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forthcoming
Product details
- ISBN 9780197652718
- Dimensions: 171 x 248mm
- Publication Date: 14 Nov 2026
- Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc
- Publication City/Country: US
- Product Form: Hardback
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Of all the characters in the Hebrew Scriptures, none have captured the imagination like David, King of Israel. The Oxford Handbook of King David traces this fascination, from the biblical books of Samuel and Kings, through the common era, the medieval period, and up to the present day. The authors interrogate David in his many biblical guises, including son, father, outlaw, soldier, lover, and king. Authors also situate him amongst a wider cast of characters, Abigail, Abner, Bathsheba, and Solomon. David's presence in the wider Hebrew Bible and New Testament is also carefully considered along with David's reception in later Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Crucially, this Handbook also delves into the depiction of David's story in the visual, literary, and performing arts over the centuries. His legacy and stories are traced from the paintings of Rembrandt and Rubens, to the sculpture of Bernini, to the music of Handel. Other contributions explore David's literary afterlife, revealing his transformation in novels by Geraldine Brooks and Grete Weil, as well as the work of poets like Yehuda Amichai. The resonances of the David tradition with contemporary culture are also examined in chapters focused on trauma, sexual violence, and the interpretation of David for religious communities.
David J. Shepherd is Professor in Hebrew Bible/Old Testament at Trinity College Dublin, founding director of the Trinity Centre for Biblical Studies and co-editor of the Journal for the Study of the Old Testament. His research in biblical studies includes the Hebrew Bible in its ancient literary context (e.g. King David, Innocent Blood, and Bloodguilt, 2023), its ancient versions (e.g. Targum and Translation, 2004) and its reception in the visual and performing arts (e.g. The Bible on Silent Film, 2013).
Lena-Sofia Tiemeyer is Professor in Old Testament Exegesis, ALT School of Theology, Sweden. She is the editor of Vetus Testamentum Supplements and co-editor of the Journal for the Study of the Old Testament. Her research in biblical studies includes the Hebrew Bible and modern literature (e.g. In Search of Jonathan, 2023), its reception (e.g. Jonah Through the Centuries, 2022), and the prophetic literature (e.g. For the Comfort of Zion, 2011).
