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The Empire of Israel #2
David: God's Chosen Crucible
David is every man’s man, an outlaw prophet, a man of war, and a man of God.
He is a ruthless warrior, an ardent lover, skilled musician, and poet-philosopher.
God sees in him the heart of a lion, the tenacity of a bear, and an ever-faithful man of action.
God calls an unlikely and lowly shepherd boy to become the king of the Jews and fighting prince of Israel.
David overcomes all odds in escaping every snare, evading every trap, and learns from every encounter, growing in understanding and effectiveness in the love of his Creator.
He protects, defends, and enlarges the stakes of Zion, the resting place of God’s chosen people.
David reaches the pinnacle of all worldly success. He marries the love of his life and is the master of all that he surveys, even surpassing his imagination.
Witness the hair raising and narrow escapes from the vengeful King Saul.
Eventually, and in desperation, David seeks sanctuary with Achish, the Philistine prince that calls David a friend, even giving him a Philistine village and inviting him to battle against Israel.
Be a party to the kidnapping of David’s two wives and his ferocious battle against the shapeshifting Amalekites.
Be present as he wins them back and, in doing so, captures a vast treasure trove of flocks, herds, and gold.
Come and join the battle at Mount Gilboa and the destruction of Saul and his son’s foretold by the witch of Endor.
Celebrate the fall of the city of waters and the last puzzle piece needed to establish the empire of Israel.
Look down from the high walls of Rabbah and learn of the needed destruction of Uriah the Hittite.
Stand invited to the marriage ceremony of David and his soulmate Bathsheba, the future mother of king Solomon, the future monarch of Israel.
David and Goliath, the giant, are one of m many Old Testament Bible books. These Christian Bible stories are one of the favorite Christian books for women. The Christian bible is a Christan book that spans from creation through revelation to the legacy of Jesus.
He is a ruthless warrior, an ardent lover, skilled musician, and poet-philosopher.
God sees in him the heart of a lion, the tenacity of a bear, and an ever-faithful man of action.
God calls an unlikely and lowly shepherd boy to become the king of the Jews and fighting prince of Israel.
David overcomes all odds in escaping every snare, evading every trap, and learns from every encounter, growing in understanding and effectiveness in the love of his Creator.
He protects, defends, and enlarges the stakes of Zion, the resting place of God’s chosen people.
David reaches the pinnacle of all worldly success. He marries the love of his life and is the master of all that he surveys, even surpassing his imagination.
Witness the hair raising and narrow escapes from the vengeful King Saul.
Eventually, and in desperation, David seeks sanctuary with Achish, the Philistine prince that calls David a friend, even giving him a Philistine village and inviting him to battle against Israel.
Be a party to the kidnapping of David’s two wives and his ferocious battle against the shapeshifting Amalekites.
Be present as he wins them back and, in doing so, captures a vast treasure trove of flocks, herds, and gold.
Come and join the battle at Mount Gilboa and the destruction of Saul and his son’s foretold by the witch of Endor.
Celebrate the fall of the city of waters and the last puzzle piece needed to establish the empire of Israel.
Look down from the high walls of Rabbah and learn of the needed destruction of Uriah the Hittite.
Stand invited to the marriage ceremony of David and his soulmate Bathsheba, the future mother of king Solomon, the future monarch of Israel.
David and Goliath, the giant, are one of m many Old Testament Bible books. These Christian Bible stories are one of the favorite Christian books for women. The Christian bible is a Christan book that spans from creation through revelation to the legacy of Jesus.
- GenresChristian
492 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2022
138 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 4, 2023
I admit, when I started this book, I wasn’t aware the story was the second book of two by Joseph Ganci. Not to worry, the novel stands alone as an epic journey through the life of the biblical character who, as a child, took down the giant Goliath with a slingshot. I gave David God’s Chosen Crucible five out of five stars.
Before becoming a legendary soldier, who leads the army of Israel to victory over kings, David must first prove his ability as a fighter and leader. First and foremost, David is a tireless follower of God. He is young, devout, strong, handsome, and a brilliant military strategist. Yet for every battle into which he leads his armies, David gives God credit for his success. Whether by using a divide-and-conquer approach to split and scatter the opposing force, or a cunning plan to block and divert streams into the temple fortress, David proves over and over that he is a master strategist and brilliant military leader. Nevertheless, his prowess as a soldier angers God who is enraged by the massive bloodshed and death brought on by David’s exploits and he repents. In time, David grows in wealth and stature and falls in love with Bathsheba after witnessing her bathing from the balcony of his retreat. Before he can claim the beautiful Bathsheba as his eighth wife, he must somehow plot her husband’s death. He succeeds but not without more fighting and bloodshed as well as Bathsheba’s lengthy mourning period for her husband, followed by a severe punishment from God for both David and Bathsheba.
Joseph Ganci is excellent at crafting an engaging story within the confines of biblical language while inserting much humor and sarcasm. As the main character is relentlessly pursued by King Saul, it becomes clear how God watches over and protects David through all the battles and difficult terrain the armies must traverse. Ganci has rich knowledge and understanding of the middle east and its history, not to mention human nature. What I found most delightful in this book were the metaphors used to describe certain characters and situations. For Michal, David’s wife and the King’s daughter, “could stop a charging elephant with her gaze, her quiet dignity intact”. Another example of many is, “A king feigning ignorance is like a harlot claiming virginity”. These nuggets of humor softened what could have become a more tedious read. Although David is clearly devoted to God, his protector, we also see his many human faults. The faults become evident in his bloodthirsty disregard for human life and in his unbridled desire for Bathsheba.
Having been raised in the Catholic Church, I have come to agree with the notion that Catholics don’t read the Bible. Yes, in my experience that tends to be true. Nevertheless, I have always enjoyed Bible stories. With age, I’ve come to understand that the Bible is, in fact, true. David God’s Chosen Crucible is one of those Bible stories that embellish my personal knowledge of David and spark a curiosity beyond what I already know. Joseph Ganci’s very enjoyable storytelling, peppered with memorable phrases like “I will make every attempt to kill you but with love, honor and respect”, sparks a renewed interest in the world’s most published book.
Before becoming a legendary soldier, who leads the army of Israel to victory over kings, David must first prove his ability as a fighter and leader. First and foremost, David is a tireless follower of God. He is young, devout, strong, handsome, and a brilliant military strategist. Yet for every battle into which he leads his armies, David gives God credit for his success. Whether by using a divide-and-conquer approach to split and scatter the opposing force, or a cunning plan to block and divert streams into the temple fortress, David proves over and over that he is a master strategist and brilliant military leader. Nevertheless, his prowess as a soldier angers God who is enraged by the massive bloodshed and death brought on by David’s exploits and he repents. In time, David grows in wealth and stature and falls in love with Bathsheba after witnessing her bathing from the balcony of his retreat. Before he can claim the beautiful Bathsheba as his eighth wife, he must somehow plot her husband’s death. He succeeds but not without more fighting and bloodshed as well as Bathsheba’s lengthy mourning period for her husband, followed by a severe punishment from God for both David and Bathsheba.
Joseph Ganci is excellent at crafting an engaging story within the confines of biblical language while inserting much humor and sarcasm. As the main character is relentlessly pursued by King Saul, it becomes clear how God watches over and protects David through all the battles and difficult terrain the armies must traverse. Ganci has rich knowledge and understanding of the middle east and its history, not to mention human nature. What I found most delightful in this book were the metaphors used to describe certain characters and situations. For Michal, David’s wife and the King’s daughter, “could stop a charging elephant with her gaze, her quiet dignity intact”. Another example of many is, “A king feigning ignorance is like a harlot claiming virginity”. These nuggets of humor softened what could have become a more tedious read. Although David is clearly devoted to God, his protector, we also see his many human faults. The faults become evident in his bloodthirsty disregard for human life and in his unbridled desire for Bathsheba.
Having been raised in the Catholic Church, I have come to agree with the notion that Catholics don’t read the Bible. Yes, in my experience that tends to be true. Nevertheless, I have always enjoyed Bible stories. With age, I’ve come to understand that the Bible is, in fact, true. David God’s Chosen Crucible is one of those Bible stories that embellish my personal knowledge of David and spark a curiosity beyond what I already know. Joseph Ganci’s very enjoyable storytelling, peppered with memorable phrases like “I will make every attempt to kill you but with love, honor and respect”, sparks a renewed interest in the world’s most published book.
July 27, 2023
Not as good.
This would have been so much better if the author has spent less time in the sex activity of the characters and the flowery love notes. The story line was good but interrupted too often with David's love life. Hope the next book is better. The first book was better.
This would have been so much better if the author has spent less time in the sex activity of the characters and the flowery love notes. The story line was good but interrupted too often with David's love life. Hope the next book is better. The first book was better.
October 5, 2022
A front row seat as to the rise of King David with a sequel planned. Great insight into how it all went down as written about in the Bible. Well done.
January 21, 2023
A Blessing
Thoroughly enjoyed this enlightenment by the author. Saddened that I have finished 2 great books. Hopefully we will have more.
Thoroughly enjoyed this enlightenment by the author. Saddened that I have finished 2 great books. Hopefully we will have more.
October 5, 2023
Captivating Read!
You won't be able to put this book down. This is one of the best historical biblical fiction stories I have ever read!
You won't be able to put this book down. This is one of the best historical biblical fiction stories I have ever read!
February 27, 2024
Helpful view of David
As the book shows: it's possible to be a "man after God's Own heart" and self -deluded sinner at the same time.
As the book shows: it's possible to be a "man after God's Own heart" and self -deluded sinner at the same time.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews