I wasn't real impressed with John MacArthur and I didn't like the fact that the reading was from the New King James. King James is the version those in my generation had, and when we memorized verses, it was the KJV. However, Biblical scholars recognize it as not a good study source. MacArthur's comments were not all that enlightening. I don't know if there is a better 1 Samuel study out there or not. We are having trouble finding a 2 Samuel guide for next semester.
A class I am taking this year requires us to read the entire OT this year so I re-read this book. My opinions haven't changed. I don't like MacArthur and I think his choice of translations to use is very poor.