__Within the Old Testament books of 1 and 2 Samuel we find some of the most well-known stories of the Bible – those of Hannah, David, Absalom and many more which have been fruitful sources of inspiration for classic artworks and musical compositions, as well as innumerable Sunday school lessons. Yet often we only consider these stories in a way that's disconnected from our everyday faith.__  
  
In this accessible and stimulating commentary, Mary Evans guides us through The Message of 1 &amp; 2 Samuel in the conviction that they are a vital part of God's Word, full of teaching that is dynamically relevant for all Christian believers. Exploring the narratives and creatively bringing out their application, she shows us how we can interpret and respond to them today in a way that is both challenging and exciting.  
  
With questions for further reflection that can be used by individuals and small groups, this is an invigorating study that will help you better understand the meaning of 1 &amp; 2 Samuel and their continued relevance for today.  
  
Part of the much loved Bible Speaks Today series of commentaries, The Message of 1 &amp; 2 Samuel offers a thoughtful and readable exposition of the Biblical text as well as considering the lessons Christians can still learn from it today. Used by Bible students and teachers around the world, the Bible Speaks Today commentaries are ideal for students and preachers who are looking to delve more deeply into the riches of Scripture.  
  
This beautifully redesigned edition has also been sensitively updated to include modern references and use the NIV Bible text.

Contents  
General preface ix  
Author's preface xi  
Chief abbreviations xii  
Select bibliography xiii  
Introduction 1  
1. Hannah: the powerless woman (1 Samuel 1 – 4) 11  
2. Samuel: the reluctant kingmaker (1 Samuel 4 – 8) 30  
3. Saul: majesty and mania (1 Samuel 9 – 15) 50  
4. David: the young 'pretender' (1 Samuel 16 – 24) 93  
5. David: the exiled nationalist (1 Samuel 25 – 31) 127  
6. David: in control (2 Samuel 1 – 5) 157  
7. David: in covenant (2 Samuel 6 – 10) 180  
8. David: out of control? (2 Samuel 11 – 13) 199  
9. Absalom: a usurping son (2 Samuel 14 – 20) 216  
10. Filling in the gaps? (2 Samuel 21 – 24) 254  
Map: 1 and 2 Samuel: places and peoples 276

Mary J Evans

GENERAL PREFACE

Author’s preface

Chief abbreviations

Select bibliography

Introduction

1. What do we do with stories?

2. A historical and literary perspective

3. Who wrote Samuel?

4. Underlying themes

1 Samuel 1 – 4

1. Hannah: the powerless woman

1. Hannah's (missing) child (1:1–28)

2. Hannah's song of exultant thanksgiving (2:1–11)

3. A successor for Eli (2:12–36)

4. God's call to Samuel (3:1 – 4:1)

Questions to ponder

1 Samuel 4 – 8

2. Samuel: the reluctant kingmaker

1. The ark is lost (4:1–11)

2. Eli's death: the end of an era (4:12–22)

3. God is in control (5:1 – 6:12)

4. The ark regained (6:13 – 7:2)

5. Samuel's ministry (7:3–17)

6. Sons and successors (8:1–5)

7. Kingship: the dangers and the choice (8:6–22)

1 Samuel 9 – 15

3. Saul: majesty and mania

1. Saul is introduced (9:1–14)

2. Saul is anointed (9:15 – 10:8)

3. Saul is appointed (10:9–27)

4. The new king proves his worth (11:1–15)

5. Samuel's speech (12:1–25)

6. Saul exceeds his authority (13:1–22)

7. Jonathan takes action (13:23 – 14:23)

8. Saul and Jonathan: alternative approaches (14:24–52)

9. Saul is rejected (15:1–35)

1 Samuel 16 – 24

4. David: the young ‘pretender’

1. The anointing of the shepherd musician (16:1–23)

2. The giant killer (17:1 – 18:5)

3. A soured relationship (18:6 – 19:24)

4. Jonathan: the son without jealousy (20:1–42)

5. David's escape via Nob (21:1 – 22:23)

6. The continuing campaign (23:1–14)

7. Enemies, real and perceived (23:15 – 24:22)

1 Samuel 25 – 31

5. David: the exiled nationalist

1. David and Abigail (25:1–44)

2. Saul: off the hook again (26:1–25)

3. The Philistine sojourn (27:1 – 28:2)

4. Saul's occult escapade (28:3–25)

5. David and Achish (29:1–11)

6. Revenge for a haven destroyed (30:1–31)

7. Defeat and death in the north (31:1–13)

2 Samuel 1 – 5

6. David: in control

1. Saul's death, the alternative account (1:1–27)

2. Power struggles: David and Ish-Bosheth, Joab and Abner (2:1 – 3:5)

3. Abner and Ish-Bosheth, the end of the line (3:6 – 4:12)

4. Nationwide power achieved and endorsed (5:1–25)

2 Samuel 6 – 10

7. David: in covenant

1. The ark comes to Jerusalem (6:1–23)

2. God's covenant with David (7:1–29)

3. War and peace (8:1–18)

4. Friends and enemies (9:1 – 10:19)

2 Samuel 11 – 13

8. David: out of control?

1. Adultery and murder (11:1–27)

2. Condemnation and punishment (12:1–31)

3. Crime, revenge and parental failure (13:1–39)

2 Samuel 14 – 20

9. Absalom: a usurping son

1. Absalom in Geshur and Jerusalem (14:1–33)

2. The plan of campaign (15:1–9)

3. The revolution begins (15:10–23)

4. Friends and enemies (15:24 – 16:14)

5. Civil war begins (16:15 – 17:29)

6. The end of the line (18:1 – 19:7)

7. Peace and the aftermath of war (19:9–43)

8. Sheba's rebellion (20:1–26)

2 Samuel 21 – 24

10. Filling in the gaps?

1. Consequences of a violated covenant (21:1–14)

2. Battleground heroics (21:15–22)

3. A psalm of thanksgiving (22:1–51)

4. David's 'last will and testament' (23:1–7)

5. The honours list (23:8–39)9

6. Consequences of a foolish action (24:1–25)

Notes

The Bible Speaks Today: Old Testament series

The Old Testament historical books of 1 and 2 Samuel contain well-known stories about Hannah, Samuel, Saul, David and Absalom, which have been fruitful sources for innumerable Sunday school lessons and some classic oil paintings and musical compositions.  
Mary Evans engages with these books in the conviction that they are a vital part of God's Word, full of teaching that is dynamically relevant for all Christian believers. Exploring how we should interpret and respond to the stories today is both challenging and exciting. This accessible and stimulating study takes us into the narratives, creatively brings out their application and provides questions for further reflection.

Includes biblical stories, bringing out their application.

Often thought as a knotty, political book, discover the meanings and nuances of Samuel with this in-depth Bible study.

\["For anyone spreading messages of the Bible","This study draws lessons from key stories of 1 and 2 Samuel","A great resource for anyone wanting to connect the Bible with faith today"\]

\["For Bible students and preachers seeking profound insights into 1 &amp; 2 Samuel.","Clarifies the relevance of biblical narratives, bridging their gap to everyday faith.","Empowers readers to interpret and apply ancient teachings in a modern context."\]

The Message of 1 &amp; 2 Samuel, part of the Bible Speaks Today series, offers vibrant insights, connecting timeless narratives to contemporary faith, making biblical wisdom accessible for deeper understanding and modern application.

Message of 1 & 2 Samuel

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