The Oxford Handbook of King David

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, including 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).

Part 1. The History of David and Samuel and 1 Kings1. The History behind the Text, Omer Sergi2. The History of the Text, Hannes Bezzel3. David in the Masoretic Text and the Septuagint, Jürg Hutzli4. The Aims of the David Narrative in the Books of Samuel, Walter DietrichPart 2. The Roles of David in Samuel and 1 Kings5. David the Man: David's Masculinity in the Hebrew Bible, Anne Katrine de Hemmer Gudme6. David the Lover, Virginia Miller and Keith Bodner7. David the Father, Steven L. McKenzie8. David the Soldier, Klaus-Peter Adam9. David the Politician, Jeremy M. Hutton10. David the Poet and Musician, Francis LandyPart 3. The Supporting Cast of David in Samuel and 1 Kings11. Saul and His Relationship with David, Greger Andersson12. Jonathan and His Relationship with David, James E. Harding13. Michal and Her Relationship with David, Daniel Bodi14. Abigail and Her Relationship with David, Benjamin J. M. Johnson15. Bathsheba and Avishag, and Their Relationship with David, Sara Kipfer16. Tamar and Amnon and Their Relationship with David, Ilse Müllner17. Absalom and His Relationship with David, Friederike Schücking-Jungblut18. Joab, Abner and Other Military Leaders and their Relationship to David, David J. Shepherd19. David's Staff (Priests, Prophets, and Advisors) and Their Relationship with David, Kristin WeingartPart 4. The Presence of David beyond Samuel and 1 Kings20. The Figure of David in Its Wider Literary Context, David G. Firth21. David in the Prophetic Literature and in Chronicles, Stefan Fischer22. David in the Psalms, David DavagePart 5. The Reception of David in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam23. David in Josephus's Works, Michael Avioz24. David in the New Testament, Sarah Harris25. David in Rabbinic Literature, Sivan Nir26. David among the Church Fathers, Anni Maria Laato27. David in the Islamic Tradition, John Kaltner and Younus Mirza28. David in Medieval Christian and Jewish Cultures, Ruth Mazo Karras and Elisheva Baumgarten29. David among the Reformers, Kenneth J. WooPart 6. The Reception of David in the Arts30. David in Art and Sculpture, J. Cheryl Exum31. David in Music, Deborah W. Rooke32. David in Literature, Lena-Sofia TiemeyerPart 7. The Reception of David's Supporting Cast in the Arts33. Jonathan in the Arts, Régis Courtray34. Michal in the Arts, Hugh Pyper35. Abigail in the Arts, Johanna Stiebert36. Bathsheba in the Arts, Anne Létourneau37. David's Children in the Arts, Thea GomelauriPart 8. The David Story and Contemporary Discourse38. The David Story and Gendered Discourse, Sébastien Doane39. The David Story and Sexual Violence, Barbara Thiede40. The David Story and Preaching, Stephen B. Chapman