The Secret Chord
This is a book by Geraldine Brooks. She does a good job with historical fiction. Here she tells the story of the Biblical David—his battle with Goliath, his eventual kingdom in Jerusalem. The dialogue is believable.
The Kingdom of David was around 1,000 B.C.E.
This story is told from the perspective of Nathan (Natan)—who was a servant and prophesier of David’s life.
In David’s youth, each tribe fought its own battles. David’s people fought the Pleshtim. This is the tribe Goliath belonged to ( he was a soldier). David, a boy of 14, poked out Goliath’s eye, took his sword and cut his head off.
David’s people carried the ARK (which held the Talmud) to Ashrod. Shmaul becomes the King.
David’s first wife was Mikhal, the daughter of Shmaul. David sees Bathsheva (who is married) and literally takes her by having her husband in a line of fire where he is killed. Natan is upset by what David does and knows that David must PAY for it. David’s first son dies, and a prophecy is told that David will never be the one to build a temple.
“You are stained, body and soul from your bloodshed and your butchery. Therefore that great and holy task is not for you. I annointed you King of Israel. I rescued you from Shaul. I gave you Israel and Yudah. You put Uriah to the sword, and took his wife. Know this: the sword will never depart from your house!”
God spoke thus to David.
David wants to acquire Jerusalem—Israel and Yudah fight as one to acquire Jerusalem—because Jerusalem has a secure water supply all year round. David wins the battle.
His son, Amnon is insatiable in sexual activity. David placates all his sons, even though most of his sons have despicable behavior.
Amnon rapes Tamir, his sister. David does not avenge it. Avshalaom (another son of David) avenges his sister’s rape and kills Amnon.
By now David is devastated. All the good he has done for his people amounts to bloodshed in his family. Shlomo is Batsheva’s son by David, and is the salve for David’s heart.
Shlomo has a mind that outstrips his tutors, He is observant, and able to indulge in arguments by thinking and recasting ideas. Shlomo becomes the revered King Solomon. David put him on the throne of Yudah and Israel. There is peace in the kingdom in David’s remaining years.
Natan tells of King Solomon’s greatness; especially his wisdom. King Solomom is the one to build the Temple.
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