National Insecurity: A Primer on the First Book of Samuel

The Old Testament book of 1 Samuel is often underrated in terms of its narrative drama and theological substance. As an attempt to convey the richness and endless subtly of this biblical book, the present volume provides a fresh translation of 1 Samuel, with a series of questions and points for reflection following each chapter. These points explore various literary and theological issues raised by the text, including: the introduction of kingship in Israel, the office of the prophet, and the contours of leadership for God's people. Various questions include: why does the nation reject "divine kingship" and opt for a monarchy? Why is Saul rejected? Is Samuel an unbiased prophet? What are the qualities in the young David that set him apart as a king? What dynamics of human relationships are emphasized in the text? The questions in this book provide ample opportunity for reflection on the nature of biblical narrative, the portraits of key personalities, and the profound level of artistic and theological sophistication in this important stretch of biblical material.