. Despite his reluctance he appoints Saul, who has many military successes. But when he fails when he fails to annihilate the Amalekites God withdraws his grace and Saul falls into a state of depression, which grows worse as the story progresses.David is called to Saul's court as a musician. I argue that he has three roles, first as a servant to King Saul, second as a rebel against Saul, and third as king. As a servant to Saul, David establishes his credentials as a warrior and also becomes the king's son-in-law. As a rebel against Saul, David again takes actions that solidify his future support in Israel and Judah. David has two opportunities to kill Saul, but refuses to ki
Trade ReviewDavid’s Politics evaluates what we can learn about politics by studying David’s life as presented in the Books of Samuel through the first two chapters of 1 Kings. . . Throughout most of this account David displays remarkable political sagacity, and more can be learned studying his life than that of any other king of Israel or Judah. * Israel Book Review *
David is the most fully described Biblical character, warts and all. Abramson does a fine job of bringing the details to a wide audience, and putting them in the context of national and regional politics. His book also reminds us that there isn't much new in the behavior of people who reach the top. -- Ira Sharkansky, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Abramson has provided a political scientist-eye view of the ancient politics of leadership and ambition. David is revealed as a master politician, yet over a long career one who exhibited faults of short-sightedness, miscalculation, weakness of will, and other frailties. By Abramson's reckoning, David and the Promised Land he governed were as complex and multi-faceted as the modern Middle East today. -- Kenneth A. Shepsle, Harvard University
Paul Abramson continues his astute political exploration of the Bible that he began in his earlier book, Politics of the Bible (2012). This time he focuses on King David, perhaps the Hebrew Bible's most controversial and intriguing human character. David helped to consolidate the rule of the Israelite kings, but his life was an amalgam of deeds and misdeeds: he showed bravery and cunning in confronting the giant, Goliath, and mercy toward his predecessor as king, Saul, but adultery, mendacity, and murder marred his personal life. David serves as an echo, 40 centuries years ago, of charismatic political figures in the last century or two, and Abramson does an excellent job of recounting his life and analyzing his politics. -- Steven J. Brams, New York University
Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1: From the Rules of Kingship to the Demand for a King Chapter 2: Saul’s Anointment, His Military Successes, His Transgression at the City of the Amalekites Chapter 3: David Serves Saul Chapter 4: David Rebels against Saul and the Massacre at Nob Chapter 5: David Spares Saul, Nabal, and Saul Chapter 6: David at Ziklag and Saul at Mount Gilboa Chapter 7: David’s Elegies and the Civil War between the House of Saul and the House of David Chapter 8: David Conquers Jerusalem and Moves the Ark There, but Does Not Build the Temple Chapter 9: David’s Conquests and His Administration Chapter 10: The Ammonite War through the Birth of Solomon Chapter 11: Absalom’s Rebellion Chapter 12: Sheba’s Revolt through the Great Plague Chapter 13: David Appoints Solomon King Chapter 14: David’s Parting Advice and Solomon Consolidates His Rule Chapter 15: Conclusions Appendix A: Transliteration of the Traditional Hebrew Text, and Nineteen Translations of 1 Samuel 18:7 Appendix B: Location of Places
