"I heartily recommend this substantial volume...[It] is a worthy addition to the library of first-rate and challenging books on [King] David."-Dr. David Noel Freedman, Editor-in-Chief of the Anchor Bible Project."Placing these texts into their historical, political, and geographical setting, Greenberg is able to separate much historical fact from biblical fiction. . . A comprehensive account of King David." -Library Journal"Gary Greenberg will make you think. He might even make you angry."-Green Bay Press-Gazette"Offers compelling new evidence that changes our perceptions-turns David, in essence from a mythological figure into a living, breathing human being."-BookloonsWHAT DID THE ANCIENT ISRAELITES REALLY THINK ABOUT KING DAVID?King David has become one of the most popular and beloved heroes in the entire bible. But how was he perceived by those who knew him in the time that he became ruler over the Hebrew people? In this challenging and controversial biography Greenberg offers compelling evidence that David was widely despised among the ancient Israelites and relied on Philistine allies to keep himself in power against ongoing popular resistance from the people of Israel.SOME OF THE FASCINATING THINGS YOU WILL LEARN IN KING DAVID VERSUS ISRAEL:David did not kill Goliath. One of King David's soldiers did the deed.Incriminating evidence links David to Saul's death.David became king of Israel only after waging a two-year civil war again...