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Bible Commentaries
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For more great commentaries on 1 Samuel, be sure to check:
Commentaries on the Whole Old Testament
& Whole Bible Commentaries
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Order of Contents
Best 5
Commentaries 6+
Early Church 1
Harmony of
Christ in 1
Chapters
Biblical Characters:
Hannah 2
Eli 1
Samuel, Saul & David 1
Samuel 7
Saul 4
David 12+
Jonathan 2
Michal 1
Nabal 1
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The Best Commentaries on 1 Samuel
Devotional & Practical
De Graaf, S.G. – ‘Samuel & Saul’ & ‘Saul & David’ in Promise & Deliverance, vol. 2: The Failure of Israel’s Theocracy (1977), pp. 67-146
De Graff is a Dutch Reformed author who focuses on the unfolding of the Covenant through history. He writes in an easy to read, but insightful style.
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Intermediate
The Reformation
Cooper, Derek & Martin Lohrmann – Reformation Commentary on Scripture: 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, 1-2 Chronicles Buy
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Puritan
Willet, Andrew – An Harmony upon the First Book of Samuel (1607)
Willet (1562–1621)
*** – ‘The work continues the Hexapla to which we have referred… It is unusually brief for the age of its composition, and full of variety. Under every verse, and often clause of a verse, the learned author proposes a question, and proceeds to answer it. These are such as the following: ‘What a daughter of Belial is?’ ‘Whether any may be said to sin with the will of God?’ ‘What doors of the house of Jehovah Samuel opened?’ ‘What is to be thought of Eli’s state before God?” – Spurgeon
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1800’s
Blaikie, William – The First Book of Samuel (1898)
Blaikie (1820-1899) was of the Free Church of Scotland.
“Few writers have bequeathed to posterity such a legacy of devout exposition and reverent scholarship as William Garden Blaikie. Towards the end of the nineteenth centtury, when Sir. William Robertson Nicoll began work on The Expositor’s Bible, he wisely invited Dr. Blaikie to contribute commentaries on the Book of Joshua and the Books of First and Second Samuel. Blaikie’s studies of these portions of the Old Testament rank among the finest ever produced.” – Cyril J. Barber
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Advanced
Keil & Delitzsch – 1 Samuel in Clark’s Foreign Theological Library
** – ‘Like most of Clark’s series, Keil’s works are valuable helps towards obtaining the meaning of the text; but for spiritual reflections and fruitful hints we must look elsewhere.’
Driver, Samuel R. – Notes on the Hebrew Text & the Typography of the Books of Samuel, with an Introduction on Hebrew Palaeography & the Ancient Versions & Fascimiles of Inscriptions (1890) 405 pp.
‘Liberal. Marred by Driver’s theological position, but indispensable for the study of the original text.’ – Cyril J. Barber
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Commentaries on 1 Samuel
Devotional & Practical
Cumming, John – Sabbath Morning Readings on the Old Testament: the First & Second Books of Samuel (1859) The part on 1 Sam. is 304 pp.
On his work on Deuteronomy:
“And to show that the Old Testament can be preached and is relevant to our lives today, John Cumming (1807-1881), Scottish born preacher and, for many years minister of the National Scottish Church, London, expounds Moses’ last treatises with an unction that was characteristic of all that was best in the era in which he lived.” – Cyril J. Barber
Blackwood, Andrew – Preaching from Samuel Buy (1946) 250 pp. ToC
‘A series of sermons showing how the pastor may introduce variety into his preaching and still expound the text.’ – Cyril J. Barber
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Intermediate
1800’s
Allen, John – A Spiritual Exposition of the Old Testament: from Joshua to the End of the Psalms (1816)
‘Spiritual reflections after the high Calvinistic school. Some preachers cannot see Christ where He is, but Allen finds Him where He is not. There is in these reflections much godly savor, but very little exposition.’ – Spurgeon
This Allen was not the one that translated Calvin’s Institutes. James Darling said that Allen was an Antinomian (one who believes that Christians are not bound by moral injunctions). Antinomians, not believing that moral injunctions should be derived from God’s Word, often replaced this large aspect of Scripture’s teaching with finding Christ everywhere in the Bible, especially the Old Testament.
Bush, George – Scripture Questions Designed Principally for Adult Bible Classes: Deut.-Esther
Bush was a Biblical scholar, a professor of oriental literature in New York City University, and initially a presbyterian minister.
Lindsay, Henry – Practical Lectures on the Historical Books of the Old Testament, vols. 1, 2 (1828) On 1 & 2 Samuel only
* “Practical sermons on a few of the more prominent events.” – Spurgeon
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1900’s
Deane, W.J. & Thomas Kirk – Studies in the First Book of Samuel Buy Reprinted by Klock & Klock
Fleming, John D. – Israel’s Golden Age: The Story of the United Kingdom (1907) 160 pp. in Handbooks for Bible Classes, ed. Dods & Whyte
Fleming has some liberal tendencies and his exposition is not spiritual.
Davis, John – The Birth of a Kingdom: Studies in 1 & 2 Samuel & 1 & 2 Kings Buy (1970) 210 pp. ToC
‘Illuminates the historical record of the Books of Samuel and Kings, draws information from the comparative literature of the Ancient Near East on social and political conditions prevailing at the time, and highlights the Biblical text with material from archaeological investigations. A valuable book.’ – Cyril J. Barber
Barber, Cyril J. – The Books of Samuel: The Sovereignty of God Illustrated in the Lives of Samuel, Saul & David, vol. 1, 2 Buy (1998) Reprinted by Klock & Klock
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The Early Church on 1 Samuel
Compilation
ed. Franke, John – 1 Samuel in Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1-2 Samuel Buy (InterVarsity Press, 2005), pp. 193-331 ToC
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A Harmony of the Kings
Crockett, William Day – The Books of the Kings of Judah & Israel: A Harmony of the Books of Samuel, Kings & Chronicles (1897) 350 pp.
‘An attempt to reconcile and correlate the history of the Books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles into chronological sequence.’ – Cyril J. Barber
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Christ in Samuel
Browne, Robert – Christ in the Prophets: Samuel (1873)
* “Of the High Church order, and praised by the Saturday Review. What worse need be said? Yet will we add that the savor of Christ in these books saves them from unqualified condemnation.” – Spurgeon
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On Chapters in 1 Samuel
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1 Samuel 1-12
Groser, W.H. – The First Book of Samuel to the Establishment of the Monarchy ToC in Joshua & his Successors: an Introduction to Joshua, Judges, Ruth & 1 Samuel, with Notes Critical & Illustrative, vol. 2 (Judges-Ruth-Samuel 1-12) (1874), pp. 133-68
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1 Samuel 2 – The Song of Hannah
Cooper, Thomas – The Exposition upon the 2nd Chapter of 1 Samuel in A Brief Exposition of such Chapters of the Old Testament as Usually are Read in the Church at Common Prayer on the Sundays (d. 1594) English reformer
Douglas, George – ‘Critical Discussions on the Song of Hannah’ (1901) 8 pp. Douglas defends Hannah’s authorship and the integrity of the song from liberals.
Douglas (1826-1904) was a Hebraist in the Free Church of Scotland, having studied under Thomas Chalmers and came to be a Principle of the Free Church College. “He was a scholarly conservative, skeptical of higher critical views.” – DoSCH&T
Wycliff, John – ‘The Song of Hannah’ in Select English Works of John Wycliff, vol. 3, part 1, pp. 13-18
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Hannah
Guthrie, Thomas – Hannah the Matron in Studies of Character from the Old Testament (1872) Free Church of Scotland
Whyte, Alexander – Hannah in Bible Characters, vol. 1 (d. 1921)
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Eli
Whyte, Alexander – Eli in Bible Characters, vol. 1 (d. 1921)
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Samuel, Saul & David
Kitto, John – Samuel, Saul & David in Daily Bible Illustrations
*** – ‘Should always be consulted’ ‘They are not exactly a commentary, but what marvelous expositions you have there! You have reading more interesting than any novel that was ever written, and as instructive as the heaviest theology. The matter is quite attractive and fascinating, and yet so weighty, that the man who shall study those eight volumes thoroughly, will not fail to read his Bible intelligently and with growing interest.’ – Spurgeon
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Samuel
Deane, William – Samuel & Saul: Their Lives & Times n.d. 230 pp.
“A pleasing exposition of the Biblical text.” – Cyril J. Barber
Douglas, George – Samuel and his Age: a Study in the Constitutional History of Israel (1901) 330 pp.
Douglas (1826-1904) was a Hebraist in the Free Church of Scotland, having studied under Thomas Chalmers and came to be a Principle of the Free Church College. “He was a scholarly conservative, skeptical of higher critical views.” – DoSCH&T
Guthrie, Thomas – Samuel the Ruler in Studies of Character from the Old Testament (1872) Free Church of Scotland
Meyer, F.B. – Samuel the Prophet n.d. 200 pp.
Meyer (1847–1929) was an English, baptist pastor who wrote numerous, very good devotional works.
Plumptre, Helen – The History of Samuel; a Continuation of Scripture Stories Ref (James Nisbet, 1842) 316 pp.
*** – ‘A children’s book, and childlike men will be thankful for the many very useful hints which it throws out. We have got more out of it than we have found in huge and learned tomes.’ – Spurgeon
Steel, Robert – Samuel & the Prophet, & the Lessons of this Life & Times (1861) 447 pp.
*** – ‘The author has done his work well, and has shown an evident desire to excite others to a greater knowledge of the subject than he could impart. Hence he gives a list of the writers upon Samuel, and such accounts of them as were within his reach. Young readers will find this book a great help to them.’
Whyte, Alexander – Samuel in Bible Characters, vol. 1 (d. 1921)
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Saul
Deane, William – Samuel & Saul: Their Lives & Times n.d. 230 pp.
“A pleasing exposition of the Biblical text.” – Cyril J. Barber
Kirk, Thomas – Saul: the First King of Israel (1896)
“Postmortem of a dead king. Devotional and perceptive.” – Cyril J. Barber
Miller, Joseph – Saul, the First King of Israel: A Scripture Study (1866)
*** – ‘Eminently thoughtful, useful, practical sermons. We do not see how Saul’s life-failure could be more profitably set forth.’ – Spurgeon
Whyte, Alexander – Saul in Bible Characters, vol. 1 (d. 1921)
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David
The Best
Blaikie, William
David, King of Israel: the Divine Plan & Lessons of his Life Buy (1861)
*** – ‘Dr. Blaikie is a good writer. This Life of David has supplied a great lack.’ – Spurgeon
Life & Reign of David from Manual of Bible History (1880) 80 pp.
Lawson, George – Discourses on the History of David (1833) 195 pp.
*** – ‘Here the life of David is piously turned to practical use. [Patrick] Delany and [Samuel] Chandler are but bones, and Lawson the marrow.’ – Spurgeon
Pink, A.W. – The Life of David PDF (1974)
“A masterful exposition which unfolds the lessons David learned as a result of God’s dealing with him.” – Cyril J. Barber
Taylor, William – David, King of Israel, his Life & its Lessons (1875) 460 pp.
Taylor (1829–1895) was a Scottish Presbyterian who later ministered in America at Broadway Tabernacle Congregationalist Church in New York.
*** – ‘A grand work which should be in every library.’
“Devotional expositions manifesting a depth seldom attained by preachers today.” – Cyril J. Barber
Vince, Charles – Lights & Shadows in the Life of King David (1871) 250 pp.
*** – ‘Baptist minister of Birmingham [England]’ ‘Sermons of the highest order upon a few incidents in David’s life. They are models of chaste, subdued, but powerful preaching.’ – Spurgeon
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More
Chandler, Samuel – A Critical History of the Life of David (1853)
** “This is a masterpiece as a critical history, and the best of Chandler’s productions. Many of the Psalms are explained with commendable learning, but the spiritual element is absent.” – Spurgeon
Deane, William John – David: his Life & Times n.d. 240 pp.
“A rewarding devotional work.” – Cyril J. Barber
Guthrie, Thomas – David the Afflicted Man in Studies of Character from the Old Testament (1872) Free Church of Scotland
Kingsley, Charles – The Gospel of the Pentateuch, a Set of Parish Sermons & David, 5 Sermons (1878)
** “In his usual free and easy manner Kingsley speaks of David’s strength and his weakness, his anger and his deserts. The character of this writer is supposed to be well understood, but we question if many have formed a true estimate of him. For commenting purposes these sermons are of small value; they are plain, practical discourses.” – Spurgeon
Krummacher, F.W. – David, the King of Israel Buy (Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1867)
** – ‘Anything by Krummacher is worthy of patient reading.’ – Spurgeon
MacLaren, Alexander – Life of David Reformed, Scottish
* “This is in English metre, and was written by the famous organist of the Royal Chapel in Windsor, in the reign of Henry VIII. He narrowly escaped martyrdom. His work entitled ‘Booke of Common Praier noted’, is the groundwork of the plain song used in our Cathedrals from the Reformation to the present day. Marbeck’s History of David is very rare. We cannot therefore set a price [at which it sells for].” – Spurgeon
Meyer, F.B. – David: Shepherd, Psalmist, King (1910) 200 pp.
Smith, George – The Life & Reign of David (1867)
** “David’s life is here concisely written, with such of the Psalms interwoven as can be referred to special periods. It cannot be read without ministering instruction.” – Spurgeon
Whyte, Alexander – David in his Virtues, David in his Vices, David in his Graces & David in his Services in Bible Characters, vol. 1 (d. 1921)
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Life of David for the Young
Rogers, Mrs. G.A. – The Shepherd King, or Jesus Seen in the Life of David: Designed for the Young (1856) 260 pp.
** “This authoress writes well for the young, and her book will be useful to those who teach them.” – Spurgeon
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Jonathan 1 Sam. 13-14
Guthrie, Thomas – Jonathan the Friend in Studies of Character from the Old Testament (1872) Free Church of Scotland
Whyte, Alexander – Jonathan in Bible Characters, vol. 1 (d. 1921)
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Michal 1 Sam. 18-19
Whyte, Alexander – Michal, Saul’s Daughter in Bible Characters, vol. 1 (d. 1921)
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Nabal 1 Sam. 25
Whyte, Alexander – Nabal in Bible Characters, vol. 1 (d. 1921)
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