The books of Samuel in the Bible represent the formation and early years of the Hebrew monarchy, the period following Judges. Samuel was the prophet who established the kingship under Saul and, depending on the text one refers to, either endorsed or condemned it. It is in First and Second Samuel that one reads of the brigand-turned-king David. Subsequent Hebrew monarchs are treated primarily in the Books of Kings.
I read this commentary, and others, for a course on I-II Samuel taught by a visiting professor to Union Theological Seminary, David Jobling. My paper for that course was on the pericope concerning David and the priests of Nob, a text which I took to refer to later controversy regarding the authenticity of the Temple priesthood.
Hertzberg's commentary is scholarly, somewhat dry and virtually exhaustive. Not only does he exposit the text and its possible historical associations, but he also discusses the history of opinion on such matters.
I read all intro materials through the part in I Samuel into the monarchy of Saul; this was a deliberate reading for a preaching engagement. I thought that this older book, translated from the German, held up very well for contemporary reading, study and preparation to share the transitional period of Samuel (my text was I Samuel 8).
Since I own this book, I can gladly return to it for any needs I may have in the future.