Jared Saltz’s Reviews > Tragedy of the Commons: A Christological Companion to the Book of 1 Samuel > Status Update

Gouge it out, Lord Jesus. Run to the battle lines; defend God's self respect. Volunteer, since you know who I am, and you know that I cannot bring myself to sign up for the catastrophic surgery that my baptism requires. Sling the Rock against my forehead, and when I have sunk to my knees, chop it off: 'Not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!'."

Saul's 'statute' in particular. Careful readers know what to make of such language, for in Samuel's ironic universe, outward appearances never live up to the hype...All the while, Hannah's double injunction rings in our ears like a never-ending church bell: 'Speak no more of stature, stature--the Lord knows what's up!' (1 Sam 2.3).