Of all the characters in the Hebrew Scriptures, none have captured the imagination like David, King of Israel.
The Oxford Handbook of King David traces this fascination, from the biblical books of Samuel and Kings, through the common era, the medieval period, and into today. The authors interrogate David in his many biblical guises, including son, father, outlaw, soldier, lover, and king. Authors also situate him amongst a wider cast of characters, including Bathsheba, Solomon, Abigail, and Abner. David's presence in the wider Hebrew Bible and New Testament is also carefully considered along with David's reception in later Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
Crucially, this
Handbook also delves into the depiction of David's story in the visual, literary, and performing arts over the centuries. His legacy and stories are traced from the paintings of Rembrandt and Rubens, to the sculpture of Bernini, to the music of Handel. Other contributions explore David's literary afterlife, revealing his transformation in novels by Geraldine Brooks and Grete Weil, as well as the work of poets like Yehuda Amichai. The resonances of the David tradition with contemporary culture are also examined in chapters focused on trauma, sexual violence, and the interpretation of David for religious communities.
