"There's nothing 'original' about sin," writes Pippert. "It's all been done before." With that premise, she shows how the mirror-image situations of those that faced Saul and David have meaning for today's therapeutic-age believers. Pippert uses very contemporary examples (O.J. Simpson, for one) as well as personal experiences to illustrate her points; but for the most part she sticks closely to the biblical narrative of the life of David from the time he met Saul until Saul's death.
Other qualities that shape a human heart into the likeness of God are looked at in depth as well, and characters, such as Abigail, who made up the "supporting cast" of David's story, illustrate principles such as submission and meekness. Though the book is ostensibly about David's life, the character traits of Saul are explored in almost as much depth as those of David, using details from what Pippert calls the honest "unlaundered history" of Samuel. The two kings demonstrate C. S. Lewis's conclusion that there are only two kinds of people: those who say to God (as did David) "Thy will be done"; and those (like Saul) to whom God says in the end, "Thy will be done."
Each chapter centering on a particular vice or virtue ends with a list of questions that would make this an appropriate study book for group or individual use. Pippert tackles head-on some common objections to certain points of the narrative (did Saul's premature sacrifice really merit his losing his kingdom; was David too harsh with Michal) and gives a helpful perspective to the role of judgment. Primarily, she wants to make the points that the movement from pain to praise and being totally honest are critical in drawing close to God.
The author shows her strong background as a popular speaker in both her writing and an audio tape of A Heart Like His. She is most effective in this book when providing fresh ways to look at what would be for many a too-familiar story.
In viewing David's life as TV miniseries, for example, she shows how the "good lad beats big bad giant" would appeal to youngsters; the "romance and royal wedding number" would get good ratings from women viewers; and the "celebrated war hero becomes a fugitive on the run" would bring in action and adventure viewers.
At another point in the book she suggests features of the narrative that would make a great soap opera and asks, "Who needs TV?" And indeed who does -- when you've got a storyline as rich as the life of David, the multi-faceted man after God's own heart.
Latayne C. Scott is a writer and freelance reviewer from Albuquerque, NM.
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