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.

The NIV Application Commentary helps you communicate and apply biblical text effectively in today's context. To bring the ancient messages of the Bible into today's world, each passage is treated in three sections: Original Meaning. Concise exegesis to help readers understand the original meaning of the biblical text in its historical, literary, and cultural context. Bridging Contexts. A bridge between the world of the Bible and the world of today, built by discerning what is timeless in the timely pages of the Bible. Contemporary Significance. This section identifies comparable situations to those faced in the Bible and explores relevant application of the biblical messages. The author alerts the readers of problems they may encounter when seeking to apply the passage and helps them think through the issues involved. This unique, award-winning commentary is the ideal resource for today's preachers, teachers, and serious students of the Bible, giving them the tools, ideas, and insights they need to communicate God's Word with the same powerful impact it had when it was first written.

Preliminary Material /KING DAVID -- Preface /KING DAVID -- Introduction /KING DAVID -- INTERPRETATION OF ACT I (II SAM. 9-12) /KING DAVID -- The triangle: David - Ziba - Mephibosheth /KING DAVID -- II Sam. 10-11: War, sexuality, and violence (scenes 2-4) /KING DAVID -- II Sam. 12: Confrontation and repentance; mourning, harmony, and victory /KING DAVID -- INTERPRETATION OF ACT II (II SAM. 13-14) /KING DAVID -- II Sam. 13: “Chips off the old block” (scenes 8-9) /KING DAVID -- II Sam. 14: Interventions /KING DAVID -- INTERPRETATION OF ACT III (II SAM. 15-20) /KING DAVID -- II Sam. 15-16:14, Absalom rebels and David flees /KING DAVID -- Absalom and his two counsellors; David warned /KING DAVID -- The outcome on the battlefield, David informed /KING DAVID -- Joab intervenes and the people deliberate /KING DAVID -- On the way back: David's conversations at the Jordan /KING DAVID -- The schism between Israel and Judah /KING DAVID -- INTERPRETATION OF ACT IV (I KINGS 1-2) /KING DAVID -- David decides about the succession /KING DAVID -- David's testament and the posthumous execution(s) /KING DAVID -- Synthesis and conclusion /KING DAVID -- Epilogue: prospects /KING DAVID -- Titles and abbreviations /KING DAVID -- Index of biblical verses treated /KING DAVID -- Appendix I /KING DAVID -- Appendix II /KING DAVID.

Editors Bill T. Arnold and Hugh G. M. Williamson present more than 160 in-depth articles on the essential historical, literary, theological, interpretive and background topics for studying the historical books of the Old Testament (Joshua, Judges, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, 1-2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah).

While many Christians recognize the abiding value of the Old Testament as God's Word they stay away from studying it because they see it as a difficult and forbidding subject. In this completely revised and expanded edition of God’s Word to Israel Joseph Jensen incorporates the latest scholarship using a combination of the historical, literary, and thematic approaches to present a unified treatment—one that with even a modest degree of effort will produce rich rewards. By selecting the most important matters, rather than attempting to cover every aspect of the Old Testament message, Jensen has given them the space and emphasis they deserve.

Here, a team of award-winning teaching scholars has come together to create an introductory text that offers a truly unique and innovative contribution to the discipline of theological studies. This "first book" provides students of any religious tradition with the foundational skills, vocabulary, conceptual understanding, and research abilities that they need to succeed in theology and religious studies. Theological Foundationsprovides the following: Ten chapters that introduce the major sub-disciplines of theology creating a well-rounded source for understanding the discipline as a whole Contributions that are clear, accessible, and steeped in content A strong basis for vigorous intellectual and personal exploration of life and our relation to God Flexibility that allows the instructor to assign readings in any order that fits his or her syllabus A one-of-a-kind, integrated library research component, "From the Reference Librarian," which teaches students the foundational skills needed for successful study in theology and in any academic discipline

"Through the example of David's census in 2 Samuel 24, key issues related to divine violence in the book of Samuel are introduced: the occurrence of inexplicable divine violence; the interplay of divine and human sovereignty; God's emotion; and the relationship between forgiveness and punishment. The parameters for the use of the term "divine violence" in this study are defined, taking into account the distinction between subjective and objective violence and Walter Benjamin's technical use of the term. The methodology of this study is outlined. Debate regarding a proposed "dark side" of God will be addressed through contemporary thinkers who challenge the dominance of retributive frameworks in ethical evaluation. An account of the characterisation of God will be given that acknowledges a diversity of traditions in the text, and focuses minimally on narrative gaps. Political contexts for the divine violence will be proposed, both monarchic and exilic"--

This landmark resource, now available in the NABRE translation, contains all the authoritative study notes, expanded essays, and informational sidebars for which it is known and trusted. The heart of this volume remains its extensive Reading Guide that leads the reader through the Scriptures, book by book. References and background information are clearly laid out in the margins of the text, guiding the reader to a fuller understanding of the Bible. Other outstanding features include: a 15-page glossary of special terms, complete Sunday and weekday lectionary readings for the liturgical years of the Church. 32 beautiful pages of full-color Oxford Bible Maps come with a place-name index for easy reference. Printed on smooth, durable paper and bound with the highest quality materials, the Catholic Study Bible is an incredible value. It is available in three attractive and affordable bindings: black bonded leather, hardcover, and paperback. The New American Bible Revised Edition: The New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE) brings to culmination the work of nearly 100 scholars, including translators, editors, and a subcommittee of Catholic bishops who provided extensive review of the biblical text over a period of many years. The NABRE is the first major amendment to the New American Bible translation since 1991. It features: *The first update of the Old Testament since 1970, taking into account recent archaeological and textual discoveries. *Complete revision of the Psalter.

Illuminates each Old Testament historical book by examining its content, structure, and theological message.

This volume combines a cultural guide to the biblical world and an annotated Bible. Its notes feature the reflections of Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Jewish scholars. * Twenty-three insightful articles on aspects of the history, literary background, and culture of the biblical era. * A special index of people, places, and themes of the Bible. * 36 pages of full-color New Oxford Bible Maps, with index.