David's Loyalty; Or, Temptation Resisted
The narrative explores the theme of loyalty through the character of David, who faces extreme temptation to betray King Saul, his unjust persecutor. Despite knowing he is destined to be king, David remains steadfastly loyal to Saul, adhering to his faith and obedience. He believes that if God has promised him kingship, it will come to pass in due time, and he refuses to take matters into his own hands. David's loyalty is tested when he has opportunities to kill Saul but chooses instead to spare him, recognizing Saul as the Lord's anointed. This act of nobility elicits a moment of remorse in Saul, who acknowledges David's righteousness. However, Saul's repentance is fleeting, and he soon resumes his pursuit of David, leading to further trials for David. In a moment of despair, David nearly succumbs to the temptation of aligning with the Philistines, risking his integrity and future. Ultimately, he is delivered from this predicament when the Philistine leaders reject him. The story culminates in the death of Saul and Jonathan, prompting David to mourn deeply, reflecting on the nobility of Saul despite their tumultuous relationship. The work emphasizes the virtues of loyalty and obedience, drawing parallels to the life of Christ, who embodies these qualities in his relationship with God and humanity.
By Charles Kingsley · First published 1847 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Religious, Adventure · 3,492 words
First lines
"So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the trench, and his spear stuck in the ground at his bolster; but Abner and the people lay round about him. Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time. And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the Lord's anointed, and be guiltless? David said furthermore, As the Lord liveth, the Lord shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish. The Lord forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the Lord's anointed; but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruise of water, and let us go. " -- 1 SAM. xxvi. 7-11.
What this Textopian page supports
David's Loyalty; Or, Temptation Resisted is listed on Textopian as a novel by Charles Kingsley, dated 1847 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Charles Kingsley
- Date: 1847 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Religious, Adventure, Drama
- Length: 3,492 words
- Structure: 1 section, 24 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for David's Loyalty; Or, Temptation Resisted by Charles Kingsley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering David's Loyalty; Or, Temptation Resisted?
- How does this novel by Charles Kingsley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- A Point Of Honor by Francis Hopkinson Smith
- Friendship Or David And Jonathan by Charles Kingsley
- Davids Victory by Charles Kingsley
- Davids Weakness by Charles Kingsley
- The Salt Of The Earth by Fred M. White
- St George And St Michael Volume Iii by George Macdonald
Genres
- Historical Fiction — Charles Kingsley often wrote historical fiction. This story, taking place in a specific historical setting, reflects characteristics of the historical fiction genre.
- Religious — The title of the book, 'Temptation Resisted', is suggestive of a struggle with religious faith and morality, common elements in religious literature.
- Adventure — Given Kingsley's style and themes, this novel likely bridges historical backdrop with individual exploits and adventures.
- Drama — The inflection of loyalty and temptation in the title suggests personal conflict and character development typical of dramatic literature.
Tags
loyalty · temptation · resistance · morality · faith · character · redemption · struggle · virtue · courage · decision-making · inner conflict