"This is an excellent study of the most fascinating character in the Old Testament."–
Wall Street Journal "How can a man who murders his lover's husband in order to cover up an adulterous affair be fit to be king? . . . Wolpe gently and gracefully explores the many facets–king, sinner, father, lover, and husband, among others–that together create David's outsized personality . . . In the end, the author observes, contemporary readers identify with David so well because he is full of contradictions, and he is great because of this complexity, not in spite of it."–
Publishers Weekly "Engaging . . . Boring has no place in David's story, or in this lively and thoughtful appreciation of that story."–
Los Angeles Review of Books "A portrait of David that is vibrant and nuanced, full of the complications that marked his life."–
Jewish Week "A lovely book (whose) power is in its artistry."–Walter Brueggemann,
Christian Century "David Wolpe's fascination with his namesake brings to life in stunning clarity why King David is the most beloved man in the Bible."–
Moment "An estimable book brimming with insight, and an excellent short reworking of the story of the biblical David in a way that both educates and instructs. This book deserves a space in every Jewish library."–
Association of Jewish Libraries Finalist for the 2014 National Jewish Book Awards sponsored by the Jewish Book Council in the Biography, Autobiography and Memoir category
"A sensitive and utterly unsparing reading of the most attractive and least edifying character in the Hebrew Bible."–Jack Miles