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The Davidic Chronicles #1
Anointed (A David and Goliath Novel): The Davidic Chronicles, Book 1
A David and Goliath Novel (Book One of the Davidic Chronicles)
Book one of the Davidic Chronicles immerses you in a young David’s world in a time of bloody war and supernatural deliverance. Witness the titanic collision between Goliath’s gods and David’s faith in Jehovah.
Book one of the Davidic Chronicles immerses you in a young David’s world in a time of bloody war and supernatural deliverance. Witness the titanic collision between Goliath’s gods and David’s faith in Jehovah.
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Published October 6, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
October 3, 2024
This was an impressive beginning to what will no doubt be a great series. Half way through this book I had already ordered Book 2. I highly recommend this book.
February 10, 2024
A quite enjoyable read!
This book was very well-written, and so easy to get lost in! What a clever and poignant retelling of the story of David and Goliath. I felt connected to David and related to the complexity and delicate balance used to describe what he may have felt, believed and understood. I especially liked the use of scripture footnotes. There was an emotional component that the author put forth that made reading the connected scriptures come alive, which I found made studying the related verses more profound. Mr. Baker made me WANT to go find those verses! I look forward to the next book in the series. I would recommend this book to any who would enjoy spending some time imagining what might have taken place in the individuals’ lives from such a well-known story of God’s power used in the life of David. Mr. Baker made my study of the Word richer, and gave me several points to ponder, for which I give my thanks. May the Lord continue to enrich your interpretation and writing of His Word.
This book was very well-written, and so easy to get lost in! What a clever and poignant retelling of the story of David and Goliath. I felt connected to David and related to the complexity and delicate balance used to describe what he may have felt, believed and understood. I especially liked the use of scripture footnotes. There was an emotional component that the author put forth that made reading the connected scriptures come alive, which I found made studying the related verses more profound. Mr. Baker made me WANT to go find those verses! I look forward to the next book in the series. I would recommend this book to any who would enjoy spending some time imagining what might have taken place in the individuals’ lives from such a well-known story of God’s power used in the life of David. Mr. Baker made my study of the Word richer, and gave me several points to ponder, for which I give my thanks. May the Lord continue to enrich your interpretation and writing of His Word.
January 8, 2023
This is my first Greg Baker book, and I have to say I will be reading the series and looking for more Biblical historical fiction from him (and others). The story of David is wonderful, and to recreate details from Anointed seemed like second nature to Greg Baker. I have been reading more generally, and these are the books I cannot put down.
January 18, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed this. I knew the story of David and Goliath and of the anointing, but this book put flesh on the bones of the characters. Where before I could “place” the story now I have a feeling for the people of the time.
April 12, 2023
A great telling of David from the bible and his adventures as a shepherd to warrior who slays the Giant Goliath with the power of Jehovah Elohim. The author gives great detail of what David's life could have been like based on 1 Samuel in the bible.
May 17, 2023
Nice read overall. It invites you to continue reading the series.
The English grammar is interesting at times.
Still, I think that all accurate Historical Fiction on the Bible are very good material. We could use more of this stuff.
Thank you Greg Baker
The English grammar is interesting at times.
Still, I think that all accurate Historical Fiction on the Bible are very good material. We could use more of this stuff.
Thank you Greg Baker
June 8, 2021
Well written historical Christian fiction suitable also for Judaism
The story is very true to the Old Testament accounts, and as David is the ancestor of Messiah, whether you believe, as Christians do, that Messiah has come once (as the suffering servant in Isaiah) and will return as the conquering Head of the Lord's army, or you believe, as non-Messianic Jewish people believe, that Messiah has not yet come to earth, the story still has merit and is part of the heritage of both the Jewish people and of Christians.
The book begins with Jesse and his sons standing with Samuel, judge and prophet (or seer, as he is called in the book), as the last bits of a peace offering that Samuel has called for are burning into ash. The meat has been taken ahead to the feast. Once all but Jesse and his sons - save one who is tending sheep - are alone with Samuel, Samuel tells them why he has come. He says each of Jesse's sons is to pass before him to see which one will be anointed.
The problem is, although Samual sees a lot of potential, especially with the 3 oldest - all of whom are already in the army and are experienced warriors, and know their way around the royal court, God rejects them all. Still others have skills in negotiations, in business, in dealing with people of other cultures and countries. Still, God rejects them. All of them are frustrated, especially, I'd imagine, Samuel, who had told Jesse to bring all of his sons, only to find the youngest one is up in the hills, tending sheep. Once David returns, God selects him, and before he knows what is happening, David finds himself with anointing oil all over his head and face, and a warning is issued that God is displeased with Saul's disobedience, more so since Saul refuses to repent in his heart. David is told he will succeed Saul on his death - which is not in the OT anywhere I can see, but David waited until Saul's death, didn't facilitate or cause it directly or indirectly, and he only asceanded the throne after Saul died, as Saul's God-chosen, God-anointed successor. Perhaps Samuel did tell him...perhaps the Spirit of the Lord did...perhaps both.
Samuel swears them to secrecy, but they don't need convincing. When kings are threatened, and especially when they were anointed, disobedient, refuse to repent, have God's Spirit taken from them, and feel threatened, the normal practice in other countries was for the sitting king to wipe out the "usurper" and their entire family. The risk this will happen now is high, because when David was anointed, the Spirit of God left Saul and came upon David, something Saul would know, Saul is now vulnerable to demonic oppression and even possession.
When he was young, David had learned the basics of playing their harp, plus, like all boys, had been drilled in the arts of war. When he was alone, once he had the sheep safely in a pasture with still water from which to drink (sheep can drown in running water), the job could get pretty boring. Helpers doubtless practiced their battle skills and their weapons moves, as well as hand-to-hand combat moves, even when alone. Since a sling was an often used weapon, and David was good with it, he likely found things to use for tatgets. And when he was in a state where his practice was complete for the time being, he composed songs as well as singing ones that were familiar. He sought the Lord in his singing and playing. He
God started training the young heir. The book details hit specifically battling a lion and a bear, and the Spirit delivering him by giving him the strength and cunning to fight them and win. These were predators likely known to all shepherds at the time. The Bible, however, only mentions David telling Saul, when he volunteered to fight Goliath, that as a shepherd, he had killed a lion and a bear, no details given.
One part of the Bible says Jesse had 7 sons, another says he had 8. To explain this, the author creates a brother who defies God, and his country, and tells the secret of David's anointing, then defects to the Philistines, because this would have gotten his name blotted out from the genealogy of the family and accounted for the different numbers. There are also tales of him trying to bust a Philistine spy ring that I don't see in the Bible. This happens after someone tells King Saul about a young shepherd with a beautiful voice, whose music may be able to keep the fits, black moods, etc., at bay. When David is in court, the Spirit in him, and thus on his music, does indeed do just that. Then, when the King's life's os threatened, David saves him. Meanwhile, the friendship between David and the king's eldest son deepens until they are like brothers. David is made armor bearer to the King, butbthen is left back in Bethlehem when the armies go to fight. He is with the sheep to free up those brothers not in the army to provision the armies. One day, Jesse sends David to deliver items to his brothers, at which time he fights Goliath and wins. The rest of the story is in a 2nd book.
The story is very true to the Old Testament accounts, and as David is the ancestor of Messiah, whether you believe, as Christians do, that Messiah has come once (as the suffering servant in Isaiah) and will return as the conquering Head of the Lord's army, or you believe, as non-Messianic Jewish people believe, that Messiah has not yet come to earth, the story still has merit and is part of the heritage of both the Jewish people and of Christians.
The book begins with Jesse and his sons standing with Samuel, judge and prophet (or seer, as he is called in the book), as the last bits of a peace offering that Samuel has called for are burning into ash. The meat has been taken ahead to the feast. Once all but Jesse and his sons - save one who is tending sheep - are alone with Samuel, Samuel tells them why he has come. He says each of Jesse's sons is to pass before him to see which one will be anointed.
The problem is, although Samual sees a lot of potential, especially with the 3 oldest - all of whom are already in the army and are experienced warriors, and know their way around the royal court, God rejects them all. Still others have skills in negotiations, in business, in dealing with people of other cultures and countries. Still, God rejects them. All of them are frustrated, especially, I'd imagine, Samuel, who had told Jesse to bring all of his sons, only to find the youngest one is up in the hills, tending sheep. Once David returns, God selects him, and before he knows what is happening, David finds himself with anointing oil all over his head and face, and a warning is issued that God is displeased with Saul's disobedience, more so since Saul refuses to repent in his heart. David is told he will succeed Saul on his death - which is not in the OT anywhere I can see, but David waited until Saul's death, didn't facilitate or cause it directly or indirectly, and he only asceanded the throne after Saul died, as Saul's God-chosen, God-anointed successor. Perhaps Samuel did tell him...perhaps the Spirit of the Lord did...perhaps both.
Samuel swears them to secrecy, but they don't need convincing. When kings are threatened, and especially when they were anointed, disobedient, refuse to repent, have God's Spirit taken from them, and feel threatened, the normal practice in other countries was for the sitting king to wipe out the "usurper" and their entire family. The risk this will happen now is high, because when David was anointed, the Spirit of God left Saul and came upon David, something Saul would know, Saul is now vulnerable to demonic oppression and even possession.
When he was young, David had learned the basics of playing their harp, plus, like all boys, had been drilled in the arts of war. When he was alone, once he had the sheep safely in a pasture with still water from which to drink (sheep can drown in running water), the job could get pretty boring. Helpers doubtless practiced their battle skills and their weapons moves, as well as hand-to-hand combat moves, even when alone. Since a sling was an often used weapon, and David was good with it, he likely found things to use for tatgets. And when he was in a state where his practice was complete for the time being, he composed songs as well as singing ones that were familiar. He sought the Lord in his singing and playing. He
God started training the young heir. The book details hit specifically battling a lion and a bear, and the Spirit delivering him by giving him the strength and cunning to fight them and win. These were predators likely known to all shepherds at the time. The Bible, however, only mentions David telling Saul, when he volunteered to fight Goliath, that as a shepherd, he had killed a lion and a bear, no details given.
One part of the Bible says Jesse had 7 sons, another says he had 8. To explain this, the author creates a brother who defies God, and his country, and tells the secret of David's anointing, then defects to the Philistines, because this would have gotten his name blotted out from the genealogy of the family and accounted for the different numbers. There are also tales of him trying to bust a Philistine spy ring that I don't see in the Bible. This happens after someone tells King Saul about a young shepherd with a beautiful voice, whose music may be able to keep the fits, black moods, etc., at bay. When David is in court, the Spirit in him, and thus on his music, does indeed do just that. Then, when the King's life's os threatened, David saves him. Meanwhile, the friendship between David and the king's eldest son deepens until they are like brothers. David is made armor bearer to the King, butbthen is left back in Bethlehem when the armies go to fight. He is with the sheep to free up those brothers not in the army to provision the armies. One day, Jesse sends David to deliver items to his brothers, at which time he fights Goliath and wins. The rest of the story is in a 2nd book.
November 16, 2024
Great intro to King David
David was an imperfect, but earnest man with a true heart for God. When he sinned horribly in his later years, his repentance is beautiful and the psalms he wrote inspire us still today. But I’m getting ahead of myself. This first book in the series focuses on David as a youth, probably confused by his anointing but, rare in the Old Testament, filled with the Holy Spirit, which guided most of his life as a man of his time but far superior to any later king of any country, other than of course our Lord Jesus Christ.
I love reading 1 Samuel, which gives us more details about David’s life than almost anyone in the OT. This book is not preachy, though it is based on scriptural truth. It’s easily read as a historical fiction novel that anyone, believer or not, can completely enjoy.
This is my first book by this author but I look forward to reading the rest of this series and exploring his other books. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes history, battles, valor, good vs evil, and moral ambiguity. You can’t help but feel bad for Saul at many times, as I do when reading about his life and experience as the first Israeli king in the Bible. Compared to later kings, he’s actually a good guy other than the sad fact that he made excuses rather than repented, as David did. But as the “first” he is held to a high standard and example, which I think seals his eventual downfall and fate. I’m familiar with these characters from scripture and the author does an excellent job of bringing their stories to life. Trust me, they are never boring!
David was an imperfect, but earnest man with a true heart for God. When he sinned horribly in his later years, his repentance is beautiful and the psalms he wrote inspire us still today. But I’m getting ahead of myself. This first book in the series focuses on David as a youth, probably confused by his anointing but, rare in the Old Testament, filled with the Holy Spirit, which guided most of his life as a man of his time but far superior to any later king of any country, other than of course our Lord Jesus Christ.
I love reading 1 Samuel, which gives us more details about David’s life than almost anyone in the OT. This book is not preachy, though it is based on scriptural truth. It’s easily read as a historical fiction novel that anyone, believer or not, can completely enjoy.
This is my first book by this author but I look forward to reading the rest of this series and exploring his other books. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes history, battles, valor, good vs evil, and moral ambiguity. You can’t help but feel bad for Saul at many times, as I do when reading about his life and experience as the first Israeli king in the Bible. Compared to later kings, he’s actually a good guy other than the sad fact that he made excuses rather than repented, as David did. But as the “first” he is held to a high standard and example, which I think seals his eventual downfall and fate. I’m familiar with these characters from scripture and the author does an excellent job of bringing their stories to life. Trust me, they are never boring!
April 25, 2024
I enjoyed this--it was a quick read that fleshes out a few chapters of 1 Samuel in a way that brings the characters, events, and place to life. I really appreciated the way Baker portrayed the confrontation between David and Goliath, and the way he creatively develops the story line using the biblical text as a foundation.
A few minor quibbles:
1) After David kills a lion while sheepherding, he and those with him roast the lion to eat. There's no concern from David, who is committed to God and the Mosaic Law, that this lion is unclean meat. Baker references scripture throughout the book, so I was surprised he'd miss this.
2) Another miss: Caleb is referenced as one of David's ancestors in chapter 4 and references 1 Chronicles 2:50-51. Apparently Baker conflated David's ancestor, Salmon, with Caleb's son, Salma. It's not a huge issue, except that the accurate line is easily confirmed, and Baker is clearly trying to be biblically accurate. It throws other interpretations into question.
3) The dialogue tends to be formalized and more old-fashioned, which jars alongside the narrative that is contemporary and casual.
A few minor quibbles:
1) After David kills a lion while sheepherding, he and those with him roast the lion to eat. There's no concern from David, who is committed to God and the Mosaic Law, that this lion is unclean meat. Baker references scripture throughout the book, so I was surprised he'd miss this.
2) Another miss: Caleb is referenced as one of David's ancestors in chapter 4 and references 1 Chronicles 2:50-51. Apparently Baker conflated David's ancestor, Salmon, with Caleb's son, Salma. It's not a huge issue, except that the accurate line is easily confirmed, and Baker is clearly trying to be biblically accurate. It throws other interpretations into question.
3) The dialogue tends to be formalized and more old-fashioned, which jars alongside the narrative that is contemporary and casual.
September 30, 2024
This is a well written book which takes the facts we know about David from the Bible, adds a little imagination and a few extra-Biblical historical and geographical facts and gives him a personality, a culture and brings him to life. After reading this book, David is no longer a grouping of facts, but is now a person. The author not only creates a personage for David, but creates a society in which for him to live. Not being one who just reads words, the way this book is written allowed me to move, see and function in David's world. I just finished this author's series on Daniel, which was almost beyond eye opening. So I had an idea of what to expect and was not disappointed in the lease. I am starting the #2 book in this series immediately. I'm looking forward to being able to take the facts I know about David and place them in a scenario which I can visualize in my mind and bring my namesake to life.
December 25, 2020
The author sets up the story of David, the 8th son of Jesse, as he is anointed by Samuel to become King after Saul. While the story lines follow the history given in Samuel, the author chooses to put the incidents into a more easily understood chronology. This makes it a more interesting story, especially for the teen market where action is more valued than introspection. David is called to serve Saul as a harpist, but becomes entangled in a plot by David's heretic brother and some Philistines to overthrow the king. Following this, the events with Goliath follow, as the book sets up the story for the subsequent volumes in the saga.
August 5, 2021
Makes the characters of the Bible come alive!
I love me a good fantasy novel. I also love me some BIBLE. I have read the story of David quite a few times and love it. He brought such a beloved story of the Old Testament to life with this book. If you read your Bible you know his story is accurate but embellishments on characters and events are there. It makes for a great story as the Bible just gives you the facts this gives you an imagination to see what it was really like. I can't say enough good things about this book. I look forward to reading more from Greg Baker.
I love me a good fantasy novel. I also love me some BIBLE. I have read the story of David quite a few times and love it. He brought such a beloved story of the Old Testament to life with this book. If you read your Bible you know his story is accurate but embellishments on characters and events are there. It makes for a great story as the Bible just gives you the facts this gives you an imagination to see what it was really like. I can't say enough good things about this book. I look forward to reading more from Greg Baker.
August 8, 2025
I am normally not a fan of books that tell rather than show. But the author kept me intrigued anyway. Perhaps because the story of young David being called to the palace to serve the king, knowing he would one day replace him, is one of the most intriguing stories in the Bible. And Greg Baker did a great job of fleshing it out. I appreciated his detailed attention to the scriptures. If you do not like to read more violent descriptions of war, then you might want to skip a page or two. I personally did not mind the authentic depictions of war and I am looking forward to finishing the series.
January 24, 2021
Outstanding writing by author Greg S. Baker. This book follows the Biblical story of David from prior to his anointing by the Prophet Samuel to after the battle with Goliath. It was very well researched with references included and the fictional elements were blended in perfectly to enhance readability. It is targeted at pre-teen to adult reading level but will be enjoyed by all ages. This was my first book by Mr. Baker but will not be the last. Highly recommended.
July 9, 2021
Wonderful presentation of the life of David
This was an excellent presentation of the early life of David. Mr. Baker remained faithful to the account told in the Bible while making the people involved relatable by showing their humanity. Often, we lose sight of the fact that the people mentioned in God's Word were just that - real, living people. Mr. Baker's book reminds us of that beautifully. I strongly recommend it.
This was an excellent presentation of the early life of David. Mr. Baker remained faithful to the account told in the Bible while making the people involved relatable by showing their humanity. Often, we lose sight of the fact that the people mentioned in God's Word were just that - real, living people. Mr. Baker's book reminds us of that beautifully. I strongly recommend it.
March 27, 2022
Anointed: A David and Goliath Novel
This rendition was more favorable than the other one I read. Because, it stayed close to scripture and made sense. I can not help but compare the two having read the other recently. Both authors are commended for transporting my imagination. David was man after God 's own heart,and this story tells why ,David honored and believed in His omnipotence.
This rendition was more favorable than the other one I read. Because, it stayed close to scripture and made sense. I can not help but compare the two having read the other recently. Both authors are commended for transporting my imagination. David was man after God 's own heart,and this story tells why ,David honored and believed in His omnipotence.
May 14, 2022
An amazing read
First, just let me say that I received this book on a Goodreads giveaway. Now that that is done, just let me say,
I loved this book. I could not put it down, much to the annoyance of my family. It brought the story of David and Goliath to life like I have never heard it before, with all the details I love so much. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a story that makes you forget where you are and transports you to a time long ago.
First, just let me say that I received this book on a Goodreads giveaway. Now that that is done, just let me say,
I loved this book. I could not put it down, much to the annoyance of my family. It brought the story of David and Goliath to life like I have never heard it before, with all the details I love so much. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a story that makes you forget where you are and transports you to a time long ago.
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October 21, 2025I gave up on this one once I switched to audio... maybe it was just the narrator, but all the dialogue felt too "on the nose" for me. It took me out of the story, which I already know so well that this was maybe harder to overlook than it might have been otherwise. Too bad, as I love retellings generally. Maybe I happened to stop reading on a day when I was feeling especially impatient or something.
April 9, 2020
Some parts were great! But other parts were a bit lacking for two main reasons: some of the dialogue felt “modern” and didn’t fit with the rest, and there was a bit too much fiction for me. Though, I did appreciate the author’s note at the end, which explained the role of certain characters as well as his interpretation of the Biblical account.
April 13, 2020
Anointed
An excellent read that is based on fact. To take a story that has been told repeatedly for so many years and tell it again so that the reader keeps their mind focused is quite an accomplishment. The writer did not put a different "spin" on it not should be have, but in novel form the story vividly comes to life. I definitely recommend this book.
An excellent read that is based on fact. To take a story that has been told repeatedly for so many years and tell it again so that the reader keeps their mind focused is quite an accomplishment. The writer did not put a different "spin" on it not should be have, but in novel form the story vividly comes to life. I definitely recommend this book.
July 10, 2020
Liked getting to know David
This book is well written and true to the biblical story. I generally hesitate to read Christian historical fiction as in some cases the biblical account becomes skewed. That is not the case with this book. I truly enjoyed the book and will read the others in the series. Thanks to the author for writing this and bringing the story to life.
This book is well written and true to the biblical story. I generally hesitate to read Christian historical fiction as in some cases the biblical account becomes skewed. That is not the case with this book. I truly enjoyed the book and will read the others in the series. Thanks to the author for writing this and bringing the story to life.
August 28, 2020
SO Enjoyed this book
The story of David is one of my favorites and having his story come to life in a way that was both well-researched and plausible was delightful. The story was accurate, but had enough fiction to make it feel real and capture my imagination. Thank you for writing this!
The story of David is one of my favorites and having his story come to life in a way that was both well-researched and plausible was delightful. The story was accurate, but had enough fiction to make it feel real and capture my imagination. Thank you for writing this!
January 9, 2022
Phenomenal
I expected to read a book that merely retold a story we all know. I was wrong!! This book brings the Bible to life! You get an understanding of what the people felt and why. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and will be looking to get the others in the series. Thank You Mr Baker!!
I expected to read a book that merely retold a story we all know. I was wrong!! This book brings the Bible to life! You get an understanding of what the people felt and why. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and will be looking to get the others in the series. Thank You Mr Baker!!
February 5, 2022
Very good book. As I read I was transported back in time to when King David was still just a shepherd. The characters were so well done that it seemed like I was really living there in that time period. I really hope I'll be able to read the rest of the series one day. I'm sure others will enjoy this book too.
May 13, 2022
Biblical historical fiction
I love Biblical stories from the author's point of view. I often stop and think of the times, the events and how the people react to God's providence and wonder what I would do if I were there. I truly enjoyed this rendition. Nice work! God is still on the throne! Yesterday Today and Forever!!
I love Biblical stories from the author's point of view. I often stop and think of the times, the events and how the people react to God's providence and wonder what I would do if I were there. I truly enjoyed this rendition. Nice work! God is still on the throne! Yesterday Today and Forever!!
June 1, 2023
A great introduction to Greg Baker
I have read other books about David. Greg does a phenomenal job filling in on possibilities of what could have happened to explain the scriptures he uses as his road map. All while never taking away from the scriptures. If recommend this book to everyone that wants a bit more depth into the life of King David.
I have read other books about David. Greg does a phenomenal job filling in on possibilities of what could have happened to explain the scriptures he uses as his road map. All while never taking away from the scriptures. If recommend this book to everyone that wants a bit more depth into the life of King David.
May 31, 2020
Excellent Book
The story is one I have always loved. Mr. Baker has taken the bare bones of the story as written in the Bible and fleshed them into an unmistakably human one. This is, without a doubt the best retelling of the early years of David I have ever read.
The story is one I have always loved. Mr. Baker has taken the bare bones of the story as written in the Bible and fleshed them into an unmistakably human one. This is, without a doubt the best retelling of the early years of David I have ever read.
September 7, 2020
Time Well Spent!
I would gladly have paid 20 dollars or more for this novel. Oh how little the truly great stuff costs! Any fan of historical fiction could spend the day immersed in this ancient world. I'm about to buy the next book in the series and eschew sleep!
I would gladly have paid 20 dollars or more for this novel. Oh how little the truly great stuff costs! Any fan of historical fiction could spend the day immersed in this ancient world. I'm about to buy the next book in the series and eschew sleep!
September 12, 2020
Very enjoyable read. I've read several novels lately that take a lot of liberty with the facts. This isn't one of them. Yes, some time was condensed, a few names added. But the book was quite believable and I can't wait until #2 comes out.
December 21, 2020
Trust
I have this book a good rating because it explain more in detail in Davids life as a young man.I would recommend this book for young readers who are learning about the books of the Bible.
I have this book a good rating because it explain more in detail in Davids life as a young man.I would recommend this book for young readers who are learning about the books of the Bible.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews