1 & 2 Samuel (Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary | SHBC)
Overview
Like the highly successful initial volume in the Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary Series, Walter Brueggemann’s 1 & 2 Kings, this volume explores the beginnings of kingship in Israel. Tony Cartledge author thoughtfully considers the debt that our religious and literary heritage owes to the books of 1 & 2 Samuel, including the counsel of Samuel, the determination of Saul, and the towering figure of David. The author describes and analyzes the events in these books as central to the preservation of the Hebrew and Christian traditions. Written as a textual commentary, this edition also includes numerous insights and visuals drawn from the worlds of art, archaeology, literature, history, and geography. His valuable treatment of 1 & 2 Samuel challenges readers of the biblical text to approach the books of Samuel with eyes of faith.
Top Highlights
“David wasted no time in making a favorable impression within the royal court. Although the MT is ambiguous—it simply says ‘He loved him’—there is not doubt that Saul is the one who became enamored with the irresistible David. As he had taken valiant men into his service before (14:52), so Saul engages David as a permanent member of his entourage, not only as his musical therapist, but also as his armor-bearer (v. 21). A king’s armor-bearer was usually a man of valor, a talented warrior who acted as the king’s personal servant and guardian. According to the narrative, David served well in both capacities (v. 23). Blessed by Yahweh’s beneficent spirit, David’s music overcame the effects of Saul’s ‘evil spirit.” (Page 209)
“There is a purpose in this; while providing such a detailed description of the giant, the narrator builds suspense and paints a more fearsome image of Goliath. At the same time, however, the storyteller leaves a clue to the warrior’s vulnerability: he was virtually immobile, and everything was armored but his face.” (Page 215)
“We presume that Hophni and Phinehas also had grown up in the temple, but being in the temple and experiencing the presence of the Lord are not the same thing.” (Page 56)
“Through their physical locations, the author suggests that young Samuel, for all his naïveté, is really closer to God” (Page 63)
“The account in chapter 16 credits Jesse with seven sons, not eight.” (Page 216)
- Title: 1 & 2 Samuel
- Author: Tony W. Cartledge
- Series: Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary
- Publisher: Smyth & Helwys
- Print Publication Date: 2001
- Logos Release Date: 2018
- Era: era:contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Bible. O.T. 1 Samuel › Commentaries; Bible. O.T. 2 Samuel › Commentaries
- ISBNs: 9781573128131, 1573128139
- Resource ID: LLS:SHC09SA1
- Resource Type: Bible Commentary
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-10-05T17:10:56Z