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Song of Solomon #1
David and Bathsheba
The spellbinding story of a gifted king and the woman he loved but could not have, this book is the first novel in Dorr's acclaimed trilogy of the House of David. Told from Bathsheba's perspective, Dorr brings to life the passion that almost cost David his kingdom--and tested a people's courage and faith in God.
426 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1980
12 people are currently reading
604 people want to read
About the author
Roberta Kells Dorr
22 books22 followersRoberta Kells Dorr, born in the roaring twenties, survived the depression on a farm in Minnesota. She earned her Masters at Louisville's Southern Seminary and spent the next seventeen years with her surgeon husband and five children, serving as missionaries in the Gaza Strip & Jibla, Yemen. Here she had opportunity to extensively research and intimately explore the larger-than-life characters of her historical-biblical novels.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 25, 2013
3.5 stars!
Roberta Kells Dorr writes a very well written book. I was very impressed with how much history she packed into the story and how much research went into it.
The beginning of the story started off slow for me but after Bathsheba marries is where I found it to be more interesting. I believe the author did a great job of creating personalities for the Biblical characters. I also loved that she included some Psalms throughout the book.
The David and Bathsheba story has always fascinated me and I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read this book.
**ARC graciously provided by Moody Publishers via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
Roberta Kells Dorr writes a very well written book. I was very impressed with how much history she packed into the story and how much research went into it.
The beginning of the story started off slow for me but after Bathsheba marries is where I found it to be more interesting. I believe the author did a great job of creating personalities for the Biblical characters. I also loved that she included some Psalms throughout the book.
The David and Bathsheba story has always fascinated me and I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read this book.
**ARC graciously provided by Moody Publishers via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
April 24, 2014
Fine rendering of the relationship between King David and Bathsheba. Definitely deviates from the Biblical story, but Dorr creates plausible situations and motivations for the characters, set against Israel's turbulent history, with the Israelites constantly at war with the Philistines and other peoples, and handles the violence and intrigue within David's own family with imagination and straightforwardness.
August 13, 2024
I cannot tell if I’m a slower read of if it’s just the normal material that slows me down… I mostly ready non-fiction; I think that has something to do with it.
David & Bathsheba is both fact and fiction. Based on the biblical accounts, it therefore (as nearly as I can tell) has the people, place, and times are properly sorted within the story.
The license (aka the fiction) comes in when describing what the characters are doing and thinking, and how the many characters are woven together throughout the story.
I have been hesitant to read books like this before because of the obvious danger or blurring the known biblical texts with the unknown stories of the real characters’ lives outside of the Bible. As I have read the primary texts (1 and 2 Samuel and the Psalms of the Old Testament) several times over the years I felt comfortable enough to proceed.
I couldn’t put this book down! I blazed through it in less than a week. However the author chose to color in the many unknowable details, she does so with great skill as a writer and novice historian. Even better, she seems to capture the temperature and maturity of faith between ALL the main characters, including (obviously) David and Bathsheba but also Joab, Uriah the Hittite, David’s sons (Amnon and Absolom) and Ahithophel. Below is an excerpt from the book that I feel captures so well the characters of David and Ahithophel:
“You are right in your way and I am right in mine,” David consoled Ahithophel. “I make my decisions trusting in God’s goodness, and you advise me to act out of fear. It is as foreign for me to act out of fear as it would be for you to act in faith.”
This was a highly enjoyable book!
David & Bathsheba is both fact and fiction. Based on the biblical accounts, it therefore (as nearly as I can tell) has the people, place, and times are properly sorted within the story.
The license (aka the fiction) comes in when describing what the characters are doing and thinking, and how the many characters are woven together throughout the story.
I have been hesitant to read books like this before because of the obvious danger or blurring the known biblical texts with the unknown stories of the real characters’ lives outside of the Bible. As I have read the primary texts (1 and 2 Samuel and the Psalms of the Old Testament) several times over the years I felt comfortable enough to proceed.
I couldn’t put this book down! I blazed through it in less than a week. However the author chose to color in the many unknowable details, she does so with great skill as a writer and novice historian. Even better, she seems to capture the temperature and maturity of faith between ALL the main characters, including (obviously) David and Bathsheba but also Joab, Uriah the Hittite, David’s sons (Amnon and Absolom) and Ahithophel. Below is an excerpt from the book that I feel captures so well the characters of David and Ahithophel:
“You are right in your way and I am right in mine,” David consoled Ahithophel. “I make my decisions trusting in God’s goodness, and you advise me to act out of fear. It is as foreign for me to act out of fear as it would be for you to act in faith.”
This was a highly enjoyable book!
July 24, 2018
The book, which I read under the original title of Bathsheba, was a fascinating retelling of the Old Testament Bible story of King David, who catches sight of the beautiful young wife of Uriah, the Hittite, as she is bathing on the roof below his palace. Despite his upright religious beliefs and knowing that he should not, he invites her to join him in his rooftop pavilion while Uriah is away fighting in battle. Bathsheba has been very unhappy in her marriage and from her window, she has noticed how virile and handsome David is as he passed on the street below. She is drawn to him and tells herself that she can't refuse his invitation as he is the King. They share an amorous night together but it has consequences. Their servants talk and in time Bathsheba discovers she is pregnant.
David wants to have her as a wife and arranges to have Uriah killed by telling his nephew Joab to make sure Uriah is sent to the front of a dangerous raid. As two of his favourite soldiers are also killed this becomes a major scandal. David refuses to listen to the advice of his counselors and marries Bathsheba although it is noticeable that there are many angry faces among the wedding guests. His other wives conspire to make life difficult for her when she joins them in the women's quarters. The prophet Nathan prophesies that David will pay for his sins, the child Bathsheba carries will die and although he continues to love her dearly he becomes morose and feels that God has deserted him.
As he can't undo the wrong he has done, he admits his sin and prays for a way to make things right. Eventually, he is forgiven by his God, counselors and people.
David wants to have her as a wife and arranges to have Uriah killed by telling his nephew Joab to make sure Uriah is sent to the front of a dangerous raid. As two of his favourite soldiers are also killed this becomes a major scandal. David refuses to listen to the advice of his counselors and marries Bathsheba although it is noticeable that there are many angry faces among the wedding guests. His other wives conspire to make life difficult for her when she joins them in the women's quarters. The prophet Nathan prophesies that David will pay for his sins, the child Bathsheba carries will die and although he continues to love her dearly he becomes morose and feels that God has deserted him.
As he can't undo the wrong he has done, he admits his sin and prays for a way to make things right. Eventually, he is forgiven by his God, counselors and people.
July 28, 2019
Dorr's book is so full of historical and Biblical research that the life and times of David and Bathsheba just jump off the page. I felt a greater understanding of both these Biblical characters after reading this book. David was a man after God's own heart, but he was fallible and weak just as we all are and committed sins because he acted before praying. Dorr's portrayal of both the good and bad in David's life made him seem much more realistic and believable. Bathsheba is often remember as an enticer and adulteress. But pushed into a loveless marriage by her grandfather with a much older, Hittite man who wanted her only as a brood mare along with a mother-in-law who tried to push her away from her Hebrew faith, it is easier to see why she fell in love with the handsome, faith-filled David. Although God took her first child as her and David's punishment for their sin, Bathsheba was a strong, protective, caring mother for her other three sons particularly Solomon who would become King after David. Palace intrigue and the competition between soldiers, wives, and concubines for David's attention made this historical time period seem not much different from today's.
Highly recommend this Biblical fiction novel to those who enjoy reading expanded speculation of the life and times of Biblical characters.
Highly recommend this Biblical fiction novel to those who enjoy reading expanded speculation of the life and times of Biblical characters.
April 10, 2019
In her hands, Uriah has become an unprincipled, abusive, God-hating husband who purposely didn't sleep with his adulterous wife just so she would be stoned to death. Not Biblical at all. The writing is boring and focuses too much on the "political intrigue" of war between the house of David and house of Saul. David's first wife, Michal, is the only characterization that fits with the Biblical version.
January 9, 2019
I really enjoyed the book. It is a great read and fictionally connects the dots in a well known old testament Bible story.
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February 5, 2021Bathsheba? Dinah? The women always get the blame!
Video Length: 59 seconds
https://youtu.be/eGTBlK0oOic
Video Length: 59 seconds
https://youtu.be/eGTBlK0oOic
February 27, 2022
It was definitely a good story... It seemed to me that there were some timeline issues and the author didn't spend enough time with Bathsheba, but that's just my personal opinion.
January 30, 2023
Great work of fiction to humanize people from so long ago that they start to seem fictional themselves.
January 16, 2018
It's divided into three parts, and each part focusses on a different character with Bathsheba and her connection to each running through the whole book. First, there's her grandfather, Ahithophel, who raised her and this section reveals her childhood. Second is Uriah, her first husband, and their relationship, and third, David. This king is mentioned throughout the book but doesn't get close up until this section and understandably, this section is much larger than the previous two. The author has done great research into customs and lifestyle, making it a very interesting read. She also gives a different perspective to the story so that, although we already know the high points and outcome of the Biblical story, she makes us look at it in another way, asking "What if..." A compelling read.
October 23, 2013
This is the first book I have read by Roberta Kells Dorr and I look forward to reading more! The attention to detail that is shown throughout the whole story just brings this book to life. The research that went into this book shows through on every page. In the forward it spoke of Roberta traveling to the Gaza Strip and being able to visit the archeological sites. In the way that the story is presented, you can tell that Roberta has knowledge of the area.
I really enjoyed the presentation of the story. Even though it is presented through Bathsheba, the book itself is divided up into four sections. Each section represents an important man in her life at the time. The first section is centered around Bathsheba's grandfather, Ahithophel, who was a Chief Elder in his village and a prosperous man. It is in this section, we watch as Bathsheba grows up and the hardships her family faced during the Philistine invasion and the fall of Saul in battle. At this time, David is an outlaw on the run and hiding in caves, but is followers are growing. In the second section, it focuses on Uriah or Uri, Bathsheba's husband. In this section is follows the trials Bathsheba faces after she weds a man she doesn't know. With this marriage, Bathsheba is required to move to Jerusalem. Bathsheba has a large weight placed on her shoulders once she is married. She is needed to bare a son for Uri.
The third part of the story is focused on David and the trials from this marriage with Michal and then of his meeting Bathsheba. It follows Bathsheba as she tries for years to produce a child, but there is none. The badgering of her mother-in-law and the threats of divorce that she hurls at her. Uriah goes to war and it is here that David and Bathsheba's relationship starts and spirals. It Leads to consequences that they both must face and deal with, not just from their laws and the people, but also from God, delivered in word from Nathan the prophet. The fourth and final section is on Solomon. During this section, Bathsheba faces the scorn of the people as a seductress who led their king astray. She battles the other wives of David in the harem, all while trying to raise her son. As part of the royal family, Bathsheba must do what she can to protect Solomon, as it was prophesied that he would rule Israel.
The character development in this story was wonderful! There were characters you could just loathe. Their bitterness and controlling demeanor just got to you. There were times you just had heart ache for Bathsheba during her struggles.
The story just drew me in!
Thank you to Moody Publishers/ River North, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the presentation of the story. Even though it is presented through Bathsheba, the book itself is divided up into four sections. Each section represents an important man in her life at the time. The first section is centered around Bathsheba's grandfather, Ahithophel, who was a Chief Elder in his village and a prosperous man. It is in this section, we watch as Bathsheba grows up and the hardships her family faced during the Philistine invasion and the fall of Saul in battle. At this time, David is an outlaw on the run and hiding in caves, but is followers are growing. In the second section, it focuses on Uriah or Uri, Bathsheba's husband. In this section is follows the trials Bathsheba faces after she weds a man she doesn't know. With this marriage, Bathsheba is required to move to Jerusalem. Bathsheba has a large weight placed on her shoulders once she is married. She is needed to bare a son for Uri.
The third part of the story is focused on David and the trials from this marriage with Michal and then of his meeting Bathsheba. It follows Bathsheba as she tries for years to produce a child, but there is none. The badgering of her mother-in-law and the threats of divorce that she hurls at her. Uriah goes to war and it is here that David and Bathsheba's relationship starts and spirals. It Leads to consequences that they both must face and deal with, not just from their laws and the people, but also from God, delivered in word from Nathan the prophet. The fourth and final section is on Solomon. During this section, Bathsheba faces the scorn of the people as a seductress who led their king astray. She battles the other wives of David in the harem, all while trying to raise her son. As part of the royal family, Bathsheba must do what she can to protect Solomon, as it was prophesied that he would rule Israel.
The character development in this story was wonderful! There were characters you could just loathe. Their bitterness and controlling demeanor just got to you. There were times you just had heart ache for Bathsheba during her struggles.
The story just drew me in!
Thank you to Moody Publishers/ River North, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
October 3, 2013
David and Bathsheba is a spellbinding story of a gifted king and the woman he loved but could not have. Told from Bathsheba's perspective, author Roberta Kells Dorr brings to life the passion that almost cost David his kingdom and tested a people's courage and faith in God.
David and Bathsheba is colored richly with details of Bible-era Israel-from the details of the everyday way of life to details of the Jewish religion. Dorr brilliantly merges reality with folklore as she tells the story of two great characters of the biblical era. The book starts out with Bathsheba as a young girl and David as a strong willed rebellious military leader. It details the way they met and follows them all the way through their difficulties.
My Review:
I enjoyed the historical aspect of this novel, and it is full of details of Israel during the Biblical era. The descriptions about everyday life were fresh and interesting, and I enjoyed the psalms included in the book. This is my favorite story from the Old Testament, and I was pleased with the different perspective and viewpoint that Dorr brings to the table.
My only disappointment in this book was when Dorr choose to deviate from the Biblical account with her reason on why Uriah didn't go visit Bathsheba. I understand each author has the right to change as much as they feel necessary to make their book work, but I felt it was too inconsistent and irreconcilable to portray Uriah's family relationships the way she did.
That said, I really enjoyed reading this account, and I think it is a very profitable novel for any enthusiast of the Biblical fiction or Christian to read. I would caution, however, that it is very far from the Biblical account in some areas, and I definitely recommend knowing your Scriptures before reading this portrayal. It is fiction in every sense of the word - and while based on the Biblical story - as readers we need to remember this when we feel inclined to nitpick at the inaccuracies.
This book was provided by the publishers for free in exchange for an honest review.
David and Bathsheba is colored richly with details of Bible-era Israel-from the details of the everyday way of life to details of the Jewish religion. Dorr brilliantly merges reality with folklore as she tells the story of two great characters of the biblical era. The book starts out with Bathsheba as a young girl and David as a strong willed rebellious military leader. It details the way they met and follows them all the way through their difficulties.
My Review:
I enjoyed the historical aspect of this novel, and it is full of details of Israel during the Biblical era. The descriptions about everyday life were fresh and interesting, and I enjoyed the psalms included in the book. This is my favorite story from the Old Testament, and I was pleased with the different perspective and viewpoint that Dorr brings to the table.
My only disappointment in this book was when Dorr choose to deviate from the Biblical account with her reason on why Uriah didn't go visit Bathsheba. I understand each author has the right to change as much as they feel necessary to make their book work, but I felt it was too inconsistent and irreconcilable to portray Uriah's family relationships the way she did.
That said, I really enjoyed reading this account, and I think it is a very profitable novel for any enthusiast of the Biblical fiction or Christian to read. I would caution, however, that it is very far from the Biblical account in some areas, and I definitely recommend knowing your Scriptures before reading this portrayal. It is fiction in every sense of the word - and while based on the Biblical story - as readers we need to remember this when we feel inclined to nitpick at the inaccuracies.
This book was provided by the publishers for free in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2014
This book is rich in historical detail. It wasn't quit what I expected but was still a good read. I will say, if you are looking for a quick, light read, this isn't that kind of book.
It isn't until about half way through the book does King David and Bathsheba even meet. Up until that point you are getting a lot of the ground work to set up that part of the story.
The author paints the picture for Bathsheba and how she came to marry Uriah and live in King David's kingdom. There is great detail of battles and how David overcame so much.
This book really made me take a different look at Bathsheba and Uriah. Of course this is fiction and only the author's opinion but there are some new things to think about. Wondering if Bathsheba wasn't happy with Uriah? Wonder if he was a great warrior but a horrible husband? Wonder if Bathsheba was a willing party to the affair?
I had never looked at any of it like that, so it was something new for me.
If you enjoy Biblical fiction full of detail you will enjoy this book.
A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
It isn't until about half way through the book does King David and Bathsheba even meet. Up until that point you are getting a lot of the ground work to set up that part of the story.
The author paints the picture for Bathsheba and how she came to marry Uriah and live in King David's kingdom. There is great detail of battles and how David overcame so much.
This book really made me take a different look at Bathsheba and Uriah. Of course this is fiction and only the author's opinion but there are some new things to think about. Wondering if Bathsheba wasn't happy with Uriah? Wonder if he was a great warrior but a horrible husband? Wonder if Bathsheba was a willing party to the affair?
I had never looked at any of it like that, so it was something new for me.
If you enjoy Biblical fiction full of detail you will enjoy this book.
A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2015
Well, it sure gave me a different angle on the David & Bathsheba story. I was angry that Bathsheba's feelings about the situation aren't considered, and I always felt sorry for Uriah, getting sent out to the front of the battle by David, sure to be killed. How could David break all these commands and still be so great? and so the baby dies--how about Bathsheba's feelings, again?
This book goes a long way towards making that story make more sense, and it makes me want to read the biblical account over again and study it all more. That's the good part. The writing is kind of stilted, and the tone is way too pious.
This book goes a long way towards making that story make more sense, and it makes me want to read the biblical account over again and study it all more. That's the good part. The writing is kind of stilted, and the tone is way too pious.
July 18, 2016
I don't know a lot about the old testament.
But I did a little research and found out that this author took about 10 small chapters, then inflated it to a 300 pages gripping tale that, instead of just facts, added connections and motivations that were not on the source material.
It kinda also retconned some actions with new testament values, like repentment and water as symbol of baptism.
Yes, it has dodgy biblical themes that have myopic favouritism and elitist agenda, but they don't take the focus out of this story was about: failable people having to chose what divine rule to break in order to achieve happiness.
I want to read the other 2 sequels and maybe more books on Bathsheba.
But I did a little research and found out that this author took about 10 small chapters, then inflated it to a 300 pages gripping tale that, instead of just facts, added connections and motivations that were not on the source material.
It kinda also retconned some actions with new testament values, like repentment and water as symbol of baptism.
Yes, it has dodgy biblical themes that have myopic favouritism and elitist agenda, but they don't take the focus out of this story was about: failable people having to chose what divine rule to break in order to achieve happiness.
I want to read the other 2 sequels and maybe more books on Bathsheba.
April 6, 2014
WOW! The story was absolutely wonderful...captivating from beginning to end! This author so WISELY dealt with so many heart issues in this book! I absolutely LOVED it. It dealt with self-righteousness and GRACE. The repercussions of unforgiveness and FORGIVENESS. It illuminated the love, forgiveness, mercy and covering of God when we come to Him with true repentance. It dealt with sin and it's affects and that the LOVE OF GOD it yet STRONGER! You must read it for yourself. Loved, Loved, Loved it!!!!!! The best novel on David and Bathsheba I have read so far!!!
January 6, 2014
If one is a fan of biblical fiction, this book would appeal. It is not badly written and follows the biblical story well. However, I don't think the author portrayed Hebrew theology at the time the story of David was written as accurately as she could have, and there are anachronistic attempts to insert Christian theology into the text. Not terrible if one is reading it from a Christian perspective, but probably not accurate either
October 16, 2017
Exquisitely written and done with a lot of research and yet, not laden with too much information as to make one skip reading all the facts and figures. Instead, it made me want to turn the pages to see what happens next but at the same time, wanting to linger on by reading the historical backdrop, the cultural setting and the range of human and divine intervention in the lives of the main characters. Thank you, Roberta Kells Dorr!
January 16, 2014
I gave it to the midway point, but could go no further. Good story, yes, but so beyond what is culled and true from Scripture, that it became too frustrating to continue reading. I hate to say that I usually give away the books I've read, but cannot in good conscience give this book to anyone lest they think the story could be true.
August 15, 2009
Well written, logical book. It's nice to get a personal feel for people we know through the bible. The writer does a nice job with presenting the culture and their beliefs within that culture.
August 11, 2013
http://www.burtonbookreview.com/2013/...
I enjoyed this one... FYI, this is a reissue
I enjoyed this one... FYI, this is a reissue
September 11, 2013
Not my cuppa tea.
May 14, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this story of David and Bathsheba. This is the first book I have
read by this author. Will certainly be watching for other books she has written.
read by this author. Will certainly be watching for other books she has written.
March 1, 2016
Great Book
July 10, 2016
Loved the way this story unfolded. The author does a great job of taking scripture and putting in real customs to make the story fill out. It is a sad story, nonetheless.
August 8, 2010
I loved it!! Wonderful story that gave me a new perspective of this historic story!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews