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David and the Psalms
People are fascinated by the concept of royalty. The notion stirs up sentiments of love, admiration, and hatred. We see ourselves in them, and yet we criticize them at times with indignation. While most monarchies today have been put aside or at least limited in their power, the concept of royalty cannot be erased from human consciousness. In the words of Jesus, Christians pray, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” The ultimate and most perfect monarchy is that of God himself, the sovereign of all creation. Through David and the story of the kingship, God taught us about his governance of the world and of his people. David was only human and at times the worthy subject of both praise and severe criticism. But in his relationship with God, we find a model for the people both then and suppleness to God’s will; wholehearted pursuit of righteousness; sincere repentance from sin; mercy for others; and true worship of God, who alone is worthy.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2015
464 people are currently reading
501 people want to read
About the author
Michael J. Ruszala
15 books13 followersMichael J. Ruszala holds an M.A. in Theology & Christian Ministry and a B.A. in Philosophy and Theology summa cum laude from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Michael is the author of several religious books and is an adjunct lecturer in religious studies at Niagara University in Lewiston, NY, where he has taught on Christian Ministry and Popes in the Modern World. Certified as a parish catechetical leader by the Diocese of Buffalo, he served for over five years as Director of Lifelong Faith Formation at a parish within the diocese. He is an active member of the Society of Catholic Social Scientists, has served in the past on catechetical committees for the Diocese of Buffalo, and is the recipient of the 2016 Christian Service Award from the Canisius College Sodality of Our Lady in Buffalo. Michael has been published in religious journals including the Social Justice Review, the Catholic Social Science Review, Lay Witness online edition, and the Great Adventure Bible Blog by Ascension Press. In addition to his work, Michael has interests in music, art, tennis, and kayaking. Please visit www.michaeljruszala.com for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 19, 2017
A bit disappointed
I have been wanting to find a good book about David and the Psalms for a while and had high hopes when I saw the title of this book. Unfortunately, for me, this felt like a very superficial and introductory look at, what I believe, deserves a much deeper inspection into this subject. Maybe this topic is better served in books about David and books about the Psalms.
I have been wanting to find a good book about David and the Psalms for a while and had high hopes when I saw the title of this book. Unfortunately, for me, this felt like a very superficial and introductory look at, what I believe, deserves a much deeper inspection into this subject. Maybe this topic is better served in books about David and books about the Psalms.
July 29, 2017
Easy to read discussion of David, along with analysis of the Psalms throughout, and separately. Full review to come.
++++++
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Rating: 4 Stars
I read this one in a matter of just a couple days (Thank you BookBub for the great deal!) and I am so glad I did. I must make a confession that there was a period in my life in college and grad school (roughly 2001-2011), that religion took a backseat. I toyed with agnosticism and even atheism. But they never felt right to me, even when I was rebelling against faith. I was not brought up in a strict religious home, but we did attend church every Sunday, I participated in Sunday School, then Confirmation classes on Wednesdays in high school - but even then I was not reading the Bible closely, and as I got older I was not reading it at all.
Then I had a baby and wow, did that quickly bring the big picture into focus.
I feel so behind in where I should be in my knowledge of God, Jesus, and the Bible. So, I am forever grateful for books like this that help dumbdumbs like me play catch-up. While different branches of Christianity hold very different beliefs (the author is Catholic; I am baptized Lutheran, confirmed Methodist, now a member of a Covenant church), there is still much that can be learned from one another, especially when delving into material such as the Bible, which we all use.
My knowledge of the New Testament is much better than the Old Testament, so when I found this one, I knew I had to read it. I am personally quite fond of the King James Version, which lyrically is beautiful, even if not entirely accurate compared with other versions of the text. The problem then, is that sometimes takes me a few readings to understand the Early Modern English (sorry kids, it's not Old English).
This book is a very easy to read discussion of the life of David. In fact, the first 70% or so is dedicated to his story before even getting into the Psalms. I feel like I have a much better knowledge of David now, aside from the basics that everyone seems to know - son of Solomon, Bathsheba, etc. And perhaps because of my supreme lack of knowledge, the rest of his story seems enlightening to me, and that is kind of embarrassing. But I have to start somewhere, and this is a good place. I feel like those who have a better grasp of David and his life might already know a lot of what is contained here, but it is a good read for this with less knowledge of him, like myself.
Following the analysis of David's life, the author moves into the Psalms themselves that have been attributed to him. The Psalms are analyzed as well, and then there is discussion of what a Psalm actually is.
This was highly informative and an easy read. That is something I consider important for those like me who are new to really studying the Bible in-depth. It is easy to get overwhelmed, and thus give up, in Bible studies. When books to guide are easily accessible, it makes the journey a lot less intimidating. Definitely recommended.
++++++
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Rating: 4 Stars
I read this one in a matter of just a couple days (Thank you BookBub for the great deal!) and I am so glad I did. I must make a confession that there was a period in my life in college and grad school (roughly 2001-2011), that religion took a backseat. I toyed with agnosticism and even atheism. But they never felt right to me, even when I was rebelling against faith. I was not brought up in a strict religious home, but we did attend church every Sunday, I participated in Sunday School, then Confirmation classes on Wednesdays in high school - but even then I was not reading the Bible closely, and as I got older I was not reading it at all.
Then I had a baby and wow, did that quickly bring the big picture into focus.
I feel so behind in where I should be in my knowledge of God, Jesus, and the Bible. So, I am forever grateful for books like this that help dumbdumbs like me play catch-up. While different branches of Christianity hold very different beliefs (the author is Catholic; I am baptized Lutheran, confirmed Methodist, now a member of a Covenant church), there is still much that can be learned from one another, especially when delving into material such as the Bible, which we all use.
My knowledge of the New Testament is much better than the Old Testament, so when I found this one, I knew I had to read it. I am personally quite fond of the King James Version, which lyrically is beautiful, even if not entirely accurate compared with other versions of the text. The problem then, is that sometimes takes me a few readings to understand the Early Modern English (sorry kids, it's not Old English).
This book is a very easy to read discussion of the life of David. In fact, the first 70% or so is dedicated to his story before even getting into the Psalms. I feel like I have a much better knowledge of David now, aside from the basics that everyone seems to know - son of Solomon, Bathsheba, etc. And perhaps because of my supreme lack of knowledge, the rest of his story seems enlightening to me, and that is kind of embarrassing. But I have to start somewhere, and this is a good place. I feel like those who have a better grasp of David and his life might already know a lot of what is contained here, but it is a good read for this with less knowledge of him, like myself.
Following the analysis of David's life, the author moves into the Psalms themselves that have been attributed to him. The Psalms are analyzed as well, and then there is discussion of what a Psalm actually is.
This was highly informative and an easy read. That is something I consider important for those like me who are new to really studying the Bible in-depth. It is easy to get overwhelmed, and thus give up, in Bible studies. When books to guide are easily accessible, it makes the journey a lot less intimidating. Definitely recommended.
January 20, 2020
Interesting not inspiring
This has a lot of "facts" well it had a lot of " one person thinks this, another person thinks that". Seemed mostly to be a retelling of David's reign and guesses at what different psalms stood for. Still had some interesting ideas and at least was a short book.
This has a lot of "facts" well it had a lot of " one person thinks this, another person thinks that". Seemed mostly to be a retelling of David's reign and guesses at what different psalms stood for. Still had some interesting ideas and at least was a short book.
December 30, 2017
This book was not on my list until it showed up in an email from BookBub. I added it to my kindle (it was free) the next day.
I rated it a 4 because I found it helpful in the way the author connected the events of David’s life to the various Psalms that he wrote. I didn’t realize that using music and instruments in worship was something that David brought to his kingdom. Also, learned more of how the words of the psalms ultimately foretold of Jesus birth, death and resurrection.
It’s a short book and well worth the time.
I rated it a 4 because I found it helpful in the way the author connected the events of David’s life to the various Psalms that he wrote. I didn’t realize that using music and instruments in worship was something that David brought to his kingdom. Also, learned more of how the words of the psalms ultimately foretold of Jesus birth, death and resurrection.
It’s a short book and well worth the time.
November 25, 2017
Excellent
I really enjoyed this book. It went along wonderfully with my Disciple class I have been taking. It explains the Psalms in a layman way that is easy to understand. David is such an interesting character of the Bible that I love learning more about him.
This is definitely a book worth reading if you want to learn about David and the Psalms.
I really enjoyed this book. It went along wonderfully with my Disciple class I have been taking. It explains the Psalms in a layman way that is easy to understand. David is such an interesting character of the Bible that I love learning more about him.
This is definitely a book worth reading if you want to learn about David and the Psalms.
July 4, 2019
An education in the Psalms
Before reading this book, I had some basic history of the Psalms. After reading this book, I have a deeper understanding& appreciation for the history & events behind them. Mr. Ruszala did a great job of mixing in David's history behind specific Psalms. Well worth reading.
Before reading this book, I had some basic history of the Psalms. After reading this book, I have a deeper understanding& appreciation for the history & events behind them. Mr. Ruszala did a great job of mixing in David's history behind specific Psalms. Well worth reading.
February 26, 2020
Not bad, but not particularly insightful either. Mainly just a summary recounting the life of David according to the biblical texts, interwoven with Psalms of David which are or can be attributed to him at the respective times of his life. Some other general comments on the structure and content of the Psalms at the end of the book.
September 25, 2017
I enjoyed this book even though it was not as in depth as I hoped it would be. It is a good basic read on one of the major men of the Bible. I will do more research on David and look for more info on David and refer back to this for the basic info.
June 7, 2018
Wonderful read.
This book is easy to understand, very well written. Excellent book for those who want to learn more about King David, the Psalms and how music was brought into our religion.
This book is easy to understand, very well written. Excellent book for those who want to learn more about King David, the Psalms and how music was brought into our religion.
Read
October 8, 2019Learning more about the Psalms, is always good.
Whereby is was good to follow David's life thorough the Psalms and other Pessimists. The book later gets into some speculation on what the 91st means according to St. Augustine, and various traditional values.
Whereby is was good to follow David's life thorough the Psalms and other Pessimists. The book later gets into some speculation on what the 91st means according to St. Augustine, and various traditional values.
June 1, 2025
David in the Psalms
A very good overview of the Psalms which is particularly from David and his life experiences. Lots of good information relating to David and how Jesus appears in the Psalms.
A very good overview of the Psalms which is particularly from David and his life experiences. Lots of good information relating to David and how Jesus appears in the Psalms.
November 3, 2016
Great read
I understand the creating of the psalms much better. It was easy to read and understand. I know David as a person just like myself!
I understand the creating of the psalms much better. It was easy to read and understand. I know David as a person just like myself!
June 26, 2017
Good book about King David and the writing of the psalms. Helped me to look at parts of the Old Testament in a new way. Quick read, finished in just a few days.
August 14, 2017
Decent book. Nothing fabulous, but I liked it. Good thoughts about David and the Psalms. It's always a good day to get your Bible on!
April 15, 2019
This book is interesting for insight on King David and the Psalms but is a dry read.
April 20, 2022
Again Michael Ruszala writes clearly and in a way the reader can understand. I love reading books by him!
August 16, 2023
Doesn't focus enough on the Psalms like I thought it should.
February 28, 2017
This is an excellent encapsulization of the life and history of the Old Testament Shepherd King, David. The first half of the book is a reminder of his history and how he developed and grew under God's protection, love and guidance. It also powerfully reminds us of his sins and, more importantly, his reaction to those sins when he realized how his actions grieved God.
The second half of the book is a reminder of David as musician and poet by taking us through the Book of Psalms. This is one of the most important books of the Bible and is a powerful reminder of how one should pray and the many ways our lives are affected by God and our relationship with him.
The book is highly readable and helps to get one into the original source work - the Bible - for additional follow-up and a refresher of what we thought we knew.
The second half of the book is a reminder of David as musician and poet by taking us through the Book of Psalms. This is one of the most important books of the Bible and is a powerful reminder of how one should pray and the many ways our lives are affected by God and our relationship with him.
The book is highly readable and helps to get one into the original source work - the Bible - for additional follow-up and a refresher of what we thought we knew.
May 7, 2018
This is a general overview of David and the Psalms. I would have liked something much deeper. I learned much more from reading a chronological Bible, where the story of David is interspersed with the psalms he wrote at that time in his life. People who have not studied David and the Psalms would find this a helpful introduction.
May 12, 2016
I liked this book; however because I have read through the Old Testament so many times, there was very little in this book which I didn't already know. I expected to learn about about the historical background which surrounded David as a shepherd boy and more about the world around him as he reigned as king, descriptions of cities, cultures, clothing, other reigning kings, etc. This book was mainly just a summary of the life of David as it appears in the Bible, along with a number of quotes from the Psalms, many of which I have already memorized myself. For those wanting to learn about the Biblical life of David, it is very accurately written with Biblical references.
May 14, 2016
For someone unfamiliar or new to the Old Testament this book is a great survey of the life and psalms of David. For myself having been a Bible student my whole life, there was not much in terms of new material or information. This is not to say the book was poor in any way, it just wasn't deep enough for where I am in my study. The last few chapters on the psalms were the most interesting to me as it gave me a bit better understanding of Hebrew praise and its forms. For a less experienced reader of the bible, this could be a quick informative read about the most famous King of Israel.
May 16, 2016
I want to read several books this year on King David, he is the one person in the Bible I have a hard time excepting as being good. After all he killed his friend because she was caring his child. Guess I am too judgmental.
After reading this book it seems David did always trust in God no matter if he had done something wrong. He turned to God many times in his life.
On to the next book on David.
After reading this book it seems David did always trust in God no matter if he had done something wrong. He turned to God many times in his life.
On to the next book on David.
July 12, 2016
The psalms are some of the most beautiful writings ever to flow from the heart and soul of man. This book examines both the psalms and the man most associated with them--David, king of Israel. An excellent book for both theologian and lay person.
May 12, 2016
Explaining the Psalms
I have often wondered about the Psalms and the meaning of some of the chapters and this book has helped me to understand David the shepherd boy and David the king. Very good reading.
I have often wondered about the Psalms and the meaning of some of the chapters and this book has helped me to understand David the shepherd boy and David the king. Very good reading.
July 17, 2016
Just what I was looking for
This book provided a nice, concise way to study King David. I was trying to get to the bottom of David's situation with God, and I think I did that. I was most pleased with this reading.
This book provided a nice, concise way to study King David. I was trying to get to the bottom of David's situation with God, and I think I did that. I was most pleased with this reading.
December 9, 2016
Pretty good overall
Not quite the historical detail I was hoping for. As a harpist myself, more information on the instrument (as opposed to the music) would have been interesting too.
Not quite the historical detail I was hoping for. As a harpist myself, more information on the instrument (as opposed to the music) would have been interesting too.
February 15, 2016
David and the Psalms
I learned quite a lot about the Psalms. It is a very good read during Lent. The history of the Kings of Israel was very interesting.
I learned quite a lot about the Psalms. It is a very good read during Lent. The history of the Kings of Israel was very interesting.
March 21, 2016
Good book
Showed when he wrote the psalms and what was going on in his life. It was nice to see what was going on in his life as he wrote the psalms.
Showed when he wrote the psalms and what was going on in his life. It was nice to see what was going on in his life as he wrote the psalms.
October 8, 2016
Very interesting and I loved the insights into the psalms. To give me even more understanding of them.
November 2, 2016
Interesting at David
Loved the author's view of David. He brings together all aspects of David's role in the kingdom of God. Worth reading several times!
Loved the author's view of David. He brings together all aspects of David's role in the kingdom of God. Worth reading several times!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews