Read Online David The Divided Heart Jewish Lives David Wolpe 9780300230741 Books

Product details Series Jewish Lives Paperback 176 pages Publisher Yale University Press; Reprint edition (September 12, 2017) Language English ISBN-10 0300230745

David The Divided Heart Jewish Lives David Wolpe 9780300230741 Books Reviews

• I am a history buff but usually get very turned off by most history written on Biblical subjects. They are so often useless rehashing of popular but highly disputed conventional wisdom. Wolpe's treatise is a rare exception. He writes with respect for the historical and religious perspectives but takes an approach very similar to Abarbanel (highly respected medieval Biblical commentator) which allows him to bring in relevant psychological analysis without negating the clear religious intentions contained in the books of Samuel and Kings. Wolpe also makes his work highly readable. You feel the complex character of David and really appreciate - despite all of his foibles - how extraordinary a king he was compared to all others of his times. No kings in those days allowed "religious fanatics" to embarrass them in public by bringing attention to their wrong doings. David does and is haunted by his own actions. Yet he is not incapacitated by them as was Saul. Quality reading.
• The author provides brilliant insight into King David's character and personality. King David is portrayed as a man of both great strengths and also as a man who has many faults. The narrative of King David's life is clear and concise. This is a superbly written book that is suitable for people regardless of their religious affiliation.
• The author has some interesting insights that I haven't read in other books about King David. I also like that he broke David's life into segments (sinner, father, etc.) rather than taking a chronological stroll through the scriptures. I suppose it could be a quick read, but I'm taking my time and savoring the nuances.
• A superb treatise written by Rabbi Wolpe. The research and writing style makes this work a joy to read and consider. The story of David and his very complicated relationships with Saul and others is a must read for those who love the scriptures. Strong recommend for this book.
• This biography of David should be read together with Halberstam's The Beginning of Politics. Wolof in a recent article criticizes Halberstam's analysis, but I find the two books complement each other. Very worth reading, both of them!
• I'll be reading this book again and again. Wolpe breaks it up into "Young/Husband/Fugitive/King/Sinner/Father/Caretaker/Death/Future" so pretty much a direct depiction of the arc of life and living. The insights into the life of David go as deep and wide as you can go. If you are a person or are in a family or have a family of your own, you should read this book.
• A very well done account of the Biblical David and his faith. Written by a rabbi, it has implications for Jews and Christians as well as Muslims. David's flaws are evident, yet his work and his poetic passions live on.
• This was a fascinating book about a man who was both a remarkable leader and yet amazingly self-centered. It seems that throughout it all, however, he never lost his desire to be closer to God