The Message of Samuel: Personalities, Potential, Politics and Power, By Mary J. Evans alt

The Message of Samuel

Personalities, Potential, Politics and Power

The Bible Speaks Today Series

Revised Edition

by Mary J. Evans

The Message of Samuel
ebook
  • Length: 296 pages
  • Published: June 21, 2022
  • Imprint: IVP Academic
  • Item Code: A0470
  • ISBN: 9781514004708

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In the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, we witness the transition of Israel from tribal confederacy to established monarchy. And, as Mary Evans shows in this passage-by-passage commentary, during such a transition questions of identity and power are unavoidable.

In the aftermath of the decline of the judges, priests abuse their priestly privileges; Israelites covet the centralized authority of their ungodly neighbors; and a throne is won, forsaken, redeemed, lost, and found again. Throughout this era we see, hidden behind the faults and failings of Israel's best and brightest, the faithfulness of a God who looks on the heart and directs the path of every king and kingdom.

Part of the beloved Bible Speaks Today series, The Message of Samuel offers an insightful, readable exposition of the biblical text and thought-provoking discussion of how its meaning relates to contemporary life. Used by students and teachers around the world, The Bible Speaks Today commentaries are ideal for those studying or preaching the Bible and anyone who wants to delve deeper into the text. This edition features the current NIV Bible text and a new interior design.

CONTENTS

General preface
Author’s preface
Chief abbreviations
Select bibliography

Introduction

1. Hannah: the powerless woman (1 Samuel 1–4)
2. Samuel: the reluctant kingmaker (1 Samuel 4–8)
3. Saul: majesty and mania (1 Samuel 9–15)
4. David: the young ‘pretender’ (1 Samuel 16–24)
5. David: the exiled nationalist (1 Samuel 25–31)
6. David: in control (2 Samuel 1–5)
7. David: in covenant (2 Samuel 6–10)
8. David: out of control? (2 Samuel 11–13)
9. Absalom: a usurping son (2 Samuel 14–20)
10. Filling in the gaps? (2 Samuel 21–24)

Map: 1 and 2 Samuel: places and peoples

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Mary J. Evans

Mary J. Evans is a visiting lecturer in Old Testament and former academic dean at the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology, Addis Ababa, and a former lecturer at the London School of Theology. She is the author of the Tyndale Old Testament Commentary Judges and Ruth is a coeditor of The IVP Women's Bible Commentary.