A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards is a cautionary tale written in a time of turmoil in the Christian community. Many Christians found their faith shaken when many religious leaders were proven to be someone other than who they portrayed themselves to be. Gene Edwards fictionalizes several stories from the Bible in order to guide these lost Christians and help them find their way back to their faith. A Tale of Three Kings is not only a cautionary tale, but hope presented in a modern retelling of favorite stories.

David is the young son of a shepherd, destined to be just like his father and his brothers before him. However, David's life takes a new turn when an old King visits his family and announces that David will one day be a great king himself. David's life continues to change when he saves a sheep from a bear with a well thrown rock and later does the same with a giant who has been terrorizing a community. Instead of reveling in the newfound fame this act gives David, he finds himself the target of anger and abuse when he goes to live in a palace with a mad king.

Saul, the king, is jealous of David's youth and clearly bright future. Saul hurts David in every way he can in order to break his spirit. However, David does not react to this poor treatment the way everyone expects him to. David ignores the abuse and refuses to return it. David only acts when he learns that King Saul has order him to be killed. David then runs away and hides alone in caves around the region while dogs and soldiers hunt him. Soon others begin to join David, including thieves and criminals who also suffered at the hands of King Saul. David becomes their reluctant leader.

Many years later, David is now king. David has fought many battles for his kingdom and led his people into peace and prosperity. However, now David's son, Absalom, sees fault in his father's leadership and wants to take over. Absalom believes he knows better how to run the kingdom. David learns of Absalom's plans and to the astonishment of those around him, chooses not to do anything about it. David believes that Absalom is God's chosen replacement for David. David walks away from his kingdom without a fight, allowing God to do as he believes to be the right thing for the kingdom.