In the Shadow of a Giant:
40 Devotional Studies on the Life of David
(1 Samuel 16 to 1 Kings 2)
A Blurb
“David,” a name mentioned nearly a thousand times in the Bible! Shepherd boy, musician, singer-songwriter, prophet and king, husband and father, and a God-gifted genius at close, hand-to-hand combat. An extraordinary man.
This close reading of the life of David—all the way from where teenage David is first introduced (1 Sam 16) to his death (1 Kgs 2)—gives an opportunity to see the wonderful, the awful, and the (shockingly) ugly elements of his life.
There are some difficult texts and difficult lessons. Significant matters arise, such as the nature of prayer, the importance of forgiveness, abuse, the nature of leadership, death and enemies, understanding patriarchy in biblical texts, spiritual gifts, and evil spirits. Readers will discover that these texts speak loudly and clearly to the issues of our day.
Beginning with the Former Prophets (1 and 2 Samuel, 1 Kings) for the narrator's point of view, this book also examines the Psalms to give an understanding of what was happening for David on the inside.
Undertaken as a devotional exercise, the aim of these studies is always that of seeing Jesus more clearly and living more securely under the shadow of his wing.
Endorsements
“This much-needed spirituality of everyday life tells how God relates to our work, relationships, sexuality, friendships, leadership, and our troubles—best gained through a well-told story. And what better story than that of King David, who was a layman and not a priest. David found strength in God and dealt directly with God not just in the quiet time but in the thick of life—a delightful contrast with religious piety. Thank you Steven Daly!”
— R. Paul Stevens, professor emeritus of marketplace theology, Regent College
“I was privileged to listen to Steven Daly’s vivid depiction of David’s life story, successes and failures, and relationship with God. That series of sermons was great, but this book is even better! It is detailed, coherent, and full of precious insights that will have you pondering about your own life as you seek to walk with the one who is Lord. Take your time to savor this carefully drafted book as it explores what true kingship is about.”
— Osvaldo P. Almeida, professor of psychiatry, University of Western Australia
“Books on Bible characters are not as popular as they were in the past. This life of David is a fine example of such a book. Steven Daly is carefully attentive to the Bible text in its historical and theological context, does not make up what the Bible does not tell us, is reflective, thoughtful, and sensitive in his application, and helps us see how the text points forward to the Lord Jesus. Wonderful!”
— Peter Adam, vicar emeritus, St. Jude’s Carlton
In Review
The former rector of St Barnabas Leederville has given us a real gem in his 40 devotional studies on the Life of David from 1 Samuel to 1 Kings 2. Steven shows himself to be an observant reader of the Biblical narrative, wise in his application of this ancient material to our modern context and all through the gospel lens of the New Testament.
Set out in four sections: Camouflage (where David’s loyalty is contrasted to Saul’s desperate attempts to retain leadership after God’s rejection) is followed by Ascension (with David fulfilling his anointed role prayerfully and gracefully). David’s tragic Descent is traced from his sin against Bathsheba and Uriah to Absalom’s coup and death and followed by David’s Return.
The narrative covered contains many texts that pose difficult questions for the Christian reader. Steven does not shirk any of them though not enough space to cover each in detail (bearing in mind the 40 chapters were originally sermons over four winters at St Barnabas). But he does offer answers that take seriously the text, the context of the culture, the role of David as the anointed King, the perfect King of Kings, and the way the gospel shapes our response. He does this with great skill and the deep love of a pastor for his congregation committed to helping them navigate the temptations, challenges and opportunities of discipleship in a troubled world.
There are some memorable one-liners. One, regarding Absalom’s conspiracy runs, ‘the irony of revenge is that it always conforms us to the image of our enemy …’ gives us a taste of Steven’s style which I found refreshingly frank, with an attractive quirkiness and humour, challenging, making me think differently by taking me deeper into the character of David and his responses, both Godly and ungodly, consistently showing me how to apply Old Testament narratives to my own life.
My experience has seen me keen to read the next chapter. I heartily commend this book.
Reviewed by the Rt Revd Dr Peter Brain
The Messenger, Anglican Diocese of Perth, March 2024, p 27
Reprinted with permission