David: Great Leader or Damaged Hero?
\”The Life of David\” by Robert Pinsky (Schocken Books, $19.95).
Every morning, pious Jews pray to God that \”the offspring of Your servant David may speedily flourish … for we hope for your salvation all day long.\”
The hope of future redemption and a return to ancient glory has long been a staple of Jewish life, based upon God\’s promise to David that \”your house and your kingship shall ever be secure before you; your throne shall be established forever.\”