Full Description
The Old Testament book of Samuel is an intriguing narrative that offers an account of the origin of the monarchy in Israel. It also deals at length with the fascinating stories of Saul and David. In this volume, John Goldingay works through the book, exploring the main theological ideas as they emerge in the narratives about Samuel, Saul, and David, as well as in the stories of characters such as Hannah, Michal, Bathsheba, and Tamar. Goldingay brings out the key ideas about God and God's involvement in the lives of people, and their involvement with him through prayer and worship. He also delves into the mystery and complexity of human persons and their roles in events. Goldingay's study traces how God pursues his purpose for Israel and, ultimately, for the world in these narratives. It shows how this pursuit is interwoven with the realities of family, monarchy, war, love, ambition, loss, failure, and politics.
Contents
List of abbreviations; 1. Introduction; 2. Yahweh who Prepares the way for a king (1 Samuel 1:1-4:1a); 3. Yahweh who designates a king (1 Samuel 4:1b-12:25); 4. Yahweh who rebuffs a king (1 Samuel 13:1-20:42[21:1]); 5. Yahweh who protects a king (1 Samuel 21:1[2]-2 Samuel 1:27); 6. Yahweh who establishes a king (2 Samuel 2-10); 7. Yahweh who watches a king (2 Samuel 11:1-24:25); 8. Samuel in its theological context in the scriptures; Further reading; Subject index; Scripture references index.
