2 Samuel (Word Biblical Commentary, Volume 11 | WBC)

by A. A. Anderson

Publisher:

Word

, 1989

Overview

Focus on David’s ascension and kingdom in this commentary on 2 Samuel; a book commentator A.A. Anderson calls the “central book in Scripture.” Noting 2 Samuel’s profound influence on other New Testament and Old Testament books, Anderson studies the textual history, literary structure, historical context, and ultimate significance of this book. Organized for easy reference, Word Biblical commentaries make an ideal Bible study companion whether you are studying a single passage or a complete biblical book.

The Word Biblical Commentary delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars of our day who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation. This series emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence. The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology. These widely acclaimed commentaries serve as exceptional resources for the professional theologian and instructor, the seminary or university student, the working minister, and everyone concerned with building theological understanding from a solid base of biblical scholarship.

Contents

Top Highlights

“David and his men rushed down Mount Perazim (cf. Isa 28:21) and attacked the surprised enemy in the valley” (Page 93)

“According to the Chronicler (1 Chr 15:13) the Uzzah disaster occurred because the Levites did not participate in the transporting of the ark, while Josephus (Ant. 7.81) attributes Uzzah’s death to the fact that not being a priest, he touched the holy ark.” (Page 104)

“A plausible explanation is that Uzzah, like Eleazar before him (1 Sam 7:1), may have been consecrated to have charge of the ark, and therefore he ought to have realized that the falling of the ark was really a sign, namely, Yahweh’s way of stopping the procession (cf. the remote parallels in 1 Sam 5:1–5; 6:10–15). If so, not only the sacredness of the ark was an important factor but also the attempt (unintentional?) to frustrate or disregard the will of Yahweh; therefore also the consequences were so severe. Thus Dus (TZ 17 [1961] 7) has remarked that Uzzah sinned in that he did not grant Yahweh the freedom to choose his own resting place. This incident could have been regarded also as a warning to David, especially if Yahweh was not consulted at the beginning of this undertaking.” (Pages 103–104)

“The chapter must be seen in its historical setting where little or no mercy was shown to dethroned royal houses, and therefore David’s attitude to Mephibosheth was clearly an act of kindness and conciliation since the latter had no bargaining power. At least formally, Mephibosheth was made like one of the king’s sons (v 11), and instead of being a homeless refugee he became a fairly wealthy man (see v 10b) as long as he remained loyal to David.” (Page 143)

Product Details

• Title: Word Biblical Commentary, Volume 11: 2 Samuel
• Author: A. A. Anderson
• Series: Word Biblical Commentary
• Volume: 11
• Publisher: Word
• Print Publication Date: 1989
• Logos Release Date: 2002
• Pages: 348
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Bible › Commentaries--Collected works; Bible. O.T. 2 Samuel › Commentaries
• ISBNs: 9781418503598, 1418503592
• Resource ID: LLS:29.15.1
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-28T20:01:36Z

About A. A. Anderson

A.A. Anderson is honorary fellow in the faculty of theology at the University of Manchester in England. He is the author of Qumran Cave 4: Discoveries in the Judaean Desert and The Book of Psalms.