I & II Samuel: A Commentary

by Robert P. Gordon

Robert P. Gordon has provided us with a substantial commentary on the English text of the books of Samuel, concentrating on exegesis, but also paying attention to linguistic and textual problems. "I have not tried to "Christianize" 1 and 2 Samuel at every conceivable point. Often as I have sought to show in the brief introductory section comparison; and the only way to arrive at sensible conclusions in this matter is first to appreciate the Old Testament for its own sake- that is in its own literary, historical, cultural and theological contexts. That is principally what this commentary is about."

Genres: Reference

376 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1984

Reviews

[Jared Saltz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gordon has written the best single-volume commentary on the books of Samuel that I've read or surveyed in depth (which include a significant number!). His exegesis is sound, his knowledge of ANE customs and texts is exemplary, and his narrative reading/literary analysis is competent. His primary issue is that this is a very short commentary: he doesn't deal with every problem or every verse. You wouldn't be wrong to think of it like a collection of notes rather than a full commentary. If you deal with that, and the problem of his publisher choosing to use footnotes rather than end-notes, and that leads room for improvement. Regardless, though, this is well worth a purchase if you're reading through the confounding books of Samuels.

(Of note, for those that care, Gordon comes from a moderately conservative stance on the volume, but interacts with multiple views therein.)

[Brady · Rating 3 out of 5]

Writing from a lay person’s perspective, I found this one not terribly difficult to read, but overly academic for my needs. For instance, much time is spent on the various perspectives of when portions of the two books may have been written or how various scholars segment their content headings (like the Succession Narrative or the Ark Narrative). For someone in academia looking for history and further study, this is a good one, but for me it missed the mark.

[Derek Woodall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick, easy read and accomplished precisely its goal: succinct intros, balanced surveys of critical issues, an overview of theological perspectives, a section on recent scholarship, and categories for further study with annotated bibliographies. This seems like a very helpful series on biblical books.

[Dmcconkey · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the Old Testament Guide series, not a commentary as such, but rather discussions on key areas of the 1 & 2 Samuel. A very interesting guide that sparks thought