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Focus on the Bible Commentaries
2 Samuel: Out of Every Adversity
Davis brings cultural and historical colour to the task of interpreting one of the most studied parts of the Bible. The lessons in 2 Samuel from the life of Israel, and David in particular, have obvious modern parallels. Davis writes with a pastor’s heart AND the incisive brain of a respected theologian specialising in the Old Testament texts.
336 pages, Paperback
First published September 20, 1999
19 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Dale Ralph Davis
31 books59 followersDale Ralph Davis is Minister in Residence, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina. Prior to that he was pastor of Woodland Presbyterian Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi and Professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 2, 2015
Dale Ralph Davis is probably the best biblical commentator you’ve never heard of. He has the knowledge and expertise of a first-class exegete and the punch and pizzazz of an engaging preacher. To read one of his commentaries is to be exposed to the most significant exegetical issues and to have your heart exposed as well. He outlines the text, mentions text critical issues, argues for his interpretation, illustrates it, applies it, and connects it to Christ with passion and skill. While teaching through 1-2 Samuel his commentaries have been my first choice. I cannot recommend him highly enough.
*He also has commentaries on Joshua, Judges, and 1-2 Kings
*He also has commentaries on Joshua, Judges, and 1-2 Kings
February 11, 2023
Dale Ralph Davis is gold! Of the many commentaries I consulted in my journey through 1 and 2 Samuel over the past couple of years, Davis's work sits near the top. Thorough analysis, submission to Scripture, & apropos illustrations are just a few of the aspects I found quite helpful.
In addition, I often found the author very clear to state what the text stated. In other words, when the text did not surmise, he didn't surmise and stated so. So often, commentators in their quest to have all the answers, inject what they think the text means instead of humbly stating that God's Word at times is a mystery and they don't know. Davis does not follow suit. Quite refreshing to me!
A helpful resource to anyone preaching through or studying the book of 2 Samuel!
In addition, I often found the author very clear to state what the text stated. In other words, when the text did not surmise, he didn't surmise and stated so. So often, commentators in their quest to have all the answers, inject what they think the text means instead of humbly stating that God's Word at times is a mystery and they don't know. Davis does not follow suit. Quite refreshing to me!
A helpful resource to anyone preaching through or studying the book of 2 Samuel!
April 19, 2022
A great little commentary with many helps on understanding the text. While one may not agree with every interpretation that Davis gives, he is always good at giving the different views and footnotes that contain more technical matters.
April 13, 2022
Very helpful for the average reader. Davis' commentary is pulled from his sermons so you get mostly cookies from the middle shelves but the footnotes give you those treats you have to reach for. 4 stars because his stories seem a stretch sometimes 😬
April 23, 2018
Um excelente companheiro para quem vai pregar em 2 Samuel. O comentário ainda atinge um objetivo raro, é útil não somente para pregadores e outros comentaristas, mas é um livro recomendado a qualquer leitor.
October 17, 2021
The second reading of this commentary after many years. While Dale Ralph Davis's style of writing may not be to everyone's taste, once you get used to it, you see that his commentaries are very useful for the "ordinary" Christian. His reflections on the folly of human sin, which is fully on display in 2 Samuel, are often both funny and profound at the same time.
September 28, 2022
My first Dale Ralph Davis commentary whet my appetite for more, and every volume after has raised my expectations of what to expect. 2 Samuel did not disappoint. Relative to the size of other commentaries on 2 Samuel, this volume is more compact. It is not a technical commentary, nor is it a devotional commentary. Davis tends to focus on the key truths of each pericope, commenting on the text itself, and then enlarging the truth with illustration and application. Having just finished preaching through 2 Samuel, and referencing several of the much better known commentaries, in my opinion, this one rises above them all. It is readable, the commentary is fresh, and Davis consistently demonstrates the timeless value of this 3,000 year old, inspired account of Israel's history. It is a treasure trove of insight, wit, and application for expository preachers, while putting every truth well within reach of Sunday School teachers, or anyone else who just wants to love God with his mind and better understand His Book. My recommendation? Get yourself a copy to have at hand anytime your study takes you into the kingdom years of the life of David.
January 21, 2025
Over the course of 2024, five men and I read 1-2 Samuel with Dale Ralph Davis. Although it provoked many helpful discussions, one topic arose more than any other - how little of Christ was in the commentary. Davis appears to purposefully refrain from allowing the New Testament to speak into the Old Testament. For example, I do not recall his exposition of 2 Samuel 22 once mentioning the name of Jesus. To paraphrase an older pastor, this commentary would be welcome in a local synagogue.
The redeeming qualities of this commentary are its accessible style, insightful exegetical notes, and helpful illustrations. Davis excels in guiding the reader to see how one particular narrative fits within the larger framework of 1-2 Samuel.
Would I recommend this volume to others? Yes, but maybe paired with another commentary or with the Westminster Shorter Catechism in hand.
The redeeming qualities of this commentary are its accessible style, insightful exegetical notes, and helpful illustrations. Davis excels in guiding the reader to see how one particular narrative fits within the larger framework of 1-2 Samuel.
Would I recommend this volume to others? Yes, but maybe paired with another commentary or with the Westminster Shorter Catechism in hand.
August 4, 2015
I am constantly on the hunt for solid commentaries - especially from the Old Testament. Like a lot of preachers, I can be guilty of focusing on the New Testament, a "sin" that my Hebrew professor called building a "canon within the canon."
I recently taught through 1 Samuel. In preparation, I read through 1 Samuel by Richard D. Phillips. I found that commentary, from the Reformed Expository series, to be extremely helpful. One of the more helpful authors he frequently quotes was Dale Ralph Davis. So I naturally ordered Davis' commentary on 2 Samuel.
I was not disappointed. Davis does an amazing job of giving historical context to the book, providing enough technical insight to equip the teacher without bogging down in superfluous details, and applying the text to contemporary life. I know little about Dale Ralph Davis. But I can vouch for this commentary. It is one that I will use frequently in the future and recommend heartily to those, like me, who are searching for solid OT resources.
I recently taught through 1 Samuel. In preparation, I read through 1 Samuel by Richard D. Phillips. I found that commentary, from the Reformed Expository series, to be extremely helpful. One of the more helpful authors he frequently quotes was Dale Ralph Davis. So I naturally ordered Davis' commentary on 2 Samuel.
I was not disappointed. Davis does an amazing job of giving historical context to the book, providing enough technical insight to equip the teacher without bogging down in superfluous details, and applying the text to contemporary life. I know little about Dale Ralph Davis. But I can vouch for this commentary. It is one that I will use frequently in the future and recommend heartily to those, like me, who are searching for solid OT resources.
September 30, 2020
It is rare that a commentary is worth reading start to finish. All of DRD's commentaries are, and this one is no different. Even where I went a different route than he when I preached the text, he was helpful and kept me exegetically grounded.
December 5, 2024
I'm so glad I found this author
December 1, 2022
Dale Ralph Davis is one of my favorite commentators, and this volume is one more reason why. The expositions are lively, crisp, and to the point. He’s one of the best illustrators I’ve ever read. And he gives you enough on technical issues to actually be of help, without allowing it to bog down the pace of exposition (with helpful footnotes if you need to track down more info). My number one recommendation for someone wanting a single commentary on 2 Samuel.
September 5, 2022
Brilliant commentary that is highly recommended.
August 9, 2014
Superb. Davis understands all of the issues but doesn't let himself get distracted by them. Pity, quotable, funny, insightful, and even practical. Highly recommended.
February 23, 2017
Anything by Dale Ralph Davis is excellent ... this is no exception
May 18, 2021
Like his commentary on 1 Samuel, this was a breathtakingly readable, thorough, and accessible commentary to 2 Samuel. What is so astonishing about this book is that Davis is able to take this biblical story and concisely comment on the themes and points of the passages, without losing out on quality. I’m not a scholar, so I don’t need an academic treatise. But I do want a quality, thorough commentary that helps me understand the book I’m studying without watering down the analysis. This was the perfect fit. I wish he had written commentaries for every book of the Bible!
August 29, 2018
An excellent commentary for preaching, teaching, or personal devotions. Dale Ralph Davis wrestles with the issues in the biblical text theologically and never does so dully. He provides excellent illustrations (although regularly pulls out odd obscure Civil War Confederate and Scottish Presbyterian Stories).
May 22, 2018
Familiarity with Davis' approach puts this second volume of his work on Samuel a hair below the first, but I'm pleased to see he's authored comnentaries on other books of the Bible as well. This won't be the last of his work that I read.
March 18, 2023
Based on ch 1-10: Excellent. Practical commentary that deals well with the text, but ignores minor technical issues with little impact on the storyline and theology. Generally easy to read. Definitely among the most helpful commentaries I used.
October 24, 2023
Love Davis' commentaries --- they make for lively reading, while at the same time addressing critical issues. He also manages to make plenty of contemporary applications from the OT to our lives today. Great stuff.
January 31, 2025
Another wonderful commentary from Dale Ralph Davis. No one makes the Old Testament come alive like Dr. Davis and this serves as an excellent book to read devotionally for anyone reading through the OT. Highly recommended!
August 7, 2018
One of the better, more conservative commentaries. This would be a decent companion for anyone reading through the book of Samuel.
July 21, 2019
This is a fantastic commentary for devotional reading of 2 Samuel. I came to it again and again while our bible reading group went through Samuel.
November 26, 2019
Davis' commentaries are very helpful. He deals with textual issues without getting lost in the minutiae. He also applies the text, making the commentaries to have a devotional aspect.
April 24, 2020
Much like his 1 Samuel book, Davis writes with wit and clarity. These two books are a must for anyone wanting to understand more about 1 and 2 Samuel.
June 10, 2022
It's Dale Ralph Davis. Always good. I was surprised at how much I disagreed with some of his interpretations. Cogently argued, though, and so warm-hearted and pastoral.
June 23, 2025
Dale Ralph Davis is not only masterful at expositing the text, but engaging in how he delivers simple theological truths that point us towards the riches of God’s mercy and grace.
July 9, 2024
Excellent shorter, non-technical commentary on 2 Samuel. Excels in application.
July 17, 2015
In 2 Samuel: Out of Every Adversity, Dale Ralph Davis picks up where he left off at the end of 1 Samuel: Looking on the Heart. This commentary reads like a Sunday afternoon chat with a cheeky pastor who likes to enliven musty Old Testament texts by asking off-the-wall questions and finding the subtle subtexts in the stories of David’s reign.
What are readers to think about Joab, the fiercely loyal commander of David’s army who saved the kingdom repeatedly, who gave David crucial advice in difficult times, but who also had the very bad habit of murdering anyone who got in the way of his personal ambition?
How can David claim to be ‘pure of heart’ in Psalm 18 after he commits adultery with Bathsheba and then murders her cuckolded husband Uriah?
How did it satisfy God’s wrath that the Gibeonites killed seven of Saul’s innocent children and grandchildren as atonement for Saul’s atrocities? Didn’t the Law of Moses dictate children should not be put to death for the sins of their father?
Dale Ralph Davis has the heart of a storyteller, and his commentaries are unique. He invites his readers to experience the story of ancient Israel almost as if it were a novel. While he occasionally has to deal with problems of textual ambiguity and debates over translation, he does not get bogged down in a lot of technical debate. He wants you to feel the pulse pounding excitement of the civil war between David and Absalom. He wants you to marvel at David’s political and military cunning but at the same time recognize it was only Yahweh’s grace that ultimately sustained the tribes of Judah and Israel. He wants you to realize the depth of loss David suffered because of his sin with Bathsheba and his failure to maintain discipline within his family.
Davis likes to direct your attention not just to the characters but to what each story tells us about the nature of God. He makes points of modern-day application but avoids the pitfall of trying to pull out lessons from every text. Sometimes, he says, the point of a difficult story (such as Rizpah watching over the corpses of her family for several months) is not to teach us how to behave but simply to shock us into confronting the depravity of a sinful world.
This an excellent resource for personal study and reflection.
What are readers to think about Joab, the fiercely loyal commander of David’s army who saved the kingdom repeatedly, who gave David crucial advice in difficult times, but who also had the very bad habit of murdering anyone who got in the way of his personal ambition?
How can David claim to be ‘pure of heart’ in Psalm 18 after he commits adultery with Bathsheba and then murders her cuckolded husband Uriah?
How did it satisfy God’s wrath that the Gibeonites killed seven of Saul’s innocent children and grandchildren as atonement for Saul’s atrocities? Didn’t the Law of Moses dictate children should not be put to death for the sins of their father?
Dale Ralph Davis has the heart of a storyteller, and his commentaries are unique. He invites his readers to experience the story of ancient Israel almost as if it were a novel. While he occasionally has to deal with problems of textual ambiguity and debates over translation, he does not get bogged down in a lot of technical debate. He wants you to feel the pulse pounding excitement of the civil war between David and Absalom. He wants you to marvel at David’s political and military cunning but at the same time recognize it was only Yahweh’s grace that ultimately sustained the tribes of Judah and Israel. He wants you to realize the depth of loss David suffered because of his sin with Bathsheba and his failure to maintain discipline within his family.
Davis likes to direct your attention not just to the characters but to what each story tells us about the nature of God. He makes points of modern-day application but avoids the pitfall of trying to pull out lessons from every text. Sometimes, he says, the point of a difficult story (such as Rizpah watching over the corpses of her family for several months) is not to teach us how to behave but simply to shock us into confronting the depravity of a sinful world.
This an excellent resource for personal study and reflection.
September 19, 2020
I love reading Dale Ralph Davis, because he thinks very differently from me. Do I agree with everything he writes? Most certainly not. Do I find some of his illustrations jarring and oddly connected to the text of his choosing? Yes. But I love his great desire to show us the wonder of God’s word - we are pushed into it constantly, with careful observations and the occasional useful nod to a commentary or archeological feature. Sometimes long and unfamiliar history books of the Bible are hard to fathom - certainly the structure of big sections can be hard to get your head around. Ralph Davis is ready with a structural suggestion, which you can take or leave, and an entertaining story from his enormous bank of illustrations! Don’t read it because he’s got everything right - none of us have. Read it because it’ll help you love what God is saying in 2 Samuel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews