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David The Great: Deconstructing the Man After God's Own Heart
KING DAVID was a complicated, conflicted man of flesh. But too often he is viewed as an Americanized shepherd boy on a Sunday school
felt board or a New Testament saint alongside the Virgin Mary. Not only does this neglect one of the Bible’s most complex stories of sin and
redemption; it also bypasses the gritty life lessons inherent in the amazing true story of David.
Mark Rutland shreds the felt-board character, breaks down the sculpted marble statue, and unearths the real David of the Bible. Both noble
and wretched, neither a saint nor a monster, at times victorious and other times a failure, David was through it all a man after God’s own heart.
felt board or a New Testament saint alongside the Virgin Mary. Not only does this neglect one of the Bible’s most complex stories of sin and
redemption; it also bypasses the gritty life lessons inherent in the amazing true story of David.
Mark Rutland shreds the felt-board character, breaks down the sculpted marble statue, and unearths the real David of the Bible. Both noble
and wretched, neither a saint nor a monster, at times victorious and other times a failure, David was through it all a man after God’s own heart.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published May 1, 2018
95 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 11, 2021
An easy read and in depth look into the life of King David. Would recommend.
June 14, 2019
I've always been fascinated with the life of David. Mark Rutland paints David's life in broad strokes in this journey through the greatest King Israel has ever known. It's intriguing that the worshiping warrior and giant killer turned king has never been looked at as David the Great. It is fitting when you take into considerations the obstacles he faced while under the thumb of Saul.
Of course, it's impossible to look at David's accomplishments without exposing his blemishes. Rutland does a good job of highlighting them in a way I've never seen before without bashing the great king. After all, he was (in God's estimation and declaration), a man after God's own heart. And yet, David's flaws are well displayed in this book without discrediting David. I really liked that aspect, especially since I've grown to learn so much from Israel's Shepherd King. I've done extensive study on his life and even wrote my own devotional based on his life. Thus, it was very rewarding to read the author's take. And, truth be told, I was not disappointed.
I highly recommend the book to anyone who appreciates the life of David, as well as anyone who wants to learn more about Israel's greatest King and the man after God's own heart.
Of course, it's impossible to look at David's accomplishments without exposing his blemishes. Rutland does a good job of highlighting them in a way I've never seen before without bashing the great king. After all, he was (in God's estimation and declaration), a man after God's own heart. And yet, David's flaws are well displayed in this book without discrediting David. I really liked that aspect, especially since I've grown to learn so much from Israel's Shepherd King. I've done extensive study on his life and even wrote my own devotional based on his life. Thus, it was very rewarding to read the author's take. And, truth be told, I was not disappointed.
I highly recommend the book to anyone who appreciates the life of David, as well as anyone who wants to learn more about Israel's greatest King and the man after God's own heart.
November 30, 2024
It took me way too long to read this; I was reading 1&2 Kings and found myself so frustrated with David but wanted to know more. I told my grandma this one day and she just so happened to be reading this book (thanks God that was cool).
It goes into detail in every part of David’s life recorded in the Bible and breaks down why He is a man after God’s own heart.
“We who are so quick to judge each other are also so delighted to judge the likes of David. God’s favor on David’s life disturbs us. It upsets our theological and legalistic apple carts. It sorely tempts us to argue with God, to whine about the divine fascination with this not-so-holy Jewish king….You see his life from the outside. I saw in him. I saw the heart of My servant David, and I knew that his heart was after My heart. I never forgot that. Sometimes David forgot, but I never did.” (pg. 218)
It goes into detail in every part of David’s life recorded in the Bible and breaks down why He is a man after God’s own heart.
“We who are so quick to judge each other are also so delighted to judge the likes of David. God’s favor on David’s life disturbs us. It upsets our theological and legalistic apple carts. It sorely tempts us to argue with God, to whine about the divine fascination with this not-so-holy Jewish king….You see his life from the outside. I saw in him. I saw the heart of My servant David, and I knew that his heart was after My heart. I never forgot that. Sometimes David forgot, but I never did.” (pg. 218)
July 11, 2024
David was portrayed to me as someone great and perfect, and he was always only a shepherd,poet, musician, psalmist, leader, and king. Never a person , never someone who I could connect with. But truly, I tell through this book that Mark Rutland introduces a
different David 'A man after God's own heart'
A young shepherd raised
A weak poet lifted
An aspiring leader glorified
A person who was ultimately underestimated, betrayed, crushed, broken, a person who was HUMAN
Mark Rutland didn't open a window. Instead, he opened he opened a huge double door to whom David really was
A sinner forgiven
A broken spirit healed
A leader redeemed
This book doesn't shield away from his blemishes of wars, killings, and tears, and that it also shows us that Yes, David sinned, but he paid and suffered for them.
And in the end... Indeed David was A Man after God's own heart . He was a man of unwavering loyalty, great faith, and national vision
This is one of the best non-fiction books out there, I loved it, and I know you will too if you read it!
"Look at him, Lord," we want to complain. "Look at what he did. Look how he sinned. It's right there in the Bible. Look at his life. What did you see in him?"
"That's just it," answers the Lord, "I saw in him. You can see David's sins. So did I, and he suffered for them. You see his life from the outside. I saw in him. I saw the heart of My servant David, and I knew that his heart was after My heart. I never forgot that. Sometimes David forgot, but I never did."
~Mark Rutland
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
-DAVID THE GREAT, PSALM 23:6, NKJV
different David 'A man after God's own heart'
A young shepherd raised
A weak poet lifted
An aspiring leader glorified
A person who was ultimately underestimated, betrayed, crushed, broken, a person who was HUMAN
Mark Rutland didn't open a window. Instead, he opened he opened a huge double door to whom David really was
A sinner forgiven
A broken spirit healed
A leader redeemed
This book doesn't shield away from his blemishes of wars, killings, and tears, and that it also shows us that Yes, David sinned, but he paid and suffered for them.
And in the end... Indeed David was A Man after God's own heart . He was a man of unwavering loyalty, great faith, and national vision
This is one of the best non-fiction books out there, I loved it, and I know you will too if you read it!
"Look at him, Lord," we want to complain. "Look at what he did. Look how he sinned. It's right there in the Bible. Look at his life. What did you see in him?"
"That's just it," answers the Lord, "I saw in him. You can see David's sins. So did I, and he suffered for them. You see his life from the outside. I saw in him. I saw the heart of My servant David, and I knew that his heart was after My heart. I never forgot that. Sometimes David forgot, but I never did."
~Mark Rutland
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
-DAVID THE GREAT, PSALM 23:6, NKJV
May 28, 2018
Great book on leadership from a Biblical perspective. I gained new insights into the life of David.
July 9, 2024
An easy to read, easy to understand, fascinating look at the life of King David.
May 15, 2018
A very unconventional and intense look into the life of King David of Israel. Nothing is hidden - the good, the bad and the ugly is covered and analyzed in detail, with a frequent reminder that we cannot judge a historic figure of ancient world from the XXI century point of view. The book goes into some very graphic descriptions of violence and sexual immorality, so reader discretion is advised. Highly recommended for anyone who is trying to better understand the ancient history, the Bible, and God's ways.
November 11, 2018
WOW!! I absolutely LOVED this book!! I accidentally came across this book and I thought it looked interesting and I am sure glad I did! I decided to use this along with reading scripture to better understand the story and life of David. Dr. Mark certainly brought insight to this timeless story that I had never heard or thought of. He specifically addresses the heart of David and God’s mercy.
Dr. Mark is a master storyteller explaining the story of David in a very real and exciting way. It brought out the scriptures from reading it in black and white to hearing it in color (I listened to the audiobook). He does not change, add to or take away from scripture, yet he puts it all in layman’s terms and also makes it very applicable to our lives as well. I learned so much from this book and it brought out a passion for studying the Word of God!
All throughout this book Dr. Mark gives nuggets of wisdom from the verses of I and II Samuel. He did this in two ways. One he titled, “Lessons from Old Dr. Mark” and some he titled, “Leadership Focus”. Here are two of my favorite.
Lesson from Old Dr. Mark:
“Learn from the mistakes of others. Don’t learn them all firsthand.”
Leadership focus:
“Though you can not control the suffering inflicted on you by others, you can control your response to it.”
Lastly, Maurice England narrated this book and he did a wonderful job! I highly recommend the audiobook! This would be a great encouragement / devotional on the go!
Dr. Mark is a master storyteller explaining the story of David in a very real and exciting way. It brought out the scriptures from reading it in black and white to hearing it in color (I listened to the audiobook). He does not change, add to or take away from scripture, yet he puts it all in layman’s terms and also makes it very applicable to our lives as well. I learned so much from this book and it brought out a passion for studying the Word of God!
All throughout this book Dr. Mark gives nuggets of wisdom from the verses of I and II Samuel. He did this in two ways. One he titled, “Lessons from Old Dr. Mark” and some he titled, “Leadership Focus”. Here are two of my favorite.
Lesson from Old Dr. Mark:
“Learn from the mistakes of others. Don’t learn them all firsthand.”
Leadership focus:
“Though you can not control the suffering inflicted on you by others, you can control your response to it.”
Lastly, Maurice England narrated this book and he did a wonderful job! I highly recommend the audiobook! This would be a great encouragement / devotional on the go!
February 11, 2021
I loved this book about David, King of Israel. Rutland writes it as though you were sitting with him by the fire and he was telling you about David-all the good and the bad. This isn't just Goliath and Bathsheeba. Those are the most familiar Biblical stories of David. In this book, Rutland tells all of the stories of David in the Bible. He also uses the backdrop of these stories to set out what was happening. One of my favorite lines from the book is that every word in the Bible has meaning. Not a word is wasted. Rutland takes a throw-away word and gives us the meaning of that word as set out in its context.
David was a great ruler and a great man. Yet he made many mistakes and he, and Israel, suffered for them. Yet through all of this David was a man God's own heart. Why? How could this be? David did some horrible things. Rutland points out that we don't see things as God sees them. We look at outward appearance while God looks at our hearts. David loved God and trusted Him. I like to think I love God and trust Him too yet many times I think it is all words and not in my heart. I worry too much. If I really trusted God with my heart I wouldn't worry because God is in charge and His will be done. I struggle with this from time to time.
Good read that gave me a different perspective on Biblical stories I had read many times before.
David was a great ruler and a great man. Yet he made many mistakes and he, and Israel, suffered for them. Yet through all of this David was a man God's own heart. Why? How could this be? David did some horrible things. Rutland points out that we don't see things as God sees them. We look at outward appearance while God looks at our hearts. David loved God and trusted Him. I like to think I love God and trust Him too yet many times I think it is all words and not in my heart. I worry too much. If I really trusted God with my heart I wouldn't worry because God is in charge and His will be done. I struggle with this from time to time.
Good read that gave me a different perspective on Biblical stories I had read many times before.
June 14, 2024
This is an enjoyable look at the life of Israel’s greatest king. David was not a perfect man, but one who was deeply flawed. Despite his flaws, David is a man to learn from— he was a religious and political leader that was full of integrity and honor. Most importantly, he was reliant on God to lead him.
This book is broken up into three parts— morning, afternoon, and evening— and looks at several episodes in his life. Some lessons stem from positive and lighthearted moments in his life such as his anointing as king (1 Samuel 16), his defeat of Goliath (1 Sam. 17), and his friendship with Jonathan (1 Sam. 18). There were lessons from his challenges such as his deceptions and manipulations (1 Sam. 21), his allegiance to the enemy (1 Sam. 27), and his being on the run from Saul. David also had crucial and costly failures in the areas of family, marriage, and politics. In all phases of David’s life he remained steadfast in his trust in God.
This book could serve as a helpful Bible study tool in a character study of the life of King David. Just as Alexander is known as “the Great,” David should be as well.
This book is broken up into three parts— morning, afternoon, and evening— and looks at several episodes in his life. Some lessons stem from positive and lighthearted moments in his life such as his anointing as king (1 Samuel 16), his defeat of Goliath (1 Sam. 17), and his friendship with Jonathan (1 Sam. 18). There were lessons from his challenges such as his deceptions and manipulations (1 Sam. 21), his allegiance to the enemy (1 Sam. 27), and his being on the run from Saul. David also had crucial and costly failures in the areas of family, marriage, and politics. In all phases of David’s life he remained steadfast in his trust in God.
This book could serve as a helpful Bible study tool in a character study of the life of King David. Just as Alexander is known as “the Great,” David should be as well.
July 18, 2021
Good Wisdom, but…
The author’s informal style was (to me) off-putting, but he is up-front about that at the book’s beginning — which was appreciated.
Still, he plays fast-and-loose with the biblical narrative of David’s life — imagining, speculating, and wondering. He often makes up entire conversations and imagines scenarios that probably never occurred. In a couple cases, he makes errors when his claims are juxtaposed against the biblical text. For these reasons, I was tempted at times to give the book 3 or perhaps even just 2 stars.
What redeems the book, however, are the moral lessons and points of wisdom sprinkled liberally throughout. A book — at least a non-fiction book — is IMO ultimately judged on whether or not the reader learns from and/or his bettered by the experience. By that standard, I have to grade this book as overall quite helpful.
For that reason…I give it 4 stars!
The author’s informal style was (to me) off-putting, but he is up-front about that at the book’s beginning — which was appreciated.
Still, he plays fast-and-loose with the biblical narrative of David’s life — imagining, speculating, and wondering. He often makes up entire conversations and imagines scenarios that probably never occurred. In a couple cases, he makes errors when his claims are juxtaposed against the biblical text. For these reasons, I was tempted at times to give the book 3 or perhaps even just 2 stars.
What redeems the book, however, are the moral lessons and points of wisdom sprinkled liberally throughout. A book — at least a non-fiction book — is IMO ultimately judged on whether or not the reader learns from and/or his bettered by the experience. By that standard, I have to grade this book as overall quite helpful.
For that reason…I give it 4 stars!
April 15, 2019
This is the best book I've read in a long while—and I read a lot. Mark Rutland throughly understands the life of David and has story telling talents few authors possess. He keeps you on the edge of your seat, plumbs there depths of your own heart, challenges the way you see yourself and others—but never directly. He just tells David's story. The author sticks to the biblical text. He doesn't embellish. No Hamburger Helper. There is no fictional sauce added for flavor. I never realized there was so much "revelation" in the life of this shepherd turned fugitive turned warrior turned king, adulterer, murderer, prophet and more.
The good, the bad & the ugly. Until you see all three you haven't seen David The Great—a man after God's own heart.
The good, the bad & the ugly. Until you see all three you haven't seen David The Great—a man after God's own heart.
May 23, 2021
David the Great was a great book. It looks at the life of the biblical King David and asks "was this really a man after God's own heart?". Dr. Mark Rutland takes us through David's life in a conversational manner and gives us the historical context that's often lacking in most sermons and Sunday School lessons. He also takes through David's entire life, giving us account of his annointing, his battle with Goliath, his days as a mercenary, the return of the Ark, his affair with Bathsheba, Absolom's rebellion, and his tending to loose ends on his deathbed. Rutland gives us lessons that can learned from both David's successes and his failures. This was a quick read and well worth it for any Christian or just for anyone interested in David the man.
February 27, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. Dr. Rutland admittedly wrote it in colloquial language, and I for one enjoyed that style. It felt like I was sitting in his office and he was talking to me as a friend. He takes you through David's entire life and gives you a lot of backdrop to stories we read in the Old Testament that can seem dry because of the matter-of-fact way the Scripture is written. This really takes you into the story and the emotions of the characters. He covers David's highs and lows, but shows us why through it all David got to be called a "Man after God's Own Heart." I really, really liked this book. Thank you, Dr. Rutland! Write more just like it!
April 7, 2021
This is a great read outlining the life of King David. The author’s foreword explains the genesis of the book, originating with his students’ fascination of his style of telling the story of David in the classroom. While not diluting the story of Israel’s second king, the informal and realistic, storytelling style brings to life 1/2 Samuel & 1/2 Kings. I found myself opening the scriptures, saying “There’s no way that’s in there!” Sure enough, it was.
It’s a quick read that is easy to follow and entertaining. I never knew the story of David to be so robust!
It’s a quick read that is easy to follow and entertaining. I never knew the story of David to be so robust!
September 7, 2022
King David is one of my favorite biblical characters for many reasons. There are a lot of things in King David that I see in myself so his story means a lot to me. Mark Rutland took the biblical story of David and added a level of personification to it. From Mark's writing David's character, braveness, and most importantly, his reliance on God was made to shine through all of David's missteps (and there were a lot of missteps). I recommend this book to anyone who wants to get a different view of Kind David.
October 17, 2018
A very interesting look at the life of King David. I don't believe that the thinking is quite as original as the author seems to think, but a very good read. The author endeavors to take a look at David with a realistic demythologized view and is successful. It is a view that any real student of the Scriptures has surely seen. There are many insightful applications that make the book worth the purchase price. Highly recommend.
July 27, 2022
This was a good book that gave a lot of insight into the life of David but also relates to our personal lives and mistakes we all make in similar fashion. It laid out the story of David quite nicely and also gives practical advice for leaders weather in church or business. It’s an easy read and if you don’t know much about David’s life or even if you do it describes his life from shepherd boy to aging King in an easy to understand way..
February 12, 2023
Deep into the life of David and the heart of God
Don’t expect a picture book of David’s life. Experience a relation that’s intrigued us for centuries. What made David so outstanding that He was a man after God’s own heart? None sinned more. None was more brutal. Yet here we have it - David the Great. A man who had a connection that we can all glean from. Excellent reading. The best of Dr Mark’s work in my personal opinion.
Don’t expect a picture book of David’s life. Experience a relation that’s intrigued us for centuries. What made David so outstanding that He was a man after God’s own heart? None sinned more. None was more brutal. Yet here we have it - David the Great. A man who had a connection that we can all glean from. Excellent reading. The best of Dr Mark’s work in my personal opinion.
November 6, 2023
A "man after God's own heart." There are many ways people are remembered; however, to be known as a "man after God's own heart" could there be a better acknowledgement/praise? When one looks at the life of David (murder, adultery, betrayal, pride) what would enable God to record such a praise for a man like him? Mark Rutland shares the life of David and gives practical applications of what it takes to be such a person. Overall this is a good book. Very helpful and encouraging.
September 3, 2018
I enjoyed the book, even though it did descend into hero worship at times. Rutland chose to undertake the mission of discussing how David the second king of Israel deserves the title of 'the Great'. He makes some compelling arguments for it while also encouraging the readers to consider the time period in which David lived as a factor in how he led his kingdom.
January 4, 2019
Amazingly Eye Opening
Extremely well written and thought provoking. Certainly not a traditional approach to the study of scripture, nor a dry treatise on one of the bibles most colorful and sinful characters. I highly recommend this book as it provides a great introduction to King David while being entertaining and thought provoking.
Extremely well written and thought provoking. Certainly not a traditional approach to the study of scripture, nor a dry treatise on one of the bibles most colorful and sinful characters. I highly recommend this book as it provides a great introduction to King David while being entertaining and thought provoking.
June 10, 2023
If you are looking for a light read that summarizes the highs and lows of the life of David, then I highly recommend this book. However, if you want deeper insight into the culture and historical context of the time or profound insight that delves into scripture, then I would suggest looking for another book on the life of David.
February 22, 2019
Necessary read.
Reading this book helps to understand your own heart towards God, and is a good reminder that God is faithful to the one who trusts in Him. An important read for anyone concerned about the state of their heart toward God.
Reading this book helps to understand your own heart towards God, and is a good reminder that God is faithful to the one who trusts in Him. An important read for anyone concerned about the state of their heart toward God.
April 20, 2019
Terrific insight into the life of King David. Despite all his sins he kept his heart focused on God. What a challenge for me. Stay focused and trust God.
I learned a lot about my biblical hero. Many practical leadership principles to take away from this book.
I learned a lot about my biblical hero. Many practical leadership principles to take away from this book.
August 13, 2020
The informal format is awesome!! It is accurate, funny and even more eye-opening than reading straight from the text.
I was looking for a detailed account of David, whom I love, and this met my need, outside the bible.
I was looking for a detailed account of David, whom I love, and this met my need, outside the bible.
September 28, 2018
David
I enjoyed this I have just finished reading the Samuels and the Kings so it was the perfect time to pick up this book and examine King David mote intimately.
I enjoyed this I have just finished reading the Samuels and the Kings so it was the perfect time to pick up this book and examine King David mote intimately.
January 20, 2020
Easy to read. I like how after each chapter there is a leadership development comment. it took me on a Bible study on Samuel. I really enjoy reading this book.
March 9, 2020
So much confusing with what the author is trying to tell.
October 28, 2021
Generally good, but reads the biblical text a little too quickly and uncritically in some places and leaps to justify things the Scriptures themselves make no effort to write off.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews