Description:
The book of Judges can pose many puzzles for readers today: who were the "judges"? Why was this book written, and how does it fit into the biblical narrative? And how can the story it tells--one of bloodshed, intrigue, and rejection of Yahweh's authority--change our understanding of God today?
Deserting the King guides readers through the difficulties that the book of Judges can pose for readers as it traces both the evil and redemption present in Israel's approach to kingship--and, by extension, God. And while examining the book's structure and key themes, author David Beldman draws in stories from his life and the world today, showing how this Old Testament book, in its darkness and heroism, gives us a lens to see God's at work throughout history.
Brief description: David J. H. Beldman (PhD, University of Bristol) is scholar in residence at the Surge Network in Phoenix, Arizona. He previously served as academic dean and professor of Old Testament at the Missional Training Center.
Review Quotes: In this excellent survey, David Beldman does three things. He sets the book of Judges meaningfully within the overarching creational and redemptive narrative of the whole Bible; he clarifies and illuminates the structure of the book and the intrinsic (but easily overlooked) message that structure carries; and he offers penetrating reflections on the relevance of the book to contemporary cultures. To do all this in such a simply-written and easy-to-read short volume, and to do it for one of the more challenging and neglected books in the Bible, is a most commendable achievement. Church and student groups, preachers and teachers, will all find this book opens their eyes and feeds their faith.
--Christopher J.H. Wright, international ministries director, Langham Partnership