Story of David
From SPARK
One-sentence summary
The life of David beginning as shepherd boy and ending at his deathbed.
Description
The life of David, Video of a three hour television film shot in Israel. It is necessarily highly selective, beginning as shepherd boy and ending with deathbed scene and Solomon anointed as king. This Video can bring understanding about the life of David – Israel’s greatest King before Jesus. David is a central person in the family line leading to Jesus “Son of David”.
Considerations
Level of Media Sophistication Required to Understand Video
Same as for any modern movie.
Type of Audience for Whom this Video Might be Useful
One who wants to be entertained with Bible stories, and is not overly concerned with the accuracy of details. Not recommended for young audience due to violence and adultery themes.
Salient Actor/Narrator Characteristics
Quality acting, believable characters.
Biblical/Cultural Accuracy
Low to moderate. Some scenes are clearly not according to details of Scripture. For instance, Absalom has short hair, and is speared to death by Joab singlehandedly after he falls on the ground. (No mention of hanging in an oak tree or the involvement of other assassins.) Joab is shown as the one who captures Jerusalem from the Jebusites in order to win back David’s public approval. (The Scriptures say “The king and his men marched to Jerusalem to attack the Jebusites.” 2 Samuel 5:6) Samuel is shown anointing David as king while David is unconscious, having collapsed after running from Saul.
Notable Interpretation or Contextualization of Scripture
Characters are developed in plausible ways, but details of events as recorded by Scripture are not followed.
Point of View of Actor/Producer/Narrator
Seeming purpose is simply to tell a great story.
Other Noteworthy Characteristics
A “Viewer’s Study Guide” accompanies the video, consisting of questions for thought and discussion and references to Scripture passages on which the different scenes in the movie are based. Sometimes these questions point out differences between the movie and the Biblical record.
Additional Concluding Remarks or Recommendations
Thought-provoking, adult entertainment. The Goliath scene is especially well done. The story of Bathsheba is fully developed (Uriah is a loyal but mentally lacking captain), and the disharmony in David’s household among his wives and sons is emphasized. Not much of an edifying story overall.
Limitations
Guidelines for Use
Where to Obtain
Link to Producer or Source Organization
Producer
- Columbia Tristar
- Distributed by Gateway Films/Vision Video
- Phone: 1-800-523-0226
