1 & 2 Samuel: Evangelical Exegetical Commentary (EEC)

by Harry Hoffner Jr.

Publisher:

Lexham Press

, 2015

1 & 2 Samuel

This two-volume commentary on 1 & 2 Samuel presents renowned scholar Harry A. Hoffner Jr.’s final work. An expert Hittitologist, Hoffner brings his understanding of ancient Near Eastern cultures to the text of 1 & 2 Samuel, providing an enduring commentary. After the period of Judges, the books of 1 & 2 Samuel continue the narrative sweep of Israel’s history, covering the life of the prophet Samuel, the rise and fall of King Saul, and the reign of God’s chosen king, David. Hoffner examines these books in their historical context and considers how they anticipate a coming perfect king, God’s true Anointed One.

Praise for 1 & 2 Samuel

Numerous adjectives come to mind to describe this masterful commentary: insightful, judicious, informed, nuanced, well-documented—all these and more explain why this commentary will join the ranks of the great commentaries on Samuel. Hoffner amasses an impressive amount of textual, historical, cultural, and theological data to provide all that one expects in a comprehensive commentary.

—John H. Walton, professor of Old Testament Emeritus, Wheaton College

Given that Samuel is one of the most complicated books in the Bible—textually, historically, and literarily—a proper treatment requires a learned scholar who can also engage the text with sensitivity and rigor. The late Harry Hoffner's treatment of Samuel ticks all the boxes—and more! Moreover, his expertise with ancient Hittite culture positions his voice above all others as one who can navigate the textual and historical realities unique to Samuel. This work is not only a fitting addition to the EEC series, which boasts a commitment to robust, critical, and evangelical treatment of the Bible, but it is also a fitting testimony to Hoffner's legacy.

—David B. Schreiner, assistant professor of Old Testament, Wesley Biblical Seminary

Informed by many years of research on the ancient Near East, Hoffner shows good judgment in his discussion of critical questions, expert literary skill in his analysis of the biblical text, and a vibrant faith in his exposition of Samuel as Scripture that brings out theological implications relevant for modern Christians in both the church and the academy.

—Paul Evans, associate professor of Old Testament, McMaster Divinity College

Students and interpreters of 1 & 2 Samuel will welcome this thorough, well-researched, and insightful commentary. As one might expect from an eminent Hittite scholar, Hoffner’s comments on cultural backgrounds are particularly enlightening and valuable.

—Robert B. Chisholm, Jr., chair and senior professor of Old Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary

Evangelical Exegetical Commentary series

The Evangelical Exegetical Commentary (EEC) series is a premiere biblical commentary rooted in the original text of Scripture. Incorporating the latest in critical biblical scholarship and written from a distinctly evangelical perspective, each comprehensive volume features a remarkable amount of depth, providing historical and literary insights, and addressing exegetical, pastoral, and theological details. Readers will gain a full understanding of the text and how to apply it to everyday life.

Learn more about the other titles in this series.

Contents

Top Highlights

“They are like barometers that warn us that our relationship with God has grown distant and cold. It should be a time of taking stock. We need to tell God that we want his fellowship.” (source)

“Yahweh doesn’t say, ‘he will come to you,’ but rather, ‘I will send him to you.’ Saul was unaware that it was Yahweh who had caused the donkeys to stray, and that it was Yahweh who prevented Saul from being able to locate them.” (1 Samuel 9:16)

“Similarly, in 1 Samuel the ‘harmful spirit from God/Yahweh’ is not necessarily an ‘evil spirit,’ but a spirit sent by Yahweh, who is justifiably angry at Saul’s willful disobedience. The spirit is sent in order to lead Saul to repent and find relief. The temporary relief (רָוַח‎, rawach, ironically a wordplay on the word for ‘spirit,’ רוּחַ‎, ruach) that came through David’s lyre-playing could have been intended to lead Saul to a more permanent change in attitude toward God and God’s will. But—because he refused to respond—this temporary relief only lasted for brief periods, until such time as he, hardened with lethal jealousy, fixated permanently on David, Yahweh’s beneficent agent. Then his opportunity was lost.” (1 Samuel 16:14)

“According to Leviticus 21:18, Eli’s physical blindness would have disqualified him from office. Thus, the reference to his blindness alerts us to the need for a new and better priest.” (1 Samuel 3:2–3)

“The specification that Elkanah’s home (and Samuel’s birthplace), Ramah (Ramathaim) of the Zuphites, was located in the hill country of Ephraim could be intended to remind us of the corruption, chaos, and violence that occurred in this same region in the final chapters of Judges (esp. Judg 19–21). In contrast, in the opening verses of 1 Samuel we find a scene of intense and sincere piety.” (1 Samuel 1:1)

Product Details

• Title: 1 & 2 Samuel: Evangelical Exegetical Commentary (EEC)
• Author: Harry A. Hoffner Jr.
• Editors: H. Wayne House, William D. Barrick
• Series: Evangelical Exegetical Commentary (EEC)
• Publisher: Lexham Press
• Publication Date: 2015, 2025
• Volumes: 2

About Harry Hoffner Jr.

Harry A. Hoffner Jr. is the John A. Wilson Professor of Hittitology Emeritus at the University of Chicago. He is the founding editor of The Hittite Dictionary of the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago, the author of over 20 books on the Hittites and the ancient Near East, and the co-author of the definitive grammar of the Hittite language.