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Defending David (Tribes of Israel) Kindle Edition

by Barbara M. Britton (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 210 ratings
See all formats and editions
When a quiet journey to Jerusalem turns tragic, newly orphaned Rimona must flee a kinsman set on selling her as a slave. Racing into the rocky hills outside of Hebron, Rimona is rescued by a Philistine commander journeying to Jerusalem with six-hundred warriors.

Exiled commander, Ittai the Gittite, is seeking refuge in the City of David. Protecting a frantic Hebrew woman is not in his leadership plan. Although, having a nobleman's niece in his caravan might prove useful for finding shelter in a foreign land.

Rimona and Ittai arrive in Jerusalem on the eve of a rebellion. In the chaos of an heir's betrayal, will they be separated forever, or can they defend King David and help the aging monarch control his rebellious son?
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  1. Book 4 of 4
    Tribes of Israel
  2. Print length
    312 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publisher
    Harbourlight Books
  6. Publication date
    February 25, 2022
  7. File size
    3389 KB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Ms. Britton drew me in on page one. Rimona's and Ittai's story of love, faith, and valor still lingers in my mind today. Defending David is definitely a jewel.

~ Olivia Rae, award-winning author of the Secrets of the Queens series

Barbara M. Britton's best yet! Readers will fall in love with loyal Ittai and strong Rimona as they work separately and together to support the anointed king of Israel and uphold the sovereignty of the Most High God in the midst of turmoil and unrest while also seeking shelter from their own enemies. Defending David turns the Psalms into battle cries, reveals the warrior within the psalmist, and reminds us all exactly where our help comes from in times of trouble.

~ Jenna Van Mourik, author of Jerusalem's Daughter.

Step back in time to the days of King David when he's lost control of his family and a foreigner is his staunchest ally. Britton brings the Bible to life with strong characters, recognizable names, and the thrill of sharing a faith in the One True God.

~ Terri Wangard, author of Roll Back the Clouds

"Defending David" is a Carol Award semi-finalist.

From the Author

A few years ago, I heard a sermon about an aging King David whose household was out of control. David's son Absalom tried to take the kingdom from his father, but an unlikely friend to King David arrived during the rebellion. An exiled Philistine commander arrived the day before King David had to flee for his life. This exiled commander had six-hundred fighting men in his command. This exile, Ittai the Gittite, pledged his support for King David and was placed in charge of one-third of David's army. Was Ittai's arrival a coincidence? I think not. Journey back in time to II Samuel, chapters 15-19 when a foreigner stuck closer to David than his own son.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B092DVQ659
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harbourlight Books (February 25, 2022)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 25, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3389 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 312 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 210 ratings

About the author

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Barbara M. Britton

Barbara M. Britton

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Barbara M. Britton lives in Wisconsin and loves the snow—when it accumulates under three inches. Barb writes romantic adventures from Ancient Israel to Modern Day USA and especially enjoys bringing little-known Bible characters to light. She has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. Barb is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers. You can visit Barb online at www. barbarambritton.com or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
210 global ratings
A friend who sticks closer than a brother.
5 Stars
A friend who sticks closer than a brother.
I’ve loved every one of Barbara Britton’s Biblical fiction novels. But Defending David is my favorite.It’s the story of two orphans, Ittai and Rimona, whose paths cross in the most unexpected way. Ittai, a Philistine warrior and commander, is on his way to see King David and repay a kindness David showed him when he was a child. And Rimona is being transported by unscrupulous men to live with her last surviving relative.The reader meets King David at a time in his life when the once mighty warrior-king is past his prime. His son, Absalom, has rebelled and is trying to take over the throne. The King leaves Jerusalem in exile, a broken man. It appears King David has nowhere to turn. But his help comes from the most unexpected place. Ittai, the Gittite, a Philistine warrior. When Ittai was a young man, he met King David, and has never forgotten the kindness of the Hebrew king.I fell in love with the gentle giant of a warrior and the spunky and beautiful Rimona.Ms. Britton has a talent for bringing to life little-known Bible characters, and this book is no exception. Defending David is a beautiful story of love and faithfulness. Bravo to Ms. Britton for another beautifully crafted novel.
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Top reviews from the United States

BookWoman
5.0 out of 5 stars A friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2022
Verified Purchase
I’ve loved every one of Barbara Britton’s Biblical fiction novels. But Defending David is my favorite.

It’s the story of two orphans, Ittai and Rimona, whose paths cross in the most unexpected way. Ittai, a Philistine warrior and commander, is on his way to see King David and repay a kindness David showed him when he was a child. And Rimona is being transported by unscrupulous men to live with her last surviving relative.

The reader meets King David at a time in his life when the once mighty warrior-king is past his prime. His son, Absalom, has rebelled and is trying to take over the throne. The King leaves Jerusalem in exile, a broken man. It appears King David has nowhere to turn. But his help comes from the most unexpected place. Ittai, the Gittite, a Philistine warrior. When Ittai was a young man, he met King David, and has never forgotten the kindness of the Hebrew king.

I fell in love with the gentle giant of a warrior and the spunky and beautiful Rimona.

Ms. Britton has a talent for bringing to life little-known Bible characters, and this book is no exception. Defending David is a beautiful story of love and faithfulness. Bravo to Ms. Britton for another beautifully crafted novel.
Customer image
BookWoman
5.0 out of 5 stars A friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2022
I’ve loved every one of Barbara Britton’s Biblical fiction novels. But Defending David is my favorite.

It’s the story of two orphans, Ittai and Rimona, whose paths cross in the most unexpected way. Ittai, a Philistine warrior and commander, is on his way to see King David and repay a kindness David showed him when he was a child. And Rimona is being transported by unscrupulous men to live with her last surviving relative.

The reader meets King David at a time in his life when the once mighty warrior-king is past his prime. His son, Absalom, has rebelled and is trying to take over the throne. The King leaves Jerusalem in exile, a broken man. It appears King David has nowhere to turn. But his help comes from the most unexpected place. Ittai, the Gittite, a Philistine warrior. When Ittai was a young man, he met King David, and has never forgotten the kindness of the Hebrew king.

I fell in love with the gentle giant of a warrior and the spunky and beautiful Rimona.

Ms. Britton has a talent for bringing to life little-known Bible characters, and this book is no exception. Defending David is a beautiful story of love and faithfulness. Bravo to Ms. Britton for another beautifully crafted novel.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Defending David filled my heart
Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2023
Verified Purchase
I felt a part of this story that takes place in King David's reign in this biblical historical fiction. Barbara wove a tale that seemed to fit into the old testament and felt very believable. I kept reading to make sure that the people in the book would receive their blessings and enjoy a content life worshipping God. I have been rewarded and am very pleased with such a lovely story. I will continue to read Barbara's books. They warm my soul.
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Lila
4.0 out of 5 stars Authentic to Ancient Israel but Relevant to Today
Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2022
This is a story that I'm still thinking about a day later, which means it was memorable and impactful! I loved the flawed characters, the authentic Ancient Israel thinking and themes, and yet the relevance it has to the contemporary Christian life.

It's a fictional story about a Biblical character that is only mentioned in a verse or two in 2 Samuel. The Bible doesn't give us anything about Ittai's past or his future, only that he was a leader from Gath. I really enjoyed the plausible “artistic license” of this fictional story, especially adding in a lot of romance with the fictional character of Rimona.

There were several small typos, the most notable being that a few of the interior thoughts, especially silent prayers, were helpfully in italics but most weren't.

I was very pleased that we didn't have to experience the violence of actual battles, though Absalom's death was still described too gruesomely for my sensitive tastes. I didn't appreciate the one line of locker room talk on p. 202.

But I would still recommend this to most people, a journey of finding belonging with the family of believers over blood relatives, a bond stronger than DNA, as Jesus said in Mark 3:34-35 and Matt 10:37-39 (BSB): “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me; and anyone who does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”

Favorite quotes:
“Indeed, knowing Rimona, she had words in abundance.” (p. 58)

“His friend's trust rejuvenated Ittai's spirit. To have the allegiance of one who was not a brother was a blessing to an orphan.” (p. 165)

(I received a copy for free in a giveaway. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own, as was the decision to write this review.)
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Joan Macy
5.0 out of 5 stars A Good Storyteller
Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2024
Verified Purchase
I have enjoyed the Tribes Israel series. Truly, Barbara Britton is an excellent writer. I highly recommend reading her books.
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Kelly Goshorn
5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging characters and rich Biblical history blended with a sweet romance
Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2022
Verified Purchase
Barbara Britton has a talent for finding little known Bible characters and bringing their stories to life in her fiction. Her novels help me remember that these people actually lived, and that I can glean so much wisdom from their successes and failures.

In Defending David, she’s found Ittai the Gittite, a Philistine who comes to the aid of King David. Ittai is a fabulous hero—masculine, wise, kind-hearted, and irresistible. On their way to Jerusalem to swear allegiance to King David, he and his men rescue Rimona, an orphaned woman who unscrupulous men are trying to sell into slavery. I loved that the pair struck up a friendship, with each having no interest in finding a spouse. The simmering romance between Rimona and Ittai was sweet and believable.

In the line of Britton’s other strong heroines, Rimona will not take a back seat. I like that she finds ways to assert herself and her opinions without stepping so far out of bounds that it would seem highly unlikely for the era. Defending David doesn’t shy away from the grittier side of life in Biblical times as topics like slavery, treatment of women as property, as well as cruel and often harsh punishments are portrayed accurately but may be triggers for some people.

If you enjoy stories with engaging characters, rich history, blended with a sweet romance, then you’ll love Defending David.
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Top reviews from other countries

john. Callaghan
5.0 out of 5 stars another great novel
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 4, 2022
Verified Purchase
Have so enjoyed Rimona and Ittai’s story. As Barbara says “God has the best storylines” and I was driven back to the original story in 2 Samuel and felt Barbara’s retelling was so trustworthy and well researched. Please keep writing Barbara as I am waiting for your next novel !
Penny Callaghan
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Faith building
Reviewed in Australia on October 15, 2023
Verified Purchase
An inspiring read, has all the ingredients to build faith in God and also hope in his creation that we experience in the here and now.
Thankyou
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A really great read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 14, 2022
Verified Purchase
I loved this story, it kept me riveted all the way through, I didn't want it to finish, which is always a sign of a good read
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Dienece
4.0 out of 5 stars An eye opening experience
Reviewed in Australia on November 28, 2023
Verified Purchase
There was so much to love about this beautiful love story. It's rich in nuggets of research which build the world without overwhelming the reader. It's fast paced and easy to read.

It's authentic, which does mean Barbara mentions Absalom's heinous crimes when he reached Jerusalem. It's not graphic, but it is stated as it appears in the Bible. However, if that bothers you, skip the part when he reaches Jerusalem. The rest is well worth reading.
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