David

David is the King of Israel and the main character of the novel. He began his life as a shepherd boy who was unloved by his father and grew to become a warrior, shepherd of his people and eventually King over the nation. He is passionate about everything he does; he loves deeply, fights voraciously, governs wisely, acts recklessly, honors The Name, sins brazenly, shows compassion and yet is clueless to the plight of others. He plays his harp and sings in a manner that touches everyone who hears. David conquers towns, murders and plunders in the name of "whatever is necessary" to secure his kingdom. Yet, he reunites Israel and Judah and builds a great and peaceable kingdom. He introduces music into the worship and festivals of the people and leaves a legacy of poetry and song. He represents a man comprised of many contrasts. His great-yet-flawed...