The Shepherd King

"Another book about David." If that's your reaction to the announcement of this new book, let me try to help you avoid jumping to conclusions. It's true that there are quite a few books about King David: he is a biblical figure who has always captivated people. But this particular book brings together a series of virtues that are not always found together:

1. It is a reliable book

While The Shepherd King is not (nor does it pretend to be) a biblical commentary as such—it does not analyze in detail the text of the two books of Samuel (which recount David's life)—it is nevertheless faithful to what the Bible says about David and to biblical teaching in the broader sense.

2. It is an enjoyable book

It is enjoyable for several reasons: (1) The language is simple and "up-to-date"; (2) the author has the gift of summarizing the different "episodes" of David's life in a few words, but without overlooking anything important; and (3) the chapters are brief, which has the effect of not tiring the reader, but —on the contrary— of "whetting their appetite."

3. It is an encouraging book

How does it encourage? In short, it does so in two ways: (1) By reminding us that David was like us: despite the obvious differences (of time, place, occupation, etc.), David was someone with whom any of us can identify; and (2) by showing us David's God! The God who showed himself holy, sovereign, good, merciful, etc., etc., to David, is the same God today.

4. It is an edifying book

We know the famous saying that "history teaches us that history teaches us nothing." Fortunately, the saying doesn't have to be true. From a Christian perspective, history is very important: it not only informs us of a series of facts related to the past; it not only entertains us (sometimes!); it can also teach us vital lessons, help us in a very practical way, and edify us spiritually. And this book by Ellsworth is a good example of all of this. Hence the subtitle: Lessons from the Life of David.