For millennia the Bible's King David has inspired literary, artistic, religious, and political reflection. His panoramic personal experience and poignantly realized character portray him as one of antiquity's best examples of human life and faith, replete with inherent ambiguity. In this ... translation and commentary of the David story from 1 and 2 Samuel, Alter ... breathes a fresh spirit and sense of urgency into this ancient narrative. Throughout [the] presentation, [he] interacts with the critical and linguistic literature focusing on 1 and 2 Samuel, setting both his translation of the Hebrew text and his concise commentary at the bottom of each page in the larger context of biblical, Semitic, and literary studies. Alter's observations are consistently interesting and at times challenging, distinguishing this work as a genuinely original contribution to its field. A roster of characters from the books of Samuel, a listing of contemporary authors consulted, and a very well done index render this work seriously valuable to collections in Jewish studies, ancient literature, religious studies, and theology. Undergraduates through faculty and researchers; general readers, too. -Choice.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.