About the Author

Larry R. Helyer is Professor Emeritus of Biblical Studies at Taylor University. He is the author of Exploring Jewish Literature of the Second Temple Period (2002), Yesterday, Today, and Forever: The Continuing Relevance of the Old Testament (2004), The Witness of Jesus, Paul and John (2008), The Life and Witness of Peter (2012), and The Life and Witness of Jeremiah (2019). He and his wife Joyce host tours of the Holy Lands.

Reviews

"It is for sure that the narrative of David is a gift that keeps on giving. Larry Helyer has now added to our rich corpus on David a quite accessible study. Two markings of his book merit notice. First, Helyer has an exquisite sense of narrative and so can render each moment of the David narrative in a fresh way. Second, Helyer does not flinch from the theological claim that he finds pervasive in the text, and is able to trace the providential resolve of God through the narrative. This book is of special interest as we watch this agile reader weave together these two accents. The book shows the way in which the David story keeps giving to us."
--Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary

"In his expert retelling of the story of David, Larry Helyer helps us experience something of the drama that enveloped the greatest of the Israelite kings. In doing so, we see that the story is not quite as familiar as we might first think. In measure, David was both the very best and very worst of what a life can be. Throughout, Helyer asks, 'So what does it mean to be a person after God's own heart?'"
--Paul H. Wright, Jerusalem University College

"Larry Helyer's most recent book about the intriguing story of David goes beyond giving us the usual selected highlights about the shepherd boy who became a successful king. . . . The book clearly articulates the breadth and impact of David's legacy, accomplishments, and flaws, as a king, poet/musician, and as a practical theologian reflecting his abiding love for God, no matter what."
--Eugene B. Habecker, Sagamore Institute