Facing Your Giants: The God Who Made a Miracle Out of David Stands Ready to Make One Out of You

Book Description

Giants. We must face them. Yet, we need not face them alone.

This profound look at the life of David digs deeply into the defeats he suffered, and the victories he won, as he faced the giants in his life. When David focused on God, giants tumbled. But when David focused on giants… he stumbled.

Goliaths still roam in our world. Debt. Disaster. Dialysis. Divorce. Deceit. Disease. Depression. These super-sized challenges swagger and strut into our lives, pilfering our sleep, embezzling our peace and robbing us of our joy. And while these giants try to dominate our lives, we know what to do! We've learned what David learned, and we do what David did. We become God focused. We pick up five stones. We make five decisions. And we take a swing.

Customer Reviews:

Overcoming circumstances.......2007-09-29

I was given this book, it was a good read, but the information wasn't anything new, nor was it very impressive. It was a smooth reader, but almost to the point of beating a dead horse. Now, I am not putting down the work of the Cross or Jesus or the Holy Spirit or even King David. It's just the same ole story with a different author. I did find some of Max's antedotes and case histories of his own family interesting and the view of the Rainbow, that was most interesting.

Would I buy the book, no. Would I recommend someone else to buy the book? Not really. There are better books for the money.

Here are some examples: They Smell Like Sheep by Dr. Lynn Anderson
True Discipleship by Kossler, The Holiest of All by Andrew Murray, Power Filled Living by R.A. Torrey. These are just a few.

I've found when we are facing the giants, if we focus on God, Center ourself on Him, in Him and then look outside the box, so-to-speak and allow the Spirit of God to lead us to someone else that is hurting more than ourselves, God will work out our problems usually by the interaction of our neighbors.

In Christ we pray. Amen.

Learning from David's Triumphs and Mistakes.......2007-09-21

Max Lucado is known for his encouraging books, and this book is no exception. Here, he studies King David, both the good and the bad, to show us how to face the giants in our lives.

The ultimate lesson is simple, when your focus is on God, giants fall. Yet he uses stories from first and second Samuel, both the good and the bad, to show us how this played out in David's life.

The book works as a biography, showing us the events in David's life as they happened. While most chapters are a self contained lesson, it does allow us to see how one event often led to another.

Obviously, we see David fighting Goliath. But we also see him hiding from Saul, his friendship with Jonathan, hiding with the enemy, keeping his promises, falling into adultery and murder with Bathsheba, and watching his own children spin out of control. From this we learn the importance of friends and family, but ultimately the importance of putting our focus on God.

Max Lucado very rarely brings anything new to the table. That's certainly the case here. There is very little I haven't heard before. But he always puts such a fresh, encouraging spin on things, I always see things in a new light. And even when admonishing us, he still does it gently.

I set this book down reluctantly when I finished. My heart was encouraged, and my focus was where it needed to be, God. If you need some help remembering where your focus needs to be, this book is for you.

Max's Best .......2007-09-17

This is absolutely the most enlightening and funny book I've ever read from a Christian author.
This wonderful book is deep enough for an elephant to swim in, yet shallow enough for a child to wade in.
That describes Facing Your Giants to a T.

Like all Lucado books, awesome.......2007-09-06

An insightful tie to old testament events around Davids life and life for us today.

Wonderful book!.......2007-08-26

Story of King David's successes and failures confronting the giants in his life, and how we can learn from them. Many challenging question in study guide at the end of book.

A Tale of three Kings: A Study in Brokenness

Average customer rating:

A Tale of Three Kings: A Study in Brokenness
Been thorugh at lot a church
Must-read for anyone who wants to understand leadership and authority better
very healing and touching book
Elucidating truths about King David's life

A Tale of three Kings: A Study in Brokenness
Gene Edwards
Manufacturer: Tyndale House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0842369082

Book Description

Those facing the pain and brokenness that result from unfair treatment by other believers will be encouraged by this powerful story of David, Saul, and Absalom.

Customer Reviews:

A Tale of Three Kings: A Study in Brokenness.......2007-09-05

After living life for many years this book even makes more sense about the necessity of self being broken in order to be the obedient instrument God uses to accomplish His will. We pray "in Jesus name". If we believe this is proper, then the pecking order about all things belonging to the Father show we are only renters here which can easily be recognized from the attitudes of God's anointed that Edwards describes. A valuable plus by growing this insight can impact your own life with a deeper understanding of the acceptable approach to God. After reading this study it can make you more cognizant how to be a better follower of Christ, releasing us of perceived obligations that actually belongs to God alone. Our only job is to love God and do His will, anything else is vanity.

Been thorugh at lot a church.......2007-08-05

This book is an excellent book for any one that has ever been hurt through a church experience. If you have been involved in a church break up, youth pastor or asst pastor leaving, or have set under a "spear throwing " Pastor ( if you read the book you will understand). Get this book. If you work closely, to the Pastor get the book. if you will ever become a Pastor get the book. I read the entire book in one day. It is a real easy read.

Must-read for anyone who wants to understand leadership and authority better.......2007-07-26

This book is a revelation: very insightful and challenging, but incredibly easy to read. You'll be amazed at how easily Edwards can rock your world. I particularly recommend it to anyone who aspires to Christian leadership and, even more so, to anyone who has been burned by Christian leaders before. I first read this book coming out of a difficult situation on the mission field and this book really helped me to understand God's perspective on spiritual authority, service, humility and his own will. Actually, I wish every Christian would read it. It'll take you a few hours at most I'd guess.

very healing and touching book.......2007-07-05

I read this book when a friend gave it to me as a gift. The insight through the three kings' lives was very new for me. And every page takes you step by step to the healing process, helps you see the healing throughout the scars of Biblical characters... If you know someone hurt, offer this book to that person...

Elucidating truths about King David's life.......2007-04-08

A Tale of Three Kings contains helpful information about how we can thrive in spite of being under the leadership of someone who abuses authority. Succinct and easy to read. Powerful.

David: 90 Days With a Heart Like His (Personal Reflections Series)

Average customer rating:

Best of Beth Moore!
Beautifully Done!
great bible study
Love it....
Even better the second time around, in bit size pieces

David: 90 Days With a Heart Like His (Personal Reflections Series)
Beth Moore
Manufacturer: B&H Publishing Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0805444270

Book Description

Best-selling author Beth Moore has an undeniable gift for insightful Bible character studies. Millions have been drawn to her inspired lessons, and the media has called her "America's Bible teacher." The PERSONAL REFLECTIONS series reintroduces Beth's most-loved books, expanding them into 90-day experiences that include most of the text from her original work, thoughtful questions, journal space, and an audio CD with Moore's teaching to guide readers through this special time of study.

David is the multi-functional new presentation of Moore's classic A Heart Like His. More than ever, these intimate reflections on "the man after God's own heart" will help readers to better serve God by understanding their own special place in His heart.

Customer Reviews:

Best of Beth Moore!.......2007-05-08

Classic Beth Moore! Beth Moore inspired me to write the Ancient Roots Translinear Bible (ARTB)! Ancient Roots Translinear Bible (ARTB) (Old Testament) Her love for finding out the real meaning of words in the ancient language prompted my project.

Beautifully Done!.......2007-05-07

I have absolutely loved this book! The book is beautiful in appearance, with David on the front, a convenient burgundy satin ribbon bookmark built in, and parchment pages, perfectly suit the wonderful content of this Bible study. It has been a great tool to use in my quiet time each morning. Each day's study is not too long, but just enough to ponder God's thoughts to me from His word and the life of David. There is also a scripture to pray each day, and room to journal. A great gift book too!

great bible study.......2007-03-25

I got this book and only had it for a week and it is sooo great and enlighting the book presentation its self is great for the price as well as its contents inside.I did the breaking free study and it help me break free from alot of my strongholds it helps you to search yourself and really mold your mind to stay on track to gods great journey. beth moore is great with all her books and I recomend it highly.

Love it...........2007-03-08

For those who already know Beth Moore, I don't need to push this book. For those of you who don't, well, you should buy this book. I made the decision to study God's Word daily, but some mornings I can't sit for 45 minutes. I am able to complete a lesson is about 20 minutes and I love them all. I come away with a better understanding of the Word and a deeper relationship with my God.

Even better the second time around, in bit size pieces.......2006-12-28

I did the Beth bible study on this same subject a few years back, and I am not going through this devotional. It is a great reflective study, even the second time around. The daily devotions are in good bite size pieces making you hungry for more.

I recommend it for those also, who may struggle with completing all the homework in her full indepth Bible studies.

Good stuff, I am looking forward to all of them.

A Heart Like His: Intimate Reflections on the Life of David

Average customer rating:

Awsome book!
A Focused Study
Superb Treatment of David's Life!
A moving, humorous, tearful journey through David's life
Wonderful book teaching through the Bible for women today

A Heart Like His: Intimate Reflections on the Life of David
Beth Moore
Manufacturer: B&H Publishing Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0805420355

Amazon.com

In this extended reflection on the life of David, drawn from the accounts in the two books of Samuel and from the Psalms, author and self-described Sunday school teacher Beth Moore translates into plain and direct language the message she finds in this story of a shepherd boy who is chosen as God's own servant. Moore approaches these texts not as a scholar but as a believer. As the inclusion of review questions would suggest, her interest here is less historical and more immediately pragmatic: she wishes to see what David's life has to say to followers of Christ. Her reading is personal, yet supported by a study of the Hebrew and Greek texts--above all, the notes to the book suggest, through a number of Bible dictionaries and concordances. While apparently not well-versed in English poetry (she calls John Dryden a 16th-century philosopher when most would call him a 17th-century poet), the real appeal of the book for many will lie in its approachable style: the writing is direct, personal, and honest. She writes, she tells people, as a "regular" person who says, "I don't make Christ part of my life; He is my life." --Doug Thorpe

Customer Reviews:

Awsome book!.......2007-01-09

Reading this book is like eating Thanksgiving dinner. You read until you are stuffed with so much information. Then you have to stop and ingest it. You have to pray over what you have learned; soaking in all of the extra insight and knowledge. Then after the feeling of fullness begins to subside, you go back for more...and more...and more! This book is not only a glimpse at the life of David. It also explores other people who were important in making David the man that God intended for him to be. While exploring David's life, you will begin to explore your own life...your own ministry. None of us are worthy or perfect by any means. This book explores David's weaknesses in a way that you can compare your own short comings and know that you can be a person after Gods own heart.

A Focused Study.......2005-08-26

Beth Moore chose to delve into the life and times of David, a mere shepherd boy who was chosen to be the leader of Israel. In A HEART LIKE HIS, Moore poses the practical questions as to how a person can be forgiven and restored after sin? How a person can continue to be faithful when nothing seems to be going his way? How can a person find God when feeling lonely? How important is God's influence on our family?

Moore begins the journey into David's life in the book of 1 Samuel. She uses several Biblical references and provides background into the trials and tribulations David faced. With God's assistance, David rose from basic obscurity into a position of amazing power. When he operates outside of God's will, he makes an unwise decision that will prove to unravel his long reign and have dire consequences on his family. In his earlier times, Moore depicts David who continually seeking God's guidance and is quick to offer praise to God. Yet, David was a man with a weakness for beautiful women. Although he was married, David enjoyed the attention his power garnered him from the fairer sex. Moore enhances the reader's understanding of how David's adulterous conduct with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband cast David out of God's will. On this subject, Moore states that David had a "far away heart." It was not until David was "bankrupt in spirit" over the death of his illegitimate son that he repented for his sins. Moore reminds the reader that although God will forgive us of our sins, He will pass judgement on us.

In A HEART LIKE HIS, Moore does a very good job of setting the scene. She takes us back to the beginning even before David had knowledge of the greater things in store for him. The book's lessons are based mainly on 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel. A HEART LIKE HIS would be a great tool for individual or group study. Each chapter is laden with cross-references to other Biblical references. At times, it was confusing because the complete Biblical citation was not used in the text. However, this was not distracting enough to detract from the great presentation of King David's reign.

Reviewed by Nedine
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Superb Treatment of David's Life!.......2002-10-30

A few years ago the women's Bible study in my church went through the video version of "A Heart Like His." I heard glowing reviews from one lady after another, speaking of how pertinent and powerful the material was. Unfortunately, it was then geared exclusively to women, so I never watched the videos myself.

With the memory of those glowing reviews still fresh in mind, I decided to purchase the book version and see for myself if Beth Moore's teaching lived up to its reputation. I was certainly NOT disappointed. This book is an outstanding treatment of the triumphs and the tragedies of Israel's most famous king.

Moore takes practically every significant incident from David's life and applies the spiritual principles to life today. Through her exposition here, the reader gets to know David much better, and learns why he has been called "a man after God's own heart." The author's treatment is chronological, starting from the events surrounding David's emergence on the Biblical scene as a young boy to the transfer of his throne as an old man to his son Solomon.

I recommend this book very highly to anyone wanting to gain a better understanding of the life of King David. The book is very easy reading, yet is profound in its insights. Men and women, clergy and laity alike will benefit from Moore's painstakingly thorough work.

A moving, humorous, tearful journey through David's life.......2000-07-27

Beth's book is a wonderfully written journey through the life of a man who sought God's own heart. She fluctuates between humorous observations on the actions of the Biblical characters I thought I knew so well, and touching parallels to the life of the ultimate "Son of Man". This book held me captivated from the introduction to the final period. I look forward to more books like this from Beth.

Wonderful book teaching through the Bible for women today.......1999-11-17

A wonderful work, Beth, is available to God to be used, and ends up blessing all of us. Our women's Bible Study is just finishing this work. All the women are anxious to do another work by Beth, and love her style of waiting on the Lord to speak to her, and acting in obedience. It has taught me many things that I can use in my daily life as a christian.

The Prince: Jonathan (Sons of Encouragement)

Average customer rating:

What a Blessing!
Wow
Prince Jonathan: A Witness of Loyalty to David and Love for His GOD!!
great read
Back on Track!

The Prince: Jonathan (Sons of Encouragement)
Francine Rivers
Manufacturer: Tyndale House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0842382674

Book Description

Behind the men who shaped history are the heroes who forever changed it. In The Prince, beloved author Francine Rivers illuminates the life of Jonathan.

In this new series of hardcover biblical novellas from beloved author Francine Rivers, each novella tells the story of one of five biblical men who stood behind the great heroes of the faith: Aaron the priest, Caleb the warrior, Jonathan the prince, Amos the prophet, and Silas the scribe. In the vein of the Lineage of Grace series, these books will entertain, challenge, and inspire, directing readers back to the Bible as the ultimate source of truth and hope.

Customer Reviews:

What a Blessing!.......2007-08-08

I loved this book... I felt like I was right there with Jonathan sharing his thoughts. I found myself feeling so proud of his faithfulness to and love for God as well as his devotion to his father and to David. What a blessing!

Wow.......2007-02-12

F. Rivers always takes you into the life of her books. I love getting to know the time and life of when these things happen.

Prince Jonathan: A Witness of Loyalty to David and Love for His GOD!!.......2007-01-25

I thouroughly enjoyed this book. The writer stayed true to the person of Jonathan son of Saul and to the Scripture narrative.

great read.......2006-12-05

Book #3 in Francine River's Sons of Encouragement series, The Prince is the retelling of the life of Jonathan, son of Saul, first king of Israel. While most church-goers are familiar with the story, Francine has taken a look at this historical character in an eye-opening new light.
Jonathan, lover of God's law, for years is torn between honoring his crazed father and supporting his cherished friendship with David, the man prophesied to take Saul's place on the throne. This beautiful friendship between brothers in spirit as well as by law is brought real throughout the pages of this short, yet captivating book.
As Saul relentlessly pursues his imagined enemy David, Jonathan remains faithful to the Lord and his people, all the while on pins and needles for his friend's safety. He begs his father to see reason, to turn to God, to be forgiven.
Continually in the difficult position of having to choose loyalties, the Prince of Israel shines to the glory of his Father, the King of all eternity. I encourage you to pick this book up for a clearer understanding of the emotional struggles that we often forget these Biblical characters faced.
However, Francine does not leave the reader with her insights alone. The "Seek and Find" segment located at the end of the book, draws you into God's word to study the portion of Scripture relating the life of Jonathan. Poignant questions force the reader to discover truths about Scripture as well as himself. "The Prince" is not only entertaining. If used as a devotional, it can be a tool to mold the reader more perfectly into God's plan.

Back on Track!.......2006-10-19

In my review of the first book in this series by Francine Rivers, The Priest, I mentioned that I did not feel the book met the high bar Rivers has set for herself and hoped that other books in the series would show a return to her usual form. I have to say this book, THE PRINCE, is definitely a return to what I've grown to expect from this magnificent writer. The book is derived from the books of Samuel.

This book follows the life of Jonathan, son of Saul, friend of David. Although much of the story is told from Jonathan's viewpoint, this is a masterful chronicle of Saul's transgression from humble farmer to a hostile king consumed by his jealousy of David. Jonathan is accurately portrayed here as a man dedicated to The Law and we also see the beginnings of David's first transgression from God's path.

As we've come to expect, the battle scenes such as David's defeat of Goliath, are portrayed in exacting detail that will place the reader's minds' eye at the scene. And at only 200 pages, this novella is a very easy and fast read. That, however, is what I consider to be the books only short coming. It could have easily been a larger volume and gone into greater detail. For example, I would have liked to have seen Jonathan's wife, Rachel, developed further and given a larger role here.

But all in all, this is exactly what readers have come to expect from this gifted writer. Jonathan's story is certainly a treasure for us all, not just for his fierceness in defeating the Philistines, but more so for this constant dedication and unwavering devotion to God's Law.

David: A Man of Passion & Destiny (Great Lives from God's Word Series: Volume 1)

Average customer rating:

WE ALL HAVE OUR LITTLE SAULS' OR SALIERI'S IN LIFE
Well worth the reading
Great As A Teaching Manual!
best of the Swindoll series?
For the most part Swindoll misses the point

David: A Man of Passion & Destiny (Great Lives from God's Word Series: Volume 1)
Charles R. Swindoll
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0849913829

Book Description

David, unlike any Bible character before him, had the charisma to inspire a great nation. Yet in other ways he was a most ordinary man-often gripped by destructive passion, rocked by personal tragedy, and motivated by political gain. Yet, he is the one character the Bible describes as a "man after God's own heart." In this first volume of the "Great Lives" series Charles Swindoll shows how David proved his love for God many times over in an extraordinary life that left an enduring legacy of faith.

Customer Reviews:

WE ALL HAVE OUR LITTLE SAULS' OR SALIERI'S IN LIFE.......2007-02-23

What I do like about Chuck Swindoll's is that he brings that Old Testament to life for Born Again Christians and makes it relevant to adult lives and problems. This book on David as well as his study guide did give me much food for life when I was having non-legal problems with the government after I had applied for the Federal Civil Service in 1985. I heard on TV that Reagan had to approve in signature even applications for GS-9 position and I was on the list for considerations for such jobs when I was in grad school. I think they just wanted to teach young men like ma a lesson in life the hard way!
David had become a national hero by killing the Philistine Giant Goliath. Then the prophet Samuel had annointed David to be Israel's future king since Saul had committed an act of disobedience against him. Saul became paranoid how David become a military hero where "Saul has slain his thousands; David his ten thousands"! So, Saul in his madness set out to kill David.
What I found so some food for thought was that when David was losing heart about Saul persuing him to kill him and he had to live underground and off the land, that David decided to defect to the pagan Phillistine army-kind of like seeking Political Assylum with the Soviets or the North Koreans! When I was being persecuted on Park Street in North Toledo, I did seek assylum with several foreing nations. But nothing happened. I told myself who is "America's Philistines"-Russia, China, North Korea and Iran. I even sent them all resumes through my shortwave radio hobby. I had a big foreign address book called THE WORLD RADIO TV HANDBOOK! Plenty of people to complain to there!
Other things I liked about David was that he had a thing for the ladies; and I also like pretty girls, but never seem to make it with any of them. David had an entire Harem of seven wives. You cannot find the definition of the word "Harem" in my Bible Dictionary; so sexless and loveless is America's Christianity! He was such an opportunist that he picked up the wife Abagial from a dead enemy Nabal who denied him and his men food when they were on the run from Saul. God stuck Nabal dead with a heart attack for his stinginess. I used to say that my former father in law was liewise a hard man like Nabal-yet God did not strike him dead. And of course David was a Prophet and a Man of God. He wrote about 50 of the Old Testament Psalms, some of which prophesy of Christ;s crucifion on the cross and the coming Millennial Kingdom of God. God had taken David from tending the sheep to becoming Sheperd of Israel! David was a man after God's heart as David did what God had wanted him to do during his reign as King. I found that defining verse in Acts.
I liked the folk guitar in high school and in the Army. I read that David played the small harp, which was a forerunner of the modern folk guitar. Me and David liked music and pretty ladies. I was just thinking the other day that when I die and go to Heaven I will really like to meet this man, as though he was my friend!

Well worth the reading.......2007-01-11

Yet another great book in the series. Well worth the reading and study. I have ordered additional copies to give as gifts.

Great As A Teaching Manual!.......2006-07-27

This is a well written, thought provoking book. I am currently using it as a manual for a Bible study class. It's not one of those "deep theological" biographies, but it speaks to the layman, in a very easy-to-understand style. Recommended for study groups, or anyone, who wants to know more about the "man after God's own heart".

best of the Swindoll series?.......2006-02-24

All the books are good ... this one was great. It hit home for me.

For the most part Swindoll misses the point.......2006-02-19

We used this book for an adult Sunday School class that I taught. I was extremely disappointed by the superficial treatment of the text. I found myself using the Biblical text and other sources. For the most part Dr. Swindoll's book was a distraction rather than a help. For example, 2 Samuel 7 descibes
God's covenant with David that Christ, the True King, would be David's descendant. Swindoll uses this text as to how to react when God says no to our plans. (In this case, it is God's rejection of David as the builder the temple that Solomon eventually built) The covenant IS the point and Dr. Swindoll completely misses it.
If your looking for moralisms that you really already knew this is your book. If you want a serious study of the life of David
you would do well to look elsewhere or try something bold-- a careful reading of the Biblical text.

Average customer rating:

Facing Your Giants: Teen Edition
Max Lucado
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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YOU! God's Brand New Idea: Made to Be Amazing

ASIN: 1400310008

Book Description

God called David a "man after my own heart." In his good moments, no one was better than David. When David focused on God, giants tumbled. But in his bad moments when he was focused on life's giants, David stumbled.

Today's teens need to be encouraged by David's story as they face the giants of this generation. This teen edition will encourage them to defeat the giants in their lives, whatever they may be. In his unique storytelling style, Max offers five stones of timeless truths that will slay any giant with a clear message that the God who could make a miracle of David and his checkered life stands ready to make one of them.

Average customer rating:

wonderful story
Faulty translation
daughter liked it
Biblical romance
Historicl Fiction

The Garden of Ruth
Eva Etzioni-Halevy
Manufacturer: Plume
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0452286735

Book Description

A historical novel imagines the riveting story behind the Book of Ruth

Sitting beneath a tree in ancient Bethlehem, Osnath, niece of the prophet Samuel, examines a dusty scrap of parchment she found hidden in her relative's scroll room. Scrawled on the decaying page is an intriguing message addressed to Ruth the Moabite—great-grandmother of David, the future king of Israel. Compelled to discover the truth about Ruth's life, Osnath begins searching for the identity of Ruth's nameless lover and the secret that is cloaked behind his anonymity. But as she digs deeper into the past, she finds her inquiries blocked by David's brother Eliab. What is the long-buried truth he fears will come to light? And what is the threat that Ruth's story poses to his family's vast inheritance?

Eva Etzioni-Halevy's novel deftly interweaves history and fiction to create a compelling exploration of a prominent biblical figure. Told through the voices of both Osnath and Ruth herself, The Garden of Ruth transports readers into the ancient world—and offers a dramatic and thought-provoking new perspective on a well-known tale.

Customer Reviews:

wonderful story.......2007-08-20

This is one of the best and most un-put-downable books I've read in a long time. In fact, I was enjoying reading it so much that I didn't want it to end!

The book transports the reader to biblical times and to the lives of its two main characters: Osnath and Ruth. Osnath is a product of the author's imagination while Ruth is the famous biblical character who is the first convert to Judaism in Jewish history. Through the story of Osnath, the author reveals her interpretation of the behind-the-scenes story of Ruth's life.

Like the author's first book, the Song of Hannah, which I also found captivating, the Garden of Ruth had me in suspense from the first page wondering where it would lead and what would happen. It is a story about women in biblical times who were, after all, just like us in so many ways.

I'd really recommend this.

Faulty translation.......2007-08-14

Faulty translation detracts from the reading enjoyment of this book. It is easy to see that in the original Hebrew, this must be a gem of a book. The story is imaginative and compelling. However, the English translation is stilted and forced, with archaic language that detracts from the ability to read this book easily.

daughter liked it.......2007-08-10

16 yo daughter who has read The Red Tent 25+ times said this book was "pretty good". She has ready everything that has come out re: biblical women/fiction; sO I trust her judgement.

Biblical romance.......2007-07-05

The Garden of Ruth delves into history as the bible describes it, and adds embellishment and intrigue as well. Eva Etzioni-Halevy's style of writing draws the reader into the world of Ruth and her descendants, thereby making all of their lives into a continuous beautiful story never told. The characters are intensely connected by the bonds of their religion and family history, which the years and time fail to separate. The book is truly written from a woman's point of view, and sheds light on the unknown world of Jewish women who were important, scarcely mentioned biblical heroes, and at the same time brings to full light their human weaknesses, needs and tribulations. Any woman reader can very easily feel their pain, and elation.

Historicl Fiction.......2007-06-14

The Garden of Ruth is the second in a series by Eva Etzioni-Halevy. I was suprised to find that the romantic scenes in the book are quite graphic. The book was well written and the story was entertaining if somewhat different from my understanding of the stories told in the Bible. A good novel for those who enjoy this type of reading, but I would caution readers strongly in regards to the graphic scenes included.

Leap Over a Wall : Earthy Spirituality for Everyday Christians

Average customer rating:

Great reflections on an authentic Christian life
Thank You, Lord, For This Book!
Treasure in the attic...
An Aptly Titled Classic
Fantastic

Leap Over a Wall : Earthy Spirituality for Everyday Christians
Eugene H. Peterson
Manufacturer: HarperOne
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 006066522X
Release Date: 1998-05-06

Book Description

Of all the characters in the Bible, it is David who is most human. His life is lived on the "rough-edged actuality" of real life, and his relationship with God is an energetic one. Through the passions, the trials, and the lyrical poetry of this beloved figure, we gain powerful insights into the role of God in our own lives.

In this inspirational volume, Professor Eugene H. Peterson, translator of The Message, uses stories from David's epic life as vivid lessons in everyday faith and spirituality. Exploring David's experiences of friendship, grief, love, sin, and suffering, as well as sanctuary, beauty, and wilderness, he reawakens us to the enduring truths behind these beloved stories.

Customer Reviews:

Great reflections on an authentic Christian life.......2005-11-02

What does it mean to be a Christian? Is the Bible passe, or is it still relevant for today? Does Christianity mean the triumphalstic life? What is the end goal of being a Christian? How can I live an authentic Christian life?

Eugene Peterson (the author of The Message) reflects on the life of David in this book and looks at what we can learn. Every chapter contains important lessons to being a Christian, and areas that we are to reflect on, and how we interact with God in our relationship with Him. The life of David becomes a platform for us to learn about our spirituality and relationship with God.

The following are some facts about David:
- The David story is the most extensively narrated single story in the Bible. We know more about David than any other person in the Bible.
- The life of David showed the humanity of this man after God's heart, and there are many themes that run through the life of David, e.g. parents, relationships, danger, murder, temptation, adultery, pride, humiliation, children, wives, rejection, sickness, justice, fear, peace, death...
- David did not perform any miracles.
- David sinned more than Saul, yet he was known as a person after God's own heart.
- David was known as a man served God's purposes in his generation (Acts 13:36).

The story of David is simultaneously earthy and godly. It shows us that we are never more alive than when we are dealing with God. David was an unfortunate parent, an unfaithful husband, and if we look at him from a purely historical perspective, he was a barbaric chieftain with a talent for poetry. But David's importance isn't in his morality or his military prowess but in his experience and witness to God. Every event in David's life was a confrontation with God.

Spirituality and humanity cannot be separated. We can't grow spiritually without understanding our humanness. We can't grow humanly without understanding our spirituality. David shows us that we can't be human without God. Understanding all this gives hope to many Christians that God looks at the heart, and it is about having a relationship with God. There are many lessons to learn, one of the most impactful to me was David's years in the wilderness.

It seems that all of God's leaders will at sometime go through a wilderness experience at least once. The wilderness experience is not something that any flesh likes, but it is an experience that can sanctify and consecrate the flesh. "Wilderness is the place of testing, the place of tempting" (pp. 75). In David's wilderness experience, he was being set apart, made holy, for God's use. The more he dealt with God, the more human he became (pp. 75). The wilderness was an attack on the flesh and a thrust towards dependence on God. In fact, David seemed most "spiritual" in his days in the wilderness.

Wilderness spirituality also includes being with the company of people we would not ordinarily choose to be with, and who would not ordinarily choose to be with us. (pp. 96). God uses others to point us to Him. If we see that the wilderness is filled with people we do not want to be with, we would have missed God. But if we see the wilderness being filled with God, we would not miss the people in it. "The wilderness taught David to see beauty everywhere. The wilderness was David's school in the preciousness of life; through wilderness testing David learned to see God in places and things he would never have thought to look previously. The wilderness immersed David in beauties so profound that a cheap revenge was unthinkable. The wilderness trained David in loyalties so binding that a broken oath was impossible. The wilderness exposed David to the presence of God in the most barren piece of rock so that no thing, and certainly no man, could ever be treated with scorn or contempt." (pp. 77-8) We cannot be naïve about the wilderness; it is a dangerous place. But we must never avoid the wilderness; for it is a wonderful place (pp. 80). "Hardship brings out the best in David. Suffering can, if we let it, make us better instead of worse" (pp. 198).

Thank You, Lord, For This Book!.......2004-10-27

If you have ever felt discouraged by your own imperfections in your Christian walk, read this book! David is about as earthy and real as a person gets. As another reviewer wrote, the chapter on the friendship between David and Jonathan is also insightful and valuable. Eugene Petersen explores the reality of David's life situations and choices, and how his relationship with God was affected by them. In so doing, he highlights how God grows us and walks beside us throughout all of the trials of life, even those we bring upon ourselves. Ultimately, despite everything, David remained "A man after God's own heart" proving the existence and endurance of God's grace and acceptance, and that there's hope for us all!

Treasure in the attic..........2004-03-13

I found a copy of this book in my in-law's attic. I looked through the contents and decided to read the chapter on Friendship - David and Jonathan. Peterson is profound in this chapter. His comments on friendship as an expression of spirituality were so insightful that I am viewing my relationships with others in a new way already. I was even convicted that my friendship with my wife was not sufficient by God's standard. Wow, what a difference one chapter can make. I can hardly wait to buy this book and read the all of Peterson's reflections on the life of David. I like this "earthy spirituality." Give it a try, you might like it too.

An Aptly Titled Classic.......2003-10-11

A fantastic life-giving work in the middle of an insipid age. This book about David is a book about real and bold living. A great encouragement and a call to live the Kingdom life now... today. One of the most significant books I have ever read, this belongs alongside the Narnia Chronicles and Robinson Crusoe as a standard bearer book for living bold and free in God's realm.

Fantastic.......2002-04-07

It's easy to mistake good biblical characters for saints - and Eugene Peterson shows, in this book, that we all a lot more that is identifiable with David than we think. It's not impossible to follow God the way David did - and this book shows us how. Fantastic reading and lots to learn from.

Queenmaker: A Novel of King David's Queen

Average customer rating:

Very good read
SHOULD HAVE BEEN CALLED "THE KINGMAKER"
Remeber, this is fiction
Another Compelling Page Turner---Different Take on Familiar Biblical Stories
Queenmaker Brings Old Testament into 21st Century!

Queenmaker: A Novel of King David's Queen
India Edghill
Manufacturer: Picador
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0312289197

Amazon.com

Turning inside out the traditional view of David as a beloved king and gentle author of the Psalms, India Edghill's well-written debut novel Queenmaker paints a dark picture of the lauded biblical hero as seen through the eyes of his first wife, Michal. David's silver-tongued way with words captures Michal's heart, but her marriage to him is soon annulled by her half-mad father, King Saul. She's packed off to marry the widowed farmer Phaltiel, whom Michal soon learns to love. When David gains the throne of Israel and sends for Michal, she discovers that David has become a king who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Through courage and wit, Michal must carve out a new life as the queen and wife of a man she now despises. Edghill isn't afraid to change biblical narrative to suit her story, and paints David as a selfish, grasping leader whose feet of clay are all too evident in this tale. Those who like their biblical narrative served straight up and their heroes untarnished may be disturbed by this reassessment; those who like a good story and a new spin on biblical champions, however, will enjoy this unvarnished look at one of Judaism's and Christianity's most lauded personalities. --Cindy Crosby

Book Description

For over forty years, Michal lived and reigned in David's court. She was the beautiful and proud daughter of King Saul and the prize David would risk his kingdom to win. Behind the palace doors, beneath the burning sun of the desert, or fleeing from Absalom's warriors, Michal was at the center of court intrigues. Queenmaker introduces in unforgettable detail the characters of one of the greatest periods in Biblical history-their public deeds and private thoughts-and gives us the court of the kings as only a woman could see it.

Customer Reviews:

Very good read.......2007-08-13

This book was a very good read for me, in fact I finished it in 2 days! It was so interesting that it was hard to put down. If you enjoyed The Red Tent, you'll also enjoy this one.

SHOULD HAVE BEEN CALLED "THE KINGMAKER".......2007-07-18

With an abundance of historical and biblical fact, a bit of speculation and a dash of supposition, India Edghill has created an exciting and admirable character in Michal, daughter of Saul (Israel's first King)
and first wife of David. We are introduced to Michal first as the naïve farmer's daughter who, through a prophetic event, realizes every young girls dream when she becomes a princess. She meets David, the handsome, charismatic young Shepard and slayer of giants (a man who her father views as a threat to his reign) and is besotted. She becomes David's wife and takes her first steps into a life fraught with equal measures of hope and despair, love and hate, jealousy and intrigue.

Caught up a series of events beyond her control, Michal makes the best of every bad situation. The David of Edghill's narrative is not the loving, kind warrior King we were introduced to in Sunday School, but a greedy, ruthless, conniving politician as well as an egotistical and demanding husband.

Survival on the throne of Israel is a major achievement, since the palace is a political hotbed of danger and dirty dealings. We watch as Michal slowly transforms into a strong, shrewd and perceptive Queen ........ an observer of human nature and a schemer of sorts who does her best to manipulate each situation then patiently waits for her opportunity to capitalizes on the outcome.

Rather than seeing a teenaged Bathsheba as a threat, she befriends the young girl. Later, when Bathsheba gives birth to Solomen, Michal is instrumental in his development offering her guidance and counsel and is ultimately the "Shepard" who guides the future King.

This is an epic novel about a determined, proud and resilient woman of destiny who would have done well even in today's competitive society. Michal is without doubt "The Ultimate Survivor".

Remeber, this is fiction.......2006-11-10

To read this for purely entertainment I loved it.
I wanted to keep reading and wanted to know what was next.
But I don't know much about the biblical facts. But the book bashed King David and Queen Michal had a mind of her own, very independent. I don't really think that biblically that she would of. She would have been thrown to the wolves .if she contradicted the court. But, if you read this. Read it for the entertainment value and then get your tanank out.
King David was too big for his britches many woman loved him and he had gold coming out of his ears. He had other kill for him at least 4 that are named in the book. He had many wives and comcubines. including Batsheva. But he really loved Michal. But Michal grew bitter of him. She had no love for him but just went through the motions.
King David saw Batsheva and had Batsheva's husband sent in battle knowing full well he would be killed. Since Batsheva was pregnant he could explain this away having him killed. The king was then free to marry batsheva and having a son. Michal became very found of Batsheva when she came into the kingdom, and took them under her wing.
Michal, became found of Batsheva and her son ,Solomon who would become the next king. Michal thought of Soloman as her son. As she was barren and would not have any children.
King David will never build the great temple for Hashem it will have to wait til Solomon becomes king.
Queen Michal never asked anything from king David only 2 things to help Batsheva when whe was pregnant. And for Solomon to be the next king. Very interesting ending a bit contrived. This book was never rushed. Well paced through out. I would give this 5 stars for the entertainment value only. I did love the writting, based on other biblical fiction I have read this was written like the bible very poetic.

Another Compelling Page Turner---Different Take on Familiar Biblical Stories.......2006-08-13

*****
This book was another one of those page-turners that kept me up for most of 24 hours to read. It is a novel told from the point-of-view of Michal, David's first wife. It is about Michal, about Biblical times, and hugely about David---for David is "The Queenmaker". Michal became his Queen. Although it takes place in Biblical times, it is not a Christian novel; it is rather a revealing novel, an alternative novel, and a novel that empowers women.

To those readers who are unfamiliar with Michal and David---they are written about in the Bible in the books of I Samuel, II Samuel, and I Kings primarily, but elsewhere too. It is really fun to read the Biblical stories and then read "The Queenmaker". Our American culture has taught us that David is a huge hero and "a man after God's own heart"...however, when you read India Edghill's version of Bible events, it gives you an alternative take on King David. Her view actually makes more sense than does the Biblical view, and probably was more likely to have really occurred. It's sort of what you might come to if you really thought about the Bible before you were taught what was true about it and what you HAD to believe (if you've been raised in a church).

What would we think of a man who married a woman, slept with her on her wedding night, took off in fear for his life the next morning, not to be seen from or heard from again by her for 10 years. Michal is forced to marry a farmer husband who she comes to love and they live happily together for almost 10 years. Then David returns, with other wives and concubines, and decides he wants Michal too. So he rips her from her environment and brings her to be his wife along with all of his other women. This is only the beginning. It gets worse. David's acts are mostly incredibly selfish, often cruel, frequently against Jewish law, and yet because he simply professes his love for Yahweh albeit with very little outward evidence of this love, he was revered as a hero, and is still looked up to today as a hero by many.

"The Queenmaker" brings all of this to life, as well as the time and country, the Jewish culture, and more. Michal grows wiser and learns how to survive by her wits and how to find love.

If you are open to different takes on Biblical stories, you'll like this book. It's not a Christian novel in the typical sense at all. However, I think that open-minded Christians would love it because it would make them think, and think hard about why they believe what they do.
*****

Queenmaker Brings Old Testament into 21st Century! .......2006-02-25

As you read Queenmaker, you are aware that the people are living in a much different time. However, the attitudes, the clamor for power, the "way the world turns" has not changed, even though our ways of life differ. Most readers do not live in situations where there are many other wives, concubines, servants, etc. Nor is our world so small. However, the human complexities and frailties are the same.

The writing style is most enjoyable; it moves the stories along rapidly, and keeps the reader involved.

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