The Message of Samuel: Personalities, Potential, Politics and Power

The Bible Speaks Today: Old Testament

by Mary J. Evans

Reading 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; a people covets the centralized authority of its impious neighbors; and a throne is won, forsaken, redeemed, lost and found again.
But in the key characters in this dawning era of Israelite history 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 every kingdom.

Genres: Old Testament, Biblical Studies

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 2, 2004

Reviews

[Deb Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lay commentary on the books of 1&2 Samuel. Readable and enjoyable. Brings the reader into the stories.

[Paul Dubuc · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good companion for reading the books of Samuel. Mary Evans offers interesting insights into the personalities and possible motives for the actions of the people portrayed in this great biblical drama. She also has a very good grasp of the cultural and historical background that helps reader understanding and is able to draw out some important life lessons for Christians today.

[Richard Angelus · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Old Testament historical books of 1 and 2 Samuel (in the Hebrew Bible, 1 & 2 Samuel are actually one book, Book of Samuel) contain well-known stories about Hannah, Samuel, Saul, David, Absalom and many more, which have been fruitful sources for innumerable Sunday service sermons and Bible Studies. Here, 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 Christ 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.

To read my write-up for Mary J. Evans' The Message of Samuel: Personalities, Potential, Politics, and Power (2004), CLICK HERE: https://www.richardangelus.me/2018/07...

[Ryan Rench · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ended up being my least favorite of the 8 I read weekly. Perhaps it is fine, but that's all. I just did not resonate with the writing style, and I suppose if I read it before the others, I might have enjoyed it more, but it was not for me.
It just felt so... obvious. Every week it was a simplified rephrasing of the text without much of substance that I could use. I'd read it and just go, "yeah."
Didn't hate it, of course! Just 2* for me.

[Simon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love this series, but unfortunately I can't say that this book helped me understand the message of 1-2 Samuel, being mostly a long chain of life tips that were loosely related to the text.

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like whoever this David guy is. We need more like him

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy using the BST Bible commentaries as they have a good mix of theology and practical application.

The 2 books of Samuel read like a Shakespeare play. There is so much drama and action throughout the two books. Mary J Evans brings a more relaxed style to the typical BST study that makes these thoroughly entertaining. She grabs the "theatre" of Samuel and draws the reader into the conspiracies, mayhem, deception and redemption of the two books.

At the same time she provides practical instruction and application, particularly in matters of leadership and Church leadership, that makes Samuel a very useful reference manual for todays leader.

I thoroughly recommend this study.