One cannot examine the development of either Jewish or Christian
faith without considering the greatest hero of the Jewish
nation, King David. The Life of David, by former U.S. Poet
Laureate Robert Pinsky, presents a philosophical and at times
poetic journey through the life of David. In this entry from the
new Jewish Encounters series, Pinsky explores both the historic
David as well as the mythic and religious impact of his life.
Using the Biblical account as his guide, Pinsky focuses not only
on who David was, but what he meant to the Hebrew people, both
during his own lifetime and today. Shepherd boy, kingmaker's
protÅ½gÅ½, legendary hero, poet, musician, rebel, traitor,
friend, tyrant, father, adulterer, murderer and a man after
God's own heart. All these descriptions can be applied to David,
and Pinsky skillfully examines what they tell us about David,
his world, his people and their mutual faith.