How I wish this book had been available years ago when I as a young minister tried to preach on the life of King Saul. Dr. Cyril Barber has given us a commentary on 1 Samuel that balances dependable information, spiritual interpretation, and practical application. I predict that in years to come this volume will be a standard reference work for serious Bible students and careful expository preachers. But there is no dull academic atmosphere in these pages. The book is a joy to read. Dr. Barber makes ancient history exciting and practical, and he does so without spiritualizing the text. You will enjoy using this book. It will open up new facets of truth for you to receive and apply in your own life and then share with others. From the Foreword, by Warren W. Wiersbe

Written BY Preachers and Teachers FOR Preachers and Teachers Combining fresh insights with readable exposition and relatable examples, The Preacher's Commentary will help you minister to others and see their lives transformed through the power of God's Word. Whether preacher, teacher, or Bible study leader--if you're a communicator, The Preacher's Commentary will help you share God's Word more effectively with others. This volume on 1 & 2 Samuel reflects a painstaking analysis of the fine details and broad scope of each passage of the biblical text. Its focus is on making the obscurities of ancient Israelite history understandable to the modern reader. Each volume is written by one of today's top scholars, and includes: Innovative ideas for preaching and teaching God's Word Vibrant paragraph-by-paragraph exposition Impelling real-life illustrations Insightful and relevant contemporary application An introduction, which reveals the author's approach A full outline of the biblical book being covered Scripture passages (using the New King James Version) and explanations The Preacher's Commentary offers pastors, teachers, and Bible study leaders clear and compelling insights into the Bible that will equip them to understand, apply, and teach the truth in God's Word.

Written BY Preachers and Teachers FOR Preachers and Teachers The Preacher's Commentary, Complete 35-Volume Set: Genesis–Revelation offers pastors, teachers, and Bible study leaders clear and compelling insights into the entire Bible that will equip them to understand, apply, and teach the truth in God's Word. Each volume is written by one of today's top scholars, and includes: Innovative ideas for preaching and teaching God's Word Vibrant paragraph-by-paragraph exposition Impelling real-life illustrations Insightful and relevant contemporary application An introduction, which reveals the author's approach A full outline of the biblical book being covered Scripture passages (using the New King James Version) and explanations Covering the entire Bible and combining fresh insights with readable exposition and relatable examples, The Preacher's Commentary will help you minister to others and see their lives transformed through the power of God's Word. Whether preacher, teacher, or Bible study leader--if you're a communicator, The Preacher's Commentary will help you share God's Word more effectively with others. Volumes and authors include: Genesis by D. Stuart Briscoe Exodus by Maxie D. Dunnam Leviticus by Gary W. Demarest Numbers by James Philip Deuteronomy by John C. Maxwell Joshua by John A. Huffman, Jr. Judges & Ruth by David Jackman 1 & 2 Samuel by Kenneth L. Chafin 1 & 2 Kings by Russell H. Dilday 1 & 2 Chronicles by Leslie C. Allen Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther by Mark D. Roberts Job by David L. McKenna Psalms 1-72 by Donald M. Williams Psalms 73-150 by Donald M. Williams Proverbs by David A. Hubbard Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon by David A. Hubbard Isaiah 1-39 by David L. McKenna Isaiah 40-66 by David L. McKenna Jeremiah & Lamentations by John Guest Ezekiel by Douglas Stuart Daniel by Sinclair B. Ferguson Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, and Jonah by Lloyd J. Ogilvie Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi by Walter C. Kaiser, Jr. Matthew by Myron S. Augsburger Mark by David L. McKenna Luke by Bruce Larson John by Roger L. Fredrikson Acts by Lloyd J. Ogilvie Romans by D. Stuart Briscoe 1 & 2 Corinthians by Kenneth L. Chafin Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon by Maxie D. Dunnam 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus by Gary W. Demarest Hebrews by Louis H. Evans, Jr. James, 1 & 2 Peter, and Jude by Paul A. Cedar 1, 2 & 3 John, and Revelation by Earl F. Palmer

Identifying three streams of concern in the books of Samuel (politics, people, and preaching), Mary Evans demonstrates how each of these manifests itself in the underlying and unifying theme of power-and powerlessness. She then uses this concept of power as a fascinating matrix for interpreting the events God ordains and the characters God uses in biblical history. Evans defends her case for the unity of the books that we divide into 1 and 2 Samuel with a sensitivity to the composition of the text and the intentionality of the various "writers" who had a hand in bringing the different accounts together. The discussion interacts with the parallel material in Chronicles and Kings and recognizes the importance of the themes of covenant and law, especially from the Deuteronomic perspective. The commentary, with its additional notes, also includes a good breadth of references to scholarly debate and discussion on various issues. Evans brings the often theologically difficult text of Samuel and the complex characters of Samuel, Saul, David, and others into sharp focus for the contemporary reader while offering fresh insights and perspectives on the ancient text.

Make Bible study a part of your daily life with the thorough yet easy-to-read commentary that turns complicated theology into practical understanding. The second edition of Believer's Bible Commentary is a one-volume guide that helps the average reader develop basic knowledge of the Bible. This commentary, written by the late William MacDonald, explores the deeper meanings of every biblical book and tackles controversial issues from a theologically conservative standpoint while also presenting alternative views. Serving as a friendly introduction to Bible study, Believer's Bible Commentary gives clarity and context to scripture in easy-to-understand language. Features: Introductions, notes, and bibliographies for each book of the Bible A balanced approach to linguistic studies and useful application Comments on the text are augmented by practical applications of spiritual truths and by a study of typology, where appropriate Colorful maps of the Holy Land and other useful study helps Can be used with any Bible translation but is best used with the New King James version

The books of Samuel focus on the lives of three men: Samuel, Saul, and David. They are first seen as individuals rising in their respective careers. As time passes, their lives more frequently interact and become interwined with each other. J. Carl Laney covers these two books section by section, often pausing to clear up a difficult passage that would mean trouble to the reader. This volume is complete with many maps that prove to be an invaluable aid to the reader in helping him to plot out where the action of a particular chapter is taking place. Dr. Laney helps the reader to understand the anguish and agony David experienced as a result of the division of his household and the rebellion of his son Absalom. We can see how Saul met his ultimate downfall as king because of his reliance upon outside sources for guidance instead of implicitly trusting in the Lord. One also sees the godly Samuel who, nevertheless, was unable to keep his own household in order. Contemporary lessons are plentiful in these two Bible books and available to those who take the time to study their truths.

1 and 2 Samuel constitute some of the finest historical writing in all of literature. Written largely as historical biography, these narratives offer commentary on formative events in the history of Ancient Israel. The moral and spiritual repercussions of these events, and of the persons involved, are highlighted. They are also important from a prophetic viewpoint, in that they tell of the founding of Israel’s Kingdom under David. These events foreshadow the coming of Israel’s true King and the establishment of the Kingdom under the Messiah. The kings Saul and David, and the teachings of the lives and witness of the prophets Elijah and Elisha, still raise many questions and rich symbolic allusion. This book re-considers some of these, and uncovers new perspectives on the themes arising from the crucial contribution of the Books of Samuel and Kings to both the Bible and wider Christian thought.