1 Samuel (Forms of the Old Testament Literature Series | FOTL)

by Antony Campbell

Publisher:

Eerdmans

, 2003

Overview

Antony Campbell’s valuable form-critical analysis of 1 Samuel highlights both the literary development of the text itself and its meanings for its audience. A skilled student of the Hebrew Scriptures and their ancient context, Campbell shows modern readers the process of editing and reworking that shaped 1 Samuel’s final form. As Campbell’s study reveals, the tensions and contradictions that exist in the present text reflect a massive change in the way of life of ancient Israel. Samuel, the first prophet, here emerges to preside over the rise of Saul, Israel’s first king, to be the agent of Saul’s rejection, and to anoint David as Israel’s next king and the first established head of a royal dynasty. The book of 1 Samuel captures the work of God within this interplay of sociopolitical forces, and Campbell fruitfully explores the text both as a repository of traditions of great significance for Israel and as a paradigm of Israel’s use of narrative for theological expression.

Contents

Top Highlights

“Samuel’s prime task in the narrative presentation was to anoint David as Israel’s future king. The inauguration of the monarchy and the rejection of Saul are merely steps along the way to the major task: the anointing of David.” (Page 2)

“The interpretation of the action goes beyond what has been said before. Not only is the kingdom torn from Saul, as the piece is torn from the garment; the kingdom is given to another.” (Page 156)

“Seldom has a biblical text been so formal and at the same time explored so far into the ambiguity of human behavior.” (Page 152)

“‘the first fifteen chapters are a preparation for him [David]’ (” (Page 2)

“First, in matters of biblical analysis, what is possible need not be necessary; if some editorial activity is merely possible, it need not have happened. Second, experience of the biblical text has led to the conviction that it has been produced by skilled and intelligent editors, rather than the ‘inept redactors’ often assumed in the past. The first of these views may argue against implausible fragmentation of the text. The second puts a premium on the issue of meaning in the final text. Analysis that does not generate meaning is unlikely to have lasting impact. At the same time, the text on occasion reveals that skilled editors and copyists can sometimes act like collection-building librarians rather than unity-creating authors.” (Pages xiv–xv)

Praise for the Print Edition

This is the finest Old Testament commentary ever to come from Australia. Normally I handle biblical commentaries like a telephone directory: I consult them as I need information. But Antony Campbell’s commentary on 1 Samuel is such a pleasure to read that I devoured it like a novel. Despite all that has been written recently about Samuel and David, Campbell’s book—a new highlight in the FOTL series—contains much about both of them that is new.

—Norbert Lohfink, Hochschule Sankt Georgen, Frankfurt, Germany

Product Details

• Title: Forms of the Old Testament Literature Series: 1 Samuel (FOTL)
• Author: Antony F. Campbell
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Publication Date: 2003
• Pages: 368

About Antony Campbell

Antony F. Campbell is professor of Old Testament at Jesuit Theological College, Parkville, Australia. His other books include Joshua to Chronicles: An Introduction and God First Loved Us: The Challenge of Accepting Unconditional Love.