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Great Lives From God's Word
Great Lives: David: A Man of Passion and Destiny (Discover More About the Real King David of the Bible. The Perfect Gift for Fans of House of David)
The Bible tells us that David was a man after God's own heart, but what does that mean in practice? David, the Old Testament shepherd, king, and psalmist, offers an answer in the shape of his own incredible life. Poet, musician, courageous warrior, and national statesman, David distinguished himself as one of God's greatest men. He modeled invincible confidence in the face of impossible circumstances. He made decisions with wisdom and equity. And he wrote with transparent vulnerability and quiet trust. But how well do we really know David? In Great David , the first volume in Charles Swindoll's bestselling Great Lives series , Swindoll gives us a closer look at this incredible man who had his fair share of difficulties. Throughout his life, David was gripped by destructive passion, rocked by family chaos and personal tragedy, and motivated by political expediency. Like all of us, David was far from perfect, but Swindoll teaches us that David had the chance to become great when he placed himself at the Lord's disposal. As Swindoll guides us through David's remarkable life and legacy, he asks and answers key questions along the way, Join Swindoll as he teaches us that we can all endeavor to live a life marked by the humility, dependability, and integrity of David.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
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1803 people want to read
About the author
Charles R. Swindoll
972 books851 followersCharles Swindoll has devoted over four decades to two passions: an unwavering commitment to the practical communication and application of God's Word, and an untiring devotion to seeing lives transformed by God's grace. Chuck graduated magna cum laude from Dallas Theological Seminary and has since been honored with four doctorates. For his teaching on Insight for Living, he has received the Program of the Year award and the Hall of Fame award from the National Religious Broadcasters as well as multiple book awards.
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September 13, 2019
A man after Gods own heart! I get it now.
I’m going to condense it as best I can but there is simply too much to address and frankly this is a book everyone should read for themselves.
David was 17 when God chose him. When Samuel comes looking for God’s chosen, the one whom is to be anointed to be the next king, he goes to Jesse’s house. His dad Jesse, presents all his other sons EXCEPT David. He didn’t even think to include him as one of his children when he presents all his other sons. They end up having to call him in from the field where he is out tending sheep. He’s chosen and anointed then goes right back out to keep tending sheep and playing his harp for the next couple of years. David spends years in solitude, tending sheep and singing praises to God. During this time he kills a bear AND a lion to protect his sheep all while being disregarded by his family.
Fast forward a little: King Saul (the present King) starts going crazy (the spirit of the Lord departed from Saul and an evil spirit took hold of him). So he’s going mad and somebody says, you should get a musician to come play soothing music for you to calm the voices in your head. Someone else says: Jesse has a son who plays. Enter David to the service of the King. He plays and the evil spirits depart so Saul LOVES David because he brings him peace.
Then of course comes the battle with Goliath which everyone knows about.
Saul offers his daughter Michal as a prize to whomever kills Goliath but made David pay a dowry for marrying her. He required David to kill 100 Philistines (perhaps thinking David would be killed in doing so or not survive, but David does and he lives).
While serving Saul he also becomes best friends with Saul’s son Jonathan. But David starts to gain too much popularity for Saul’s liking, and feeling the people love David more than they love him (Saul) he begins to hate David and eventually sets out to kill him. But Jonathan talks him out of it (faithful friend), defending him even though David is called to be the next King, which should rightfully be Jonathans place. Jonathan is not resentful nor jealous of David, he loves him and defends him. David never once raises his hand against Saul, not even when he’s playing the harp for him and Saul starts throwing spears at him to kill him, David just runs away. Michal (Saul’s daughter and Davis wife) also loves David fully so when once again Saul decides to kill David, she warns him and has him escape from their bedroom so he can run away before they murder him. Both Jonathan and Michal are on David’s side instead of their father King Saul.
David then goes from place to place seeking refuge an eventually ends up as a cave dweller where is where he writes lots of his psalms. He is eventually joined by others (those in debt, offended or angry against Saul). So he ends up with an army of rejects and misfits. Training them and eventually traveling again. They fight and win many battles while he spends YEARS running from Saul!
Saul is eventually killed by the Philistines, which he made David slaughter 100 of to marry Michal. Jonathan is also killed. But David STILL does not become king. He spends another 7 years ruling armies and doing whatever God tells him. He doesn’t take the throne until God tells him it’s time (at age 30).
In the meantime, David has married a number of women and fathered 20 males and 1 female named in the bible, in addition to many other children with concubines also not mentioned. So, although he is the ONLY man the bible refers to as a man after Gods own heart, he also struggled with having excess passion while fighting in battles or conquering women. He did EVERYTHING whole heartedly. And his hunger of the flesh is what gets him in trouble with Bathsheba.
I used to think. How could David go from serving God and hearing from him, to ignoring him and going for Bathsheba? She was married and then, not only do they have an affair, but when she turns up pregnant, he sends her husband to the front lines so that he may be killed in battle so he can marry Bathsheba and cover up his sin. But it turns out David ALWAYS indulged in pleasures of the flesh and never tempered his sexual appetite. He most likely always failed to control his lust and when you don’t control cravings, when instead you give in and indulge, not only does it NOT satisfy the craving, but it actually increases your desire. Isn’t this something? The whole time he’s crying out to God and seeking to serve God, he’s also indulging in his flesh to the point where he loses control over his lustful desires and ends up taking another man’s wife although he himself already had plenty of wives and concubines. All because he never limited himself or exercised self-control in this area.
YET he was a man after Gods own heart, meaning he cared about the things that God cared about and had his heart set on God. The road to sin isn’t usually a sudden plunge. The road to sin is usually a very slow decline, gradual. Say if I steal this knife, I might as well steal the spoon and then I might as well take the fork and might as well throw in the dishes and cups. And before you know it, you’ve stolen the entire house when you only meant to take the knife. He didn’t set out to commit adultery and have the man killed but that’s the end result.
And God forgives him!!! He’s not free from the consequences of his sin, but he is forgiven because he genuinely repents and cries out to God. He’s so earnest in his quest to seek God, yet so human. He’s strong, able to kill lions and bears but so weak that he fails to resist being tempted by a woman. It was a slow demise that led him to fall, it was years of failing to exercise self-control that eventually led him to take what was not his to take, but even then, God sees his heart is still set on Him and his kingdom and has grace upon him.
When Nathaniel confronts David , and David responds be confessing his sin ad asking for forgiveness, God forgives David but the punishment is bad! God says David will not die (he spears him even though he is supposed to be stoned to death for adultery, not to mention murder). But David is not free from punishment and God says from that day forth, the sword shall never depart from David’s house, and what David did in private (sleeping with another man’s wife) God will have done publicly to David, and that the child is to die! And God was not kidding.
When the baby is born, David cries to God and prays and fasts pleading to God asking Him to spare the baby. But the baby dies 7 days after birth and so David washes his face, bathes and then goes to praise God. Everyone thinks he’s crazy because while the baby lived, David cried, prayed and pleaded but once the baby dies, he washes and goes to praise God. But David says, while the baby still lived, there was hope, now God has decided and the baby will not come back to me, but one day I will go to the baby and he praises God because of it. Talk about consequences!
And then his firstborn Amnon rapes his half-sister Tamar, which then causes his other son Absalom to murder his brother Amnon. And Absalom also ends sleeping with David’s wives and concubines publicly as God said would happen and Absalom also ends up usurping the throne from David. And through all this, David does not raise a hand against Absalom because of his great love for him. And when Absalom is murdered, David cries out to God in one of the most heartfelt verses in the Bible 2 Samuel 18:33 crying, “Oh my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you- Oh Absalom, my son, my son!” It’s easy to see here, David’s tender heart. This is a man who loved his son no matter how much the son had sinned against his father. Reminds me of us with God.
But God gives him Solomon from Bathsheba (David comforted her and lays with her again while they are in mourning after the baby dies). Solomon, whom God changes his named to Jedidiah, calling him a friend of God. Solomon, whom God calls to build his temple even though this was David’s great desire (to build Gods house for the Tabernacle), but God tells David no; his hands have bloodshed and Solomon’s will be free from blood. And when God asks Solomon he can have anything at all he asks for, Solomon asks for wisdom! So he could be a good ruler. He doesn’t ask for riches, nor health.
I could go on and on, there is so much I could tell you but really, you should probably just read the book for yourself because it is honestly one of the best books I have EVER experienced.
I’m going to condense it as best I can but there is simply too much to address and frankly this is a book everyone should read for themselves.
David was 17 when God chose him. When Samuel comes looking for God’s chosen, the one whom is to be anointed to be the next king, he goes to Jesse’s house. His dad Jesse, presents all his other sons EXCEPT David. He didn’t even think to include him as one of his children when he presents all his other sons. They end up having to call him in from the field where he is out tending sheep. He’s chosen and anointed then goes right back out to keep tending sheep and playing his harp for the next couple of years. David spends years in solitude, tending sheep and singing praises to God. During this time he kills a bear AND a lion to protect his sheep all while being disregarded by his family.
Fast forward a little: King Saul (the present King) starts going crazy (the spirit of the Lord departed from Saul and an evil spirit took hold of him). So he’s going mad and somebody says, you should get a musician to come play soothing music for you to calm the voices in your head. Someone else says: Jesse has a son who plays. Enter David to the service of the King. He plays and the evil spirits depart so Saul LOVES David because he brings him peace.
Then of course comes the battle with Goliath which everyone knows about.
Saul offers his daughter Michal as a prize to whomever kills Goliath but made David pay a dowry for marrying her. He required David to kill 100 Philistines (perhaps thinking David would be killed in doing so or not survive, but David does and he lives).
While serving Saul he also becomes best friends with Saul’s son Jonathan. But David starts to gain too much popularity for Saul’s liking, and feeling the people love David more than they love him (Saul) he begins to hate David and eventually sets out to kill him. But Jonathan talks him out of it (faithful friend), defending him even though David is called to be the next King, which should rightfully be Jonathans place. Jonathan is not resentful nor jealous of David, he loves him and defends him. David never once raises his hand against Saul, not even when he’s playing the harp for him and Saul starts throwing spears at him to kill him, David just runs away. Michal (Saul’s daughter and Davis wife) also loves David fully so when once again Saul decides to kill David, she warns him and has him escape from their bedroom so he can run away before they murder him. Both Jonathan and Michal are on David’s side instead of their father King Saul.
David then goes from place to place seeking refuge an eventually ends up as a cave dweller where is where he writes lots of his psalms. He is eventually joined by others (those in debt, offended or angry against Saul). So he ends up with an army of rejects and misfits. Training them and eventually traveling again. They fight and win many battles while he spends YEARS running from Saul!
Saul is eventually killed by the Philistines, which he made David slaughter 100 of to marry Michal. Jonathan is also killed. But David STILL does not become king. He spends another 7 years ruling armies and doing whatever God tells him. He doesn’t take the throne until God tells him it’s time (at age 30).
In the meantime, David has married a number of women and fathered 20 males and 1 female named in the bible, in addition to many other children with concubines also not mentioned. So, although he is the ONLY man the bible refers to as a man after Gods own heart, he also struggled with having excess passion while fighting in battles or conquering women. He did EVERYTHING whole heartedly. And his hunger of the flesh is what gets him in trouble with Bathsheba.
I used to think. How could David go from serving God and hearing from him, to ignoring him and going for Bathsheba? She was married and then, not only do they have an affair, but when she turns up pregnant, he sends her husband to the front lines so that he may be killed in battle so he can marry Bathsheba and cover up his sin. But it turns out David ALWAYS indulged in pleasures of the flesh and never tempered his sexual appetite. He most likely always failed to control his lust and when you don’t control cravings, when instead you give in and indulge, not only does it NOT satisfy the craving, but it actually increases your desire. Isn’t this something? The whole time he’s crying out to God and seeking to serve God, he’s also indulging in his flesh to the point where he loses control over his lustful desires and ends up taking another man’s wife although he himself already had plenty of wives and concubines. All because he never limited himself or exercised self-control in this area.
YET he was a man after Gods own heart, meaning he cared about the things that God cared about and had his heart set on God. The road to sin isn’t usually a sudden plunge. The road to sin is usually a very slow decline, gradual. Say if I steal this knife, I might as well steal the spoon and then I might as well take the fork and might as well throw in the dishes and cups. And before you know it, you’ve stolen the entire house when you only meant to take the knife. He didn’t set out to commit adultery and have the man killed but that’s the end result.
And God forgives him!!! He’s not free from the consequences of his sin, but he is forgiven because he genuinely repents and cries out to God. He’s so earnest in his quest to seek God, yet so human. He’s strong, able to kill lions and bears but so weak that he fails to resist being tempted by a woman. It was a slow demise that led him to fall, it was years of failing to exercise self-control that eventually led him to take what was not his to take, but even then, God sees his heart is still set on Him and his kingdom and has grace upon him.
When Nathaniel confronts David , and David responds be confessing his sin ad asking for forgiveness, God forgives David but the punishment is bad! God says David will not die (he spears him even though he is supposed to be stoned to death for adultery, not to mention murder). But David is not free from punishment and God says from that day forth, the sword shall never depart from David’s house, and what David did in private (sleeping with another man’s wife) God will have done publicly to David, and that the child is to die! And God was not kidding.
When the baby is born, David cries to God and prays and fasts pleading to God asking Him to spare the baby. But the baby dies 7 days after birth and so David washes his face, bathes and then goes to praise God. Everyone thinks he’s crazy because while the baby lived, David cried, prayed and pleaded but once the baby dies, he washes and goes to praise God. But David says, while the baby still lived, there was hope, now God has decided and the baby will not come back to me, but one day I will go to the baby and he praises God because of it. Talk about consequences!
And then his firstborn Amnon rapes his half-sister Tamar, which then causes his other son Absalom to murder his brother Amnon. And Absalom also ends sleeping with David’s wives and concubines publicly as God said would happen and Absalom also ends up usurping the throne from David. And through all this, David does not raise a hand against Absalom because of his great love for him. And when Absalom is murdered, David cries out to God in one of the most heartfelt verses in the Bible 2 Samuel 18:33 crying, “Oh my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you- Oh Absalom, my son, my son!” It’s easy to see here, David’s tender heart. This is a man who loved his son no matter how much the son had sinned against his father. Reminds me of us with God.
But God gives him Solomon from Bathsheba (David comforted her and lays with her again while they are in mourning after the baby dies). Solomon, whom God changes his named to Jedidiah, calling him a friend of God. Solomon, whom God calls to build his temple even though this was David’s great desire (to build Gods house for the Tabernacle), but God tells David no; his hands have bloodshed and Solomon’s will be free from blood. And when God asks Solomon he can have anything at all he asks for, Solomon asks for wisdom! So he could be a good ruler. He doesn’t ask for riches, nor health.
I could go on and on, there is so much I could tell you but really, you should probably just read the book for yourself because it is honestly one of the best books I have EVER experienced.
May 11, 2012
David is a man that all persons can relate to. He experience every temptation I know. At least the ones i have face. Even though God called him "A man after my own heart" David committed the most ghastly of sins. Swindoll presents a vivid picture of a man like us all; struggling to do what is right and struggling to hid sin. If you don't want to see your shortcomings, don't read this book. If you want to know human nature and the love of God, READ IT.
May 3, 2013
I love Chuck Swindoll's writing and sermons. This is another very good book. A wonderful way to get to know the person of David, the King of Israel.
The reason this book only gets 3 stars from me is because Swindoll doesn't deal with the final chapter of David's life when he instructs Solomon to get even with David's old enemies. I find that to be a sad chapter to David's life and was curious about how Swindoll would deal with that but Swindoll leaves it out. I would have appreciated his thoughts on the last chapter of David's life.
The reason this book only gets 3 stars from me is because Swindoll doesn't deal with the final chapter of David's life when he instructs Solomon to get even with David's old enemies. I find that to be a sad chapter to David's life and was curious about how Swindoll would deal with that but Swindoll leaves it out. I would have appreciated his thoughts on the last chapter of David's life.
September 24, 2020
If I could give it more stars I would! So well written and so interesting too! Would highly recommend.
November 23, 2014
With intermittent reading of the Old Testament, David was an enigma to me. After reading this book, I feel like I know and understand his character, actions and why he is often referred to with the line: David had a heart for God.
Mr Swindoll brings David alive to the reader like a great history professor I once had (James Morrison), bringing his flaws to the fore, not hiding them to make David larger than life. There were times I felt I could identify with his shortcomings and times I simply admired how strong and unfailing his faith in God was.
The book is well-written and has intrigued me to seek out other of Swindoll's book. This is an author, a theologian, I feel I can learn a lot from.
David make a lot of mistakes, huge mistakes, but he always returned to the most important thing in his life: his faith, his God. It gives me hope that we mere humans can be so good as to emulate his strength!
Mr Swindoll brings David alive to the reader like a great history professor I once had (James Morrison), bringing his flaws to the fore, not hiding them to make David larger than life. There were times I felt I could identify with his shortcomings and times I simply admired how strong and unfailing his faith in God was.
The book is well-written and has intrigued me to seek out other of Swindoll's book. This is an author, a theologian, I feel I can learn a lot from.
David make a lot of mistakes, huge mistakes, but he always returned to the most important thing in his life: his faith, his God. It gives me hope that we mere humans can be so good as to emulate his strength!
April 27, 2011
I started to diligently read this book but started skimming and quickly realized it wasn't worth my time. This is a watered down version of the real lessons to be learned from the life of David. 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. If you read this book, please do it in the light in which it was written--as a book for beginning Christians who have not given up the baby food. If that's you, go for it. Otherwise, look for a more fulfilling read. Otherwise, stick with the Old Testament.
October 9, 2022
The book helped me by a study of a life devoted to God that doesn't always get it right can in the end stay the course and be reconciled.
October 24, 2024
Praise the lord that he’s left us with imperfect people whose stories we can learn from, admire, and be warned by. And by golly Chuck can really bring those stories to life. Some things that I would never have thought twice about reading on my own had me tearing up. This is a heart filled and passionate commentary on the life of the man after God’s own heart. Will be reading all of these eventually.
March 9, 2021
This book brought so much insight into the life of David. Covering his greatest achievements, but equally showcasing his greatest failures, their causes and what came because of them. A biography with all the corresponding scripture intertwined, and examples how it all applies in our current day. Values and wisdom that guided David all those years ago, Chuck Swindoll when the book was written decades ago, and now in our lives today! I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
December 6, 2021
Good book
July 22, 2015
It's taken me 3 years to finally complete reading this book, not because of it's length however – I just get too distracted in my reading habits! It was good to dig back into this book and finally finish it up.
Though David is a well-known and well-loved character of mine it was wonderful getting an in-depth look at his life laid out completely in this way and unbroken, as it often fails to do in church sermons of course. Charles Swindoll takes you verse by verse, chapter by chapter, story by story, never covering over David's mistakes, and giving many wonderful lessons and applications from this “man after God's own heart”.
I highly recommend this entire series of character studies, as I always find something truthful and authentic in taking the time to get a closer look at these well-known people from God's word.
Though David is a well-known and well-loved character of mine it was wonderful getting an in-depth look at his life laid out completely in this way and unbroken, as it often fails to do in church sermons of course. Charles Swindoll takes you verse by verse, chapter by chapter, story by story, never covering over David's mistakes, and giving many wonderful lessons and applications from this “man after God's own heart”.
I highly recommend this entire series of character studies, as I always find something truthful and authentic in taking the time to get a closer look at these well-known people from God's word.
February 24, 2007
This particular book was hard for me to get through. I actually stopped half way through. I think it is because I was comparing David's life to Joseph's life. I read Joseph right before this one. The two are so different. I got very confused with what God was allowing here with the two men. But if I would have continued to read, I would have seen the consequences of David's actions. Even though he was still concidered a man after God's own heart, he had consequences for his sins. It affected not just him, but his whole family. There was a domino effect that lasted many, years after. This book brought me to a place to learn about true grace and mercy. Something I don't ever want to take for granite. Highly recommended.
March 27, 2012
This book gives us an in depth look at David's life. David was truly a man of Passion and Destiny. What better way to see Romans 8:28 in action than to look at the life of the man that the Bible declares as being after God's own heart. Swindoll's entire book series is great and very helping in providing spiritual insight encouragement through the life of biblical characters. I have read through it 3 times and each time I seem to glean more and more.
December 11, 2012
Exelente! Pocos libros tienen esta mezcla tan profunda, pero a la vez tan práctica. La pluma de Swindoll es sencillamente maravillosa; realmente logra que uno se lance a la aventura del estudio biográfico junto con él, escarbando, gozando, llorando y sufriendo con el mismo David. Sin duda, un libro muy recomendado.
January 12, 2018
Love reading and listening to anything by Charles Swindoll. He’s mastered the art of storytelling and you can hear his benevolent laugh roar throughout the pages.
This was my first dive into David’s life past the David vs Goliath story. Look forward to reading more.
This was my first dive into David’s life past the David vs Goliath story. Look forward to reading more.
December 31, 2008
swindoll brings bible charecters to life like noone else.
January 12, 2009
i thought it was a great book and it taught me a few things about friendship!
April 25, 2010
A very good christian book to read.
September 23, 2013
Loved it. I read this one chapter per day as my Bible study. I loved focusing on one person and working my way through a book of the Bible at the same time.
October 11, 2017
A great introduction and build into the life of King David. This work resounds with me today.
May 31, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I just happened to be reading the story of David in my Bible reading when I started listening to this audio book so it went along with my daily Bible reading. I loved all the applications he gives throughout David’s story.
August 17, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyable read...
A man after God’s own heart indeed. There is so very much to learn from all his imperfect humanity. Following along the stories of David’s life gives hope to us all in our own imperfect selves.
A man after God’s own heart indeed. There is so very much to learn from all his imperfect humanity. Following along the stories of David’s life gives hope to us all in our own imperfect selves.
August 7, 2019
I loved this book. I feel like I learned so much about David and also many reminders about the consequences of sin in our lives. This is the first in a series and I’m looking forward to reading more of these Great Lives. I also think this would be an excellent book to read in a group study.
June 24, 2016
What an awesome book on the life of an awesome man after God's heart, Israel beloved king! Totally enjoyed this book, clear explanations, stories and personal recollections by the author. You will be transported to biblical times and will encounter first hand accounts of David's life. You will see young David during his sojourn as a youthful pastor and will learn about his encounters with wild animals, his love and passion for his family's flock and the tender care he provided. Afterwards, you will be in the battlefield and will learn about his thoughts while facing his giant, and will know that David, a man after God's heart had already slayed the giant Goliath even before his most famous encounter in the land of the Philistines. You will see his faith, his love for God, his strength, his passion for his people and for doing the right thing as a young man. You will shed tears while he is being persecuted by the annointed king Saul and will get a glimpse into the tormented soul of the king who had been chosen by the people, but David was chosen by the Lord to bring Israel out of the deepest despair and a sin filled life. You will feel his anguish, his despair, his feelings of abandonment by his family and his brothers as he scrambles to get away from the very hands that one day tried to get him to wear the royal cape and armor. DAvid the kind hearted persecuted soul who refused to slay God's anointed king even after the opportunity was presented to him on a silver platter. He even addressed his persecutor as father...what a kindhearted man after God's own heart. You will understand his agape love, his unique and special love for his friend Jonathan, their souls touched each other and they experienced true friendship and brotherly love. Oh David! the war leader, the general who fought and won many battles at the height of his career, who engaged in fights and the hand of God was always present in those battles. He erected altars and his greatest desire was to please his loving God by building a magnificent temple for Him. David, who understood when God said no to his greatest desire, his dream of building a house for his loving God and he accepted God's reply with loving kindness, dignity and respect for God's decision. The great king David, who in his humanity lusted and sinned and is known for his sin with Bathsheba and hundreds of books have been written about his great sin...he fell in love with a married woman and this great, albeit prohibited love, stained with sin and God's disapproval led to mayhem and many tragedies for the king and his family. David is one of the most talked about of the biblical characters, other that Jesus and is right there along with Abraham, Jacob, Moses and Joseph and his life has shown us that we are all human, with emotions, desires and sins and once again, has proved that he was indeed a man after God's heart. Harp and notebook in tow, he is known not only as a greatest king of Israel, but his songs and Psalms will live forever and will continue to soothe tormented and suffering souls throughout eternity, for he has proven that he was God's chosen and his heart, although human was in the right place...always after God.
July 28, 2019
Good
I enjoyed it but didn’t love it. We studied it as a class and most everyone liked it. Maybe it was just me.
I enjoyed it but didn’t love it. We studied it as a class and most everyone liked it. Maybe it was just me.
February 15, 2018
What an outstanding book by Swindoll. He captures and amplifies a personal side of David that I have never been able to see in the OT passages of his life. As I read the texts now, it is right there in plain sight. I find myself rereading Chronicles and Kings after reading this book, looking for more clues to the kind of man David was, as well as those people around him. David is such a special biblical character. Declared a man after God's own heart, not by men, but by God...how amazing is that first of all. But yet how prideful, tempted, and sinful he could still be. A warrior, a poet, a musician, a politician, a gifted military leader, a savvy king, and so much more all in one man. He was tremendously gifted and blessed by God. I found myself almost understanding or finding excuse for Davids sin. I mean if any man had a reason to be prideful, it would be David, right. But I also found myself almost understanding why God does not bless us all more....we simply can't handle it. Our sinful hearts give way so easily to corruption of good things.
The truly amazing part of the story that I gleaned from this book, is how sensitive David's heart was to God through it all. Even when he was at his worst, he was open to God, teachable, and accepting of whatever God had for him. I never before focused on the passages describing Davids weeping and fasting over his dying child with Bathsheba. For seven days he lay on the ground weeping and praying for God to change His mind and show him mercy. So distraught that his counselors tried to lift him up and get him to eat and rest, but David would have none of that, as he continued seeking and praying to God. And just as amazing is the picture of when he heard the news the child was dead. He immediately got up, washed himself, and went to worship God in the temple. Fully aware of God's presence, power, and grace, and yet fully willing to accept a clear "no" answer from God. As the scars of Davids sins mounted in his life, he remained sensitive to God and fully trusting in His love and mercy. What an amazing character. What an amazing story. Thank you Swindoll for helping me to understand much more clearly what it means to be "a man after God's own heart". I pray that my heart will be as sensitive to God as our favorite warrior, poet, and king in scripture (at least in the OT).
The truly amazing part of the story that I gleaned from this book, is how sensitive David's heart was to God through it all. Even when he was at his worst, he was open to God, teachable, and accepting of whatever God had for him. I never before focused on the passages describing Davids weeping and fasting over his dying child with Bathsheba. For seven days he lay on the ground weeping and praying for God to change His mind and show him mercy. So distraught that his counselors tried to lift him up and get him to eat and rest, but David would have none of that, as he continued seeking and praying to God. And just as amazing is the picture of when he heard the news the child was dead. He immediately got up, washed himself, and went to worship God in the temple. Fully aware of God's presence, power, and grace, and yet fully willing to accept a clear "no" answer from God. As the scars of Davids sins mounted in his life, he remained sensitive to God and fully trusting in His love and mercy. What an amazing character. What an amazing story. Thank you Swindoll for helping me to understand much more clearly what it means to be "a man after God's own heart". I pray that my heart will be as sensitive to God as our favorite warrior, poet, and king in scripture (at least in the OT).
July 22, 2019
I have read this book again and again. Every time I read it, I learn a whole new way of seeing David and God. This biography on David is such an easy but very interesting read. The writer has a phenomenal way of writing for the everyday person. It’s not complex or over intellectualized, making it very understandable. I think everyone should read this book and learn all about the simplicities and complexities that make David such a remarkable biblical character.
June 11, 2022
3.5 stars
I've been wanting to start reading this biblical character series by Charles Swindoll for a while, but I picked up this book at this time for one reason: I had finished reading 1 and 2 Samuel recently, and I did NOT like David. At all. Other times reading his story, I saw the kid who trusted God and took down Goliath, the young man who refused to take revenge on Saul when he had the chance, or the king who brought the ark of God back to Jerusalem with worship and dancing (which is all true). This time, however, I saw a miserable failure as a husband and father, a coward who ran when he should've stood, and a foolish leader whose pride led to a plague that killed 70,000. How is this guy called "a man after God's own heart"?
So I read this book to get a different perspective.
Pastor Swindoll basically paraphrased the story of David from 1 and 2 Samuel, then gave 3 or 4 life lessons at the end of each chapter. It was all good, but I wish it had gone a little deeper. I had hoped for an in-depth study of this man's life, rather than just a broad overview. I did draw some conclusions from what I read here though.
If you want to see the heart of King David, read the Psalms. They are full of cries for help, confession of sin, reminders of God's faithfulness in the face of our faithlessness. No matter how low David got in his own moral failures, his heart was still seeking the Lord. He paid for the sins he committed, as did his (many) wives, his children, and his entire kingdom. But he found grace and mercy every time he turned to his Father. That's man after God's heart.
One last note: I also heartily agree with Charles Swindoll when he wrote how glad he is that God is finished writing the Bible. Our sins won't be broadcast worldwide in the number one bestselling book of all time. We could each be featured prominently. Praise God that His mercies are new every morning.
I've been wanting to start reading this biblical character series by Charles Swindoll for a while, but I picked up this book at this time for one reason: I had finished reading 1 and 2 Samuel recently, and I did NOT like David. At all. Other times reading his story, I saw the kid who trusted God and took down Goliath, the young man who refused to take revenge on Saul when he had the chance, or the king who brought the ark of God back to Jerusalem with worship and dancing (which is all true). This time, however, I saw a miserable failure as a husband and father, a coward who ran when he should've stood, and a foolish leader whose pride led to a plague that killed 70,000. How is this guy called "a man after God's own heart"?
So I read this book to get a different perspective.
Pastor Swindoll basically paraphrased the story of David from 1 and 2 Samuel, then gave 3 or 4 life lessons at the end of each chapter. It was all good, but I wish it had gone a little deeper. I had hoped for an in-depth study of this man's life, rather than just a broad overview. I did draw some conclusions from what I read here though.
If you want to see the heart of King David, read the Psalms. They are full of cries for help, confession of sin, reminders of God's faithfulness in the face of our faithlessness. No matter how low David got in his own moral failures, his heart was still seeking the Lord. He paid for the sins he committed, as did his (many) wives, his children, and his entire kingdom. But he found grace and mercy every time he turned to his Father. That's man after God's heart.
One last note: I also heartily agree with Charles Swindoll when he wrote how glad he is that God is finished writing the Bible. Our sins won't be broadcast worldwide in the number one bestselling book of all time. We could each be featured prominently. Praise God that His mercies are new every morning.
August 11, 2025
2025 UPDATE:
This is the second time I've lead a small group through a study on the life of David using this book. It serves as an excellent way to prepare the lessons each week and Swindoll offers great perspectives and consideration points that can be used for small group discussion.
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I had been looking for a comprehensive study on the life of David and Charles Swindoll's "David" was an incredible study and exactly what I was looking for! I used this book as a lesson guide for a bible study group at work and this book was a perfect fit.
In brief, there are 24 chapters; however we were able to cover two chapters at a time on some occasions. There was another opportunity for us to expand on the material - such as the lesson on David and Goliath. Though Swindoll's chapter covered a great deal on the topic, we spent another lesson digging into the scripture and applicable lessons that can be drawn from that lesson.
Each chapter was well organized and provided an explanation to each chapter covered in (1/2 Samuel and 1/2 Chronicles). There were also great placement opportunities of the various Psalms that David wrote and how they were drawn from different events in David's life.
If you're looking for an engaging and relevant study at the life of David that are built and drawn from scripture, I highly recommend this book. As a side note: this is the first book of five that Swindoll extensively covers the life of great biblical figures. I have not read the other books in the "Great Lives from God's Word" series, but based on this read of David I will certainly check it out.
Pros: Manageable chapter lengths and never grew tired of reading - a very relevant and interesting look at the life of David.
Cons: None really.
Bottom line: Excellent review and synopsis of the life of David, with applicable lessons and questions for the reader. Also great for small group bible study.
This is the second time I've lead a small group through a study on the life of David using this book. It serves as an excellent way to prepare the lessons each week and Swindoll offers great perspectives and consideration points that can be used for small group discussion.
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I had been looking for a comprehensive study on the life of David and Charles Swindoll's "David" was an incredible study and exactly what I was looking for! I used this book as a lesson guide for a bible study group at work and this book was a perfect fit.
In brief, there are 24 chapters; however we were able to cover two chapters at a time on some occasions. There was another opportunity for us to expand on the material - such as the lesson on David and Goliath. Though Swindoll's chapter covered a great deal on the topic, we spent another lesson digging into the scripture and applicable lessons that can be drawn from that lesson.
Each chapter was well organized and provided an explanation to each chapter covered in (1/2 Samuel and 1/2 Chronicles). There were also great placement opportunities of the various Psalms that David wrote and how they were drawn from different events in David's life.
If you're looking for an engaging and relevant study at the life of David that are built and drawn from scripture, I highly recommend this book. As a side note: this is the first book of five that Swindoll extensively covers the life of great biblical figures. I have not read the other books in the "Great Lives from God's Word" series, but based on this read of David I will certainly check it out.
Pros: Manageable chapter lengths and never grew tired of reading - a very relevant and interesting look at the life of David.
Cons: None really.
Bottom line: Excellent review and synopsis of the life of David, with applicable lessons and questions for the reader. Also great for small group bible study.
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