I admit, when I started this book, I wasn’t aware the story was the second book of two by Joseph Ganci. Not to worry, the novel stands alone as an epic journey through the life of the biblical character who, as a child, took down the giant Goliath with a slingshot. I gave David God’s Chosen Crucible five out of five stars.
Before becoming a legendary soldier, who leads the army of Israel to victory over kings, David must first prove his ability as a fighter and leader. First and foremost, David is a tireless follower of God. He is young, devout, strong, handsome, and a brilliant military strategist. Yet for every battle into which he leads his armies, David gives God credit for his success. Whether by using a divide-and-conquer approach to split and scatter the opposing force, or a cunning plan to block and divert streams into the temple fortress, David proves over and over that he is a master strategist and brilliant military leader. Nevertheless, his prowess as a soldier angers God who is enraged by the massive bloodshed and death brought on by David’s exploits and he repents. In time, David grows in wealth and stature and falls in love with Bathsheba after witnessing her bathing from the balcony of his retreat. Before he can claim the beautiful Bathsheba as his eighth wife, he must somehow plot her husband’s death. He succeeds but not without more fighting and bloodshed as well as Bathsheba’s lengthy mourning period for her husband, followed by a severe punishment from God for both David and Bathsheba.
Joseph Ganci is excellent at crafting an engaging story within the confines of biblical language while inserting much humor and sarcasm. As the main character is relentlessly pursued by King Saul, it becomes clear how God watches over and protects David through all the battles and difficult terrain the armies must traverse. Ganci has rich knowledge and understanding of the middle east and its history, not to mention human nature. What I found most delightful in this book were the metaphors used to describe certain characters and situations. For Michal, David’s wife and the King’s daughter, “could stop a charging elephant with her gaze, her quiet dignity intact”. Another example of many is, “A king feigning ignorance is like a harlot claiming virginity”. These nuggets of humor softened what could have become a more tedious read. Although David is clearly devoted to God, his protector, we also see his many human faults. The faults become evident in his bloodthirsty disregard for human life and in his unbridled desire for Bathsheba.
Having been raised in the Catholic Church, I have come to agree with the notion that Catholics don’t read the Bible. Yes, in my experience that tends to be true. Nevertheless, I have always enjoyed Bible stories. With age, I’ve come to understand that the Bible is, in fact, true. David God’s Chosen Crucible is one of those Bible stories that embellish my personal knowledge of David and spark a curiosity beyond what I already know. Joseph Ganci’s very enjoyable storytelling, peppered with such phrases as “I will make every attempt to kill you but with love, honor and respect”, sparks a renewed interest in the world’s most published book.
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